Julius Caesar Test Flashcards
What is the setting of the first scene?
a street in Rome
Why have the shopkeepers left work?
To celebrate Caesar because he defeated Pompey
What is Marullus and Flavius’ reaction to the citizen’s behavior? Why?
They are upset and angry because these people supported Pompey yesterday and now support Caesar
What important information about the political and social atmosphere does Shakespeare provide us in the first scene?
Caesar vs Pompey and wealthy vs. poor/laborers
What does Caesar want Antony to do when he runs by Calpurnia? Why?
to whip her because Caesar is trying to get Calpurnia pregnant
What does the soothsayer tell Caesar? What is Caesar’s reaction?
“Beware the Ides of March” and Caesar doesn’t care and blows them off
How has Brutus been feeling lately? How does this open a door for Cassius?
Brutus has been feeling uneasy. Cassius is going to find out what’s bothering him
What is your reaction to Brutus’ 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?
betrayal by Brutus and betrayal by Cassius to Caesar
what does Brutus love (even more than his own life)?
loves the name of honor (he would die for honor)
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?
Cassius tells this story to make Caesar look weak and human. Caesar is not as strong as he portrays himself. Cassius wants Caesar to fail
Describe Brutus’ reaction to Cassius’ ideas
He’d rather be a follower than a leader
Why does Caesar distrust Cassius? Why does Caesar not fear Cassius however?
he’s smart;observant;analytical. He does not fear him because Caesar is in charge
Why does Caesar tell Antony to “Come on [his] right side?”
Caesar is deaf in his left ear
Explain why the crown was offered to Caesar three times. What is your reaction to this spectacle?
the crown is offered three times to make Caesar seem humble. Caesar wants to be kings, badly, but must gain the favor of his people
Why does Caesar faint? Why does Caesar say: “No, Caesar hath it now; but you and I/and honest Casca we have the falling sickness”? To what is Cassius referring?
Caesar has a seizure
They have the sickness because they have to bow down to Caesar.
They are referring to Caesar’s power
Explain how Casca’s line “…but for my own part, it was Greek to me.” Explain how his line is iconic.
Casca is very smart and understood what was being said
What doubts does Cassius reveal about Brutus in his soliloquy?
Brutus does not have the confidence
How does Cassius plan to convince Brutus that he is more noble and loved than Caesar?
writing letters from fake people
What is the weather like in the opening scene of scene 3?
storming
how does the storming at the beginning of scene 3 contribute to the mood? Why is this mood significant?
makes everyone uneasy and on edge; killing Caesar tomorrow
Why does Cassius say “I exposed my naked chest to the thunder-bolt”? To what could Cassius be referring?
hit by lightning = not killing Caesar
not hit by lightning = killing Caesar
Why is Casca eager to convince Brutus to join the conspiracy?
everyone loves him
What directions does Cassius give Cinna? What does Cassius hope to accomplish with this task?
He gives Cinna a letter to convince Brutus; He’s trying to convince Brutus to join them
Through the analogy of a ladder, how does Brutus explain what happens when someone gains power?
they forget where they came from