Vocabulary
Is Julius Caeser written mostly in prose or verse?
Verse
What do Trebonius, Ligarius, Decius Brutus, Cinna, and Metellus Cimber have in common?
They make up the conspirators against Julius Caesar
What two things are the people celebrating in Act 1 Scene 1?
1. Caesar defeating Pompey in battle
2. Feast of the Lupercal
Who is the author of the play, and where is he from?
William Shakespeare; England
What does Caesar tell Antony to do to Calpurnia and why?
He tells Antony to hit her with his whip during the Feast of Lupercal celebration because it was thought that this made a woman fertile.
What is iambic pentameter?
One stressed followed by one unstressed syllable; imitates everyday speech
How do Flavius and Marullus feel about Caesar?
As elected officials, Flavious and Marullus fault the masses for switching their allegiances quickly and easily and remove decorations that celebrate Caesar.
Explain the word play that creates humor in Act 1 Scene 1.
The cobbler calls himself a cobbler, meaning he is a poor worker but his occupation is also that of a cobbler.
What is the setting (time and place) of the play?
Rome, Italy; 44 B.C.
What is the point of the story that Cassius tells Brutus?
The point is that Caesar is not physically capable of being king. Also, that Cassius saved Caesar so why is Caesar a “god” and Cassius has to bend over backwards to do whatever Caesar wants.
What is the term for a commoner/member of the lower social class?
Plebeian
Who is Cassius?
Cassius is a Roman general who conspires against Julius Caesar, using treachery and deceit to accomplish his own desires.
A soothsayer appears and warns Caesar that he must beware the date __________.
March 15th
What is the genre of the play?
Historical tragedy
What was Caesar’s reaction to the offering, according to Casca?
He denied the offering 3 times and then fell to the ground speechless (he was having a seizure). Casca believes that Caesar wanted to take it but he still refused it (I,ii,245).
What is rhetoric?
Rhetoric = skill of using persuasive or moving language (done through repetition, asking questions, word choice, and imagery)
Who is Calpurnia?
Calpurnia is the wife of Julius Caesar. She fears for his safety, but, ultimately, her pleas cannot overcome his wishes.
What does Cassius plan to do to convince Brutus to conspire against Caesar?
He plans to convince him to rise up against Caesar by sending Brutus forged letters, supposedly from angry citizens urging him to take action against Caesar.
What is the difference between a republic and a dictatorship?
Main difference between a republic and an empire (or dictatorship) = power in the former is shared among multiple people and institutions, while in the latter it is concentrated in the hands of one person and that person’s supporters. Democracy
What 4 unusual events occur during the storm?
There is a slave with his hand on fire but he is unharmed. There is a lion that does not bother anyone. There is a group of women who claim to have seen men running up and down the street on fire. There is a “night bird” (screech owl=bad luck) during the day in the marketplace.
What is a tribune?
official chosen by plebeians to protect their interests; popular leader of the people
Does Marcus Brutus like Caesar? What does Brutus think of Caesar’s rise to power?
Brutus likes Caesar but would not like him to rise to power. “I do fear the people choose Caesar for their king” (Brutus:I,ii,84-85). “Ay, do you fear it? Then must I think you would not have it so” (Cassius:I,ii,86-87). “I would not, Cassius, yet I love him well” (Brutus: I,ii,88).
What is Caesar's opinion of Cassius? Why does he feel that way?
Caesar is suspicious of Cassius. He says he has a “lean and hungry look”. Caesar believes Cassius reads much, is a great observer, seldom smiles, and that men like him are never content when there is someone greater than themselves. He believes all of these things make Cassius dangerous.
Why was England was experiencing much of same political uncertainty faced by the Romans in the play, at the time the play came out (1599)?
Queen Elizabeth I had no children and had not announced a formal heir, or successor. If the queen were to die without a successor, many feared that England would fall into a civil (or internal) war over who should take the throne
What happens to Flavius and Murellus in scene 2 and why?
They are “silenced” for disrobing Caesar’s images in scene 1.