English - Julius Caesar

Act 4 Quiz

Why are Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus together in the scene?

They are making a list of people to be killed in order to tighten their control in Rome.

How does Shakespeare show their callousness?

Lepidus agrees to have his brother placed on the list if Antony agrees to condemn his own nephew.

Why does Antony send Lepidus to Caesar's house?

He sends him for Caesar's will. They plan to reduce what Caesar left to the Roman citizens.

What is Antony's true opinion of Lepidus?

He thinks Lepidus is fit to be sent on errands, but not fit to be one of the three most powerful men in the world.

Why did Antony pick Lepidus as one of the new leaders of Rome?

Antony needs Lepidus to gain favorable public opinion.

What does Antony compare Lepidus to?

He compares him to a mule that carries a load from one place to another and then is turned loose to graze. He also compares him to his horse.

What is Octavius' assessment of Lepidus?

Octavius says Lepidus is an experienced and brave soldier.

What is Antony's response to Octavius' opinion of Lepidus?

Antony says his horse is also a brave soldier, who must be taught to fight, run, and stop, and be ruled by Antony, as must Lepidus.

What news does Antony tell Octavius about Brutus and Cassius?

They are raising an army in Greece and preparing for war.

Why does Octavius agree with Antony's plan to go after Cassius and Brutus?

He says they are surrounded by many enemies in Rome and those who pretend to be their friends are not.

Why is Brutus concerned about Lucilius' account of his meeting with Cassius?

It reaffirms Brutus' feelings that Cassius' friendship seems to be cooling down.

Why does Brutus tell Cassius to come into his tent?

He doesn't want their troops to see them fighting.

Why is Cassius angry with Brutus?

Brutus disregarded letters Cassius wrote in defense of Lucius Pella, who was accused of taking bribes.

Why is Brutus angry with Cassius?

Brutus sent to Cassius for money to pay his soldiers and his request was denied.

Why does Brutus say he is not afraid of Cassius' threats?

Brutus says he is so honest that Cassius' threats mean nothing and pass him by like the idle wind.

What is the advice given to Cassius and Brutus by the poet?

He tells them to "Love and be friends as two such men should be." (Sc. 3, 150)

What is the news from Rome?

Between 70 and 100 senators, including Cicero, have been killed by Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus. Portia committed suicide by swallowing fire.

What are Brutus' and Cassius' battle plans?

Brutus wants to march their armies from Sardis to Philippi and meet the enemy there. Cassius wants to remain where they are and have the enemy come to them.

What reasons does Brutus give for his plan?

He says the Sardians are not friendly. Their armies are at peak strength, and if they delay they will weaken. He says the opportunity to act is at hand, and if they do not take it, they will miss their chance for success.

What does the ghost of Caesar tell Brutus?

The ghost says it is Brutus' evil spirit, and that it will see Brutus again at Philippi.