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Octavious is a professional politician, a trustworthy friend,
and a fine general that is practical by nature. He makes his very first
appearance during Act IV, and is seen only three more times. As a professional
politician, Octavius frequently seems to be in control of his emotions. He acts
like a stoic as he never shows warmth or weakness. A few times that Antony or
other people have upset him, he always manages to control himself and act in a
professional manner. It is therefore not surprising that Octavius comes out as
winner at the end because of the characteristics that he
possesses.
As a professional politician, in Act IV, he meets with Antony
and Lepidus to discuss and decide on the names of their potential enemies that
will be killed. Easily naming about 100 senators who should die in order to
strengthen the control of the Triumvirates was not a problem for him when he
states “Your brother too must die. Consent you, Lepidus?...Prick him down,
Antony”.(4.1.2 &4) Additionally, he accuses several wealthy Romans of being
traitors, who must die so as to use their property to finance the campaign
against Brutus and Cassius. Another way he displays his professionalism is when
he shows that he has a keen insight into human nature. He understands that
enemies surround them all the time even those who pretend to be their friends
are secretly harboring “millions of mischief” in their
hearts.
He
shows that he is a trustworthy friend when he supports a fellow Triumvir,
Lepidus. At a point in the play when Antony
criticizes Lepidus, saying he is not strong enough to rule a third of the world,
Octavius shows himself a true friend and is not afraid to disagree with him. He
maintains that Lepidus is a "tried and valiant soldier", (4.1.28) but he allows
Antony to "do your will."(4.1.27) He understands that Antony has been in the
forefront all along over Lepidus; therefore, he is diplomatic in his dealings
with Antony.
As a fine general that is practical by nature, Octavius is
experienced. He calmly points out Antony’s error when Brutus and Cassius go to
Philippi in contrary to Antony’s expectations. He also calmly insists on
fighting from the right side of the battlefield instead of the left which Antony
proposes. When Antony shows surprise about his change, Octavius coolly states,
"I do not cross you; but I will do so." (5.1.20) Furthermore; at the plains of
Philippi, Antony, Cassius and Brutus engage in a bitter “parley” or war of words
before the actual battle, but Octavius decides not to be a part of it - he
stands aloof and unruffled. This is on way that he shows that he is a practical
man who does not waste his time and effort quarreling with an opponent. As a
result of this behavior, Cassius sees him as “a peevish school boy”.(5.1.61)
Cassius fails to realize that Octavius is more mature and tactful then he is. At
the end, he proves that he is the strongest Triumvir, and he because Julius
Caesar’s heir and successor.
and a fine general that is practical by nature. He makes his very first
appearance during Act IV, and is seen only three more times. As a professional
politician, Octavius frequently seems to be in control of his emotions. He acts
like a stoic as he never shows warmth or weakness. A few times that Antony or
other people have upset him, he always manages to control himself and act in a
professional manner. It is therefore not surprising that Octavius comes out as
winner at the end because of the characteristics that he
possesses.
As a professional politician, in Act IV, he meets with Antony
and Lepidus to discuss and decide on the names of their potential enemies that
will be killed. Easily naming about 100 senators who should die in order to
strengthen the control of the Triumvirates was not a problem for him when he
states “Your brother too must die. Consent you, Lepidus?...Prick him down,
Antony”.(4.1.2 &4) Additionally, he accuses several wealthy Romans of being
traitors, who must die so as to use their property to finance the campaign
against Brutus and Cassius. Another way he displays his professionalism is when
he shows that he has a keen insight into human nature. He understands that
enemies surround them all the time even those who pretend to be their friends
are secretly harboring “millions of mischief” in their
hearts.
He
shows that he is a trustworthy friend when he supports a fellow Triumvir,
Lepidus. At a point in the play when Antony
criticizes Lepidus, saying he is not strong enough to rule a third of the world,
Octavius shows himself a true friend and is not afraid to disagree with him. He
maintains that Lepidus is a "tried and valiant soldier", (4.1.28) but he allows
Antony to "do your will."(4.1.27) He understands that Antony has been in the
forefront all along over Lepidus; therefore, he is diplomatic in his dealings
with Antony.
As a fine general that is practical by nature, Octavius is
experienced. He calmly points out Antony’s error when Brutus and Cassius go to
Philippi in contrary to Antony’s expectations. He also calmly insists on
fighting from the right side of the battlefield instead of the left which Antony
proposes. When Antony shows surprise about his change, Octavius coolly states,
"I do not cross you; but I will do so." (5.1.20) Furthermore; at the plains of
Philippi, Antony, Cassius and Brutus engage in a bitter “parley” or war of words
before the actual battle, but Octavius decides not to be a part of it - he
stands aloof and unruffled. This is on way that he shows that he is a practical
man who does not waste his time and effort quarreling with an opponent. As a
result of this behavior, Cassius sees him as “a peevish school boy”.(5.1.61)
Cassius fails to realize that Octavius is more mature and tactful then he is. At
the end, he proves that he is the strongest Triumvir, and he because Julius
Caesar’s heir and successor.