Julius Caesar Study Guide Flashcards
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 loves Caesar but sees his flaws.
In scene 1 what do flavius and Marcellus want the commoners to do?
They want the commoners to break up and move along; they do not want them to celebrate caesar’s triumph
Caesar clearly gives his thoughts about Cassius. What does he say?
Caesar says, “Cassius has a lean and hungry look, He thinks too much and such men are dangerous”
Summarize casca’s explanation of why Caesar looked so sad.
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.
At the end of scene 2 in the lines 312-326, casca’s makes plans. What plans does he make and why?
He is going to forge notes to Brutus from several citizens in order to sway Brutus against Caesar.
Casca says for I believe they are portentous things, unto the climate that they point upon. What does he mean?
He thinks the list if unnatural sights seen Cicero about are signs of the tragedy about to unfold in their country.
Why does Cassius want Brutus to join the conspiracy?
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.
To what decision does Brutus come in his orchard. Why?
He decides to join the conspiracy and murder Caesar. He believes when Caesar is crowned, he will abuse his power
What does Lucius give to Brutus in scene 1?
He brings a forged note which had been thrown through Brutus’s window
Why doesn’t Brutus want it swear an oath with the conspirators?
He thinks a just cause needs no oath to bind the doers to their cause
For what reason does metellus climber want Cicero to join the conspiracy?
” his silver hairs” will purchase us good opinion, and buy men’s voices to commend our deeds
Brutus is against including Cicero and against killing mark Antony why?
He says Cicero will not follow someone else’s plan. Killing Antony isn’t necessary, its too bloody.
Why did Brutus say “render me worthy of this noble wife”?
Portia shows her concern for him and insists on sharing his emotional burden
Of what does calphurnia try to convince Caesar?
She tries to tell him of her dreams of tragic omens and that he should not go to the senate meeting
Caesar yields to calphurnia’s wishes at first . Why does he change his mind and decide to go the meeting?
Decius reinterprets calphurnia’s dream to entice Caesar to go to the meeting
What does the note artemidorous wants to give to Caesar say?
It warns Caesar and names all if the conspirators.
What is ironic about the timing of caesar’s murder? ( in relation to preceding events)
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
In the moments following caesar’s death what do the conspirators proclaim to justify their deed?
Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!
Antony’s servant brings a message to Brutus what does it say?
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
Antony wants to speak at Caesar’s funeral . What reaction does Brutus have? Cassius?
Brutus would let him speak. Cassius thinks it’s dangerous to let him speak.
Under what conditions does 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
What did Brutus say to the people at the funeral?
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
What did Antony say to the people in his famous speech
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
Why did Brutus and Cassius flee rome
Their lives were in danger after Antony’s remarks at the funeral
What is the point in act 3 scene 3
It shows the violent mood do the crowd . Even when they get the wrong cinna they want him dead.
What did Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus gather to discuss
They were deciding which Romans should live or die. They wanted to eliminate anyone who would cause them trouble
To what does Antony compare Lepidus?
He compares him to a horse and an animal to be trained and used
What problem has developed between Cassius and Brutus? How is it resolved?
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.
What news does messala bring to Brutus?
News that Antony Octavius and Lepidus killed a hundred senators and Portia is dead
For what reasons does Brutus want to lead his armies to phillipi
- They gather fresh forces when they got to phillipi
- They are on the tide do fortune and should hit them when they have the advantage.
- The enemy is getting larger and the army is at a good point and ready to decline
What message did the caesar’s ghost bring to Brutus?
The ghost said he would see Brutus at phillipi.
Why did pindarius stab Cassius?
He told pindarius to stab him
What causes Titinus to say “ the sun of Rome has set”?
Titinus learns of Cassius is dead
Who do the soldiers believe they have captured in scene 4? Who is it really?
They believe they have captured Brutus, but they really captured lucilius
How does Brutus die?
He runs into his own sword so Antony can not have the satisfaction
Why did Antony say Brutus was the noblest roman of them all?
All if the other conspirators killed Caesar out if personal gain. Brutus really believed he was doing the right thing for Rome
