Act I
What event are the people celebrating when the play begins?
Caesar’s victory over Pompey
What internal conflict does Brutus face in this act?
Whether killing Caesar is an honorable act for Rome’s sake.
What date is the Ides of March?
March 15th.
Who now forms the new ruling triumvirate?
Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus.
Where does the final battle take place?
Philippi.
Why are Flavius and Marullus upset with the commoners?
They believe the people are fickle for celebrating Caesar after supporting Pompey.
What is the significance of the forged letters Cassius plants for Brutus to find?
They manipulate Brutus into believing the people want Caesar dead.
How does Caesar respond to the warnings before he dies?
He ignores them, believing he is invincible.
What disagreement do Brutus and Cassius have?
Brutus accuses Cassius of corruption and greed.
How do Cassius and Brutus die?
Cassius asks Pindarus to kill him; Brutus falls on his own sword.
What warning does the soothsayer give Caesar?
"Beware the Ides of March"
Why does Brutus refuse to take an oath with the conspirators?
He believes a truly honorable cause doesn’t need sworn promises.
What are Caesar’s famous last words?
“Et tu, Brute? Then fall, Caesar.”
What personal tragedy does Brutus learn about in this act?
Portia’s death.
What is Antony’s final judgment of Brutus?
“This was the noblest Roman of them all.”
How do Cassius and Brutus differ in their view of Caesar's rise to power?
Cassius is jealous and resentful; Brutus fears Caesar’s ambition will endanger the Republic
How do the scenes with Portia and Calpurnia mirror each other?
Both wives plead with their husbands not to act rashly, revealing the private cost of public duty.
How does Antony’s funeral speech turn the crowd against the conspirators?
He uses irony, emotion, and Caesar’s will to stir pity and outrage.
What is the significance of Caesar’s ghost appearing to Brutus?
It symbolizes guilt and the inescapable consequences of betrayal.
What does the ending suggest about fate and human intention?
That good motives can’t always prevent tragic outcomes when pride and ambition rule.
What does Act I reveal about the theme of ambition and public loyalty?
That ambition threatens both friendship and freedom, and loyalty in politics can be easily swayed.
What moral question does Act II raise about “doing evil for good”?
Whether committing a wrong act (murder) can ever bring about a just outcome.
What truth about rhetoric and power does this act reveal?
That persuasive speech can shape public opinion more strongly than facts or honor.
How does this act explore the idea of cycles of violence?
The conspirators’ act of murder has unleashed the same ambition and power struggle they tried to stop.
How does the play as a whole reflect on moral blindness?
Each character believes they act rightly, yet their pride blinds them to the destruction they cause.