Scene 5
The civil war in Rome is approaching its end. On the Plains of Philippi, Mark Antony’s and Octavius’ forces face Brutus’ and Cassius’ forces. The two sides insult each other, Mark Antony and Octavius then leaving with their army. Shakespeare shows the confrontation between the opposing parties and reveals the depth of conflict between Roman citizens, which mainly struggle for the power over Rome rather than for the declared ideals or revenge. Hence, the hypocrisy of Roman elite is evident and Shakespeare intentionally shows them insulting each other to reveal the extent to which they degrade in their strife for power.
Scene 2
Later in battle with Mark Antony and Octavius, Brutus sends orders via messenger Messala to Cassius’ forces on the other side of the battlefield. Cassius’ forces are losing ground to Mark Antony’s forces. Brutus has defeated Octavius’ forces but instead of reinforcing Cassius’ forces, have instead sought out spoils or bounty from the field. Thus, Burtus turns out to be as spoiled by power as his rivals and ally. This transformation has started probably since the moment of appeasement with Cassius when Brutus rejects his principles and ignores dishonesty of Cassius. Eventually, Brutus starts act dishonestly himself and, what is more, he is truly treacherous in relation to Cassius when he fails to help his ally.
Scene 3
Needing information, Cassius sends Titinius to a nearby hill to report if it is friendly or not. Cassius instructs Pindarus to go atop a hill to report Titinius’ progress to him. Pindarus sees Titinius pulled off his horse and fears Titinius has been captured. This would mean Brutus’ forces have been beaten so Cassius kills himself on Pindarus’ sword. Titinius now returns realizing that Titinius was not captured but was greeted by Brutus’ victorious forces. Brutus learns of Cassius’ death. Titinius, mourning Cassius, kills commits suicide. Obviously, Titinius acts as a true Roman is supposed to act, but it seems as if his death is the death of the last true Roman, while others are too concerned with their struggle for power and vanity.


Scene 4
Brutus inspires his men to keep fighting. Lucilius who is mistaken for Brutus is captured. Eventually Mark Antony realizes this. The battle rages on and Antony issues orders for Brutus to be captured, dead or alive. Thus, the fate of Brutus is determined.
Tired, weary, but still alive, Brutus finds a place to catch his breath with his few remaining followers. One by one, Brutus asks first Clitius, Dardanius and Volumnius to kill him but each refuses. Finally Brutus gets his wish by falling on his sword, killing himself. In such a way, Brutus proves to be devoted to Roman traditions and rules since he prefers death to dishonesty. Thus, he escapes from his enemy by killing himself when he has lost any hope for victory.
Scene 5
Octavius, Mark Antony, Messala and Lucilius now arrive. Strato explains how Brutus died. Mark Antony pays tribute to Brutus’ noble spirit by famously saying, “This was the noblest Roman of them all…” Octavius tells his soldiers to stand down, the battle now over. Thus, the winners cannot fail to respect the defeated opponent, who has reminded them of Roman principles and honesty.

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