"sun"
Context and Language Videos
Act 5,
Scene 3
Lines 54-65
Titinius
Messala
Titinius
Messala
Titinius
Messala
Titinius
Video Transcript:
SERVILIA: In this image used by Titinius, the little rivers of blood running from Cassius’ body are like red rays radiating from a setting sun.
RALPH: Because it’s late in the day and they’re losing the battle, Titinius gets a lot of mileage out of the word “sun.” First, the sun is actually setting. Second, “the sun is setting on Rome” in the more figurative sense that the glory days of the Roman republic are coming to an end. And, finally, the life of Cassius, who is a son of Rome, is also coming to an end.
SERVILIA: Then Titinius extends the metaphor by describing the future that will come now that we’ve lost these different kinds of suns.
RALPH: “Our day is gone; clouds, dews, and dangers come…”