Julius Caesar Act 2, 3, 4, and 5 Study Guide – Flashcards
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Act 2: What is the meaning of Brutus' speech at the beginning of this scene?
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In his speech, Brutus is debating on whether or not he wants to kill Caesar.
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Act 2: What is the significance of what Lucius finds?
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Lucius discovers on the calendar that it is the Ides of March; the day that the soothsayer warned Caesar about. Also, it is the day that the Senate is to offer Caesar the crown.
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Act 2: Why is no oath sworn by the conspirators?
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Brutus believes that the determination between the conspirators is strong enough and they don't need to swear on an oath. They all are loyal and believe that they are fighting for a good cause.
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Act 2: Why do the conspirators want Cicero to join them?
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They believe that Cicero will be very supportive. They think that he has good opinions and judgement. His whit will help strengthen their cause.
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Act 2: Why does Brutus reject Cicero? What is Cassius' reaction and what does this show about his relationship with Brutus?
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Brutus claims that Cicero will not follow the rules or plans. In response, Cassius supports Brutus, demonstrating the idolization and trust he shares with Brutus. He agrees with Brutus.
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Act 2: What do the conspirators plan to do the next day?
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They plan to meet Caesar at his house and bring him to the Capitol where they plan to murder him in plain sight.
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Act 2: Why doesn't Brutus want Antony killed?
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Brutus believes that once Caesar dies, Antony is nothing. He thinks that Antony is weak and with be unable to do much after Caesar's death.
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Act 2: How does Decius plan to persuade Caesar to go to the Capitol?
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He plans to flatter or manipulate Caesar by appealing to his ego, getting him to do what Decius wants him to.
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Act 2: How does Portia show Brutus she can be trusted? Will he tell her his secret?
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Portia stabs herself in the thigh and suffers the pain of both the wound and the infection it causes in silence. Her show of bravery and self-control convinces Brutus she is "stronger than her sex" and he agrees to confide in her, only to be interrupted before he has a chance.
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Act 2: What omens frighten Calphurnia?
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- A lion giving birth in the streets - graves that bring back the dead (dying men groaning) - warriors in the clouds that fought and drizzled blood on the capitol. - horses neighed
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Act 2: What does Calphurnia mean by the following statement? "When beggars die there are no comets seen;/The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of/princes."
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She says this because she doesn't want Caesar to leave the house, fearing his safety. She is saying that there are only warnings/omens seen when important people die.
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Act 2: How does Decius convince Caesar to go to the Capitol?
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Decius convinces Caesar to go to the Capitol by hailing him and telling him of a dream he once had. He questions Caesar's fears.
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Act 2: What is Artemidorus planning to do?
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Artemidorus is attempting to warn Caesar of the conspiracy by handing him schedule.
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Act 2: Why is Portia so nervous and upset? On what errand does she send Lucius?
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She is incredibly worried and behaving strangely, sending Lucius to make sure Brutus is okay.
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Act 3: What two warnings does Caesar ignore?
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Artemidorus' letter and the soothsayer saying beware the Ides of March.
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Act 3: What was the specific task of Metellus Cimber?
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lure Caesar to the place he would be killed
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Act 3: What was the specific task of Casca?
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First to stab Caesar
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Act 3: What was the specific task of Trebonius?
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got rid of Mark Antony so he wouldn't interfere with the assassination.
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Act 3: How does Metellus Cimber get Caesar's attention?
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He kneels before him and asks him to let his brother come back to the city.
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Act 3: What do we learn about Caesar's character from his reply to Metellus Cimber?
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We learn that Caesar is stubborn, he isn't willing to go back on his word and he hates weakness.
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Act 3: What is significant about Caesar's famous line, "Et tu Brute?" immediately before he dies?
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It is significant because Brutus betrayed his best friend by killing him even though Caesar trusted him.
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Act 3: What happens immediately after Caesar is killed?
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The citizens begin rioting in the streets as Trebonius would say "as if it is doomsday."
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Act 3: Is Antony honest when he speaks to the conspirators? How do you know?
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No because he was being sarcastic. Later he tells Caesar's dead body not to worry that he has turned against him as well. He says that he is lying and planing to kill them. He really loves Caesar.
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Act 3: Who is coming to Rome? What advice does Antony give?
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Octavius, Caesar's grand nephew, is coming to Rome with his army. He tells him not to come because it isn't safe for him yet.
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Act 3: Does Brutus appeal to the emotions or the reasoning powers of the crowd?
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He appeals to their emotions because he is saying that he is doing this for the good of Rome.
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Act 3: What reason does Brutus give for the murder of Caesar?
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To save Rome because Caesar is ambitious and going to destroy Rome.
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Act 3: What word does Antony emphasize in his speech? Why?
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He emphasizes the word honorable because he wants to appeal to their justice and make them realize on their own that they aren't really honorable.
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Act 3: How does Antony use "reverse psychology" in talking to the crowd?
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He keeps saying the murderers are honorable but they really aren't.
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Act 3: Describe the crowd's reaction after both speeches. What does this tell you about the crowd in general?
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They agreed with both of the speeches. After Brutus' speech they wanted him as the new king but after Antony's speech they wanted to kill the conspirators. This shows that the crowd isn't loyal and is easily swayed.
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Act 3: How does Antony entice the crowd to listen to him?
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By saying that he has Caesar's will and crying.
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Act 3: What is the purpose of the scene in which Cinna the poet is killed?
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The purpose of this scene is to show the misunderstanding between the plebians and Cinna. It proves their loyalty to killing the conspirators and that they are easily persuaded.
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Act 3; funeral oration: What skill does Brutus use when creating his speech?
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He appeals to reason, remaining rational and logical.
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Act 3; funeral oration: What is Brutus' reason for killing Caesar?
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He claims that he doesn't love him less, but he loves Rome more.
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Act 3; funeral oration: What skill does Brutus use in part 1?
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Cause and effect- listing Caesar's good qualities and following them with reactions.
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Act 3; funeral oration: What skill does Brutus use in part 2?
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Rhetorical Questions- - who is here so low that would be a slave? - who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? - who is here so vile that would not love his country?
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Act 3; funeral oration: Who did Brutus offend?
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No one
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Act 3; funeral oration: Where are the reasons for Caesar's death recorded in Brutus' speech??
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In the Capitol
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Act 3; funeral oration: What are the reasons for Caesar's death in Brutus' speech?
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- His glory wherein he was worthy is not extenuated? - His offences for which he suffered death are not enforced?
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Act 3; funeral oration: What are the objectives of Brutus' speech?
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To explain the reasons for Caesar's death.
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Act 3; funeral oration: What is the overall tone of Brutus' speech?
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Apologetic, serious, and explanatory.
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Act 3; funeral oration: How does the crowd respond to Brutus' speech?
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They rejoice in Brutus, claiming he did not offend anyone.
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Act 3; funeral oration: What mistake does Brutus make in speaking first?
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He had trouble defending himself.
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Act 3; funeral oration: What skill does Antony use when creating his speech?
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Emotion
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Act 3; funeral oration: How does Antony begin his oration?
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"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him."
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Act 3; funeral oration: What skill does Antony use in part 1?
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He is refuting Caesar's ambition.
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Act 3; funeral oration: What are the 3 proofs that Antony uses in part 1?
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1. He brought many captives to Rome, the ransoms went to the Roman treasury. 2. When the poor cried, he cried with them. 3. He rejected the crown three times.
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Act 3; funeral oration: What does Antony do/say after his first pause?
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"Bear with me, / My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, / And I must pause till it comes back to me."
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Act 3; funeral oration: What did the 4th citizen say after Antony's first pause?
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"...'tis certain he (Caesar) was not ambitious."
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Act 3; funeral oration: What skill does Antony use in part 2?
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He mentions Caesar's will
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Act 3; funeral oration: What were the effects if the crowd were to read the will?
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The crowd would kiss Caesar's wounds and dip their handkerchiefs in his blood as a sacred relic. They would end up liking Caesar more and become enraged at the conspirators.
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Act 3; funeral oration: What happens during the second pause?
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Antony descends from the pulpit and the crowd forms a ring around the body of Caesar.
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Act 3; funeral oration: What skill does Antony use during part 3?
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He describes Caesar's corpse.
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Act 3; funeral oration: What was the description of Caesar's mantle?
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Well-beloved, stained with the blood of Caesar, and torn by Brutus' dagger.
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Act 3; funeral oration: What were the names of the conspirators involved?
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Cassius, Casca, and Brutus
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Act 3; funeral oration: What were the effects of Brutus' stabbing?
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Caesar was betrayed by Brutus and made an enemy of the state. It was the most unkindest cut of all.
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Act 3; funeral oration: What were the citizen's reactions to Antony's words?
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They grieve Caesar's death, saying it was a pitiful spectacle; noble Caesar, woeful day, traitors, villains, and revenge.
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Act 3; funeral oration: What are examples of Antony's self deprecation?
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"plain blunt man," not witty, not worthy
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Act 3; funeral oration: What were the contents of Caesar's will?
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1. Each Roman citizen receives 75 drachmas. 2. Caesar gives his private estate to the people of Rome, as well as a public park.
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Act 4: Who are the members of the second triumvirate?
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Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus
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Act 4: What kind of list are the three making at the beginning of the scene?
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They are making a list of who is to be killed.
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Act 4: What does Antony say they will do to Caesar's will?
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They will alter it to cut expenses.
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Act 4: What is Antony's opinion of Lepidus?
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He's a stupid man who will do what others tell him to.
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Act 4: What reason does Antony give letting Lepidus help in choosing who shall die?
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He is easily led and will help shoulder any blame.
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Act 4: Why does Brutus suggest that he and Cassius talk inside the tent?
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He doesn't want the soldiers to see them fighting because it might cause division.
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Act 4: Why is Cassius mad at Brutus?
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Brutus publicly condemned Lucius Pellus for taking bribes.
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Act 4: What does Brutus accuse Cassius of?
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He accuses Cassius of selling things for gold and keeping the money.
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Act 4: For what has Brutus asked Cassius that he did not receive?
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He wanted payment for the army.
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Act 4: What does Brutus refuse to do as a means to raise money for his army?
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He refuses to do anything wrong for the money.
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Act 4: How does Portia die?
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She swallows hot coals.
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Act 4: Explain the disagreement that Brutus and Cassius have about the battle strategy.
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Cassius wants to wait for attack and Brutus just wants to attack.
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Act 4: Who wins the argument?
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Brutus
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Act 4: What unexpected visitor does Brutus see when everyone else is asleep?
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The ghost of Caesar appears.
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Act 5: About what do Octavius and Antony argue?
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They argue about how they will enter battle.
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Act 5: What is significant about this day for Cassius?
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It is his birthday.
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Act 5: What are two things Brutus says he will never do, even if he loses the war?
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He will not kill himself or let himself be led as a prisoner.
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Act 5: How does Brutus feel about the battle at this point?
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He feels like his army could win.
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Act 5: Who wins the first battle?
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Antony
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Act 5: What does Cassius send Titinius to do?
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He sends him to see whose army is winning.
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Act 5: Why does Cassius decide to kill himself?
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He feels guilty and that he will lose the battle.
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Act 5: How does Cassius's death help Pindarus?
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Pindarus becomes free.
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Act 5: What mistake caused Cassius's death?
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Titinius is free, not captured as Cassius thought.
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Act 5: What does Titinius do when Messala goes to inform Brutus of Cassius's death?
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He kills himself.
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Act 5: What happens to Cato?
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He dies.
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Act 5: Who does Lucilius pretend to be?
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Brutus
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Act 5: What happens to Lucilius?
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He is kept safe.
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Act 5: What does Brutus ask Clitus, Dardanius, and Volomnius to do?
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He asks them to kill him.
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Act 5: How does Brutus die?
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His men hold his sword and he falls on it.
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Act 5: According to Marc Antony, why is Brutus better than the other conspirators?
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He did want he did because he loved Rome. The others were simply jealous of Caesar.
