The Tragedy of Julius Caesar ACT 1, Scene 2 – Flashcards

Fertility

A Soothsayer says to Caesar, "Beware the Ides of March."

Caesar claims the Soothsayer is a "dreamer" and ignores the warning.

They discuss the race and Brutus' troubles.

Brutus is in conflict with himself. He is in inner turmoil.

He tells Brutus he can see him clearly and that he is worthy and people believe in him.

He means he will be Brutus' mirror and reflection so to tell him about his hidden excellence and other things inside him that he cannot see.

Cassius tells the story of swimming with Caesar in the river Tiber. Caesar "dares" Cassius to swim with him in the rough water to a certain point. Cassius jumps into the water and they both have a vigorously competitive swim. Near the point Caesar cries out for Cassius to rescue him or he will sink! So Cassius rescues Caesar and carries him out of the river on his shoulders!!

Brutus fears that Caesar has had some new honors that are heaped on Caesar (such as he has been crowned King).

Caesar says, "Let me have men about me that are fat, sleek-headed man and such as sleep a-nights". ( meaning Antony). (A fat, healthy man, who sleeps at night.) Also he smiles and listens to music. "Cassius has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much and is dangerous." says Caesar. He says Cassius read a lot, is a keen observer, and sees the hidden motives in what men do. He doesn't listen to music and barely smiles. He will never be comfortable while someone ranks higher than himself so he is very dangerous.

He wanted to know why Caesar looked so sad today.

That the crown was offered to Caesar three times and he did not accept it. It made the crowd go wild for Caesar and set forth their stinking breath with their hoots and clapping.

He suffered from fits of fainting and fell down at the marketplace and foamed at the mouth. He is also deaf in his left ear.

They cheered each time Caesar gently refused the crown and when Caesar realized this he fainted.

When Caesar realized the crowd was cheering because he didnt take the crown, He opened his robe and offered them his throat to cut. (But after he awoke from fainting he claimed it was his illness that made him say that and the crowd forgave him.)

They were "put to silence" after pulling scarves off Caesars images.

He plans to seduce him by making him believe that Roman citizens really respect him and are wary of Caesars ambition. He is preparing fake notes written by himself in different handwriting and sending them into Brutus's window for him to read.

Soliloquy. That Cassius plan is to trick Brutus with flattery in the fake letters to conspire against Caesar with the others.