Julius Caesar :ACT 1 SCENE 3 (EASY)

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Questions and Answers

What does Casca mention as being a sign of disturbance in nature?

  • Calm winds
  • Gentle rains
  • Waves in the ocean
  • Civil strife in heaven (correct)

What unusual event involving a slave does Casca describe?

  • The slave danced in the rain
  • The slave held a flaming hand (correct)
  • The slave spoke to lions
  • The slave sang loudly

How does Cicero react to Casca's revelations about the strange occurrences?

  • He agrees they are signs of omens
  • He believes they are man-made
  • He dismisses them as natural (correct)
  • He is indifferent to them

What does Casca see in the streets that adds to his feeling of fear?

<p>Men on fire walking (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Casca see that leads him to believe something is wrong in the sky?

<p>The bird of night at noon (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius imply about the state of the heavens?

<p>They reflect the faults of the earth (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about Casca's state of mind during this scene?

<p>He is deeply troubled and concerned (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Casca mean when he says 'these are their reasons; they are natural'?

<p>He thinks they are normal occurrences (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius suggest about the current state of the Romans?

<p>They are governed by their fathers' spirits. (B), They have lost their strength. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which character expresses a desire to change their destiny?

<p>Cassius (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Casca believe is influencing the strange events in the sky?

<p>The wrath of the gods. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What motif is presented through Cassius’s view of the Romans and their loyalty?

<p>Weakness likened to sheep. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius mean when he says, 'Poor man, I know he would not be a wolf'?

<p>Caesar takes advantage of the people. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius plan to do with the papers given to Cinna?

<p>Gives them to Brutus. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Casca fear might happen to the state of Rome?

<p>The establishment of tyranny. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Cassius view physical strength in the context of power?

<p>It is irrelevant to true power. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius mean by saying 'There's a bargain made'?

<p>They have agreed on their plan of action. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the atmosphere of the night discussed by the characters?

<p>Dark and ominous. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of Brutus does Cassius highlight?

<p>His popularity among the people. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Casca believe people should do in response to the dreadful signs in the sky?

<p>Fear and tremble. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Cassius view the role of spirits in their fate?

<p>They can empower the oppressed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius believe about those who act swiftly?

<p>They are usually poorly prepared. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the statement 'I am armed, and dangers are to me indifferent'?

<p>The speaker feels powerful against threats. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Casca say about the state of the world in relation to the gods?

<p>Casca believes that the world is too saucy with the gods, incensing them to send destruction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unusual phenomena does Casca observe in the streets?

<p>Casca sees a hundred ghastly women transformed with fear who claim to see men walking in fire.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Cicero respond to Casca's account of the strange occurrences?

<p>Cicero acknowledges the strangeness but warns that men may interpret things in ways that stray from their true purpose.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Casca report about the lion he encountered?

<p>Casca describes encountering a lion that glared at him and passed by without attacking.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significance does Casca attribute to the events of the night?

<p>Casca believes these prodigies signify troubling times, indicating disturbances in the heavens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius mean by saying it's a 'pleasing night to honest men'?

<p>Cassius suggests that the night is only pleasing to those who have nothing to fear or hide.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Casca imply when he expresses fear over the signs in the sky?

<p>Casca implies that he believes these signs are unnatural and portend a coming disaster.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Cicero suggest about the people's interpretations of omens?

<p>Cicero suggests that men often misconstrue the meaning of omens and signs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius suggest about fear in relation to the gods' signs?

<p>Cassius suggests that it is natural for men to fear and tremble at these signs sent by the mighty gods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Cassius describe the nature of the Romans compared to their ancestors?

<p>Cassius describes the modern Romans as having the physical traits of their ancestors but lacking their spirit and mindset.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What warning do Cassius and Casca interpret from the strange occurrences in the sky?

<p>They interpret these occurrences as instruments of fear and warning about a monstrous change in state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius mean by saying 'the part of tyranny that I do bear I can shake off at pleasure'?

<p>Cassius means that he has the power to cast off the tyrannical yoke of Caesar whenever he chooses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Casca think of Caesar being crowned as king?

<p>Casca expresses concern that Caesar will wear his crown everywhere but in Italy, indicating his opposition to this potential tyranny.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Cassius view the relationship between the Romans and Caesar?

<p>Cassius believes that Caesar perceives the Romans as weak sheep, which empowers his tyrannical behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius suggest they do to win Brutus to their cause?

<p>Cassius proposes to leave papers in strategic places for Brutus to find, thereby swaying him to their side.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'Three parts of him is ours already' in reference to Brutus?

<p>This means that Cassius believes they have already won over much of Brutus's support.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius compare the state of Rome's decline to?

<p>Cassius compares Rome to 'trash, rubbish, and offal,' unworthy of a ruler like Caesar.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Casca notice about the night when he describes it as 'fearful'?

<p>Casca notices that the night is full of strange sights and disturbances, contributing to a sense of impending doom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Cassius view the significance of taking action quickly?

<p>Cassius believes that those who act swiftly can ignite great change, similar to how a fire starts with weak straws.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Casca mean when he says he is armed and not afraid?

<p>Casca asserts that he is prepared to face danger and is indifferent to threats against him.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of gathering do Cassius and Casca plan to attend?

<p>Cassius and Casca plan to meet with other noble Romans at Pompey's Porch to discuss their conspiracy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius mean by 'Let it be who it is' when discussing Caesar?

<p>Cassius implies that he is indifferent to Caesar's identity, as they will oppose whoever threatens their freedom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Prodigies

Unusual or unnatural events that are believed to be signs of something important happening, often a bad omen.

Civil strife in heaven

A metaphor for unrest or conflict among deities or forces of nature, hinting at impending human conflict.

Unusual events described by Casca

Reports of fiery hands, lions not attacking, women transformed by fear, birds active during the day.

Portentous

Having significance as a warning or omen, suggesting something important is about to happen, often something negative.

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Casca's concern

Casca is concerned and worries about the unusual happenings and their significance.

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Cicero's response

Cicero suggests that people interpret events based on their own biases, not necessarily the actual truth of the events.

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Caesar's meeting

Caesar is scheduled to attend the Capitol the next day.

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Cassius's view

Cassius thinks the unusual events are related to a society full of faults.

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Caesar's potential kingship

The senators plan to make Caesar king.

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Cassius's plan

Cassius is organizing a rebellion against Caesar.

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Brutus's importance

Brutus is a key figure in Cassius's plot.

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Conspiracy meetings

Cassius and his allies meet in secret to plan Caesar's assassination.

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Casca's role

Casca is a fellow conspirator and supporter of Cassius.

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Caesar's perceived weakness

Cassius believes Romans are too easily led and accept Caesar's power.

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Roman decline

Cassius argues that the virtue and spirit of the Romans have declined.

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Tyranny

Caesar's potential rule is characterized as tyrannical.

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Resistance

Cassius believes even those oppressed can resist tyranny.

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Night of unrest

A strange, unsettling night precedes the plan.

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Cinna's message delivery

Cinna is tasked with delivering written messages to Brutus.

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Pompey's Porch

Meeting place of conspirators.

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Brutus's role

Importance and influence of Brutus as a conspirator.

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Assassination Plot

Organized removal of Caesar.

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Rebellion

Actively opposing Caesar's rise to power.

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Citizen distress

Citizens are unhappy about potential tyranny and Caesar's power.

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What does Casca describe seeing?

Casca describes a series of strange and unsettling events, including a slave whose hand burns but remains unharmed, a lion that ignores him, and women terrified by visions of fiery men.

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What's Cicero's interpretation of the events?

Cicero believes that people tend to interpret events based on their own perspectives and biases, and not necessarily the true meaning.

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What's Cassius's view of the strange events?

Cassius sees the unusual events as signs of a morally corrupt society, hinting at trouble ahead.

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Why is Caesar going to the Capitol tomorrow?

Caesar plans to attend a meeting at the Capitol the next day.

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Cassius's perspective on the night

Cassius believes the unusual night is a good sign for honest men.

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What does Casca report seeing in the marketplace?

Casca saw a bird of night, usually active at night, perched in the marketplace during the day.

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How are the events described?

The events are described as prodigies, meaning they are considered unusual and potentially significant events that may foretell something important.

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What does Cassius think is the cause of the strange events?

Cassius believes the strange events are caused by a society full of faults, including:

  1. A lack of strong leaders: Romans are weak and easily led, like sheep.
  2. A loss of Roman virtue: Their courage and spirit have declined, making them submissive.
  3. A desire for power: The Romans are too eager to give power to a tyrant, like Caesar.
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What does Cassius say about Caesar's potential tyranny?

Cassius compares Caesar's rise to a fire that starts with small, weak straws. These straws represent the weaknesses of Roman society, which are used to fuel Caesar's power. Cassius believes that Caesar's ambition, fueled by the weakness of the Roman people, will lead to tyranny.

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How does Cassius describe the Roman people?

Cassius sees the Roman people as weak and submissive, comparing them to sheep. He contrasts them with their ancestors, who were strong and courageous.

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What is Cassius's plan to deliver himself from bondage?

Cassius has decided to take action to overthrow Caesar and free himself from potential tyranny. He believes that even the weakest can fight for their freedom.

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What does it mean to be 'governed with our mothers' spirits'?

This phrase means that Romans have lost their courage and decisiveness. They are ruled by fear and indecisiveness, qualities often associated with women in ancient Rome.

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What is the significance of Pompey's Porch?

Pompey's Porch is a secret meeting place for Cassius and his fellow conspirators. It symbolizes their underground efforts to overthrow Caesar.

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Why is Brutus so important to Cassius's plan?

Cassius believes that winning Brutus to their side is crucial. Brutus is respected by the Romans for his honesty and integrity, and having him on their side would lend legitimacy to their cause.

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Why is Brutus's 'countenance' so important?

Brutus's presence can transform their actions from seeming offensive to the Roman people to appearing virtuous and worthy. This is because Brutus is highly respected and admired by the Romans.

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What is Casca's initial reaction to the unusual events?

Casca is frightened and awestruck by the strange occurrences, such as the fiery hand and the lion, interpreting them as portents of something ominous.

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How does Cicero interpret the strange events?

Cicero believes people often attribute personal meanings to events, allowing their biases to shape their interpretations.

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What does Cassius believe is the cause of the unusual events?

Cassius sees the events as signs of a society ridden with flaws, such as a lack of strong leadership, a decline in Roman virtue, and people's eagerness to accept tyranny.

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Caesar's planned meeting

Caesar is set to attend a meeting at the Capitol the next day.

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Cassius's perception of the night

Cassius believes the night's unrest is a positive sign for honest men, suggesting a time for change.

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Caesar's Rule

The senators intend to make Caesar king, granting him power over the land.

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Cassius's stance against tyranny

Cassius views Caesar's potential rule as tyrannical and plans to combat it.

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What is the significance of Brutus to Cassius?

Cassius recognizes Brutus's influence and reputation as a virtuous leader, making him a pivotal figure in the rebellion.

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Why do Cassius and his allies meet at Pompey's Porch?

Pompey's Porch serves as a clandestine meeting place for the conspirators.

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How does Cassius describe the Roman people's plight?

Cassius believes Romans have lost their strength and spirit, becoming submissive like sheep.

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What does Cassius believe about the power of the oppressed?

Cassius asserts that even those under oppression have the power to break free, defying tyranny.

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Cinna's role in the conspiracy

Cinna is tasked with delivering messages to Brutus, strategically placing them where he can find them.

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The importance of winning Brutus to the cause

Cassius believes gaining Brutus's support is crucial, as Brutus's integrity and influence would lend credibility to their rebellion.

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The assassination plot

The conspirators are aiming to remove Caesar through assassination, seeking to stop his rise to power.

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Study Notes

Characters and Setting

  • Casca and Cicero meet, discussing unusual events (thunder, lightning, fire).
  • Cassius joins the conversation.
  • Cicero, after leaving, mentions a meeting of senators tomorrow.
  • Casca meets with Cassius.
  • Cinna joins later.
  • Location: the streets of Rome, Capitol, Pompey's Porch, and Brutus' house.

Prodigies and Portents

  • Casca describes strange and unusual events: flaming hand, lion, women transformed by fear, night birds at noon.
  • He believes these prodigies are omens, possibly indicating civil unrest or divine displeasure.
  • Cassius agrees, connecting them to the potential for tyrannical rule.

Conspiracy Plot

  • The conspirators discuss Caesar's impending rise to king.
  • Cassius and Casca plan to convince Brutus to join their conspiracy against Caesar.
  • They plot to have Brutus receive documents supporting their cause.
  • Meeting point: Pompey's Porch.
  • The conspirators believe they need Brutus for their plan to succeed.
  • They believe Caesar, becoming king, is a threat to Rome's values.

Cassius's Philosophy

  • Cassius believes the Romans have lost their strong, decisive spirit.
  • He sees them as susceptible to tyranny because of their weakness.
  • Cassius emphasizes that anyone, even if weak on the surface, can find strength of spirit to fight against injustice.
  • He explains the conspirators must be bold and decisive.

Brutus's Importance

  • Brutus is considered a highly respected, influential citizen, especially given his popularity among the people.
  • The conspirators believe Brutus's support and honor will give legitimacy to their actions and make their uprising believable and worthy.
  • The conspirators see that winning Brutus over is crucial to their success.

Overall Theme

  • The play highlights anxieties about Caesar's potential rule.
  • The setting and descriptions of events convey a sense of unease and foreboding.
  • The discussion between the characters reveals an atmosphere of conspiracy and impending violence.

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