JC Study Questions

Question 1

How does Shakespeare make the common people appear to be less than noble?

Answer 1

By not giving them names and identifying them by their job.

Question 2

What are the people doing that angers Marullus and Flavius? Why does this
anger them?

Answer 2

Neglecting their work and celebrating Caesar’s victory over Pompey, which they had previously supported, showing their lack of respect and shifting loyalties

Question 3

What actions do Marullus and Flavius take to correct the situation?

Answer 3

They remove decorations and ceremonial garlands from Caesar’s statues

Question 4

Why does Caesar want Calpurnia to stand in Anthony’s path during the race in
honor of the feast of Lupercal? (Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 4

Caesar believes that the touch of the ceremonial runner can cure infertility.

Question 5

What is Anthony’s response to Caesar’s instructions? What does this suggest
about their relationship? (Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 5

“When Caesar says ‘Do This’ It is done”; Suggests strong loyalty.

Question 6

What is Caesar’s reaction to the soothsayer’s warning? (Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 6

Caesar dismisses the soothsayer’s warning, saying, “He is a dreamer; let us leave him.”

Question 7

What complaint does Cassius make about Brutus’s behavior towards him? (Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 7

Cassius complains that Brutus has been distant and cold toward him. Brutus explains that he has been troubled with personal thoughts and assures Cassius of his loyalty.

Question 8

Cassius’s story attacks what aspect of Caesars’ makeup? What is this attack (Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 8

Cassius attacks Caesar’s physical weaknesses, such as his inability to swim and his epileptic seizures, to suggest that Caesar is not superior and should not be a ruler.

Question 9

What does Cassius mean by the following statement? “Brutus will start a spirit
as soon as Caesar” (147). (Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 9

Cassius means that Brutus’s name carries just as much weight as Caesar’s and that Brutus is equally capable of inspiring people.

Question 10

How does Brutus respond to Cassius’s attack? (Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 10

Brutus does not immediately accept Cassius’s arguments but says he will consider them.

Question 11

What astute observation does Caesar make of Cassius? (Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 11

Caesar observes that Cassius has a “lean and hungry look” and thinks too much, which makes him dangerous.

Question 12

What faults does Caesar see in Cassius’s nature? (Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 12

Caesar sees Cassius as envious, restless, and too ambitious.

Question 13

What does Caesar mean by the following statement? “I rather tell thee what is
to be feared/than what I fear; for always I am Caesar” (Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 13

Caesar claims he does not fear anything, implying that he is above fear because he is Caesar.

Question 14

What does this statement show about Caesar’s nature? (Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 14

This statement reflects Caesar’s arrogance and belief in his own invulnerability.

Question 15

What story does Casca relate to Brutus and Cassius? What does Casca tell us by the personal remarks he adds to the story? (Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 15

Casca tells of Caesar’s refusal of the crown three times and adds sarcastic remarks, showing he dislikes Caesar’s theatrics.

Question 16

How did the people react to Caesar’s fit? What does this tell us about their
feelings for Caesar? (Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 16

The people cheered when Caesar refused the crown, showing their admiration and loyalty.

Question 17

What information does Casca give about Marullus and Flavius? (Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 17

Casca reports that Marullus and Flavius were punished for pulling decorations off Caesar’s statues.

Question 18

At the end of the scene, what plans does Cassius make to sway Brutus to his
cause? (Act 1, Scene 2)

Answer 18

Cassius plans to forge letters from Roman citizens to persuade Brutus to join the conspiracy.

Question 19

What wondrous things has Casca seen on this night? (Act 1 Scene 3)

Answer 19

Casca sees unnatural omens: a lion in the streets, men on fire, and an owl during the day.

Question 20

What reason does Cassius give for the terrible storm? (Act 1 Scene 3)

Answer 20

Cassius claims these omens signify that Caesar’s rule will be disastrous.

Question 21

What important news does Casca give Cassius about the Senate’s plan?(Act 1 Scene 3)

Answer 21

Casca tells Cassius that the Senate plans to make Caesar king the next day.

Question 22

What does Cassius mean by the following statement? “He were no lion, were
not Romans hinds” (106). (Act 1 Scene 3)

Answer 22

Cassius means that Caesar would not be powerful if Romans did not allow themselves to be weak.

Question 23

What instruction does Casca give Cinna that will help sway Brutus to their
cause? (Act 1 Scene 3)

Answer 23

Casca instructs Cinna to plant the forged letters in Brutus’s home.

Question 24

What reason does Casca give for wanting Brutus to join their cause? (Act 1 Scene 3)

Answer 24

Casca believes Brutus’s noble reputation will legitimize their cause.

Question 25

What question is Brutus pondering at the opening of the scene? (Act 2, Scene 1)

Answer 25

Brutus is debating whether killing Caesar is justifiable.

Question 26

For what information does Brutus want Lucius to look at a calendar? (Act 2, Scene 1)

Answer 26

Brutus wants to confirm that the next day is the Ides of March.

Question 27

Why do the conspirators want to do their plan the next day? (Act 2, Scene 1)

Answer 27

They want to act before Caesar is crowned and becomes too powerful.

Question 28

Why does Brutus reject Cicero? What is Cassius’s reaction and what does this show about his and Brutus’s relationship? (Act 2, Scene 1)

Answer 28

Brutus rejects Cicero because he believes Cicero will not follow plans he did not make himself. Cassius reluctantly agrees, showing Brutus’s influence.

Question 29

What do the conspirators plan to do the next day? (Act 2, Scene 1)

Answer 29

The conspirators plan to assassinate Caesar.

Question 30

How does Decius say he will make sure that Caesar will come to the Capitol? (Act 2, Scene 1)

Answer 30

Decius will flatter Caesar and reinterpret Calpurnia’s dream to persuade him.

Question 31

What has Portia done to show Brutus that she is worthy of knowing his secret? (Act 2, Scene 1)

Answer 31

Portia wounds herself in the thigh to prove her strength and loyalty.

Question 32

What strange and horrible things does Calpurnia report to Caesar that have been seen that night? (Act 2, Scene 2)

Answer 32

Calpurnia reports omens of Caesar’s death, including blood raining from the sky.

Question 33

What does Calpurnia mean by the following statement? “When beggars die, there are no comets seen;/ The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.” (Act 2, Scene 2)

Answer 33

She means that great men’s deaths are marked by celestial signs, unlike common people.

Question 34

How does Decius convince Caesar to go to the Capitol? (Act 2, Scene 2)

Answer 34

Decius reinterprets her dream to mean Caesar will bring life to Rome and appeals to Caesar’s ego.

Question 35

What is Artemidorus’s plan? (Act 2, Scene 3)

Answer 35

Artemidorus plans to warn Caesar by handing him a letter listing the conspirators.

Question 36

Why is Portia so nervous and upset? On what errand does she send Lucius? (Act 2, Scene 4)

Answer 36

Portia is anxious about the conspiracy and sends Lucius to check on Brutus.

Question 37

In regard to Artemidorus’s request, how does Caesar’s nobility doom him? (Act 3, Scene 1)

Answer 37

Caesar’s refusal to listen to Artemidorus’s warning seals his fate.

Question 38

What is Metellus Cimber’s petition to Caesar? What is Caesar’s response and why does he give this response? (Act 3, Scene 1)

Answer 38

Metellus Cimber pleads for his brother’s return from exile; Caesar refuses, declaring himself immovable.

Question 39

What does Brutus instruct the conspirators to do before they go before the public? Why does he instruct them to do this? (Act 3, Scene 1)

Answer 39

Brutus tells them to bathe their hands in Caesar’s blood to show unity.

Question 40

What request does Anthony’s servant bring to Brutus? What is Brutus’s response? (Act 3, Scene 1)

Answer 40

Antony’s servant asks if Antony can safely speak with them. Brutus agrees.

Question 41

What does Cassius object to letting Anthony speak at Caesar’s funeral? What reassurance does Brutus give him? (Act 3, Scene 1)

Answer 41

Cassius fears Antony’s speech will turn the people against them, but Brutus reassures him.

Question 42

What promise does Anthony give Brutus about his funeral speech? (Act 3, Scene 1)

Answer 42

Antony promises not to blame the conspirators in his speech.

Question 43

After being left alone with Caesar’s body, what does Anthony promise to do? (Act 3, Scene 1)

Answer 43

Alone with Caesar’s body, Antony vows revenge and predicts civil war.

Question 44

What reason does Brutus give for murdering Caesar? What is the crowd’s reaction? (Act 3, Scene 2)

Answer 44

Brutus claims Caesar’s ambition made his assassination necessary. The crowd initially supports him.

Question 45

What final mistake does Brutus make in letting Anthony speak? (Act 3, Scene 2)

Answer 45

Brutus allows Antony to speak without restrictions, which backfires.

Question 46

Why does Anthony read Caesar’s will to the people? (Act 3, Scene 2)

Answer 46

Antony reads the will to show Caesar’s generosity and incite the crowd.

Question 47

At the end of the scene, what are the fates of Brutus and Cassius? (Act 3, Scene 2)

Answer 47

Brutus and Cassius flee Rome.

Question 48

What is the significance of this scene? (Act 3, Scene 3)

Answer 48

The scene shows the mob’s fury as they kill Cinna the poet, revealing chaos in Rome.

Question 49

What are Anthony, Octavius, and Lepidus doing at the beginning of the scene? (Act 4, Scene 1)

Answer 49

Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus make a death list of political enemies.

Question 50

Why do they want Caesar’s will? What is ironic about this? (Act 4, Scene 1)

Answer 50

They want to alter Caesar’s will to take money for themselves, showing their greed.

Question 51

What is Anthony’s plan for Lepidus? What is his reason? (Act 4, Scene 1)

Answer 51

Antony plans to use Lepidus for now and discard him later, proving his manipulative nature.

Question 52

What does Brutus tell Lucilius about dying love? (Act 4, Scene 2)

Answer 52

Brutus tells Lucilius that Cassius is no longer as affectionate, showing a strained relationship.

Question 53

What practical instruction does Brutus give Cassius about their disagreement? What is unusual about this? (Act 4, Scene 2)

Answer 53

Brutus tells Cassius they should argue privately instead of in front of their men. It is like an argument between lovers

Question 54

What wrong does Cassius say Brutus has done him? (Act 4, Scene 3)

Answer 54

Cassius claims Brutus wronged him by condemning his corruption.

Question 55

In response, what does Brutus condemn Cassius for doing? (Act 4, Scene 3)

Answer 55

Brutus accuses Cassius of accepting bribes.

Question 56

What does Cassius threaten to do if Brutus continues to “urge” him? (Act 4, Scene 3)

Answer 56

Cassius threatens to kill himself if Brutus continues arguing.

Question 57

According to Brutus, how has Cassius wronged him? What is ironic about Brutus’s accusation? (Act 4, Scene 3)

Answer 57

Brutus accuses Cassius of accepting bribes. Brutus’s accusation is ironic because they killed Caesar for supposed corruption.

Question 58

To prove that he has been wronged, what does Cassius tell Brutus to do to him? (Act 4, Scene 3)

Answer 58

Cassius offers Brutus his dagger to kill him, showing emotional desperation.

Question 59

What is the real reason for Brutus’s ill temper? (Act 4, Scene 3)

Answer 59

Brutus is upset because Portia has committed suicide by swallowing hot coals.

Question 60

Messala brings what ill news of the triumvirate’s actions in Rome? (Act 4, Scene 3)

Answer 60

Messala reports that Antony and Octavius have executed many senators.

Question 61

What reason does Cassius give for NOT going directly to Philippi? (Act 4, Scene 3)

Answer 61

Cassius wants to wait for the enemy to come to them.

Question 62

What reason does Brutus give for going directly to Philippi? Who prevails? (Act 4, Scene 3)

Answer 62

Brutus wants to attack first at Philippi. Brutus’s plan prevails.

Question 63

What happens to make Brutus speed up his plan to go to Philippi? (Act 4, Scene 3)

Answer 63

Caesar’s ghost appears, warning Brutus of Philippi.

Question 64

What hope of Octavius and Anthony is answered? What does this say about Brutus? (Act 5, Scene 1)

Answer 64

Their hope that Brutus will fight is confirmed, showing his dedication to honor.

Question 65

What does Cassius mean by the following statement? “Flatterers! Now Brutus thank yourself;/ This tongue had not offered so today,/ If Cassius might have ruled.” (Act 5, Scene 1)

Answer 65

Cassius blames Brutus for allowing Antony to gain power.

Question 66

What ominous sign has Cassius seen that causes him to fear the coming battle? (Act 5, Scene 1)

Answer 66

Cassius sees bad omens, including scavenger birds, signaling defeat.

Question 67

What does Brutus say he will do if they lose the battle? Why is he reluctant to do this? (Act 5, Scene 1)

Answer 67

Brutus says he will not be taken captive but hesitates about suicide.

Question 68

What horrible mistake does Cassius make? What is the outcome of this mistake? (Act 5, Scene 3)

Answer 68

Cassius mistakenly believes Titinius is captured and kills himself.

Question 69

What is Titinius’s reaction to Cassius’s action? (Act 5, Scene 3)

Answer 69

Titinius, upon seeing Cassius dead, kills himself as well.

Question 70

What is Brutus’s response to Cassius and Titinius’s actions? (Act 5, Scene 3)

Answer 70

Brutus mourns them but continues fighting.

Question 71

What role does Lucilius take upon himself? What was Anthony’s response to his masquerade? (Act 5, Scene 4)

Answer 71

Lucilius pretends to be Brutus to protect him. Antony spares him, admiring his loyalty.

Question 72

What request does Brutus make of Clitus? What is his response? (Act 5, Scene 5)

Answer 72

Brutus asks Clitus to kill him; Clitus refuses.

Question 73

What does Brutus ask Volumnius to do? What reason does he give? What is Volumnius’s response? (Act 5, Scene 5)

Answer 73

Brutus asks Volumnius for the same, citing Caesar’s ghost, but Volumnius refuses.

Question 74

What does Strato do for Brutus? What does Strato ask Brutus to do first? Why? (Act 5, Scene 5)

Answer 74

Strato holds Brutus’s sword as he runs onto it, giving him an honorable death.

Question 75

What overture of peace does Octavius make to Brutus’s men? (Act 5, Scene 5)

Answer 75

Octavius offers to take in Brutus’s surviving men, showing mercy.

Question 76

How do Anthony and Octavius honor Brutus? (Act 5, Scene 5)

Answer 76

Antony calls Brutus “the noblest Roman of them all,” honoring his intentions.