Julius Caesar Study Guide

Scene 1

1. Contrast Marc Antony and Brutus using at least three differences about the men.

Flavius and Marullus plan to take all the decorations off the Julius Caesar statues.

2. Find and write two examples that Cassius uses to show that Caesar has a “weak character.”

The thing that worries them most about Caesar is the power he has and how popular he is.

3. Describe Cassius’ tone during his conversation with Brutus.

They are determined to destroy the celebration over Pompey because they think Caesar is bad for the Roman Empire and will destroy the empire.

Scene 2

     1. Contrast Marc Antony and Brutus using at least three differences about the men.

 The difference between the two characters is that Mark Antony is a ruthless politician and Brutas is kind of unskilled and not a good politician. 

     2. Find and write two examples that Cassius uses to show that Caesar has a “weak character.”

Some examples that Cassius uses to downgrade Caesar and call him a weak character is one by saying he almost drowned and he had to save him. Another example is when he talks about how little respect he shows towards him.

     3. Describe Cassius’ tone during his conversation with Brutus.

Cassius’ tone during his conversation with Brutus is in a very disrespectful and rude tone. He is acting very mean while talking to Brutus.

     4. Despite their friendship, why doesn’t Brutus want Caesar to become king?

Brutus doesn’t want Caesar to become king because he thinks he will lead Rome into a time of hardship. 

Act 2 Questions

1. Caesar says he does not fear death. Why not?

Caesar says he does not fear death and instead says he sees it as a necessary end that can’t be avoided. 

2. Why does Calpurnia object to Caesar’s going to the Capitol?

Calpurnia objects because she had a dream that he was going to die at the Capitol.

3. Describe Calphurnia’s dream. Be sure to use the details she mentions.

Calpurnia saw Caesar's statue and it was running with blood.

4. How many ploys does Decius use to get Caesar to go to the Senate? Explain each one. Why do you think Caesar preferred to believe Decius’s interpretation of the dream than Calphurnia’s interpretation?

Decius uses 4 different ploys to get Caesar to go to the Senate. The first one was that Calpurnia's dream was actually a good omen because it signified the blood of his enemies. The second one was when he told Caesar that he was going to receive a crown. The third and last one was he told Caesar that others would be laughed at if he didn’t go. He probably preferred to believe Decius’s interpretation because of how many different good reasons he said to get his there. 

1. In Scene 3, what’s the one plot element that could still save Caesar?

The warning letter that has been sent but never got delivered to Caesar.

2. According to Artemidorus, what’s the quality that allows others to plot assassinations?

The quality that allows others to plot assassinations is ambition.

3. In the following quote from Artemidorus, what or who does “goodness” symbolize? What or who does “jealousy’s envious fangs” symbolize?My heart grieves that goodness cannot live out of reach of jealousy’s envious fangs.

The goodness represents Caesar and the envious fangs represents the conspirators wanting to kill Caesar. 

4. What evidence is there that Portia is starting to mentally unravel?

She keeps asking Brutus if he is ok and even sends people to go check on him.

5. Brutus shows himself to be a poor judge of character. How so? He also makes several key mistakes. What are they?

He lets Antony speak at Caesar’s funeral which will become trouble.

Scene 1

1. With whom do Octavius and Antony form a triumvirate? How would you describe the spirit of this triumvirate?

They triumvirate with Lepidus and the spirit of the triumvirate is cold and ruthless.

2. Name two things that Antony does or says that show he has changed in a negative way from when we first met him in Act 1.

Antony doesn’t refuse about the killing of his nephew and he is also very critical of Lepidus and basically says he will use the man like and animal.

3. Explain Antony’s comparison of Lepidus to a donkey and a horse.

Antony calls Lepidus a donkey because he does the work Antony doesn’t want to do. He also compares him to a horse because he can’t do things on his own, and must be told what to do.

4. How is the triumvirate “like the bear” in bear-baiting?

Surrounded by snarling enemies 

5. The comparisons that Antony and Octavius use (Lepidus to a donkey and a horse; the triumvirate to a bear) are examples of what figure of speech?

The kind of figure of speech it is, is metaphor.

Scene 2+3

1. After Brutus and Cassius meet and begin to argue, Brutus suggests they move their discussion to his tent. Why is this wise?

It could cause some division in between the leaders and create conflict if others heard about the discussion

2. Why has Cassius come to see Brutus?

Cassius is upset about how Brutus is treating people below him.

3. Why is Brutus upset with Cassius?

Brutus thinks that Cassius has been accepting bribes and must go to war over Caesar’s death because otherwise he thinks it would be hypocritical. 

4. Whose death has Brutus been sorrowing over? How did she die?

Brutus has been sorrowing over Portia’s death and she died of suicide from swallowing hot coals.

5. What does the quarrel between Brutus and Cassius show the audience?

The quarrel between Brutus and Cassius shows the audience that their alliance is crumbling. 

6. While speaking with Cassius, what military action does Brutus want to take? What’s the reason he gives to support this idea?

Brutus wants to move into Philippi and he supports this idea because he believes that if they do not wage war after Caesar's death it was for nothing and they are being hypocritical.

7. Cassius disagrees. What is his idea? What’s his reason?

Cassius' idea is to wait till Antony comes to him because he wants to make sure they are in a better spot to win the battle.

8. Why do you think Cassius gives in to Brutus?

I think Cassius gives in to Brutus because he knows that he will not be able to defeat the triumvirate by himself.

9. Why does Caesar’s ghost visit Brutus?

The ghost of Caesar came to visit Brutus to tell him he will die in Philippi.

Scene 1

1. At the beginning of the scene, Octavius and Mark Antony clash on military strategy. What conflict of Act IV does this parallel?

Octavius and Mark Antony have a conflict about how they will enter battle, this is similar to Cassius and Brutus having conflict about how to enter battle.

2. The four leaders (Octavius, Antony, Brutus, Cassius) meet on the battlefield before the fighting begins. What, do you suppose, is the dramatic purpose of that meeting?

The dramatic purpose is to show them as separate teams so they can look bigger and stronger.

3. What’s interesting about the date of the final battle?

The date of the battle is on Julius Caesar’s birthday.

4. Do Cassius and Brutus think they will win the battle? Cite a line from the end of the scene that shows their mindset.

Cassius and Brutus are both pretty sure they will win the battle. 

Scene 2+3

1. Why does Cassius send Titinius down the hill on horseback?

Cassius send Titinius to find out whether the people in tents are friends or enemies.

2. To whom does Cassius speak his last words?

He speaks his last words to Pindarus and gives him his and asks Pindarus to kill him and he does.

3. Why does Cassius ask Pindarus to kill him?

Cassius asks Pindarus to kill him because he mistakenly believed that the battle was lost and that Titinius was captive and didn’t want to be captive.

4. Why does Titinius commit suicide?

Titinius commits suicide because he blames himself for the death of Cassius.

5. Describe how Brutus feels about Cassius’ death.

Brutus is saddened and a little upset from the death of Cassius.

Scene 4+5

1. What does Brutus ask of Clitus, Dardanius, and Volumnius?

Brutus asks them to help him die by suicide, all of them refuse and Brutus tells them to leave as Antony and Octavius move closer.

2. How do each of the three men respond?

The three men refuse to do it.

3. How does Brutus finally die?

Brutus finally dies by suicide (from his sword) after being defeated by Mark Antony and Octavius.

4. In Antony’s last speech over Brutus’ body, how does Antony compare Brutus to the rest of the conspirators?

In Antony’s last speech instead of disrespecting him he says that Brutus was better than the rest of the conspirators, and he was always noble and in the best interest of Rome.

5. Who has the last lines in the play? What is significant about the fact that he has the last lines?

The last lines of the play was Octavius saying the lines happy day even though it is a very sad day for Rome. The significance of this is showing you can’t fight destiny.