Act 1
What warning was Caesar given?
Beware the Ides of March.
Why did Brutus feel that Caesar must be assassinated?
He wanted him dead before Caesar becomes more tyrannical and powerful.
Who stabbed Caesar first?
Casca
Why didn't Antony want Lepidus to be part of their triumvirate?
He felt Lepidus was weak and useless as a leader.
"Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste death but once."
Julius Caesar
The dark, stormy, and ominous weather foreshadow?
Evil happenings are on the horizon.
Who suggested Antony's life be spared?
Brutus. He did not want more bloodshed; he felt Antony wasn't a threat.
By asking "Et tu, Brute?" what does Shakespeare point out?
He is caught off-guard by his friend's betrayal.
What was the problem between Brutus and Cassius?
Brutus thinks Cassius is accepting bribes; Cassius doesn't like Brutus's lack of support for him.
The woman who committed suicide by drinking hot coals.
Brutus's wife, Portia
Who first attempted to talk Brutus into turning against Caesar?
Cassius
How did Artemidorus try to warn Caesar?
He warned him in a letter.
What innocent bystander was killed as a result? What was their reasons for killing him?
Cinna the poet.
He wrote bad verses.
What happens after Brutus and Cassius fall asleep?
The ghost of Caesar appears to Brutus.
Who is the adopted son and Caesar's heir?
Octavius
The crown was offered to Caesar three times. Why did he refuse it?
It was a tactic to make the people love him more.
How does the author create suspense in this act?
The storms at night, Calpurnia's fearful dream, the letters secretly given to Brutus.
What was the climax of Act 3?
The climax is when Antony delivers his eulogy comparing Brutus's honor and his killing of Caesar.
How does Antony change since he gave his speech?
He appears more interested in securing power than he did before.
"Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world
Like a Colossus, and we petty men
Walk under his huge legs and peep about
To find ourselves dishonorable graves. (Act 1 Scene 2)
It shows how Cassius felt that Caesar was too powerful to be dealt with gently.
What does the reliance on superstition tell us about the setting and the culture of the Roman people? Give an example.
Romans were very superstitious, even Caesar. As good luck, Caesar has Antony touch Calpurnia's stomach. But oddly enough, when the soothsayer warns him, he doesn't give it much thought.
How does Decius convince Caesar to leave the house?
How is the central theme of the text demonstrated in the conspirators' actions?
The conspirators all publicly praise Caesar, yet conspired to kill him.
or
Brutus says he did it to protect Rome, but there are hints he had ulterior motives.
or
The conspirators actions demonstrate the theme of betrayal and public vs. private selves.
What part of the plot is Act 4?
How does Shakespeare create suspense?
It's the falling action.
The impending war and the deceit of talking behind Lepidus' back analyzing his strength as a leader.
Who said this:
"Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed, that he is grown so great?"
Cassius