Julius Caesar Review Flashcards

Flashcards covering main vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes on the play 'Julius Caesar'.

Calpurnia's Dream (Act 2, Scene 2)

Calpurnia dreams of Caesar's statue bleeding and Romans bathing in the blood, which she interprets as a bad omen, urging Caesar not to go to the Capitol.

Decius Brutus's Manipulation

Decius Brutus twists the meaning of Calpurnia's dream to appeal to Caesar's pride, convincing him that the blood symbolizes Caesar's power giving life to Rome, leading Caesar to go to the Capitol.

Caesar's Tragic Flaw

Caesar's arrogance and belief in fate, as shown by his line, 'Cowards die many times before their deaths,' lead to his downfall.

Brutus's Decision to Allow Antony to Speak

Brutus allows Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral, a decision that ultimately leads to the conspirators' downfall as Antony sways public opinion against them.

Julius Caesar's Death

Julius Caesar is assassinated in the Senate by the conspirators, stabbed 33 times, with the final stab coming from Brutus, prompting his famous last words: 'Et tu, Brute?'

Portia's Suicide

Portia, Brutus's wife, takes her own life by swallowing hot coals, overwhelmed by worry about Brutus and the growing power of Antony and Octavius.

Cassius's Suicide

Cassius dies by suicide after wrongly believing that his friend Titinius has been captured.

Brutus's Suicide

Brutus takes his own life after losing the battle at Philippi, believing it is more honorable to die than be taken prisoner.

Antony's Eulogy for Brutus

Antony describes Brutus as 'the noblest Roman of them all,' acknowledging that Brutus acted out of love for Rome, not jealousy.

Cassius's Dislike for Caesar

Cassius views Caesar as weak and unworthy of his power, resenting Caesar's rise despite his perceived flaws and questioning why Caesar should be a tyrant while he remains a slave.

Caesar's Refusal of the Crown

The details of Caesar's multiple crown refusals are narrated by different characters with varying interpretations, highlighting Caesar's ambition or lack thereof.

Caesar's Will

Caesar's will reveals his generosity, leaving 75 drachmas to every citizen and his gardens to the public, turning the people of Rome against the conspirators.

Flavius and Marullus's Displeasure

Flavius and Marullus are upset by the common people's quick shift in loyalty from Pompey to Caesar, seeing Caesar's rising popularity as a threat to the Republic.

Soothsayer's Warning

The soothsayer warns Caesar to 'Beware the Ides of March,' symbolizing fate and foreshadowing Caesar's death, which Caesar ignores due to his pride.

First Conversation Between Brutus and Cassius (Act 1, Scene 2)

Cassius begins to manipulate Brutus to join the plot against Caesar by appealing to his sense of honor and duty to Rome, preying on Brutus's fear of Caesar becoming king.

What Convinces Brutus to Join the Conspiracy

Brutus is convinced to join the conspiracy due to personal concern for Rome and Cassius's manipulation, including fake letters that make Brutus believe the people depend on him to protect their freedom.

Artemidorus's Role

Artemidorus, a teacher of rhetoric, tries to warn Caesar of the conspiracy by writing a letter naming the conspirators, but Caesar ignores him, prioritizing public matters over personal safety.

Reactions After Caesar's Death

After Caesar is killed, Casca acts quickly, and Brutus delivers the final stab, leading to Caesar's last words: “Et tu, Brute?” revealing their true emotions and reasons for being involved.

Octavius's Role and Position

Octavius Caesar, Julius Caesar's adopted son and heir, joins forces with Mark Antony and Lepidus in the Second Triumvirate, seeking justice for Caesar's death and representing the shift from the Roman Republic.

Argument Between Cassius and Brutus in the Tent

Cassius and Brutus argue over Lucius Pella and accusations of corruption, revealing the strain on their friendship and foreshadowing the failure of their cause.

The Battle at Philippi

The battle at Philippi is between the conspirators (Brutus and Cassius) and Antony/Octavius, where Cassius and Brutus die and Antony recognizes Brutus as the only noble conspirator.