Julius Caesar Study Guide

Question 0

Explain the difference between the views of Caesar held by Cassius and Brutus.

Answer 0

Cassius openly wants caesar out of power. He is jealous and wants better for himself. Brutus loves Caesar but sees his flaws.

Question 1

In scene 1 what do flavius and Marcellus want the commoners to do?

Answer 1

They want the commoners to break up and move along; they do not want them to celebrate caesar’s triumph

Question 2

Caesar clearly gives his thoughts about Cassius. What does he say?

Answer 2

Caesar says, “Cassius has a lean and hungry look, He thinks too much and such men are dangerous”

Question 3

Summarize casca’s explanation of why Caesar looked so sad.

Answer 3

Antony offered Caesar a crown. When he refused it, the crowd cheered. Although Caesar wanted the crown he could not publicly except it at that time and then he had a seizure.

Question 4

At the end of scene 2 in the lines 312-326, casca’s makes plans. What plans does he make and why?

Answer 4

He is going to forge notes to Brutus from several citizens in order to sway Brutus against Caesar.

Question 5

Casca says for I believe they are portentous things, unto the climate that they point upon. What does he mean?

Answer 5

He thinks the list if unnatural sights seen Cicero about are signs of the tragedy about to unfold in their country.

Question 6

Why does Cassius want Brutus to join the conspiracy?

Answer 6

Brutus is a favorite of the people. He is honorable and well thought of. If Brutus was with them , the would be in better favor with the people following the assassination.

Question 7

To what decision does Brutus come in his orchard. Why?

Answer 7

He decides to join the conspiracy and murder Caesar. He believes when Caesar is crowned, he will abuse his power

Question 8

What does Lucius give to Brutus in scene 1?

Answer 8

He brings a forged note which had been thrown through Brutus’s window

Question 9

Why doesn’t Brutus want it swear an oath with the conspirators?

Answer 9

He thinks a just cause needs no oath to bind the doers to their cause

Question 10

For what reason does metellus climber want Cicero to join the conspiracy?

Answer 10

” his silver hairs” will purchase us good opinion, and buy men’s voices to commend our deeds

Question 11

Brutus is against including Cicero and against killing mark Antony why?

Answer 11

He says Cicero will not follow someone else’s plan. Killing Antony isn’t necessary, its too bloody.

Question 12

Why did Brutus say “render me worthy of this noble wife”?

Answer 12

Portia shows her concern for him and insists on sharing his emotional burden

Question 13

Of what does calphurnia try to convince Caesar?

Answer 13

She tries to tell him of her dreams of tragic omens and that he should not go to the senate meeting

Question 14

Caesar yields to calphurnia’s wishes at first . Why does he change his mind and decide to go the meeting?

Answer 14

Decius reinterprets calphurnia’s dream to entice Caesar to go to the meeting

Question 15

What does the note artemidorous wants to give to Caesar say?

Answer 15

It warns Caesar and names all if the conspirators.

Question 16

What is ironic about the timing of caesar’s murder? ( in relation to preceding events)

Answer 16

He had just finished saying how he is the one who is “as constant as the northern star” and comparing himself to Olympus and he is killed right after saying this

Question 17

In the moments following caesar’s death what do the conspirators proclaim to justify their deed?

Answer 17

Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!

Question 18

Antony’s servant brings a message to Brutus what does it say?

Answer 18

Antony praises Brutus for being honest and noble and request to be able to safely come too see Brutus to hear why Caesar was murdered

Question 19

Antony wants to speak at Caesar’s funeral . What reaction does Brutus have? Cassius?

Answer 19

Brutus would let him speak. Cassius thinks it’s dangerous to let him speak.

Question 20

Under what conditions does Antony speak at the funeral?

Answer 20

He will be allowed to speak if he doesn’t blame the conspirators, admits he speaks by their permission and speaks last after Brutus

Question 21

What did Brutus say to the people at the funeral?

Answer 21

He says he loved Caesar but loved rome more, he talked bad about Caesar and tried to justify to the people what they had done

Question 22

What did Antony say to the people in his famous speech

Answer 22

Antony called the conspirators honorable men , he talks about how great Caesar was and manipulates the crowd in his speech. They praise Caesar and riot

Question 23

Why did Brutus and Cassius flee rome

Answer 23

Their lives were in danger after Antony’s remarks at the funeral

Question 24

What is the point in act 3 scene 3

Answer 24

It shows the violent mood do the crowd . Even when they get the wrong cinna they want him dead.

Question 25

What did Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus gather to discuss

Answer 25

They were deciding which Romans should live or die. They wanted to eliminate anyone who would cause them trouble

Question 26

To what does Antony compare Lepidus?

Answer 26

He compares him to a horse and an animal to be trained and used

Question 27

What problem has developed between Cassius and Brutus? How is it resolved?

Answer 27

Brutus says he should have written on be half of such a man and accuses Cassius of accepting bribes himself it is resolved when Brutus holds his position and let’s Cassius talk himself out of it.

Question 28

What news does messala bring to Brutus?

Answer 28

News that Antony Octavius and Lepidus killed a hundred senators and Portia is dead

Question 29

For what reasons does Brutus want to lead his armies to phillipi

Answer 29

1. They gather fresh forces when they got to phillipi
2. They are on the tide do fortune and should hit them when they have the advantage.
3. The enemy is getting larger and the army is at a good point and ready to decline

Question 30

What message did the caesar’s ghost bring to Brutus?

Answer 30

The ghost said he would see Brutus at phillipi.

Question 31

Why did pindarius stab Cassius?

Answer 31

He told pindarius to stab him

Question 32

What causes Titinus to say “ the sun of Rome has set”?

Answer 32

Titinus learns of Cassius is dead

Question 33

Who do the soldiers believe they have captured in scene 4? Who is it really?

Answer 33

They believe they have captured Brutus, but they really captured lucilius

Question 34

How does Brutus die?

Answer 34

He runs into his own sword so Antony can not have the satisfaction

Question 35

Why did Antony say Brutus was the noblest roman of them all?

Answer 35

All if the other conspirators killed Caesar out if personal gain. Brutus really believed he was doing the right thing for Rome