William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Act Isl

Why does Shakespeare begin a serious

play such as this one with such a
seemingly lighthearted opening scene?

Lines 10-15. What is the meaning of

"cobbler"? (Look at the side note).
Why does this cause a misunderstanding
between Marullus and the Cobbler?

Literary Focus: What background do

you learnfrom Marullus' speech?

Ling-68-75: Identify the reason that

Flavius gives for removing Caesar's
trophies from public places. What
information does this passage provide
about Caesar?

Act

Lines 36-47. Paraphrase what Brutus is

saying about himself here What kind of

conflict might he be feeling as his friend
Caesar rises to power.

Lines 48-62: What does Cassius mean

when he asks if Brutus can see his own
shadow?

Lines 66-70: What does the word "glass'

mean in this passage'? Why is Cassius
offering to be Brutus' glass?
 William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

L,ines 1()2-111: Do you feel that Cassius

provides compelling reasons to convince
Brutus?

Lines 112-118: Paraphrase this passage.

Lines '119-126: What is Cassius trying to

show Brutus here about his friend
Caesar?

Lines 135-141: Who or what does

Cassius say is to blame for the tyrannical
rule that Romans are suffering?

Lines 191-195: What does Caesar mean

by this line, "Cassius has a lean and
hungry look" and what else does he say
about Cassius here?

Lines 263-275: Why was Caesar sad and

angry after the people offered him the
crown three times'?

Lines Z99-2S3:What important

information is revealed here about
increasing tensions between Caesar and
other Roman leaders?

Lines 304-318: How does Cassius plan

to use Brutus' concern for the public
welfare to win Brutus over to the
conspiracy against Caesar?
 William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar 3

Act 1.3 {q

Lines 15-32: What is Casca talking

Casca is talking about a lot of signs, and he believes they are
about here? What does he think these
predicting something that will occur soon.
signs mean?

Lines 33-36. What important

Cicero says that Caesar will be crowned king by the senators the next
information is reveled in Cicero's
words? day.

LinesH562: What qualities does Cassius says he is ambitious, he is not afraid when he takes action. I
Cassius reveal about himself and his think this behavior is foolish, since fear is the factor that people need in
behavior during the storm? Do you find order to survive. Although it might seem honorable, his actions could lead
his behavior admirable or foolish?
to his demise.

Lines 63-71: According to Cassius, how

Caesar is like the stormy night because people view him as a big,
is Caesar like the stormy night?
intimidating, and strong force.

Lines 89-99: Paraphrase how Cassius Cassius states that he would rather have himself killed than act as a
responds to the news that Caesar will be slave to Caesar.
crowned king the next day.

Lines 1 11-119: What fear does Cassius

Cassius is afraid that people will stand against his ideals but Casca
express here? How does Casca reassure
reassures him that other people will also help and share the same
him?
ideals.

Lines 157-160: What is Casca's reason

People will side with Brutus since he has status.
for wanting Brutus to join the

conspiracy.
 William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Act

Lines ID - I q. What is Brutus saying Brutus is saying that Julius Caesar has to die.
here?

Lines 29—8 What is Brutus saying Brutus is saying that Caesar might become corrupted with his
here? Prevent...
power and cold those who helped him achieve his greatness.

Lines 30-34r Why is Brutus comparing

Caesar is like a serpent in an egg, the moment he hatches
Caesar to a serpent's egg, rather than to a
serpent or a snake?
(gets crowned king) he will be a dangerous serpent. They
want to kill Caesar before he hatches.

Lines 46-58. Why does Brutus interpret Brutus sees this letter as a call to action and believes he must help
the letter in this way? Rome.

Lines 86-94 Why does Cassius speak to Cassius tries to let Brutus realize how important he is to the people of
Brutus in this flattering way? What does Rome. He tries to sway Brutus to take the throne.
Cassius hope to achieve?
 William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Line 114-115. Why does Brutus not Brutus does not want to swear an oath because he trusts the
want to swear an oath?
conspirators, he doesn't need a promise to trust them.

Lines 126-128* What is Brutus stating Oaths are for people with weak motives, and their cause is strong.

Cassius, in line 161,says, "Let Antony Brutus refuses, he says that it will make their cause too bloody.
and Caesar fall together." What is
Brutus' response to this comment?

Lines 172-183. Why is it important to They want the people to view Brutus fit as the new ruler, if
Brutus that Caesar be killed "boldly, but
they kill Caesar wrathfully they will view them as ambitious,
not wrathfully"?
Which makes them seem as hypocrites.

The clock strikes on line 192. Why is

This is strange because it is out of place for the time period.
this strange?

Lines 202-208 What is Decius' role in Decius will make sure the Caesar makes it into the capitol the next day.
the conspiracy?
 William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Lines 209-21 L What is Decius saying Decius is saying that he can flatter Caesar humorously.
here? Why "let him work"?

Lines 22+22 This shows Brutust

This shows Brutus' character as a deceiver, as he will betray Caesar
character as a
using the trust he's gained.

Lines 245 251. Translate these lines You don't suffer from the fantasies that draws the attention
into modern English. of all men. That is why you sleep so well.

Lines 257-293. Does Portia believe Portia does not believe Brutus' explanation, she thinks that he as a
Brutus' explanation? What does she bad offense in mind.
think is wrong with him?

Lines 303-304. What do Brutus' words Although Brutus has malicious intent for Caesar, he still cares and
reveal about his character? loves for his wife.

Line 327. What piece of work does

Brutus is referring to assassinating Caesar. It will make the Romans
Brutus mean? Why will it make sick
who support Caesar whole and come to understanding.
men whole?
 William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Act 2.2

Lines 17-26: What is the significance of These events are bat omens that point towards Caesar's
these events based on their connection to demise.
the events that frightened Casca in Act

Line 32-33: What does Caesar mean Cowards lost their honor by acting cowardly, which Caesar
when he says that "cowards die many is saying is death.
times before their death"?

Before Decius enters the room, what has Before Decius enters the room Calpurnia has already
Calpurnia convinced Caesar to do? convinced Caesar not to go to the Senate.

Why does Caesar change his mind and Caesar changes his mind because Decius convinces him the
not let Decius give illness as a reason for
bad omen Calpurnia stated was actually a positive thing.
him to not go to the Senate House'?
Caesar does not let Decius give illness as an excuse because
he does not want to seem like a liar.

What is Decius motive for interpreting Decius tries to interpret the dream in a positive way because
Caesar's dream in a positive way? On he wants to help assassinate Caesar. He needs Caesar to go
what need of Caesarts is he playing O
to the Senate to be killed.
 William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Lines 92-96: What is Decius saying Decius is saying that if Caesar decides not to go, they
here? What two things is he playing on?
might change their minds and not give him the crown.
He is playing on Caesar's pride.

Lines 124-125: What does Trebonius Trebonius means that he himself will help kill Caesar, and
mean when he says "your best friends
Caesar's loved ones will wish he didn't stay so close.
shall wish I had been further"?

Act 2.3

What does Artemidorus have in his Artemidorus has a letter in his hands that warn Caesar about
hands? What does it say'? to Conspirators.

Lines I — 1K'. Who is he talking to here? Artemidorus is talking to himself and says he hopes
What does he say? Caesar gets the letter. He hopes he makes it through the
day safely.

Act 2.4 (got-sob

What is occurring in this scene? Portia is sending Lucius to check on what happens at the
Senate, because she is curious what Brutus is doing.
Soothsayer then tells Portia that Caesar will die by Brutus
and the conspirators.
 William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Act 3.1

Lines 15 - 22: What are Brutus and They are nervous that Popillus will reveal their plans to
Cassius nervous about? Caesar.

What is the conversation that takes place Cassius tells Brutus that if Caesar finds out about their
between the conspirators in lines 25-30?
plans, he will try and kill Cassius. If this happens Cassius
Put into your own words.
says he will kill himself.

Lines 35-48: Paraphrase what Caesar Caesar is telling Cimber that he does not need to bow,
states here.
and Caesar is not easily flattered.

Linesqq —59 What are the conspirators

:

trying to do? What is Caesars response The conspirators are all bowing to Caesar and praising him
to this?
before they stab him. Caesar is confused and thinks they
are begging and influencing him.

Lines 66-93 What does this speech Caesar sees himself as having a very stable and unmovable
reveal about Caesar? personality. He says they cannot influence him whatsoever.
 10
William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Lines 105- 107: What is Brutus stating

Brutus is stating that all people die eventually, but it is only
here?
a matter of when. He wonders what their fate will be.

Lines 11-116: Summarize what Cassius

Brutus is saying that they were helping Caesar out,
1

and Brutus express here,

shortening the time for him worrying about his death. They
also say they should wash their hands with Caesar's blood
and go to the public.

Lines 125-129: Who are they comparing They are comparing him to Pompey, saying that he is as
and what are they' stating?
worthless as dust.

Lines 143-146: How does Brutus'

attitude toward Mark Antony contrast Brutus is saying that Antony will become a good friend to
with Cassius' attitude? How does this them, but Cassius is saying he still fears him. This causes
contrast help to create suspense within the reader to wonder if he will be friendly or hostile towards
the scene?
the conspirators.

Lines Brutus' first speech to

Brutus acknowledges that the conspirators did not kill him
Antony, what does Brutus acknowledge
about the conspirators' act? How does with cruel intent, and justifies it by saying that they have pity
he go on to justify it'? for Caesar.
 William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Lines 175-178: What does Brutus want Brutus wants to embrace Antony with brotherly love, and
here? What is Cassius' response to it? Cassius responds by saying his influence is strong.

Line 222: What does Antony say here?

Antony is saying that he always loved Caesar. He relates
him to a deer being hunted.

What do Brutus and Cassius still Cassius disagrees with Brutus about Antony making a
disagree on in lines 231-23%? speech, Cassius believes it is dangerous.u

Lines 287-297: What does Antony's

message to Octavious reveal about his
Antony reveals that he does not support the conspirators,
true political plans? What are the three
and that he will get revenge. He plans to find out what the
things he states here?
citizens think of Caesar death, and will report to Caesar
Augustus.

Act 3.2 (8M-€2RS

(Note: Takes place five days after
Caesar's death)

.1n Brutus' speech, what is he trying to

accomplish with monologue?
this

(Lines 12-34)
 William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

What does Brutus mean when he says

that all of those present will receive 'ta

place in the commonwealth" as a result

of Caesar's death? (Lines 0-47)

Lines 48-54: Connect the plebeians'

behavior to the behavior of the
mechanicals in Act I What does this

indicate about the common people?

How did Brutus' speech affect the crowd

of plebeians?

In Antony}s speech, notice how his

monologue reflects the style of Brutus'
speech. What are some repeated
statements?

Why does Antony state in line 109 that

he must "pause till it come back to me"?
What is the reason for his pausing in his
speech?
 13
William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

(Lines 1 1 +13 9): How does Marc

Antony manipulate the crowd as he
continues his speech?

What makes the crowds turn against the

conspirators? What does this say about
the plebeians?

Lines 183-'181: Paraphrase these words

into your own. What is Antony stating
here?

Lines 219-22b: What is Marc Antony

claiming here? What are the tactics that
Antony uses here to continue to

manipulate the crowd?

 William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Act 3.3 (eS2q SO)

Lines 21635: What does the crowd's
attack on Cinna and the exclamations
that follow reveal about the situation in
Rome as Act 3 ends?

Act 4.1 ( •8

** Fact: Shakespeare compressed time in

his plays. In reality, Octavius did not
arrive in Rome until six weeks after
Caesar's death, and he did not ally
himself with Antony and Lepidus until
eighteen months later.

Lines 12-27 — Summarize the conflict

between Antony and Octavius. Is the
conflict internal or external?

Lines 10-24 — What can you infer about

the relationship between Brutus and
Cassius?

Lines 38-39: How does Brutus view

himselP
 William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Act 4.3

Lines 12: Paraphrase the text.

Lines 12-14: What can you determine

about Cassius' personality here?

Lines 92106: Do you believe Cassius is

being sincere here? If not, why does he

make the gesture?

Lines 22q: Summarize what

Cassius' plan for battle is and then
Brutus' plan. Which plan will be
adopted?

Lines 2?74 — Why does the ghost

appear to Brutus? Do you think that
Brutus understands the ghost's message?
 William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Act 5.1

Lines 48-50 What does Octavius mean

by these lines?

Act 5.3

Lines 1-(0- What mistake did Brutus

make?

Reading Strategy: What is the cause of

Cassius' request? What might be some
efTects of Pindarus fillfilling the request?

Act 5.4

Reading Strategy: Identify why Antony

wav he does.
treats Lucilius the

Act 5.5 801

Lines I -9 What does Brutus want

Clitus and Dardanius to do? Why?

Lines 68-75 Why does Antony praise

his enemy, Brutus?