The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Study Guide and notes

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Study Guide and notes

 

 

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Study Guide and notes

STUDY GUIDE FOR The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
WITH ANSWER KEY

SHORT ANSWER STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS - Julius Caesar
Below is a list of the characters of the play. Because there are so many, use this page to
jot down some notes to remind you of each character's role in the play.
Flavius -
Marcellus -
Julius Caesar -
Casca -
Calpurnia -
Mark Antony -
Soothsayer -
Brutus -
Cassius -
Cicero -
Cinna -
Cinna (the poet) -
Lucius -
Decius -
Metellus -
Trebonius -
Portia -
Ligarius -
Publius -
Artemidorus -
Papilius -
Octavius -
Lepidus -
Pindarus -
Lucilius -
Messala -
Varro -
Claudius -
Titinius -
Cato -
Clitus -
Dardanius -
Volumnius -
Strato -

 

 

 

 

Julius Caesar Short Answer Study Guide Page 2

Act I
1. In Scene I, what do Flavius and Marcellus want the commoners to do?
2. What is the Soothsayer's advice to Caesar?
3. Explain the difference between the views of Caesar held by Cassius and Brutus.
4. Caesar clearly gives his thoughts about Cassius. What does he say?
5. Summarize Casca's explanation of why Caesar looked so sad.
6. At the end of Scene II in lines 312 - 326, Cassius makes plans. What plans does he make? Why?
7. Casca says, "For I believe they are portentous things/Unto the climate that they point
upon." What does he mean?
8. Why does Cassius want Brutus to join the conspiracy?

Act II
1. To what decision does Brutus come in his orchard? Why?
2. What does Lucius give to Brutus in Scene I?
3. Why doesn't Brutus want to swear an oath with the conspirators?
4. For what reason does Metellus Cimber want Cicero to join the conspiracy?
5. Brutus is against including Cicero and against killing Mark Antony. Why?
6. Why did Brutus say, "Render me worthy of this noble wife!"?
7. Of what does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar?
8. Caesar yields to Calpurnia's wishes at first. Why does he change his mind and decide to go to the Senate meeting?
9. What does the note Artemidorus wants to give to Caesar say?

Act III
1. What is ironic about the timing of Caesar's murder (in relation to the preceding events)?
2. In the moments following Caesar's death, what do the conspirators proclaim to justify their deed?
3. Antony's servant brings a message to Brutus. What does he say?
4. Antony wants to speak at Caesar's funeral. What reaction does Brutus have? Cassius?
5. Under what conditions will Antony speak at the funeral?
6. What did Brutus say to the people at the funeral?
7. What did Antony say to the people at the funeral in his now famous "Friends, Romans,
countrymen, lend me your ears" speech?
8. Why did Brutus and Cassius flee Rome?
9. What is the point of Act III Scene III?

Act IV
1. What did Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus gather to discuss?
2. To what does Antony compare Lepidus?
3. What problem has developed between Cassius and Brutus? How is it resolved?
4. What news did Messala bring Brutus?
5. For what reasons does Brutus want to lead his armies to Philippi?
6. What message did Caesar's ghost bring Brutus?

Act V
1. Why did Pindarus stab Cassius?
2. What causes Titinius to say, "The sun of Rome is set!"?
3. Who do the soldiers believe they have captured in Scene IV? Who is it really?
4. How does Brutus die?
5. Why did Antony say Brutus was the "noblest Roman of them all"?

 

ANSWER KEY: STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS - Julius Caesar
Below is a list of the characters of the play. Because there are so many, use this page to
jot down some notes to remind you of each character's role in the play.

Flavius - tribune who breaks up crowd waiting to honor Caesar's triumph
Marcellus - tribune who breaks up crowd waiting to honor Caesar's triumph
Julius Caesar - Emperor of Rome
Casca - first to stab Caesar
Calpurnia - Caesar's wife
Mark Antony - devoted follower of Caesar; defeats Brutus
Soothsayer - warns Caesar to "Beware the Ides of March"
Brutus - joins and then leads the conspiracy to kill Caesar
Cassius - organizes the conspiracy and gets Brutus to join
Cicero - Roman Senator Casca to whom talks on the eve of the assassination
Cinna - plants the forged letter for Cassius, also a conspirator
Cinna (the poet) - mistaken for Cinna the conspirator
Lucius - servant to Brutus
Decius - reinterprets Calpurnia's dream and convinces Caesar to go to Senate
Metellus - distracts Caesar's attention so conspirators can carry out their plan
Trebonius - takes Antony away from the assassination scene so he won't interfere
Portia - wife of Brutus
Ligarius - vows to follow Brutus
Publius - one of many who escort Caesar to the Senate meeting
Artemidorus - gives Caesar a letter of warning naming the conspirators
Papilius - wishes Cassius well in his "enterprise"
Octavius - heir of Julius Caesar
Lepidus - joins with Octavius and Antony, used by Octavius and Antony
Pindarus - servant to Cassius
Lucilius - captured by Antony's soldiers, mistaken for Brutus
Messala - reports Portia's death, discovers Cassius' body
Varro - servant of Brutus
Claudius - servant of Brutus
Titinius - officer, guards tent at Sardis
Cato - soldier in army of Brutus and Cassius
Clitus - servant of Brutus, refused to kill Brutus
Dardanius - servant of Brutus, refused to kill Brutus
Volumnius - friend and soldier to Brutus, refuses to hold Brutus' sword
Strato - holds Brutus' suicide sword

Act I
1. In Scene I, what do Flavius and Marcellus want the commoners to do?
They want the commoners to break up and move along; they don't want them to celebrate
Caesar's triumphs.
2. What is the Soothsayer's advice to Caesar?
The Soothsayer told Caesar to "Beware the Ides of March."
3. Explain the difference between the views of Caesar held by Cassius and Brutus.
Cassius openly wants Caesar out of power. He is jealous and wants better for himself.
Brutus has been thinking about Caesar and the state of his countrymen, and at this point is ready to listen to Cassius. Although Brutus loves Caesar, he recognizes Caesar's flaws.
4. Caesar clearly gives his thoughts about Cassius. What does he say?
Caesar says that Cassius "has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much and such men
are dangerous."
5. Summarize Casca's explanation of why Caesar looked so sad.
Antony offered Caesar a crown. When he refused it, the crowd cheered. So, although
Caesar really wanted the crown, he at that point could not publicly accept it. Then he had
a seizure.
6. At the end of Scene II in lines 312 - 326, Cassius makes plans. What plans does he make?
Why?
He is going to forge notes to Brutus from several citizens in order to help sway Brutus
against Caesar.
7. Casca says, "For I believe they are portentous things/Unto the climate that they point upon."
What does he mean?
He thinks the list of "unnatural" sights he has just told Cicero about are signs of the
tragedy about to unfold in their country.
8. Why does Cassius want Brutus to join the conspiracy?
Brutus is a favorite of the people. He is honorable and well-thought-of. If the people
would see that Brutus supported the conspiracy, the conspirators would be in better favor
with the people following the assassination.

Act II
1. To what decision does Brutus come in his orchard? Why?
He decides to join the conspiracy to murder Caesar. He believes after Caesar is crowned,
he will abuse his power, so Brutus thinks it best to "kill him in the shell; that is, to murder
him before he gets a chance to abuse his power.23
2. What does Lucius give to Brutus in Scene I?
He brings the forged note which had been thrown through Brutus' window.
3. Why doesn't Brutus want to swear an oath with the conspirators?
He thinks a just cause needs no oath to bind the doers to their cause.
4. For what reason does Metellus Cimber want Cicero to join the conspiracy?
". . . his silver hairs/Will purchase us a good opinion,/And buy men's voices to commend
our deeds. . . ."
5. Brutus is against including Cicero and against killing Mark Antony. Why?
He says Cicero will not follow any plan started by someone else. Killing Mark Antony
isn't necessary; it would be too bloody.
6. Why did Brutus say, "Render me worthy of this noble wife!"?
Portia has shown her concern for him and insists on sharing his emotional burden.
7. Of what does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar?
She tries to convince him that her dreams are omens of tragedy and that he should not go
to the Senate meeting.
8. Caesar yields to Calpurnia's wishes at first. Why does he change his mind and decide to go to the Senate meeting?
Decius reinterprets Calpurnia's dream to entice Caesar to go to the meeting.
9. What does the note Artemidorus wants to give to Caesar say?
It warns Caesar about the conspiracy and names the conspirators.

Act III
1. What is ironic about the timing of Caesar's murder (in relation to the preceding events)?
He has just finished saying how he is one who is as "constant as the Northern Star" and
comparing himself to Olympus. He is destroyed just after proclaiming his magnificence
and indestructibility.
2. In the moments following Caesar's death, what do the conspirators proclaim to justify their deed?
"Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!"
3. Antony's servant brings a message to Brutus. What does he say?
Antony praises Brutus for being honest and noble and requests to be able to safely come
see Brutus to hear why Caesar was murdered.24
4. Antony wants to speak at Caesar's funeral. What reaction does Brutus have? Cassius?
Brutus would let him speak. Cassius thinks it is too dangerous for them to let Antony
speak to the people.
5. Under what conditions will Antony speak at the funeral?
He will be allowed to speak if he doesn't blame the conspirators, admits he speaks by
their permission, and speaks last (after Brutus).
6. What did Brutus say to the people at the funeral?
He said he loved Caesar, but he loved Rome more. He asked them if they would "rather
Caesar were living and die all slaves then that Caesar were dead, to live all freemen." He
asked for anyone he had offended to step forth. (No one did.) Brutus attempted to appeal
to the crowd's reason, to show them that the assassination was the only logical way to do
the best thing for the people.
7. What did Antony say to the people at the funeral in his now famous "Friends, Romans,
countrymen, lend me your ears" speech?
Antony called the conspirators "honorable men" and does not obviously attempt to
degrade the crowd's new-found heroes. Instead, he begins pointing our examples of
Caesar's behavior which clearly contradict the accusations made by the conspirators. He
notes that Caesar shared the spoils of war, showed compassion for the common people,
and denied acceptance of the crown three times. These were not deeds of an ambitious
man, so Antony said. Throughout the speech, he masterfully manipulates the crowd's
emotions until, at the end, they praise him and Caesar and are ready to riot.
8. Why did Brutus and Cassius flee Rome?
Their lives were in danger after Antony's remarks at the funeral.
9. What is the point of Act III Scene III?
It graphically shows the violent mood of the crowd. Even when told they have the wrong
Cinna, they want to destroy him anyway for his bad verses and for having the same name
as Cinna the conspirator.

Act IV
1. What did Antony, Octavius and Lepidus gather to discuss?
They were deciding which Romans should live or die. They wanted to eliminate anyone
who could cause them trouble.
2. To what does Antony compare Lepidus?
He compares him to his own horse and calls him an animal to be trained and used.25
3. What problem has developed between Cassius and Brutus? How is it resolved?
Cassius was offended that Brutus did not seriously consider his letters on behalf of
Lucius Pella. Brutus said Cassius should not have written on behalf of such a man and he
goes on to accuse Cassius of accepting bribes himself. It is resolved (after a great deal of
name-calling and threats to fight) by the end of their conversation. Brutus basically holds
to his position and lets Cassius talk himself out.
4. What news did Messala bring Brutus?
He brought news that Antony, Octavius and Lepidus have had a hundred Senators killed
and that Portia also is dead.
5. For what reasons does Brutus want to lead his armies to Philippi?
(a) They can gather fresh forces as they march to Philippi (b) That the enemy is
increasing and his army is at a high point ready to decline, and (c) They are on a "tide" of
"fortune" and should strike while they are on a good tide.
(Note that it is ironic that Brutus' decision to move early is the key to his defeat. If he had
waited, the outcome may have been different.)
6. What message did Caesar's ghost bring Brutus?
He said he would see Brutus at Philippi.

Act V
1. Why did Pindarus stab Cassius?
Cassius ordered Pindarus to kill Cassius after he believes Titanius has been captured by
the enemy. (Note the irony that Titanius was in fact NOT captured; rather, he was being
congratulated by his own side.)
2. What causes Titinius to say, "The sun of Rome is set!"?
He learns of Cassius' death.
3. Who do the soldiers believe they have captured in Scene IV? Who is it really?
They believe they have captured Brutus, but they have actually captured Lucilius.
4. How does Brutus die?
Brutus runs on his own sword. He recognizes defeat and refuses to give Antony the
"honor" of killing him.
5. Why did Antony say Brutus was the "noblest Roman of them all"?
All the other conspirators killed Caesar of envy or for personal gain. Brutus truly believed he was doing the right thing for his countrymen.

MULTIPLE CHOICE STUDY GUIDE/QUIZ QUESTIONS - Julius Caesar
Act I
1. In Scene I, what do Flavius and Marcellus want the commoners to do?
A. Go home and put on their best clothes.
B. Stand along the sides of the street to get ready for Caesar's procession.
C. Break up, move along, and ignore Caesar's victory.
D. Offer their services free of charge to Caesar.
2. What is the Soothsayer's advice to Caesar?
A. "Neither a borrower nor a lender be."
B. "Beware the Ides of March."
C. "Go you down that way towards the Capitol."
D. "Make haste, for it grows very late."
3. Explain the difference between the views of Caesar held by Cassius and Brutus.
A. Cassius openly wants Caesar out of power. Brutus loves Caesar but recognizes
his flaws and thinks about the state of his countrymen.
B. Cassius wants Caesar to stay in power. Brutus thinks Cassius would be a\
better leader and wants to help him take over.
C. Cassius wants Caesar out of power. Brutus agrees but thinks Cassia
would not be a good leader either.
D. Cassius thinks Caesar should share his power with Cassius, Brutus and
others. Brutus thinks the power should be divided equally among all of the
countrymen.
4. Caesar clearly gives his thoughts about Cassius. What does he say?
A. "It doth amaze me
A man of such feeble temper should
So get the start of a majestic world."
B. "He had rather be a villager
Than to repute himself a son of Rome."
C. "He has a lean and hungry look.;
He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous."
D. "We have both fed as well, and we can both
Endure the winter's cold as well as he."
5. What is Casca's explanation of Caesar's sad look? (Act I)
A. He is suffering from battle fatigue and lack of proper food.
B. He really wants the crowd, but the crowd cheered when he refused it.
C. He does not like public ceremonies and wants to go home.
D. The crowd begs him to accept the crown, but he does not want it. 27
Caesar Multiple Choice Study Questions Page 2
6. At the end of Scene II in lines 312 - 326, Cassius makes plans. What plans does he make? Why?
A. He is going to ask Casca and Brutus to have dinner with him the following
evening to discuss what to do about Caesar.
B. He plans to hold a reception in Caesar's honor to make amends with him.
C. He is going to forge notes to Brutus from several citizens in order to help
sway Brutus against Caesar.
D. He is going to forge notes from Brutus to Caesar.
7. Casca says, "For I believe they are portentous things/Unto the climate that they point upon." What does he mean?
A. He thinks they are going to continue to have bad weather.
B. He thinks Caesar has caused some kind of magic spell to be put upon the
city.
C. He thinks the "unnatural" sights he has seen are signs of tragedy about to
unfold in his country.
D. He thinks Caesar will make some needed improvements in the way the
government is run.
8. Why does Cassius want Brutus to join the conspiracy?
A. Brutus is well thought of by the people. If he supported the conspiracy, the
conspirators would be in better favor with the people following the
assassination.
B. Brutus has the best knowledge of the layout of the Capitol. It would be easy
for him to plan a secret attack.
C. Brutus has great influence over the soldiers. Cassius needs Brutus to direct
them not to help Caesar.
D. Brutus is very wealthy. They will need a lot of money to set up the new
government.

Act II
9. To what decision does Brutus come in his orchard? Why?
A. He decides to stay loyal to Caesar and to warn him of the conspirators' plot
because he believes that Caesar has Rome's best interests at heart.
B. He decides to remain neutral because he does not fully trust the
conspirators or Caesar.
C. He decides to join the conspiracy to murder Caesar because he thinks
Caesar will abuse his power if he is crowned.
D. He decides to leave the city and go into hiding.
10. What does Lucius give to Brutus in Scene I?
A. He brings the forged note that has been thrown through the window.
B. He brings Brutus a cup of wine to ease his troubled sleep.
C. He brings a note from Caesar asking him to come to the palace.
D. He brings a plate of eggs for breakfast.
11. Why doesn't Brutus want to swear an oath with the conspirators?
A. He is planning to double-cross them later on.
B. He thinks it is bad luck to swear an oath.
C. He is afraid Lucius will overhear him and run to warn Caesar.
D. He thinks a just cause needs no oath to bind the doers to their cause.
12. For what reason does Metellus Cimber want Cicero to join the conspiracy?
A. "... for his is given
To sports, to wildness and much company.
There is no fear in him..."
B. "...his silver hairs
Will purchase us a good opinion.
And buy men's voices to commend our deeds..."
C. "...we shall find of him
A shrewd contriver..."
D. "...thy master is wise and valiant Roman..."
13. Brutus is against including Cicero and against killing Mark Antony. Why?
A. Cicero is a coward, and Mark Antony can be persuaded to side with them.
B. Cicero will not follow any plan started by someone else, and killing Mark
Antony would be too bloody.
C. Cicero may be a spy of Caesar's, and Mark Antony will not be a threat once
Caesar is dead.
D. Cicero wants the crown for himself, and if they kill Mark Antony, the Army will
retaliate.
14. Why did Brutus say, "Render me worthy of this noble wife!"?
A. He feels badly. He knows he has not been attentive to his wife lately.
B. He wants to keep his plan a secret from his wife because she will be angry.
C. Portia has shown her concern for him and insists on sharing his emotional
burden.
D. Portia approves of his plan and offers to help.
15. Of what does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar?
A. Her dreams are omens of tragedy, and he should not go to the Senate
meeting.
B. Her spies have told her that there is a plot against Caesar.
C. There is going to be a terrible earthquake, and he should cancel the Senate
meeting.
D. He should let her and the other wives be present for his coronation.
16. Caesar yields to Calpurnia's wishes at first. Why does he change his mind and decide to go to the Senate meeting?
A. His servants tell him the priests said it was alright for him to go.
B. He knows that his army is strong and will protect him.
C. He has seen a good luck omen in the sky. He thinks it is stronger than
Calpurnia's dreams.
D. Decius reinterprets Calpurnia's dream to entice Caesar to go to the meeting.
17. What does the note Artemidorus wants to give to Caesar say?
A. It is a speech for Caesar to deliver at the coronation.
B. It is a letter from Calpurnia. She apologizes and sends her love.
C. It warns Caesar of the Conspiracy and names the conspirators.
D. It is a note from one of the senators who will not be at the meeting.30

 

Act III
18. What is ironic about the timing of Caesar's murder (in relation to the preceding events)?
A. He is murdered just as he is reading the warning from Portia.
B. He is destroyed just after proclaiming his magnificence and indestructibility.
C. It occurs just after a great storm and earthquake.
D. Brutus has changed his mind but is not able to stop the others.
19. In the moments following Caesar's death, what do the conspirators proclaim to justify their deed?
A. "Life! Liberty! The pursuit of happiness!"
B. "Et tu, Brute!"
C. "Fates, we will know your pleasures."
D. "Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!"
20. Antony's servant brings a message to Brutus. What does he say?
A. Antony praises Brutus for being honest and requests to be able to safely see
Brutus to hear why Caesar was murdered.
B. Antony expresses his anger and vows that Caesar's murder shall be
avenged.
C. Antony surrenders and asks for safe passage from the city.
D. Antony congratulates Brutus and says he is glad Caesar is dead.
21. Antony wants to speak at Caesar's funeral. What reaction does Brutus have? Cassius?
A. They both refuse.
B. Brutus agrees, but Cassius thinks it is dangerous to let Antony speak to the
people.
C. Brutus refuses, but Cassius thinks it will calm the people.
D. They both agree that it will help their cause.
22. Under what conditions will Antony speak at the funeral?
A. He must go first, take full responsibility for his speech, and swear allegiance
to Brutus.
B. He must use the speech that the conspirators have written and say that he
approves of their actions.
C. He must speak after Casca and only wish Caesar eternal peace.
D. He must not blame the conspirators, admit he speaks by their permission,
and speak last, after Brutus.31
Caesar Multiple Choice Study Questions Page 6
23. What did Brutus say to the people at the funeral?
A. He told them the assassination was the only logical way to do the best thing
for the people.
B. He told them he would be a much better ruler than Caesar and asked for
their trust and support.
C. He said he would divide Caesar's wealth among the people after the funeral.
D. He criticized Caesar for being a cruel and evil ruler.
24. What did Antony say to the people at the funeral in his now famous "Friends, Romans,
countrymen, lend me your ears" speech?
A. He accuses the conspirators of treason and demands that they be put to
death for Caesar's murder.
B. He says the Caesar deserved to die and the people should thank the
conspirators.
C. He contradicts the accusations made by the conspirators of treason and
demands that they be put to death for Caesar's murder.
D. He praises Caesar and asks that a memorial be built for him.
25. Why did Brutus and Cassius flee Rome?
A. They had hidden Caesar's fortune and wanted to recover it.
B. They went to get the army to put down the riot.
C. They were following their wives, who had left the city earlier.
D. Their lives were in danger after Antony's remarks at the funeral.
26. What is the point of Act III Scene III?
A. It graphically shows the violent mood of the crowd.
B. It shows the people's dislike of bad poetry.
C. It lets us know what Brutus is thinking.
D. It encourages sympathy for Mark Antony.32

Act IV
27. What did Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus gather to discuss?
A. The date and agenda of the next Senate meeting.
B. They were deciding which potential troublemakers to kill.
C. They were making plans for the coronation of Brutus.
D. They were planning their escape from the city.
28. To what does Antony compare Lepidus?
A. To a god to be worshipped
B. To a woman to be pitied for her cowardice
C. To a horse to be trained and used
D. To a brave and fierce warrior.
29. What problem has developed between Cassius and Brutus? How is it resolved?
A. Cassius is offended that Brutus did not seriously consider his letters on
behalf of Lucius Pella. Brutus accuses Cassius of accepting bribes. Brutus
holds to his position.
B. Cassius wanted to head the army. Brutus does not think he would be a
competent leader. It is resolved when Cassius gives in to Brutus.
C. Brutus has demanded a large amount of gold from Cassius. At first Cassius
refuses, but then he reluctantly gives in to Brutus's demands for the good of
Rome.
D. Brutus wants to return to Rome immediately. Cassius thinks they should wait
until the people's anger dies down. They finally agree to wait.
30. What news did Messala bring Brutus?
A. The rioting has stopped and it is safe for them to return to the city.
B. Antony has fled and the city is in turmoil.
C. Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus have had a hundred Senators killed, and
Portia is also dead.
D. Portia has left the city and gone into hiding. A loyal faction is working to
ensure a safe return for her and for Brutus and Cassius.
31. Which of these is not a reason that Brutus wants to lead his armies to Philippi?
A. They can gather fresh forces as their march toward Philippi.
B. The enemy is increasing, and his army is at a high point ready to decline.
C. They are on a "tide" of "fortune" and should strike while they are on a good
tide.
D. Antony is not expecting Brutus to go to Philippi. Brutus will have the element
of surprise on his side.33
32. What message did Caesar's ghost bring Brutus?
A. Beware the Ides of March.
B. He would see Brutus at Philippi.
C. Brutus would never live to rule Rome.
D. Brutus should not go to Philippi but should go directly to Rome.34
Caesar Multiple Choice Study Questions Page 9

Act V
33. Why did Pindarus stab Cassius?
A. He was angry because Cassius had helped kill Caesar.
B. He had secretly changed sides and had been ordered to do so by Antony.
C. Cassius asked him to do it when they thought Titinius had been captured by the
enemy.
D. Pindarus is afraid that Cassius will try to take over, and he wants Brutus to rule.
34. What causes Titinius to say, "The sun of Rome is set!"?
A. He sees Rome burning in the distance.
B. He thinks they will soon be defeated.
C. He can tell that night is approaching and the fighting will have to wait for
morning.
D. He learns that Cassius is dead.
35. Who do the soldiers believe they have captured in Scene IV? Who is it really?
A. They think it is Brutus, but it is actually Lucilius.
B. They think it is Cassius, but it is actually Cato.
C. They think it is Lucilius, but it is actually Messala.
D. They think it is Titinius, but it is actually Pindarus.
36. How does Brutus die?
A. Antony kills him in a fight.
B. He kills himself with his sword.
C. The ghost of Caesar frightened him to death.
D. He is taken prisoner and one of the soldiers accidentally kills him.
37. Why did Antony say Brutus was the "noblest Roman of them all"?
A. Brutus was the only one who died an honorable death.
B. Brutus saw the error of his ways before he died and apologized to Antony.
C. The others killed Caesar for personal gain, but Brutus believed he was doing the
right thing for his countrymen.
D. Antony was trying to appease the people so they would not riot when they learned
Brutus was dead.

ANSWER KEY - MULTIPLE CHOICE STUDY/QUIZ QUESTIONS
Julius Caesar
Multiple Choice
21. B
1. C 22. D
2. B 23. A
3. A 24. C
4. C 25. D
5. B 26. A
6. C 27. B
7. C 28. C
8. A 29. A
9. C 30. C
10. A 31. D
11. D 32. B
12. B 33. C
13. B 34. D
14. C 35. A
15. A 36. B
16. D 37. C
17. C
18. B
19. D
20. A

 

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The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
Study Guide

Literary terms:
1. stage directions: instructions that give the characters’ movements on stage.
2. asides: private words a character speaks to the audience or to another character which are not overheard by the other characters on stage.
3. dramatic irony: the audience knows something the character in the story does not.
4. motifs: recurrent thematic elements such as images, objects, or actions that enhance the artistry.
Act I, scene i (page 893)
1. Where does scene i take place?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. What fact about the commoners attracts Flavius’ attention?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Note: Glosses are the side notes that are found throughout the play in this textbook. They will help you understand unfamiliar words, phrases, and idioms (expressions).
3. How do glosses 7 and 8 explain Marullus’ reaction in lines 19-20?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. What does Marullus think about the people celebrating in the streets?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. What do Marullus and Flavius plan to do at the end of this scene?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Act I, scene ii (page 897)
1. Why does Caesar want Calphurnia to stand in Antony’s path during the race in honor of the feast of Lupercal?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What is Antony’s response to Caesar’s instructions?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. What does this suggest about the relationship between Caesar and Antony?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. Define soothsayer.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. Define foreshadowing.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
6. What is Caesar’s reaction to the soothsayer’s warning?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
7. Read lines 32-47. How do we know that Brutus is struggling with an internal conflict?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. Lines 48-65 repeatedly use the words see, sees, eye, and eyes. What is it that Cassius wants Brutus to see?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
9. According to Cassius, what does Brutus not realize about himself?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
10. Read lines 79-82. What internal conflict in Brutus do these lines reveal?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
11. How does Cassius know that Brutus does not want Caesar to become king even before Brutus says so?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
12. Read lines 100-131. Cassius’ story attacks what aspect of Caesar’s makeup?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
13. What is this attack supposed to say to Brutus?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14. Read lines 135-138. To which ancient landmark is Cassius comparing Caesar?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
15. What is Cassius implying in these lines?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
16. How does Brutus respond to Cassius’ attack on Caesar?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
17. Read lines 172-175. What tragic flaw in Brutus’ character might these lines reveal?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
18. How might this flaw be dangerous to Brutus and to Rome?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
19. Why does Cassius compare Brutus and Caesar?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
20. Read lines 192-195. What astute observation does Caesar make of Cassius?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
21. Read lines 198-214. What faults does Caesar see in Cassius’ nature?

a. _____________________________________
b. _____________________________________
c. _____________________________________
d. _____________________________________
e. _____________________________________
f. _____________________________________
g. _____________________________________
h. _____________________________________

22. Read lines 220-232. What is the common people’s reaction to Antony’s gesture?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
23. What does their response mean?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
24. According to the Literature in Context feature on page 900, why might the common people support Caesar?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
25. Read lines 234-291. What important information does Casca give Brutus and Cassius in this scene?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________________________________________________

26. Flavius and Marullus were “silenced”. What might this punishment mean?
a. _______________________________________ b. _______________ c. _______________
NOTE: Casca, like the commoners from Scene i, speaks in prose. Shakespeare reserved verse for his aristocratic and tragic characters and prose for the lower class and broadly comic ones.
27. Although he speaks in prose, Casca is not a commoner. How can we tell that Casca is not one of the common people?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
28. Why might Shakespeare have chosen to have Casca speak in this fashion?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
29. Read line 254. Brutus says that Caesar has the “falling-sickness”. What is the modern term for this illness?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
30. What does Cassius mean when he says the Roman people, not Caesar, have the falling-sickness?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
31. How does Caesar respond when he is offered the crown?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
32. The commoners clapped for and even forgave Caesar after he had the seizure. What does this reaction tell us about their feelings for him?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
33. Define soliloquy.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
34. Read lines 308-322. After his conversation with Brutus, what does Cassius say he will do?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
35. Name three physical weaknesses concerning Caesar that have now been revealed.
a. _______________ b. _____________________________ c. ______________________________
Act I, scene iii (page 907)
Scene iii takes place in the early morning hours of the Ides of March--March 15th. The weather is very stormy.
1. How does the weather foreshadow Cassius’ plan to make sure that Caesar does not become king?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. The weather is an omen of what is to come. Name an earlier example of an omen in the play.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. What wondrous things has Casca seen this night?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________________________________________________
d. __________________________________________________________________________________
4. These unnatural events are an example of the portents that recur throughout the play as a motif. How does this motif affect the plot of the play?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Read lines 57-78 and the corresponding glosses. Explain what Cassius means in these lines.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. Read lines 85-91. What is supposed to happen the next day?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
7. How does Cassius react to this news?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
8. What connection does Cassius make between the night’s strange events and Caesar’s rise to power?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
9. Why does Cassius believe the Roman people are largely responsible for Caesar’s growing power?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
10. What has Cassius done to try to stop Caesar from becoming more powerful?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
11. Cinna is concerned about whether or not Brutus can be persuaded to join the cause. What is the plan to win Brutus over?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
12. Where are these letters to be left?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________________________________________________
13. Why is Brutus a needed member of the conspiracy?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
14. What is the main conflict that Shakespeare has established in Act I?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Act I quotes: Identify the speaker of each of the following quotes.
1. “Let me have men about me that are fat,/ Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep a-nights./ Yond Cassius has a mean and hungry look; / He thinks too much: such men are dangerous.” ____________________________________________________________________
2. “When Caesar says ‘Do this,” it is performed.” ____________________________________
3. “Be not deceived: if I have veiled my look, / I turn the trouble of my countenance/ Merely upon myself.” ________________________________________________________________
4. “I was born free as Caesar: so were you.” __________________________________________
5. “For whom so firm that cannot be seduced?”_______________________________________
6. “What means this shouting? I do fear the people/ Choose Caesar for their king.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________
7. “Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world/ Like a Colossus, and we petty men/ Walk under his huge legs and peep about/ To find ourselves dishonorable graves.”_____________________________________________________________________________
Act II, scene i (page 917)
1. Where does this scene take place?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. What important political question is Brutus pondering at the opening of the scene?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. Read lines 21-27. Paraphrase these lines.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. What does Brutus fear may happen if Caesar is crowned?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. Read lines 112-140. How is Brutus’ perception of swearing an oath different from that of Cassius?
Cassius: ____________________________________________________________________________
Brutus: _____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
6. According to Brutus, who is it that swears oaths?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
7. First Decius and then Cassius mention asking Cicero to join the group of conspirators. Why do they want Cicero to join them?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. Why does Brutus not wish to include Cicero?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
9. Read lines 155-161. What reason does Cassius offer to justify the killing of Antony?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
10. Read lines 162-191. What reasons does Brutus give for not killing Antony?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

11. What is the conspirators’ plan to ensure that Caesar goes to the Senate the next morning?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
13. Portia tries to persuade Brutus to tell her what is troubling him. What arguments does she give to convince Brutus that she can keep a secret?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Act II, scene ii (page 928)
1. Where does this scene take place?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. What does Caesar do because of all the strange things that have happened during the night?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. What strange and horrible things that have been seen that night does Calpurnia report to Caesar?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________________________________________________
d. __________________________________________________________________________________
e. __________________________________________________________________________________
4. What do the augurs report?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. How does Caesar interpret their report?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. How has Caesar changed from earlier in the play when the soothsayer confronted him?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. Why does Calpurnia urge Caesar to stay home?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. Why does Caesar decide to stay home?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
9. Read the Literature in Context information on page 930. How does this information help explain the motives of the conspirators, many of whom are senators?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
10. How does Decius fulfill his earlier promise to ensure that Caesar go to the capitol?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
11. Explain why Caesar’s interpretation of the dream is dramatic irony.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Act II, scene iii (page 932)
1. What does Artemidorus plan to do?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Of what significance is this scene to the play?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Act II, scene iv (page 933)
1. Why is Portia so nervous and upset?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What does she ask of Lucius?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Of what significance is this scene to the play?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Act II quotes: Identify the speaker of each of the following quotes.
1. “I know no cause to spurn at him/ But for the general.” ___________________________
2. “And therefore think him as a serpent’s egg/ Which hatched, would, as his kind, grow mischievous/ And kill him in the shell.” ________________________________________
3. “For he can do no more than Caesar’s arm/ When Caesar’s head is off.” ____________
4. “Cowards die many times before their deaths; / The valiant never taste of death but once.” ______________________________________________________________________________
5. “If thou read this, O Caesar, thou mayest live; / If not, the Fates with traitors do contrive.” ___________________________________________________________________________
6. “How hard it is for women to keep counsel!”_______________________________________
7. “My ancestors did from the streets of Rome/ The Tarquin drive, when he was called a king.” _____________________________________________________________________________
8. “O conspiracy, Sham’st thou to show thy dang’rous brow by night, / When evils are most free? __________________________________________________________________________
9. “I think it is not meet Marc Antony, so well beloved by Caesar/ Should outlive Caesar; we shall find of him a shrewd contriver.”_____________________________________
10. “For he loves to hear/ That unicorns may be betrayed with trees, / And bears with glasses, elephants with holes, / Lions with toils, and men with flatterers.” ____________
11. “Brutus is wise and, were he not in health, / He would embrace the means to come by it.” _________________________________________________________________________
12. “You are my true and honorable wife!”____________________________________________
13. “When beggars die, there are no comets seen; / The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.” __________________________________________________________
14. “A lioness hath whelpèd in the streets, / And graves have yawned, and yielded up their dead.” _________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Act III, scene i (page 941)
1. Read lines 3-9. How does the dialogue between Artemidorus and Caesar create suspense?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Read lines 19-22. What does Cassius say he will do if their plan to kill Caesar has been discovered?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. What does Artemidorous want Caesar to do?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. Why does Artemidorous’ plan to warn Caesar fail?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. What was the special task that each of the following men had that ensured the success of the assassination?
a. Trebonius: _______________________________________________________________________
b. Metellus Cimber: _________________________________________________________________
c. Casca: ___________________________________________________________________________
6. Read lines 58-73. To what does Caesar compare himself?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
7. Why are these statements meaningful?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
8. How do Caesar’s remarks support the action the conspirators are about to take?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
9. Read lines 78-95. How do the conspirators react to Caesar’s death?
a. Cinna and Cassius: ______________________________________________________________
b. Brutus: __________________________________________________________________________
c. Metellus: _________________________________________________________________________
10. What do their reactions suggest about their various motives for the crime?
a. Cassius: _________________________________________________________________________
b. Brutus: __________________________________________________________________________
c. Metellus: _________________________________________________________________________
11. Trebonius returns to the scene of the crime. Where is Antony?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
12. Read lines 98-100. What does Brutus predict will happen?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
13. Read lines 103-116. What does Brutus tell the conspirators to do?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14. Why is this image so jarring to our mind’s eye?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
15. What might Shakespeare be trying to suggest with such imagery?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
16. Read lines 148-163. What is Antony’s purpose in delivering this monologue?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
17. What does Antony ask of the conspirators?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
18. Read lines 183-210. Characterize the second half of the speech that involves Antony addressing Caesar’s corpse.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
19. In this monologue, what image of his state of mind does Antony create for the conspirators?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
20. What request does Antony make of the conspirators?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
21. Why does Cassius want to deny this request?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
22. What four rules must Antony follow in delivering his funeral speech?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________________________________________________
d. __________________________________________________________________________________
23. Read lines 254-275. What does Antony’s soliloquy reveal to the audience that other characters do not know?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
24. Define figurative language.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
25. Read lines 270-275. How does the figurative language in this passage characterize Caesar?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
26. What is Antony’s real response to Caesar’s death?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
27. Who has now arrived near Rome?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Act III, scene ii (page 952)
1. Where does this scene take place?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Read lines 12-34. What is Brutus’ purpose in delivering this monologue?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. What reasons does he give for killing Caesar?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________________________________________________
3. How does Brutus emphasize his sincerity?
_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

4. Why does he leave before Antony’s speech?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. What was the crowd’s reaction to what he had to say?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
6. How is Brutus able to win the people’s good opinion and support?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. Read lines 74-108. How does Antony’s speech differ from that of Brutus?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
8. What does Antony say during his speech that becomes increasingly more ironic?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
9. What is Antony’s stated purpose in delivering the funeral speech?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
10. He does not adhere to his stated purpose; what does he speak about?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
11. How does Antony appeal to the crowd’s emotions?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________________________________________________
12. What “proof” does Antony give that Caesar was NOT ambitious?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
13. Read lines 106-108. Why does Antony pause in the middle of his speech?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
14. Read lines 119-147. What does Antony say in his speech in order to further manipulate the crowd against the conspirators?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

15. Read lines 158-161. In what way does the action onstage connect Caesar’s body and the words in his will?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
16. What is the effect on the crowd at this point in the funeral speech?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
17. Read lines 170-230. How does Antony once again appeal to the crowd’s emotions?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
18. In lines 227-231, what ironic comparison does Antony make regarding his and Brutus’ speeches?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
19. What has Caesar left the citizens of Rome in his will?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
20. How does the crowd feel at the end of the scene?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________________________________________________
21. Where are Brutus and Cassius?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
22. How does Antony respond to the wild actions of the people?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Act III, scene iii (page 961)
1. What happened to the man named Cinna in this scene?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Was this the same man that took part in the assassination?
_____________________________________________________________________________________

3. What is the significance of this scene to the play?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Act III quotes: Identify the speaker of each of the following quotes.
1. “But I am as constant as the Northern Star.” _____________________________________
2. “You shall not in your funeral speech blame us, / But speak all good you can devise of Caesar, / And say you do’t by our permission.”____________________________________
3. “Not that I loved Caesar less, / But that I loved Rome more.” _______________________
4. “…do not consent/ That Antony speak in his funeral. / Know you how much the people may be moved/ By that which he may utter?”_________________________________
5. “For Brutus is an honorable man, / So are they all, all honorable men.” ____________
6. “That we shall die, we know; ‘tis but the time, / And drawing days out, that men stand upon.” _______________________________________________________________________
7. “O mighty Caesar!.../ Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils, / Shrunk to this little measure?” ________________________________________________________________
8. “Mischief, thou art afoot, / Take thou what course thou wilt.” ______________________
Act IV, scene i (page 967)
1. Who are the members of the second triumvirate?
a. ________________________ b. _______________________ c. _________________________
2. What are these men doing at the beginning of Act IV?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
NOTE: Proscription---an order of proscription was a list of citizens who were designated as outlaws. Their property was seized and then soldiers were dispatched to hunt them down and execute them, wherever they were in Rome or in all of Italy. Family members, slaves, and the general public were rewarded or punished for their help or the lack of it.
3. What is a word’s denotation?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. What is a word’s connotation?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. Read lines 12-18. What is the meaning of the word slight?
a. denotation: _______________________________________________________________________
b. connotation: _____________________________________________________________________

6. What is the conflict between Antony and Octavius?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. Read lines 29-47. What does this speech reveal about Antony and his attitude toward Lepidus?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
c. __________________________________________________________________________________
8. How would we characterize Antony at this point in the play?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
9. What are Brutus and Cassius doing?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Act IV, scene ii (page 968)
1. What is the setting of scene ii?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Read lines 10-27. What does Brutus fear about Cassius?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
3. What is Brutus’ present attitude toward Cassius?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. When Cassius arrives in the camp, what is the immediate charge he makes against Brutus?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. What practical suggestion does Brutus make?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
6. What is the logical explanation for this suggestion?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Act IV, scene iii (page 970)
1. What wrong has Brutus done to Cassius by condemning Lucius Pella?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Read lines 18-28. When Brutus asks who stabbed Caesar “not for justice,” what is he suggesting about Cassius?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. What does Brutus suggest about their motivations for killing Caesar?
Brutus’ motive: _____________________________________________________________________
Cassius’ motive: ____________________________________________________________________
4. Read lines 21-26. Of what does Brutus accuse Cassius?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
5. Brutus and Cassius have a heated argument. If they cannot mend their differences, what might be the result?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. Read lines 65-82. What is the main issue Brutus takes with Cassius?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
7. How does Brutus describe himself?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. What is the second accusation Brutus makes against Cassius?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
9. Why does Brutus drop the quarrel in line 106?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
10. What is Cassius’ explanation for his rash behavior?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
11. With what internal conflict has Brutus been struggling?
_____________________________________________________________________________________

12. What happened to Portia?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
13. Read lines 165-179. What news do Brutus and Messala share?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
14. Make a complex inference about why Messala asks Brutus about news of Portia.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15. What does Brutus’ concealment of Portia’s death from Messala suggest about their relationship?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
16. Read lines 195-223. Once again, as in Acts II and III, Brutus and Cassius disagree on the proper course of action. What does each man want to do?
Cassius: ____________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Brutus: _____________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
17. How is this conflict resolved?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
18. To whom does Caesar’s ghost appear?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
19. What does the ghost tell him?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
20. Brutus is planning to march to battle at Phillippi. In this situation, what might the ghost’s warning mean?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
21. Read line 285. What internal conflict might the ghost’s warning create for Brutus?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Act IV quotes: Identify the speaker of each of the following quotes.
1. “Remember March, the Ides of March remember. / Did not great Julius bleed for justice’ sake?” ______________________________________________________________________
2. “To tell thee thou shalt see me at Philippi.” ________________________________________
3. “I am a soldier, I, / Older in practice, abler than yourself / To make conditions.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. “For with her death/ that tidings came--with this she fell distract, / And (her attendants absent) swallowed fire.” __________________________________________________
5. “Thou has described/ A hot friend cooling. Ever note, Lucilius/ When love begins to sicken and decay/ It useth an enforcèd ceremony.” __________________________________
6. “This is a slight unmeritable man, / Meant to be sent on errands.” _________________
7. “There is my dagger, / And here my naked breast; within, a heart/…richer than gold; / If that thou be’st a Roman, take it forth.” _____________________________________
Act V, scene i (page 987)
1. What is the setting of Act V?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. What hope of Antony and Octavius has been answered?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. Read lines 1-12. What contrasting views about Brutus and Cassius are presented through the opening speeches of Antony and Octavius?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Read lines 30-32. What flaw in Brutus’ idealistic character does Antony describe?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. Read lines 45-47. What does Cassius mean by this statement?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. Read lines 71-88. What ominous sign has Cassius seen that causes him to fear the upcoming battle?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. What is Cassius’ complaint about the battle?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
8. Read lines 92-107. Explain why Cassius says that it may be the last time that he and Brutus speak together.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
9. Contrast the outlook Brutus expresses here with Cassius’ misgivings in lines 70-88.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
10. What does Brutus mean in lines 110-112 when he says that he has too great a mind to be led as a captive through the streets of Rome?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
11. Why would Cassius and Brutus wish to escape at any cost being led as prisoners in a triumph?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Act V, scene ii (page 990)
Act V, scene iii (page 991)
1. How well is the battle going for Cassius and his forces?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. What are Brutus’ men doing?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. Read lines 26-46. Explain the scene as Pindarus understands it.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. What does Cassius think has happened to Titinius?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. Why does Cassius ask Pindarus to kill him?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. What will Pindarus gain if he does kill Cassius?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
7. How does Cassius describe his sword?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
8. Identify and analyze the archetypal heroic qualities that Cassius shows here.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
9. According to Titinius, what is the cause of Cassius’ death?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
10. According to Messala, what flaw doomed Cassius?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
11. Read lines 98-110. How does Brutus’ reference to Titinius and Cassius as “the last of all Romans” reflect his feelings about the conspiracy?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
12. What noble or heroic qualities does Brutus display in his reaction to Cassius’ death?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
13. Brutus did not allow himself much time to grieve over the deaths of Portia and Cassius. How can this restrained grief be explained?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Act V, scene iv (page 995)
NOTE: Being noble means being of high mind and excellent character, being idealistic and moral, and being outstanding in one’s thoughts and actions.
1. Read lines 20-32. Lucilius describes Brutus as “the noble Brutus” (Cassius also said in Act II, “Well, Brutus, thou art noble.”). Why might nobility be a tragic flaw?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Act V, scene v (page 996)
1. Read lines 1-19. How do Brutus’ recent experiences lead him to the conclusion that he must die?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Read lines 13-14. What does Clitus notice Brutus is doing?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. Why does the scene of Brutus weeping add complexity or depth to his character?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
4. What tragic flaw in Brutus is revealed in lines 33-35?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. Analyze how his archetype affects the plot of the play.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. How are Cassius and Antony untrue to Brutus?
Cassius: ____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Antony: ____________________________________________________________________________
7. What does Brutus ask of his servants?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
8. Read Brutus’ final words in lines 44-51. How do his final words show his nobility?
a. __________________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________________
9. What do the differences in the way in which Brutus and Cassius meet death show about their characters?
a. Brutus’ thoughtful, noble character: ______________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
b. Cassius’ rash, emotional character: _______________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
10. What overture of peace does Octavius make to Brutus’ men?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
11. What does Antony say about the dead Brutus?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
12. How does Octavius show his respect for the dead Brutus?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Act V quotes: Identify the speaker of each of the following quotes.
1. “Caesar, thou art revenged. / Even with the sword that killed thee.” _______________
2. “Villains! You did not so, when your vile daggers/ Hacked one another in the sides of Caesar./ You showed your teeth like apes, and fawned like hounds,/ And bowed like bondmen, kissing Caesar’s feet.” ________________________________________________
3. “This was the noblest Roman of them all. / All the conspirators save only he/ Did that they did in envy of great Caesar.” _______________________________________________
4. “O Julius Caesar, thou art mighty yet! / Thy spirit walks abroad, and turns our swords/ In our own proper entrails.” ________________________________________________
5. “Within my tent his bones tonight shall lie, / Most like a soldier ordered honorably.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________
6. “This day I breathed first; time is come round/ And where I did begin, there I shall end.” _______________________________________________________________________________

 

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The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Study Guide and notes

 

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The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Study Guide and notes