Act 1 Julius Caesar

Act 1 Scene 1

Why are the commoners wandering the streets instead of working?

Celebration of Lepercal
Death of Sons of Pompey

How do Flavius and Marullus feel about the celebration? How do they show their feelings toward Caesar?

They are angry over Caesar’s power and the death of Pompey’s sons.
They take the scarves off of the statues.

Act 1 Scene 2

Why does Caesar want Calphurnia to stand in Antony’s path during the race?

Calphurnia is infertile/sterility.

What does the Soothsayer tell Caesar? What does Caesar’s reaction to this say about his character?

“Beware of the ides of March 15th”

Caesar’s reaction was that he is Insane and Crazy.

What do you think about Antony based on his first lines in the play?

Antony is Loyal, Reassuring, and a Good Friend.

Why do you think Brutus has been “with himself at war” (1.2.48)?

What do you think has been troubling him?

Brutus is overwhelmed with his inner conflicts between his loyalty toward’s Julius Caesar.

Read the following excerpt. What do you think Caesar means by “men… that are fat” versus those like Cassius who have a “lean and hungry look”?

Why do you think Caesar prefers men that are “fat” to those who have a “lean and hungry look?”

Men that are “fat” are hungry for power and vengeance.

What does it tell us about Cassius when he says, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings.” (1.2.141)?
What is he trying to convince Brutus to do?
What major theme from the play does this relate to?

Cassius means that we have Control and Agency in our destiny.
To convince Brutus to join the conspiracy
A major theme that relates to the play is Fate vs. Free Will

What happens to Caesar after the third offering of the crown?

He faints or has a seizure.

What happened to Flavius and Marullus? (1.2.279)

They were put to silence.

Either Killed or Prisoned.

Act 1 Scene 3

Act 1, Scene 3 opens with thunder and lightning. What effect does this have? How could this be interpreted as an omen?

Foreshadowing the Unnatural

The Gods are angry

Caesar could die or survive

Cassius plan could either go poorly or succeed.

How does Casca feel about the omens he has seen?

He is fearful and interprets them as bad signs.

Why do you think the men desperately want Brutus to join them?

They believe Brutus's reputation and honor would lend to their cause.

Cassius says that Brutus’ “honorable character can be bent from its usual shape.” What does he mean by this? If he is correct, then what does this say about Brutus’ character? Is he truly honorable if his honor can be “bent”? Why or why not?

Cassius suggests that Brutus, despite his honorable/gullible nature, can be manipulated to act against Caesar. This states that Brutus, while possessing honor, may have weaknesses.

What is the setting (time and place) of Julius Caesar

44 BC

What did Caesar do that garnered him favor with the commoners of Rome?

Land reform, Grain distribution, and Military success.