In scene one, what do Flavius and Marcellus want the commoners to do?
Break up and go back to work. Not honor Caesar
What is the Soothsayer's advice to Caesar?
Beware the Ides of March
Explain the difference between the views of Caesar held by Cassius and Brutus.
Cassius is jealous of JC / Brutus thinks he might turn ambitious and so he wants to do what is best for Rome (get rid of JC)
Caesar clearly gives his thoughts about Cassius. What does he say?
"Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous." (page 25/ Act I, scene ii)
Summarize Casca's explanation of why Caesar looked so sad.
Caesar was sad that the people cheered when he turned down the crown (pages 27-32)
At the end of scene three, Cassius makes plans. What plans does he make? Why?
He makes plans to kill Caesar. He also makes plans to win Brutus to their cause by throwing fake letters through Brutus' window written as if they are from citizens.
Casca says, "For I believe they are portentous things/Unto the climate that they point upon." What does he mean?
Something bad is going to happen.
Why does Cassius want Brutus to join the conspiracy?
Because the people like Brutus and Cassius plans to use Brutus to "sell" their cause
To what decision does Brutus come to in his orchard?
To kill Caesar- join the conspiracy
What does Lucius give to Brutus in scene one?
A candle and a letter (the letter is one of the fake letters Cinna threw through Brutus' window)
Why doesn't Brutus want to swear an oath with the conspirators?
Because he feels that what they are doing is right and if it is right there is no need for an oath. An oath connotes something sinister.
For what reason does Metellus Cimber want Cicero to join the conspiracy?
Cicero is old and the people will not suspect him. Also, he is well respected by the people so the people will be more willing to accept the murder if Cicero is in on it.
Brutus is against including Cicero and killing Mark Antony. Why?
Brutus does not want to include Cicero because he thinks that Cicero is unpredictable. (p61)
Brutus does not want to kill MA because he does not see MA as a threat and Brutus does not want their cause to seem so bloody. (p61)
Why did Brutus say, "Render me worthy of such a noble wife."?
Because Portia shows Brutus how much she loves him and he realizes that her love for him is deep. (p71)
Of what does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar?
To stay home and not go to the Capitol. (p75-77)
Caesar yields to Calpurnia's wishes at first. Why does he change his mind and decide to go to the senate meeting?
Because Decius said they will give Caesar the crown AND Decius re interpreted Calpurnia's dream. (p79-81)
What does the note Artemidorus wants to give to Caesar say?
Don't trust anyone. Your safety is in at stake. (p85)
What is ironic about the timing of Caesar's murder (in relation to preceding events)?
JC had just told the Soothsayer that it was the ides of March and all was well. The Soothsayer replied "the day is not over yet" (p93). ALSO, Caesar had just said he was "as constant as the Northern star"
In the moments following Caesar's death, what do the conspirators proclaim to justify their deed?
"Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!" (p99)
Antony's servant brings a message to Brutus. What does he say?
Is it safe for MA to come see you? MA does not wish any harm to anyone. (p103)
Antony wants to speak at Caesar's funeral. What reaction does Brutus have? Cassius?
Brutus allows him to speak- he sees no threat. Cassius does not want him to speak- he does not think it is a good idea. (P111)
Under what conditions will Antony speak at the funeral?
MA can speak after Brutus and he is not allowed to say anything bad about the conspirators. (P111-113)
What did Brutus say to the people at the funeral?
I killed Caesar for the country of ROME. JC was ambitious and so I killed him to protect the people of Rome. When I stop being good for Rome, I will kill myself as well. (p115-121)
What did Antony say to the people at the funeral in his now famous "Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me you ears" speech?
How was Caesar ambitious? He was offered the crown and refused. He helped his fellow Romans, etc. BUT Brutus said he was ambitious.... (p121-133)
Why did Brutus and Cassius flee Rome?
Because the citizens were going to come after them to avenge Caesar's death.
What is the point of III, iii?
The POET Cinna enters and is mistaken for Cinna the conspirator- this shows the people are in a frenzy and want blood to pay for Caesar's death. It also foreshadows the deaths of the conspirators in the last 2 acts.
What did Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus gather to discuss?
They were deciding which Senators needed to be killed/ which Senators were trouble makers.
What problem has developed between Cassius and Brutus?
They begin to bicker. Brutus says Cassius is taking bribes. Cassius says that Brutus is not listening to