Julius Caesar Test Flashcards
There was a struggle for _______ in the 16th century?
survival
The majority of the people lived in the ______.
south
About how many people lived in London?
120,000
Population increased by _______ during Elizabeth I’s rein.
1 million
The houses were beautiful on the outside but on the inside there was no _______ or proper _________. It was dark, dingy, and lit by _________.
running water, drainage, candles
Poorer people lived and cooked in the same room and slept where?
above the room
There were dusty roads that were traveled by ____.
horseback or boat
What exported to cloth in Europe?
wool
Queen Elizabeth I is the daughter of?
Henry VIII (2nd marriage to Anne Boleyn)
Queen Elizabeth was known as _________ because she never married.
The Virgin Queen
She liked the ________ of being queen and did not want to share it.
power
Elizabeth was declared _______ and was ________ because of her mother being executed.
illegitimate; banished
Catherine Parr was Henry’s ___ wife who Elizabeth lived with.
6th
How old was Elizabeth when she became queen?
25 years old
She was ____ for the task that laid ahead of her. She also had to maintain a proper _______.
ill-prepared; low political profile
What was Elizabeth’s greatest talent?
she was able to choose and inspire capable men to govern her kingdom for her
inherited a _______ nation at a time when profound _______ changes were sweeping across the whole of Europe.
weak, divided nation; political and social
England is at war with France who is allied with ___
Scotland
Who burned non-Catholics at stake?
Mary I
Who broke from Rome and made the Church of England?
King Henry VIII
Hard-line Protestant
Edward VI
Believed to be the greatest playwright in history
William Shakespeare
Shakespeare is known for ________.
his ability to depict human characters
He went to ____ school and learned Latin and _____.
grammar; English
As a teen, he became romantically involved in _____
an older woman
Who was Shakespeare’s wife?
Anne Hathaway
King James paid Shakespeare’s theater company the highest possible compliment by endowing its members with the status of ______________.
The King’s Players
There is very little factual ____________ information on Shakespeare so some believe that his plays were written by someone else.
biographical
Shakespeare is said to have written ______plays and _____ sonnets.
37; 154
Shakespeare gained the bulk of his fame ________
posthumously (after he died)
What was staged in the open air?
16th Century Theatre
Only _______ actors wore costumes.
principle
No ________, no ________ or props, minimal ______ , and _____
women ; curtains ; music ; sound effects
What is Julius Caesar’s full name?
Gaius Julius Caesar
Caeser was considered to be a _______ genius and brilliant ____________
military; politician
Supposedly Caesar was a ________ descendant of the _________ prince Aeneas (son of ___________)
direct ; Trojan ; Venus
Lived during the _________ dictatorship of ________________(lots of political and social unrest)
harsh ; Lucius Cornelius Sulla
Fled to ________ when father-in-law Cinna is killed
Asia
Joined _______ where he became a _______ war hero
army; decorated
Conquest was successful and he took over much of __________ for Rome
Europe
Was ___________ by many because they believed he wanted _________ rule
disliked; solitary
Caesar ________ and is accused of _________.
refuses; treason
Became an ______ and a ___ to the Romans who immediately built _______ and minted ________ of his profile, which only ________ his ego
icon ; god ; statues ; coins ; inflated
Completely __________ the electoral system in Rome and became an __________ of the state
disregarded; enemy
Was named dictator for life (Dictator Perpetuus)
________ (once close friend and confidant) began to conspire with his brother-in-law and friend ________ and others
Marcus Brutus; Cassius
Called themselves the ___________ and masterminded a plan to assassinate Caesar
liberators
Julius Caesar was stabbed __ times, most people say; But in Shakespeare’s play it was 33 times
23
Over __ men witnessed or participated in the assassination
60
JC takes place in _________ in 44BC, when Rome was the center of an empire stretching from ________ to ___________ and from _________ to _________.
Ancient Rome ; Britain ; North America; Persia ; Spain
Rome suffered from constant _________ between ambitious ____________ and the far _______ senators to whom they supposedly owed allegiance.
infighting ; military leaders ; weaker
The empire also suffered from a sharp division between _________ (wealthy versus plebeian)
citizens
Many men attempted to become the _________ of Rome, but only Julius Caesar seemed to achieve this status.
absolute ruler
Those favoring more _______________ feared that Caesar’s power would lead to the ____________ of Roman citizens by one of their own.
democratic rule ; enslavement
Therefore, a group of ____________ came together and assassinated Caesar, but failed to put an end to the power struggles _________ the empire, and civil war _________ shortly thereafter
conspirators ; dividing ; erupted
Shakespeare’s play includes the events leading up to the assassination of Caesar as well as much of the ______________ war, including the deaths of the _________________.
subsequent; leading conspirators
Julius Caesar portrays the shift from _________ to ________ Rome and the Elizabethan era’s trend toward consolidated _______ power.
republican ; imperial ; monarchal
In 1599, when the play was first performed, Queen Elizabeth I had already reigned for almost __ years, but because of her age (66), many believed her reign would soon end and she _________ any heirs (as did JC), causing much distress
40; lacked
Shakespeare emphasized how the _________ of the leaders of Roman society, rather than ___________ or _____________, determined history. He also shows how a ___________ rests, to some degree, on the fickle favor of the populace.
actions ; class conflicts ; larger political movements ; leaders power
What is the setting of the first scene?
A street in Rome
Why have the shopkeepers left work?
To celebrate Caesar
What is Marullus and Flavius’s reaction to the citizens’ behavior? Why?
they were angry because they do not agree with supporting Caesar
What important information about the political and social atmosphere does Shakespeare provide us in the first scene?
class citizens arguing; Caesar vs. Pompey
What does Caesar want Antony to do when he runs by Calpurnia? Why?
He wants him to whip her so that she can get pregnant.
What does the Soothsayer tell Caesar? What does he do?
“Beware the Ides of March.”; Caesar ignores the warning
How has Brutus been feeling lately? How does this open a door for Cassius?
Cassius realizes that Brutus has been acting weird around Caesar. Brutus is conflicted about something and Cassius wants to pick at it until he tells what it is
What is your reaction to Brutus’s lines: “Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,/that you would have me seek into myself / for that which is not in me?” What might this hesitation or caution foreshadow?
It would foreshadow that he would regret to kill Caesar.
What does Brutus love? (even more than life itself.)
honor and the people of Rome
Why does Cassius tell Brutus the story about Caesar swimming the Tiber River? What does this reveal about Caesar? What does this reveal about Cassius?
To show Brutus that he doesn’t need Caesar and Caesar is not a god.
Describe Brutus’ reaction to Cassius’ ideas:
he would rather be a follower than a leader
Why does Caesar distrust Cassius? Why does Caesar, however, not fear Cassius?
He is not bald, fat, and lazy; Caesar feels that he is untouchable and that fear is cowardly.
Why does Caesar tell Antony to come on his right side?
Because he is deaf in his left ear.
Explain why the crown was offered to Caesar three times. What is your reaction to this spectacle.
Caesar just wants to put on a show displaying how humble he is to the other commoners and nobles. Caesar would feign humbleness three times until he accepted the crown, not for himself, but for the good of the Roman people.
Why does Caesar faint? Why does Cassius say: “No, Caesar hath it now; but you, and I/And honest Casca, we have the falling sickness”? To what is Cassius referring?
He has an epileptic seizure. They call falling sickness cause they bow to Caesar and stick with him.
The phrase “It’s Greek to me” has become a common saying referring to something that is incomprehensible or meaningless. (Here it talks about the origin of the line.) Explain how Casca’s line is ironic.
It is ironic because they are all speaking Greek at the time. Casca is trying to tell the men without coming out and telling them that Casca knows what is going on with the conspiracy. At this point in Rome, you have to be careful about what you say because you never know if the people are pro-Caesar or anti-Caesar.
What doubts does Cassius reveal about Brutus in his soliloquy?
He doesn’t know if Brutus will switch sides.
How does Cassius plan to convince Brutus that he is more noble and loved than Caesar?
He will send Brutus forged letters from common people to say they want Brutus to be king.
What is the weather like at the opening of this scene? How does this contribute to the mood? Why is this mood significant?
The weather is dark, stormy, windy, and ominous. It makes the audience feel as if something very bad is about to happen. As the audience we know that Caesar’s days are numbered and wonder when Caesar will be assassinated.
Why does Cassius say “I have exposed my naked chest to the thunder-bolt”? To what could Cassius be referring?
He is testing the gods to see if they believe that it is right to kill Caesar. If Cassius does not get struck by lightning, it is a message from the gods that the conspiracy is doing the correct thing.
Why is Casca eager to convince Brutus to join the conspiracy?
Casca knows the people love Brutus and will listen to him.
What directions does Cassius give Cinna? What does Cassius hope to accomplish with his task?
Cassius tells Cinna to drop the forged letters from the “citizens” in Brutus’s window. Cassius hopes Brutus will be convinced that the forged letters are from the “citizens”, and that Brutus will join the conspiracy.
Through the analogy of a ladder, how does Brutus explain what happens when someone gains power?
They will abandon those below because he is already at the top
To what does Brutus compare Caesar? Why does Brutus feel that he must kill Caesar immediately?
Snake, Caesar is a snake and Brutus does not know if he is poisonous or not (good or bad) while in his egg
What day is it? Why is this significant?
It is the Ides of March. This is significant because it is the day that Caesar will be assassinated.
Brutus explains that he has not been able to sleep. How does he explain what happens to a man’s conscience between the “acting of a dreadful thing / And the first motion”?
Brutus explains that he has an internal struggle, already made a decision but has to wait for it to happen
Why does Brutus insist that the men do not need an oath?
the urgency of the cause is stronger than any oath, if you shake on it you are good
How are Cassius and Brutus related?
Cassius and Brutus are brothers-in-law.
Why do the men want Cicero on their side at first? Why do they change their minds?
The men want Cicero on their side because he is a wise old man. People hold an extremely high opinion on him, he is influential. They change their minds because the men think he’s an egotist
What does Portia do to prove her strength to Brutus? What is your reaction to this act?
Stabs herself in the leg
Why has Calpurnia been unable to sleep? About what omens does Calpurnia tell Caesar?
3 times she’s has a nightmare that Caesar has died, lioness whelping in the streets, graves have yawned a yield up the death, raining blood upon the capitol
Who does Cassius want to murder in addition to Caesar?
Mark Antony
What is Brutus’ response to this idea?
Brutus’s response to this idea was to say that Mark Antony was nothing but a friend, he is nothing without Caesar
How does Decius plan to get Caesar to come to the Capitol?
by flattering him and playing to his ego
What has Portia noticed about Brutus’s recent behavior?
He seems to be bothered by something.
What reasons does Portia give to insist that Brutus reveal his feelings to her?
The reasons Portia gives to Brutus to reveal feelings to her are that as a wife, it’s her job to know what is concerning him, so she can be there to comfort him. Catos daughter dealt with her dad.
Why does Caesar insist on leaving the house?
he says the omens only apply to the outside world as much as they do to him, he cannot avoid fate
On what evidence do the priests (“augerers”) recommend that Caesar not leave the house?
The priests pulled out the guts of a sacrificed animal and were not able to locate it’s heart.
How does Decius convince Caesar to leave?
Calpurnia interpreted her dream incorrectly, and that the men may make fun of him if he didn’t go
Caesar instructs his men to keep close to him. What is the irony?
The irony of Caesar instructing his men to keep close is that they are the ones who are going to kill him, dramatic irony
Artemidorus reads from a letter at the beginning of this scene. Who wrote the letter and what does Artemidorus plan to do with it?
Artemidorus wrote the letter and he plans to pass it on to Caesar.
What is ironic about Portia’s statement: “How hard it is for women to keep a secret”? (Hint: think about her speeches in Scene One.)
Portia’s statement is ironic because she told Brutus she could keep a secret, but here she’s telling Lucius it’s a struggle to keep a secret. If she does not keep it, Brutus is dead
What instructions has Portia given Lucius?
Portia tells Lucius to keep an eye on Caesar and stay close to him
Whom do Portia and Lucius run into? Where is he going? Why?
Portia and Lucius ran into the soothsayer, who is going to see Caesar to warn him once again.
What does Caesar mean by “Et tu, Brute?” as he falls?
And you Brutus?
What message does Antony send to Brutus? What does Antony do when he meets the men?
He sends word that he loved Caesar, he’ll serve Brutus if Brutus does not hurt him for his past alliances.
What does Antony request?
If Brutus is going to kill him, just kill him now and can I give caesar and funeral and can i speak at it
What warning does Brutus give Antony?
Brutus will talk first and say why they killed him antony can praise caesar but he cannot blame them or trash talk them
In his soliloquy, what does Antony vow?
Revenge
What does Antony want Octavius Caesar’s servant to do? Why?
Not to come yet; it is too dangerous.
What reason does Brutus give for Caesar’s assassination?
He loved Rome and its citizens more than he loved Caesar.
After Brutus speaks, how do the citizens feel about him? about Caesar?
They treat him with repect, they forget about Caesar
Why doesn’t Brutus stop Antony’s speech?
He isn’t even there.
What does Antony say that he has in his possession? What does the crowd want Antony to do?
Caesar’s will; read it
What does Antony show the citizens? What is their reactions?
Caesar’s body; angry.
What does Antony claim Caesar left in his will?
money and land for all of the citizens
What happened to Cinna as he was traveling to Caesar’s funeral?
He was attacked and killed by plebians.
Who do the citizens mistake Cinna for?
Cinna the conspirator - he was really Cinna the poet.
This scene (Act III scene 3) is often referred to as a scene providing comic relief. Why do you think Shakespeare included this here?
intense emotions are already present
What does the Soothsayer mean by “Ay, Caesar, but not gone”?
The day is not over yet.
What does Metellus Cimber beg Caesar to do? What is Caesar’s response?
to reconsider the banishment of his brother; absolutely not
To what does Lepidus consent?
To his brother dying.
How does Antony feel about Lepidus? To what does Antony compare him?
He does not like him; he compares him to an ass.
How has Brutus been feeling towards Cassius lately?
He feels like something is up but he does not know what at this point.
To where do Brutus and Cassius go at the end of this scene? Why?
They go to the tent by themselves, because they do not want the soldiers to see them fighting.
Why is Cassius angry with Brutus?
Because Brutus accused Lucius Pella of taking bribes and Cassius is offended
What is Brutus’s reaction to Cassius’s complaint?
You take bribe too, Cassius is selling leadership roles for money and taking money
What is happening between Cassius and Brutus? Why is this important?
They are arguing - this could weaken their army.
Why does Cassius take out his dagger.
He is being over dramatic and threatening to kill himself.
On whom does Cassius blame his temper?
his mother
Who interrupts Cassius and Brutus? Why?
a poet; he heard them arguing
What happened to Portia? How did this happen?
She died. She killed herself by cooking herself from the inside - she swallowed burning hot coals.
What is Brutus’ plan of attack?
meeting Antonys forces in Phillipi
What does Brutus ask Lucius to do for him? What happens to Lucius?
play him some music; lucius begins to fall asleep
What does Caesar’s ghost tell Brutus?
I will see you at Phillipi (you’re going to die)
Where does Act V Scene I take place?
The plains of Phillipi.
How does Octavius contradict Antony early in this scene?
Octavius will go to the right and Antony will go to the left.
What happens when the men meet before their battle?
They trash talk each other.
Whose birthday is it?
Cassius
What omens does Cassius finally believe?
He thinks they are going to die because he saw an eagle that was soon replaced with scavenger birds.
What are Cassius and Brutus worried about?
They don’t think will ever see each other again so they are saying goodbye to one another. They are also worried about being captured and taken as a prisoner.
What message does Brutus send Cassius?
Go after Octavius.
What move does Brutus make that virtually destroys Cassius’s “side”?
sent them too early
What does Cassius ask Pindarus to do? Why?
Stab him because he thought Titinius, his best friend, had died and he felt guilty.
How does Caesar finally get revenge against Cassius?
Cassius died by the same sword used to kill Caesar.
What do we find out about Pindarus’ report to Cassius before Cassius takes his life?
The report was wrong - Brutus was in the camp, not Antony.
What does Titinius do after he sees Cassius’s body?
kills himself
How does Caesar again get his revenge?
killing the conspirators by their own swords
Explain why the soldiers think they have captured Brutus?
Lucilius pretends to be Brutus
What does Brutus ask Clitus to do? What is Clitus’ response to this request?
Kill him - no
What does Brutus then request of Volumnius?
kill him
Who finally gives in to Brutus’s request?
Strato - Strato holds the sword while Brutus runs on it.
How does Antony fell about Brutus?
He was the noblest of them all - He killed Caesar for a legit reason unlike Cassius who just hated him.
What does Octavius say that they will do for Brutus? Why do you think they omit mention of Cassius? Explain your reasoning.
Give him a funeral. Cassis was a coward and selfish - he killed Caesar out of jealousy.
“Et tu, Brute?”
Caesar
Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look.
Caesar
“Let me have men about me that are fat, Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep a-nights. Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.”
Caesar
“Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once.”
Caesar
“I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. The evil men do lives after them, The good is oft interred with their bones;”
Antony
“This was the most unkindest cut of all.”
Anonty
“Cry ‘Havoc!’ and let slip the dogs of war.”
Antony
“The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones; So let it be with Caesar.”
Antony
“Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.”
Brutus
“And therefore think him as a serpent’s egg, Which hatched, would, as his kind, grow mischievous, And kill him in the shell.”
Brutus
“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars But in ourselves that we are underlings.”
Cassius
“He had a fever when he was in Spain, And when the fit was on him, I did mark How he did shake. Tis true this god did shake.”
Cassius
“Stoop, then, and wash. How many ages hence Shall this our lofty scene be acted over In states unborn and accents yet unknown.”
Cassius
“There is a tide in the affairs of men, Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune.”
Cassius
Speak hands for me!
Casca
“When beggars die, there are no comets seen; The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes?”
Calpurnia
“I have made strong proof of my constancy, Giving myself a voluntary wound Here in the thigh.”
Portia
“He thinks too much; such men are dangerous.”
Cassius
“This was the noblest Roman of them all.”
Brutus
“Thou art the ruins of the noblest man That ever lived in the tide of times.”
Caesar
“Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus,”
Brutus
“with this she fell distract, And, her attendants absent, swallowed fire.”
Portia
“Yet I fear him, For in the ingrafted love he bears to Caesar–”
Antony
