Julius Caesar #9: Reading and Study Guide

The most important thing to remember while reading Shakespeare's Julius Caesar is that it isn't about the life of Caesar, but about his murder.  While reading, answer the following questions in a separate document.  Remember, don't until the end to record you answers; do it as you go along:

SHORT ANSWER STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS - Julius Caesar

 Below is a list of the characters of the play. Because there are so many, use this page to write down some notes to remind you of each character's role in the play.

Flavius -

Marcellus -

Julius Caesar -

Casca -

Calpurnia -

Mark Antony -

Soothsayer -

Brutus -

Cassius -

Cicero -

Cinna -

Cinna (the poet) -

Lucius -

Decius -

Metellus -

Trebonius -

Portia -

Ligarius -

Publius -

Artemidorus -

Papilius -

Octavius -

Lepidus -

Pindarus -

Lucilius -

Messala -

Varro -

Claudius -

Titinius -

Cato -

Clitus -

Dardanius -

Volumnius -

Strato -

Act I

1. In Scene I, what do Flavius and Marcellus want the commoners to do?

2. What is the Soothsayer's advice to Caesar?

3. Explain the difference between the views of Caesar held by Cassius and Brutus.

4. Caesar clearly gives his thoughts about Cassius. What does he say?

5. Summarize Casca's explanation of why Caesar looked so sad.

6. At the end of Scene II in lines 312 - 326, Cassius makes plans. What plans does he make?

Why?

7. Casca says, "For I believe they are portentous things/Unto the climate that they point

upon." What does he mean?

8. Why does Cassius want Brutus to join the conspiracy?

Act II

1. To what decision does Brutus come in his orchard? Why?

2. What does Lucius give to Brutus in Scene I?

3. Why doesn't Brutus want to swear an oath with the conspirators?

4. For what reason does Metellus Cimber want Cicero to join the conspiracy?

5. Brutus is against including Cicero and against killing Mark Antony. Why?

6. Why did Brutus say, "Render me worthy of this noble wife!"?

7. Of what does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar?

8. Caesar yields to Calpurnia's wishes at first. Why does he change his mind and decide to go

to the Senate meeting?

9. What does the note Artemidorus wants to give to Caesar say?

Act III

1. What is ironic about the timing of Caesar's murder (in relation to the preceding events)?

2. In the moments following Caesar's death, what do the conspirators proclaim to justify their

deed?

3. Antony's servant brings a message to Brutus. What does he say?

4. Antony wants to speak at Caesar's funeral. What reaction does Brutus have? Cassius?

5. Under what conditions will Antony speak at the funeral?

6. What did Brutus say to the people at the funeral?

7. What did Antony say to the people at the funeral in his now famous "Friends, Romans,

countrymen, lend me your ears" speech?

8. Why did Brutus and Cassius flee Rome?

9. What is the point of Act III Scene III?

Julius Caesar Short Answer Study Guide Page 3

Act IV

1. What did Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus gather to discuss?

2. To what does Antony compare Lepidus?

3. What problem has developed between Cassius and Brutus? How is it resolved?

4. What news did Messala bring Brutus?

5. For what reasons does Brutus want to lead his armies to Philippi?

6. What message did Caesar's ghost bring Brutus?

Act V

1. Why did Pindarus stab Cassius?

2. What causes Titinius to say, "The sun of Rome is set!"?

3. Who do the soldiers believe they have captured in Scene IV? Who is it really?

4. How does Brutus die?

5. Why did Antony say Brutus was the "noblest Roman of them all"?

AFTER READING

 (Reference: www.wheatlandhigh.org)