Julius Caesar Acts 1-2

Why are the commoners wandering the streets instead of working?

They are celebrating caesars success (in killing Pompey/Pompeys son)

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

They are upset and removed decorations from Caesar's statues

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

because she is imfertal so if he touches her he gets good luck

What does the soothsayer tell caesar? what was Caesars reaction and what does it say about his character?

“Beware the Ides of March” (March 15). Caesar was dismissive and arrogant. Shows he has a large ego.

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

It shows that he is very loyal

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

He's torn between his deep love and friendship for Caesar and his profound fear that Caesar's ambition will lead him to become a tyrant, ultimately destroying the Roman Republic's liberty.

Why is it that Caesar prefers men who are “fat” to those who have a “lean and hungry look?”

because typically back then men who were fat were considered rich/wealthy as they had food to eat. while if they were skinny then it shows that have no food to eat and are poor.

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”

He is saying that it is their choice to take choice to take caesars life and the gods did not tell them too or prompt them to.

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

He passes out.

What happened to Flavius and Marullus?

They got silenced for their crime.

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

It sets a tone/creates a chaotic atmosphere. It’s considered a bad omen because thunder and lightning can be a sign of something bad.

How does Casca feel about the omens he has seen?

He feels terrified.

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

Because he is influential in Rome and has a lot of support.

Cassius says that Brutus’ “honorable character can be bent from its usual shape.” What does he mean by this?

despite Brutus's noble reputation, his sense of honor is malleable and susceptible to persuasion, especially through flattery and appeals to the good of Rome

Has Brutus made up his mind regarding whether or not he will join the conspiracy? What are his reasons?

Yes he has fully decided though he has been stressed about the decision. He feels pressured to do this becuse he feels rome wants him to.

What does it mean that Brutus thinks they must “kill him in the shel?”

It means they need to kill him before he gains to much power and becomes a tyrant.

What did Lucius find at the window?

The letter asking Brutus to help kill caesar.

Cassius suggests an oath, why did Brutus say no oath? What does this reveal about the leadership of the conspiracy?

The oath was going to be there to make sure everyone followed through with the act. Brutus said no because that might mean that the action about to take place is something they might not need to happen.

Who else does Cassius want to be murdered along with Caesar? why?

Antony, because he is scared he is going to try and fight back in honor of caesar.

What metaphor does Brutus use to describe Antony?

Caesars “arm”

Why does Cassius believe that Caesar will be reluctant to go to the Senate that day?

He will because of bad omens (has grown more suspicious lately)

Why does Portia think that Brutus is worried about something?

Because he hasn’t been sleeping, eating, he has been getting up and pacing, and people have been coming to their house.

Who was Portia’s father? Why dies this imply about her attitude towards the conspiracy to kill Caesar?

Cato is her father. He father was a big figure and Portia basically says she’s not stupid and she came from a political and influential family so she will understand whats going on.

What has Calupurnia cried out in her sleep?

“Help they are murdering Caesar”

What flaws in Caesar’s character can you see in lined 10-12 in scene 2?

He is way to confident

How does Decius interpret Calpurnia’s dream?

He said it was a good thing/omen

How does Decius convince Caesar to go to the Senate?

By saying he is going to look like a cowered if he doesn’t go out and people will think he is scared.

what is the basic message of Artemidorus’s letter?

Warning him of the people who are going to kill him.

How is the Portia in the last scene different from the Portia in Act 2, scene 1?

She was demanding with her worry