1.1-1.2
What is lacking refinement or cultivation or taste?
Vulgar
What is having a sense of right and wrong?
Conscience
What is dimly, or unclearly?
Obscurely
Tyranny
Who is someone who expels evil spirits?
Exorcist
What do Flavius and Marullus plan to do near the end of Scene I? Why do they decide to take these actions?
They’re going to take down the fabric scarves that have been used to decorate statues of Caesar. They want to deny the celebration of Caesar’s victory over Pompey.
Caesar describes Cassius as having a "lean and hungry look." What does this mean, and how do you think Caesar would behave around Cassius based on this observation?
Caesar will certainly hold Cassius at a distance. He won’t trust Cassius and will keep a watchful eye on him.
Cassius uses several negative terms to describe Caesar. What phrases or words does Cassius use to express his contempt for Caesar?
Cassius has essentially called Caesar a girl and an elderly man. He’s also said that having Caesar as king would cause a “monstrous state.”
Who volunteers to ensure Caesar goes to the Capitol the next day? What role does this character play in the conspiracy?
Decius, he is the one in charge of flattering Caesar and convincing him to go.
In Scene 3, what event or action could potentially save Caesar from the conspiracy? Why is this significant in the context of the play?
Artemidorus’ letter
Why are Marullus and Flavius determined to destroy the celebration of Caesar’s victory over Pompey?
They dislike Caesar and are irritated by the hypocritical people who used to love Pompey but now are celebrating Caesar’s victory over Pompey.
Who explains the shouts of the distant crowds to Brutus and Cassius, and what does his explanation reveal about Caesar?
Casca explains the shouts and it says that Caesar is pretty good at trying to appear humble while actually manipulating the crowd into giving him what he wants – the crown.
The other conspirators seem to pacify Brutus. Why do they follow his lead, and how does his influence affect their decision-making?
The other men are mostly “sheep” and are easily swayed. Also, Brutus is seen as the wisest of them and he’s becoming their leader.
Caesar says he does not fear death. Why does he feel this way, and what does this reveal about his character?
He reasons that death must come to all men.
Why do you think Caesar prefers to believe Decius’s interpretation of Calphurnia’s dream over her own? What does this decision reveal about Caesar’s desires and mindset?
It’s clear that Caesar wants the crown and he doesn’t want to look foolish in front of the other men.
Cassius tries to show that Caesar has a "weak character." What two specific stories does he use to illustrate this?
Cassius holds no respect for Caesar because Caesar once challenged him to a swimming contest, but then needed to be rescued from the waters. Cassius recalls having to carry Caesar out of the Tiber River. He also says that Caesar was sick and frail one time when they were in Spain; he was weak with a fever and shaky. This isn’t very manly or tough, Cassius argues.
Why is Casca frightened at the beginning of Scene 3? What omens does he observe, and what do these suggest about the state of Rome?
He’s seen some pretty crazy things, including a lion roaming the streets of Rome, a slave with a burning hand that didn’t cause any harm to the flesh, and a night owl hooting at noon. Also, women have told him that there are men on fire walking the streets of Rome.
What is Portia’s role in this scene, and what does she want to know from Brutus? How does she demonstrate her strength and commitment to him?
Portia is Brutus’ wife. She knows that something’s bothering her husband, but he won’t talk to her about it. She actually stabs her thigh to prove she is tough enough to keep his secrets.
Describe Calphurnia’s dream in detail. What are the symbols in her dream, and how do they relate to Caesar’s fate?
Last night, she dreamed she saw a statue of Caesar with a hundred holes in it, like a fountain with pure blood flowing from it, and many happy Romans came smiling and washed their hands in it. (Lines 76-78) The conspirators are planning on stabbing Caesar.
What evidence suggests that Portia is mentally unraveling in this scene? How does this affect her character's development?
She is very scatterbrained. Look to lines 1-19.
Contrast Marc Antony and Brutus. What are at least three key differences between the two characters?
Antony is competitive and loves sports. He smiles a lot and enjoys plays, music, and dancing. Brutus, however, says he’s not as competitive and doesn’t hold much interest in the racing and merriment. Brutus is a much more serious, thoughtful guy. Antony is Caesar’s closest ally, while Brutus is a more distant friend of Caesar’s.
Who speaks the lines: "O, he sits high in all the people’s hearts, And that which would appear offense in us, His countenance, like richest alchemy, Will change to virtue and to worthiness"? Who are they speaking about, and what do these lines suggest about that character?
Casca says this to Cassius and is talking about Brutus. If they kill Caesar, it will look bad to the community. Brutus, however, is highly respected. If they can get him involved with the assassination, people will think it’s respectable and necessary to protect Rome. The second part means that Brutus is like an alchemist, who can turn a worthless piece of metal into valuable gold.
Why does Cassius want to kill Mark Antony as well as Caesar? How does Brutus counter this argument? What are the implications of his decision to leave Antony alive?
Cassius reasons that Antony is Caesar’s top loyalist, he’s too shrewd, and he will make trouble for them once Caesar is dead. Brutus counters this argument by saying that it will make the business too bloody. They are sacrificers, not butchers, Brutus says in lines 162-181. Brutus convinces Cassius that Antony cares more about partying and being social than revenge, as seen in lines 188-189.
How does Decius use multiple strategies to convince Caesar to go to the Senate? List and explain each tactic he uses.
1. The dream was a good omen, a symbol of your blood nourishing Rome.
2. The Senate’s ready to give you the crown today. If you don’t show up, the senators might change their minds.
3. The senators will make fun of you for giving into your wife’s foolishness. You’ll look like less of a man to them.
4. If you don’t go, you’ll look cowardly.
Brutus shows himself to be a poor judge of character in several instances. What are some key mistakes he makes, and how do these affect the outcome of the play?
He underestimates Antony. (Later, he’ll also make poor military choices.) He is mistaken in trusting Cassius and he allows himself to be swayed by flattery.