Leeanna Spellman AP English 6. 10/20/2012 Julius Caesar Study Questions. Act I. Scene i. 1. What is a tribune?

e? They are representatives, generally of the common people. 2. Why do Flavius and Marullus want the commoners to disperse? Why do they remove the garlands from Caesars throne? They disagreed with the commoners in their worship of Caesar and think that if they can in a way control Caesars support that they can shift his power. It is likely that they remove the garlands simply to make a statement, so Caesar knows he is not as loved by everyone as he may think. Scene ii. 1. Why does Caesar tell Calpurnia to stand close to the racers so Antony can touch her? Many Romans believed the superstition that a touch such as this would cure barrenness. 2. How does Cassius feel about Caesar? What does he want Brutus to do? Cassius very obviously does not like Caesar. His past experiences with Caesar have made him think that he is weak and pathetic. He tries to convince Brutus that he is just as good as Caesar, if not better and gives the impression that he wants Brutus to lead Rome. 3. How does Caesar feel about Cassius? (May I just say that I absolutely love that little passage on page 9? Its so ironic and transparent and I just love it. Anyway...) Caesar has great distrust in Cassius (though he saved his life) and is scared of him though he says otherwise. He thinks highly of him, I think, mentioning that he thinks a lot and is a great observer, but fear him for exactly these reasons. 4. Why does the crowd cheer during this scene? They were urging him to take the crown. 5. What physical disabilities does Caesar have? He is deaf in one ear and has epilepsy. 6. What does Cassius conclude about Brutus? He finds him very noble and much more suitable for the throne than Caesar and begins to plot for him to take Caesars place. Scene iii. 1. When does this scene take place? Around nightfall during a big storm. 2. What strange omens are seen? A slaves hand was on fire while his skin remained undamaged, Casca walked by a lion who did not but glance at him, an owl sat in the marketplace at noon, even the storm itself is seen as an omen. 3. What is learned about the conspiracy against Caesar in this scene? There are more people against Caesar than even the conspirators themselves thought. The plan to have Brutus take his throne is further developed.

Act II Scene i. 1. What is the meaning of Brutus speech, lines 10-34? Brutus gives us his opinion of Caesar. He knows that he will be crowned; the question is whether or not that position of power will change his character and make him hate the lower class. In this, Shakespeare makes us like Brutus even more by proving his character of humility and thoughtfulness. 2. Why is no oath sworn by the conspirators? Brutus claims that it is unnecessary and that their cause and honor is quite enough. 3. Why is Cicero left out of the conspiracy? He will never follow any thing that other men begin. 4. Why does Brutus not want Antony killed? Brutus wants as little blood as possible 5. How does Decius plan to persuade Caesar to go to the Capitol? He plans to by flattering his bravery and wit. 6. How does Portia show Brutus that she can be trusted? Will he tell her his secrets? She basically rambles and gives examples of her loyalty until he is guilty enough to agree with her. Especially when she says Portia is Brutus harlot, not his wife as well as Giving myself a voluntary wound here in the thigh: can I bear that with patience and not my husbands secrets? I think he is sincere though in seeing his guilt and realizes that he ought to share such things with his wife and he tells her that he will. Scene ii. 1. What omens frighten Calpurnia? A lioness was whelping in the streets, graves gave up their dead, the noise of battle was everywhere, blood was drizzled on the capitol, etc. 2. Is she successful in persuading Caesar not to go to the Senate? At first, yes. 3. Why does he change his mind? Decius shows up, as previously planned, and tells him that Calpurnia dream was misinterpreted. Almost immediately, Caesar claims to see his foolishness and is on his way. Scene iii. 1. What is Artemidorus planning to do? Somehow, Artemidorus knows about the conspiracies and plans to warn Caesar with a letter as he passes on his way to the Senate. Scene iv. 1. What are Portias feelings in this scene? This scene is strange and I dont really know if I'm reading into it correctly, but it seems that Portia is just as in love with Caesar as the majority. Both characters that approach Portia are questioned as to Caesars well-being. It then becomes apparent that she prays for Brutuss failure in his endeavor (it is implied that has already told her of his plans) to kill Caesar!Brutus hath a suit that Caesar will not grant. We dont like Portia very much now. At least I dont.

Act III. Scene i. 1. What two warnings does Caesar ignore? He ignores Artemidoruss plea to read his letter and the Soothsayers comment that the ides of march are come, Ay, Caesar; but not gone. 2. What was the specific task each of the following had to perform in order to execute the slaying? a. Metellus Cimber He gets Caesars attention by asking him to repeal the banishment of his brother, to which Caesar lectures a refusal. b. Casca He initially stabs Caesar. c. Trebonius He drew Antony away from the crowd. 3. How does Metellus Cimber get Caesars attention? He asks him to repeal the banishment of his brother. 4. What do we learn about Caesars character form his reply to Metellus Cimber? Brutuss fears are being confirmed and he is growing very insensitive and uncompassionate toward the lower class of people. 5. What is significant about Caesars famous line, Et tu Brute? immediately before he dies? (The Latin Et tu Brute? translates to And you Brutus?) Caesar realizes just how large this plot was to kill him and asks a rhetorical question of the man he thought was his true friend, sparking guilt just before he dies. 6. What happens immediately after Caesar is killed? There is no mourning. Shouts of rejoicing and freedom sound. 7. Is Antony honest when he speaks to the conspirators? How do you know? He does a good job of pretending to be at first, but when he is left alone, it is evident that he was not. He asks Caesars forgiveness for being kind to his killers and foretells of a sort of war that will break out because of this and that Caesars ghost will seek revenge. 8. Who is coming to Rome? What advice does Antony give? Octavius is coming. He says that he ought to wait, for a mourning Rome is a dangerous Rome. Scene ii. 1. Does Brutus appeal to the emotions or the reasoning powers of the crowd? He appeals to reasoning, mostly. 2. What reason does Brutus give for the murder of Caesar? He states that Caesar would have become a terrible tyrant and caused suffering to the people. 3. What word does Antony emphasize in his speech? Why? Honourable and ambition. He repeats honourable and with it comes a sense of sarcasm that grows more and more obvious as he speaks. He uses ambition to continually remind the crowd of how much good Caesar did and how much they loved him just a few hours ago. 4. How does Antony use reverse psychology in talking to the crowd? He brings up Caesars will, saying that they would kiss dead Caesars wounds if they knew its contents. He continually insists that they should not hear it, making them want it all the more. He also

does this when he says that he is no orator, as Brutus is, which is a complete lie, but convinces the people that they are not being deceived by his flowery speech. 5. What does this tell you about the crowd in general? After and during each speech, the crowd is instantly swayed with the opinion of the speaker and shouts that the people that disagree with them must be killed! They are all very easily manipulated and are very passionate about their newfound opinions. 6. How does Antony entice the crowd to listen to him? He keeps bringing up new topics (such as the will) and saying things like Yet hear me and Hear me with patience. Scene iii. 1. What is the purpose of this scene? It shows just how out of hand the situation has gotten and how blindly influenced the citizens are by whoever they decide to listen to.

Act IV. Scene i. 1. What three men make up the new triumvirate? Octavius Caesar, M. Aemil. Lepidus. and Marcus Antonius. 2. What are they doing as the scene opens? They are determining who will be killed. 3. What opinion does Antony have of Lepidus? He distrusts him and sees him as a mere instrument like his horse. Scene ii. 1. Where does this scene take place? Outside Brutuss tent at a camp near Sardis. 2. What feelings exist between Brutus and Cassius? Cassius is angry at Brutus for some wrong that he has done that Brutus is unaware of, or at least he is feigning confusion. Scene iii. 1. What are the reasons behind the quarrel between Brutus and Cassius? One of Cassiuss men took a bribe and though Cassius asked Brutus not to condemn the man, he did anyway. Brutus then claims that when he asked to borrow money from Cassius, he hardly even answered. 2. How does the quarrel end? Brutus tells Cassius to put away his dagger, that their emotions are clouding their reason. He agrees and they forgive one another. 3. What has happened to Portia? She committed suicide by swallowing fire. 4. Why does Cassius want to be on the defensive and wait to be attacked where they are camped? He thinks that it will make the opposing soldiers tired and drain his supplies while his men remain rested. 5. What is Brutus reason for wanting to take the offensive and march to Philippi? They can cut him off and their army is at its bestWe, at the height, are ready to decline. 6. Which strategy is decided upon? Why? Brutus strategy is agreed upon because Cassius sees his plan as more reasonable and does not want to argue. 7. Why does Brutus have Varro and Claudius sleep in his tent? It is more convenient because he may need to wake them and have them send messages to Cassius. 8. What premonition does Brutus have of his death? Caesars ghost visits him in the night. 9. What visitor does Brutus have in the night? What warning does he receive? Caesars ghost appears and tells Brutus that it will see Brutus again at Philippi.

Act V. Scene i. 1. Where does the action in this scene occur? How is this important to the play? It occurs on the plains of Philippi. This is where Caesars ghost said he was going to meet Brutus. 2. What lines imply that there will be results by the end of the day? Brutus says to Cassius, But this same day must end that works the ides of March begun. 3. What are Cassius thoughts of the future? Cassius is bothered by all of the omens appearing and fears losing the war, telling Brutus multiple times that this is the last time that they will speak. 4. What does Brutus imply he will do if he sees that he is losing? He will kill himself. Scene ii. 1. What prompted Brutus to send Messala with a message to the troops? He sensed a shift in the battle, a weakness in Octavius army, and wanted to warn Cassius. Scene iii. 1. What does Pindarus report to Cassius? He says that Mark Antony is in Cassius tents, so Cassius sends Titinius to confirm it. 2. How does Cassius die? Pindarus reports what he sees of Tinitiusa crowd is on him, they dismount as well as him, and then the crowd cheers. He sees this as Tinitius death and report it to Cassius as such. Cassius demands that Pindarus kill him with the sword that killed Caesar. He obeys. 3. Who had actually surrounded Tinitius? Brutuss troops to embrace him. 4. What is the meaning of Brutus lines, Oh Julius Caesar, Thou are might yet!? In plain English, it can be translated as Caesar, you are still mighty! Even though he has been dead, it is because of him that the battle is fought and people are dying. Scene iv. 1. What action in this scene shows you that Brutus men respect and protect him? Lucillius pretends to be Brutus so that when the Romans capture him, it will not be the real Brutus. Scene v. 1. How does the action in this scene add to the idea shown in scene iv? A few of his men stay with him to hear his request despite the danger they are in because of this. 2. Of what glory does Brutus speak in line 36? All of his men remained true, unlike Caesar. 3. Explain the meaning of Brutus final speech, lines 50-51. His willingness to die is greater than his willingness was to kill Caesar. 4. Explain Antonys final speech, lines 68-75. He feels that Brutus was the nobles Roman of them all and was the only one who killed Caesar not because of jealousy, but because he truly believed that it was best for Rome. 5. What is the mood of the final scene? It is very well concluded and bittersweet, terribly sad, but hopeful. It leaves you with a good, wholesome feeling.