Julius Caesar Act 1 sCENE 2 (MEDIUM)

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Questions and Answers

What does Caesar instruct Antony to do during the race?

Touch Calpurnia to break her barren curse (correct)

Announce the results of the race

Ensure no one stands in his way

Bring Calpurnia to the finish line

What is the Soothsayer's warning to Caesar?

Listen to the elders

Change your course in life

Beware the Ides of March (correct)

Do not trust your friends

How does Caesar initially react to the Soothsayer's warning?

He consults with his advisors

He demands to see the Soothsayer again

He is frightened and leaves immediately

He dismisses the Soothsayer as a dreamer (correct)

What does Cassius notice about Brutus's behavior?

He seems more serious and distant Signup and view all the answers

What does Brutus attribute his recent behavior to?

Struggles with personal passions Signup and view all the answers

What does Brutus express regret about in his conversation with Cassius?

Failing to show love to his friends Signup and view all the answers

Why does Caesar call for the Soothsayer to come forth?

To clarify the warning given Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius suggest about Brutus's demeanor?

It shows a lack of enthusiasm for life Signup and view all the answers

What does Caesar imply about Cassius's character?

He feels Cassius is dangerous due to his lean appearance. Signup and view all the answers

What action does Caesar refuse that provokes a strong public reaction?

Refusing to accept a crown. Signup and view all the answers

How does Casca describe Caesar's reaction to the offered crown?

He swooned and fell down. Signup and view all the answers

What does Brutus think about the common people's reaction to Caesar's refusal of the crown?

He thinks they are fickle and easily swayed. Signup and view all the answers

What does Casca imply when he says he 'durst not laugh' during Caesar's episode?

He feared causing Caesar more distress. Signup and view all the answers

What medical condition does Brutus suggest Caesar might have based on his fainting?

The falling sickness Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius think about Cicero's speech?

It was confusing as it was in Greek. Signup and view all the answers

What quality of Cassius does Caesar find concerning?

His quiet and scheming nature. Signup and view all the answers

What type of men does Caesar prefer around him?

Fat and contented men. Signup and view all the answers

How does Casca characterize the nature of the crowd's response to Caesar?

They are unpredictable and erratic. Signup and view all the answers

What does Brutus suggest about noble minds in the context of friendships?

They can be influenced by others. Signup and view all the answers

What did Caesar reportedly do when the people cheered at his refusal of the crown?

He offered his throat to be cut. Signup and view all the answers

What final sentiment does Brutus express about thinking of the world?

It is important for noble minds. Signup and view all the answers

What is Casca's attitude towards the information he relays about Caesar's fainting?

He finds it trivial and comedic. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius suggest is necessary for Brutus to understand his own worthiness?

A reflective mirror Signup and view all the answers

How does Brutus describe his attitude towards death and honor?

He values honor more than he fears death Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius compare his and Caesar's physical capabilities to?

A mythological story about Aeneas Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius imply about Caesar's stature in Rome?

He is glorified but has human weaknesses Signup and view all the answers

What theme is highlighted in the phrase 'the fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars'?

Individuals have control over their heads Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor does Cassius use to describe the power imbalance between Caesar and the other men?

A colossus bestriding the narrow world Signup and view all the answers

What does Brutus mean when he says he would rather be a villager than a dishonorable son of Rome?

He desires respect and honor above all else Signup and view all the answers

In what manner does Cassius view his relationship with Caesar?

He feels inferior and subservient Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius mention concerning the past bravery of Brutus's ancestor?

He stood up against tyranny for honor Signup and view all the answers

Which action does Cassius suggest to disrupt the situation with Caesar?

Gaining support from the masses Signup and view all the answers

How does Brutus respond to Cassius's thoughts on honor and death?

He agrees and shows willingness to act. Signup and view all the answers

What does Brutus fear as Caesar returns?

The crowd's reaction to Caesar Signup and view all the answers

What quality does Cassius argue is present in all humans, including himself and Caesar?

The ability to endure hardships Signup and view all the answers

What does Caesar ask Antony to do in relation to Calpurnia during the race?

Caesar asks Antony to touch Calpurnia, as it is believed that this will shake off her sterile curse. Signup and view all the answers

How does Caesar respond to the Soothsayer's warning about the Ides of March?

Caesar initially dismisses the Soothsayer as a dreamer and shows little concern for the warning. Signup and view all the answers

What is Cassius's concern regarding Brutus's behavior towards him?

Cassius is worried that Brutus has become distant and displays a lack of love and gentleness towards him. Signup and view all the answers

What internal struggle does Brutus reveal during his conversation with Cassius?

Brutus admits he is at war with himself due to personal troubles, which affect his interactions with others. Signup and view all the answers

How does Brutus justify his recent neglect of friends like Cassius?

Brutus tells Cassius that his neglect is due to being troubled and focused on his own inner conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius say he has observed about Brutus's demeanor?

Cassius notes that Brutus no longer shows the same gentleness and affection in his eyes as before. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Soothsayer mean by warning Caesar to 'Beware the Ides of March'?

The Soothsayer warns Caesar of impending danger or betrayal, specifically on March 15th. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the theme of fate versus free will play in the interaction between Caesar and the Soothsayer?

Caesar's dismissal of the Soothsayer's warning suggests a belief in free will, while the warning implies that fate may be unavoidable. Signup and view all the answers

What is Brutus's view on how one perceives oneself?

Brutus believes one cannot see oneself directly but must rely on reflection through others. Signup and view all the answers

How does Cassius describe the difference between himself and Caesar?

Cassius compares their equal abilities in life, stating they both were born free and can endure the cold, but Caesar now has divine elevation. Signup and view all the answers

What past event does Cassius recount to illustrate his bond with Caesar?

Cassius recalls a time when he jumped into the Tiber River to save Caesar from drowning. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius mean when he says the fault is not in our stars?

He is suggesting that individuals are responsible for their own fate, not these external forces. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor does Cassius use to articulate the power dynamic between Caesar and himself?

Cassius says that Caesar bestrides the world like a colossus, while they, the petty men, walk underneath. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Brutus show his feelings about honor?

Brutus expresses that he values honor above his fear of death, indicating his noble character. Signup and view all the answers

How does Cassius feel about the acknowledgment of Brutus's nobility?

Cassius laments that others respect Brutus but fearfully wish he could see his true worth. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Brutus resist Cassius's suggestion of seeking self-knowledge?

Brutus feels there is nothing in him worth reflecting upon and is cautious of Cassius's intentions. Signup and view all the answers

What is Brutus's reaction to the public's possible choice of Caesar as king?

Brutus fears that the people might choose Caesar, despite his personal affection for him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Cassius characterize Caesar's physical condition during a past fever?

Cassius describes Caesar as trembling and feeble, emphasizing his mortality. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius imply about the state of Rome under Caesar?

Cassius implies that Rome has become weak and is dominated by a single man, rather than many noble leaders. Signup and view all the answers

What does Brutus mean by saying he would rather be a villager than dishonorable?

Brutus values his reputation and honor over the status that comes with being a Roman under Caesar's rule. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius accuse the people of in relation to their feelings for Caesar?

Cassius accuses the people of blindly honoring Caesar while they themselves are like 'underlings.' Signup and view all the answers

What role does Cassius see himself playing in relation to Brutus?

Cassius sees himself as a mirror to Brutus, revealing truths he is not aware of. Signup and view all the answers

What prominent characteristic does Caesar attribute to Cassius?

Caesar attributes a 'lean and hungry look' to Cassius, indicating he thinks too much and is potentially dangerous. Signup and view all the answers

How does Casca describe Caesar's behavior when the crown was offered to him?

Casca describes Caesar as refusing the crown three times, each time more gently, but implies that Caesar would have liked to accept it. Signup and view all the answers

What does Caesar offer to the crowd after rejecting the crown?

After rejecting the crown, Caesar offers his throat to be cut, implying he seeks their approval and wishes to show humility. Signup and view all the answers

According to Casca, what physical reaction did Caesar exhibit after refusing the crown?

Caesar fell down in the marketplace, foamed at the mouth, and was speechless. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius imply about the nature of noble minds and their companions?

Cassius implies that noble minds should associate with like-minded individuals, as they are susceptible to being swayed. Signup and view all the answers

How does Casca feel about telling the details of Caesar's crowning episode?

Casca is reluctant to tell the details, stating he could as well be hanged as explain it properly. Signup and view all the answers

What does Brutus say about the nature of a noble mind keeping company?

Brutus states that noble minds must be careful because they can be led astray by bad influences. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did Caesar's performance have on the crowd according to Casca?

Casca claims the crowd reacted with wild enthusiasm, clapping and shouting, nearly choking Caesar with their cheers. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cassius mean by saying that Caesar 'bears him hard'?

Cassius implies that Caesar is resentful or hostile toward him because of his ambition and rising influence. Signup and view all the answers

How does Casca characterize Cicero's speech?

Casca describes Cicero's speech as Greek to him, implying he did not understand it. Signup and view all the answers

What irony does Casca note about the common people's forgiveness of Caesar?

Casca notes that the people would forgive Caesar regardless of his actions, indicating their fickle nature. Signup and view all the answers

How does Brutus view his own nature compared to Cassius's?

Brutus acknowledges his honorable nature but understands that he could also be influenced or seduced like anyone else. Signup and view all the answers

What warning does Caesar give about men like Cassius?

Caesar warns that lean men, like Cassius, are dangerous because they think too much and lack ease. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scene Setting

Characters including Caesar, Antony, Calpurnia, Portia, Decius Brutus, Cicero, Brutus, Cassius, Casca, and a Soothsayer are present, along with Marullus and Flavius.

Caesar's Interaction

Caesar addresses Calpurnia and Antony, directing Antony to touch Calpurnia during the Lupercal race.
A soothsayer warns Caesar to beware the Ides of March.

Brutus and Cassius' Discussion

Brutus and Cassius observe a change in Brutus' demeanour, and have a private discussion regarding Caesar's influence and potential ambition.
Cassius points out Caesar's recent displays of power and influence, expressing concern and frustration at the lack of power and respect in Rome afforded to those other than Caesar.
Brutus responds, stating he is troubled inwardly but denies any ill-wishes toward others.

Cassius' Reflection on Caesar

Cassius reminisces about a shared experience with Caesar, emphasizing Caesar's vulnerability during a physical struggle.
He contrasts Caesar's current perceived divinity with his own perceived humility, highlighting a perceived disparity in power and status.

The Crown Incident

Cassius and Brutus hear about Caesar's refusal of the crown during the Lupercalia celebrations.
The narrative details how Caesar declined the offer and the reaction of the crowd, leading to an apparent swoon and collapse by Caesar.

Casca's Account

Casca relates the incident, describing the series of offers and refusals of the crown to Caesar, leading to the crowd's tumultuous reaction and Caesar's apparent fainting.
Casca details Cicero's Greek-language discourse, and the punishment meted out to Marullus and Flavius.

Cassius' Plan

Cassius expresses his resolve to undermine Caesar's power and influence over Rome.

Caesar's Perspective

Caesar demonstrates distrust toward Cassius, expressing concern over Cassius's lean frame, and perceived potential for danger.

Final Exchanges

Brutus and Cassius discuss Caesar's behaviour, and Cassius plans future action.
Brutus expresses his loyalty to Rome and desire to remain within their laws.
Brutus and Cassius decide to meet again the following day.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Act 1 of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. This quiz covers character interactions, key dialogues, and the political tension surrounding Caesar's growing power. Dive into the motivations behind Brutus and Cassius' discussions and their reflections on Caesar's ambitions.