Julius Caesar Act 3, Scene 3

Overview

Scene 3 is smaller compared to Scenes 1 and 2, which were the most dramatic.
- Scene 1: The assassination of Caesar.
- Scene 2: Mark Antony's speech convincing the people that Caesar had been wronged.
Scene 3 shows the reaction on the streets of Rome.
New character introduced: Cinna the Poet (not Cinna the conspirator).

Cinna the Poet's Dream:
- Cinna had a dream where he feasted with Caesar, filling his mind with ominous thoughts.
- Despite his desire to stay indoors, he feels compelled to go outside.
Interaction with Citizens:
- Citizens bombard Cinna the Poet with questions:
  - His name
  - Where he's going
  - Where he lives
  - Whether he's married or a bachelor
- Citizens demand he answers directly, briefly, wisely, and truthfully.
- Cinna reveals he's going to Caesar's funeral and is a friend of Caesar.
- Upon stating his name is Cinna, the citizens confuse him for the conspirator Cinna and attack him.
- Cinna pleads he is a poet, not a conspirator, but the mob is relentless.
- Citizens decide to punish the name 'Cinna' regardless, showcasing mob mentality.
Violence Escalates:
- Citizens plan to burn houses and attack other conspirators like Brutus and Cassius.
- The chaos indicates widespread riots and disorder in Rome.
- This scene reflects how Mark Antony's speech has incited public outrage against the conspirators.

Scene 3 emphasizes the chaos and violence unleashed in Rome as a result of Mark Antony's manipulation of public sentiment.
Sets the stage for the confrontation between Brutus and Mark Antony in Acts 4 and 5.