Act 2 Julius Caesar

Act 2, Scene 1

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

Brutus has made up his mind to join the conspiracy against Caesar. He believes that although Caesar is a friend, he poses a threat to the republic and must be stopped to prevent tyranny.

What does it mean that Brutus thinks they must “kill him (Caesar) in the shell” (2.1.34)

Brutus believes they must eliminate Caesar before he can fully rise to power.

What did Lucius find at the window?

Notes written in many hands (Cassius).

Cassius suggests an oath, but Brutus says, “no,” and the rest accept his decisions. What does this reveal about the leadership of the conspiracy?

Brutus emerges as the moral authority of the conspiracy.

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

Mark Antony, for revenge and because he is close with Caesar.

What metaphor does Brutus use to describe Antony (lines 178-196)?

A “limb.’’

What does Cassius believe that Caesar will be reluctant to go to the Senate that day (lines 210-218)?

Because of the Omens and that Caesar is Superstitious.

Why does Portia think that Brutus is worried about something (what has he been doing that makes her infer he is worried)?

Brutus hasn’t been sleeping or eating
He’s been waking up in the middle night, pacing, and visited by secretive masked men.

Who was Portia’s father? What does this imply about her attitude toward the conspiracy to kill Caesar?

Portia’s father is Cato.
Implies that she can be trusted, loyal, and a noble of the conspiracy.

Act 2 Scenes 2, 3, and 4.

What has Calphurnia cried out in her sleep?

“Stop, their murdering Caesar!”

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

He has a Big Ego, Confident, and possibly a Tyrant.

“Cowards die many times before their deaths. The valiant never taste of death but once. Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, It seems to me most strange that men should fear, Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come.’’

What does Caesar mean when he says this to Calphurnia in Act 2 Scene 2?

How does Caesar’s perspective compare to that of Cassius?

What does this quote reveal about how Caesar sees death?

Caesar means that living in fear is worse than death itself.

Caesar sees death as of fate and acceptance

Caesar is masculine and thinks it’s strange to fear, unlike Cassius. They both want power and will die trying to get power.

How does Decius interpret Calphurnia’s dream?

“Supplying Rome in a good way”

How does Decius convince Caesar to go to the Senate? Why is his speech ironic?

By manipulating his pride and ambition to think that if he doesn’t go, people will whisper about how he’s weak. But if he does go, he will be crowned king and will be thought as less weak.

What is the basic message of Artemidorus’s letter? (Scene 3)

To not go to the Senate and warning him that if he goes the Conspirators/Brutus will kill him.

How is the Portia in this last scene different from the Portia in Act II, scene 1? (Scene 4)

Portia in Act II was beautiful, concerned, and constrained.
And in the last scene she is seen as nosy, powerful, and distraught.