Culture
It was illegal to speak out against the government, so Shakespeare included his own jibes in his plays. At the end of Act 3, a character is assaulted; explain how this connects to Shakespeare.
It was Cinna the Poet, and Shakespeare was also a poet.
"There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and miseries." (Act 5)
What is the context of this quote? Include who said it and why they said it.
Who runs in the ceremony for the Feast of Lupercal?
Mark Antony
What mistake leads to Cassius' death?
He thought his friend Titinius had been captured by the enemy, but it was actually their own soldiers greeting Titinius.
Who was the ruler of England during Shakespeare's time?
Queen Elizabeth
The Senators of Rome wore this colored-stripe on their togas to signify their rank.
Red
What does "falling upon your sword mean?" Also, why does this happen in the play?
Who has a dream of Caesar's statue spurting blood?
His wife, Calphurnia
What reason did the conspirators come up with to surround Caesar in Senate (and to be close enough to stab him)?
They asked Caesar to bring back an exiled brother of a senator.
The people of Rome (commoners) were also known as what?
Plebeians
"Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war!"
Who said this, why did they say this?
What sort of document does the triumvirate (Antony, Octavius, Lepidus) create after Caesar's death?
They compile a "hit list" of those who may have helped kill Caesar.
How would Brutus' treatment of Cassius be described?
Righteous but forgiving
What theater were most of Shakespeare's plays performed?
The Globe
"There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats, For I am armed so strong in honesty that they pass by me as the idle wind, Which I respect not." (Act 4) What is the context?
Brutus says this to Cassius when they are arguing about Cassius' corruption.
Why was Caesar so confused when he realized that Brutus was a conspirator (right before he stabbed him)?
Who warns Brutus that Antony may turn against the conspirators if he is allowed to speak to the people of Rome?
Cassius
A Shakespeare tragedy always contains five acts, and the fifth act always contains what sort of error in judgment?
The characters in this act rely on mis-information and make hasty decisions that ultimately lead to death.
What leadership trait does Brutus lack? In other words, what is his tragic flaw?
Not being able to see others' dark motives, trusting others too much.
What is Brutus' main motivation for joining the conspiracy?
His love for Rome and his love for the republic.
What is suspect about Antony's disappearance during the stabbing?
We don't know exactly where he went, but he saw something happening, then left. He came back with Caesar's will...how did he know to retrieve it?
Who are the "groundlings" when watching a play inside the Globe Theatre?
The common folks that had standing room only; it was cheap enough for them to attend the theatre, only they had to stand in the mud.