You are here

All Site ContentJulius CaesarAct 4Scene 2
Back to the Play
"offense" and "defense"
Wordplay
Act 4,
Scene 2
Lines 248-254

An explanation of the wordplay on "offense" and "defense" in Act 4, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

Brutus

Well, to our work alive. What do you think
Of marching to Philippi presently?

Cassius

I do not think it good.

Brutus

                                    Your reason?

Cassius

                                                           This it is:
'Tis better that the enemy seek us;
So shall he waste his means, weary his soldiers,
Doing himself offense, whilst we, lying still,
Are full of rest, defense, and nimbleness.

Cassius uses the word "offense" in the sense of harm, or injury, so that he can oppose it with its opposite sounding word, defense.