Act 1
Where does the play Julius Caesar take place? Provide the year, as well.
Rome around 42 BC
What day are the conspirators planning to kill Caesar?
The Ides of March
How many times does Caesar turn down the crown?
Three Times
"Beware the Ides of March"
Who is the Soothsayer
How do Flavius and Marullus feel about Caesar?
They do not support him and are still loyal to Pompey
What does the Soothsayer say to Caesar?
Beware the Ides of March
Why are the conspirators concerned that Caesar might not show up to the senate where they plan to kill him?
He's encountered many negative omens/bad signs and are worried they may convince Caesar not to go
What are Caesar's physical weaknesses? (2)
Is always tired. He is prone to seizures and faints while foaming at the mouth (Epilepsy).
"Be not deceived. If I have veiled my look, I turn the trouble of my countenance Merely upon myself. "
Who is Brutus
How does Caesar feel about Cassius?
He does not trust him and thinks he is dangerous
Extra: like predator (an animal hunting his prey)
What is one unusual omens seen during the storm at the end of Act 1? 3-part answer.
Man with his hand on fire
A lion at the capital
A night bird during the day
How does Portia prove her strength as a woman? 2 answers.
She stabs herself in the leg to prove her strength.
She uses her relation to men to prove her strength.
How does Cassius make sure Brutus will join the conspiracy?
Writes fake letters that are supposedly from Roman Citizens.
"When Caesar says 'do this' it is performed"
Who is Antony (Marc Antony)
Why does Cassius want to kill Caesar? 3 parts.
He sees Caesar as weak, and thinks others are better than Caesar (including himself).
He is jealous
He is worried about Caesar's growing power.
What happens to Flavius and Marullus?
They are "silenced"/Executed
How does Decius persuade Caesar to go to the Senate after Caesar had already decided not to go?
He reinterprets Calpurnia's dream to make it seem like a good omen. He flatters Caesar.
Also accept for partial: That the blood flowing from Caesar is good/feeding (life to) the Romans
What is the role of the Soothsayer?
He warns Caesar
Also accepted: demonstrates the difference between fate and free will
"I charm you, by my once-commanded beauty, by all your vows of love and that great vow which we did incorporate and make us one"
Who is Portia
Why does Brutus want to kill Caesar?
He is worried about the Roman government/future of Rome and is concerned Caesar is becoming too powerful.
Why is it so important for Brutus to join the conspiracy?
Because Caesar is good friends with Brutus and trusts him.
What role does Calpurnia’s dream play?
It foreshadows/predicts the future events and warns Caesar.
Extra: It represents the thematic conflict between fate and freewill
Name two themes seen in Julius Caesar so far?
Heroes VS Villains
Honor
Omens
Tyranny & Power
The Role of Fate
"I will go out. The things that threaten me have only seen my back."
Who is Caesar
What role does Artemidorus play?
Tries to warn Caesar about the assassination plans and states that if Caesar does not read it then Caesar's destiny was set by fate