3.1
Who thwarts Artemidorus in his attempt to warn Caesar of the plot against him?
Decius, Publius, Cassius
At the end of Scene 2, where are Brutus and Cassius?
In fear for their lives, they’ve fled the city.
In Act 3, Scene 3, why does the angry mob attack Cinna, the poet?
He shares a name with one of the conspirators. The poet is innocent, but the mob mentality has gone wild.
The comparisons that Antony and Octavius use (Lepidus to a donkey and a horse; the triumvirate to a bear) are examples of what figure of speech?
Antony uses similes when he describes these things.
Whose death has Brutus been sorrowing over? How did she die?
Portia. She swallowed hot embers.
What does Metellus Cimber do as a ploy to engage Caesar’s attention?
He begs for his brother’s freedom, for him to be released from jail.
In this final strategy, Antony appeals to the crowd’s greed. What, does he say, was in Caesar’s will for the people?
The will calls for 75 drachmas to be given to every man and for Caesar’s land to be donated as public parks.
With whom do Octavius and Antony form a triumvirate? How would you describe the spirit of this triumvirate?
They join together with Lepidus. The group seems cold, matter-of-fact, and ruthless. For example, they agree to kill family members who sympathize with the conspirators.
After Brutus and Cassius meet and begin to argue, Brutus suggests they move their discussion to his tent. Why is this wise?
It would be bad for morale if the troops saw the two leaders arguing.
What does the quarrel between Brutus and Cassius shows the audience?
Students’ answers will vary, but the fighting certainly shows that the conspiracy is disintegrating. It was a loosely bound group and now the connection is frayed.
What happens to make Cassius believe that the news of their conspiracy has been discovered?
Popilus Lena wishes him well. Cassius takes this to mean that the word is out.
“Reverse psychology” means suggesting the opposite of what you want someone to do. Find an example of reverse psychology in Antony’s speech. Describe how he used this method to skillfully manipulate the crowd.
He says he can’t read the will because it will upset the Romans too much. This, of course, makes the people want to hear the will read even more than before.
How is the triumvirate “like the bear” in a bear-baiting?
They are the same because both are surrounded by snarling enemies.
Why is Brutus upset with Cassius?
Brutus says that Cassius is also rumored to be taking bribes and that he shouldn’t use the honorable Cassius name to defend low-life criminals. Brutus says they murdered Caesar for noble reasons and they should live noble lives.
Why do you think Cassius gives in to Brutus?
Cassius is desperate to please Brutus so they can rebuild their friendship/alliance.
What does Mark Antony do when he first confronts the conspirators?
He sends a servant to flatter them and get them to promise Antony’s personal security.
What does Antony really mean when he says Brutus and his friends are “honorable” men? What literary device is being used?
He means the opposite and is employing verbal irony. He is saying that the conspirators are not honorable men.
Explain Antony’s comparison of Lepidus to a donkey and a horse.
He says that Lepidus, like a work animal, is only useful for doing the tasks Antony doesn’t want to do himself. He also says that Lepidus can’t do things on his own, but must be told what to do.
Why has Cassius come to see Brutus? Why is he upset?
He claims he was wronged by Brutus. Cassius says that Brutus publicly disgraced Lucius Pella, a friend of his, by accusing Pella of taking bribes and then ignored Cassius’ letter than tried to defend Pella.
Why does Caesar’s ghost visit Brutus?
The ghost has come to announce Brutus’ soon-to-arrive death at Philippi.
What huge mistake do you predict Brutus makes in this act?
Allowing Antony to address the crowd and that he will speak last.
In his speech, Antony lists three times when Caesar was not ambitious. List them.
1. When he gave the spoils of war to Rome.
2. When the poor people cried, Caesar also wept.
3. When he refused the crown three times on the Lupercal holiday.
Name three things that Antony does or says that show he has changed in a negative way from when we first met him in Act 1.
He is much colder now. He doesn’t hesitate about killing his nephew. He’s also very critical of Ledipus and basically says he’ll use the man like a horse. He is trying to take assets from the Roman people given to them by Caesar in his will.
While speaking with Cassius, what military action does Brutus want to take? What’s a reason he gives to support this idea?
He wants the troops to travel to Philippi to attack the troops of Antony and Octavius. He argues that more people who dislike Antony and Octavius will join them along the way.
Cassius disagrees with Brutus' plan for military action. What is his idea? What’s his reason?
He thinks they should wait for Antony and Octavius’ troops to find them. He worries that his troops will be tired out from the traveling to put up a good fight once they get there.