Podcast
Questions and Answers
What accusation does Cassius make against Brutus in their argument?
What accusation does Cassius make against Brutus in their argument?
- Brutus is not a skilled soldier.
- Brutus has a corrupt nature.
- Brutus plans to betray their alliance.
- Brutus condemned Lucius Pella unfairly. (correct)
How does Brutus respond to Cassius's accusation of having an 'itching palm'?
How does Brutus respond to Cassius's accusation of having an 'itching palm'?
- He agrees with Cassius.
- He asserts that Cassius is corrupt. (correct)
- He apologizes for his behavior.
- He threatens to leave the battle.
Which event do Brutus and Cassius reference as a reminder of their duty to justice?
Which event do Brutus and Cassius reference as a reminder of their duty to justice?
- The crossing of the Rubicon.
- The fall of Pompey.
- The Battle of Philippi.
- The death of Julius Caesar. (correct)
What metaphor does Brutus use to emphasize his contempt for corruption?
What metaphor does Brutus use to emphasize his contempt for corruption?
What does Cassius claim about his experience compared to Brutus's?
What does Cassius claim about his experience compared to Brutus's?
In the argument, what does Brutus say he will do with Cassius from that day forth?
In the argument, what does Brutus say he will do with Cassius from that day forth?
How does Cassius react to Brutus's outburst during their argument?
How does Cassius react to Brutus's outburst during their argument?
What theme is primarily conveyed through the conflict between Brutus and Cassius?
What theme is primarily conveyed through the conflict between Brutus and Cassius?
What news does Messala bring to Brutus about Portia?
What news does Messala bring to Brutus about Portia?
According to Brutus, what is the consequence of not taking action when the time is right?
According to Brutus, what is the consequence of not taking action when the time is right?
How does Brutus feel about the possibility of marching to Philippi?
How does Brutus feel about the possibility of marching to Philippi?
What argument does Cassius present against marching to Philippi?
What argument does Cassius present against marching to Philippi?
What does Brutus ask Lucius to do before they rest?
What does Brutus ask Lucius to do before they rest?
What does Brutus ponder about just before he sees Caesar's Ghost?
What does Brutus ponder about just before he sees Caesar's Ghost?
What does Caesar's Ghost tell Brutus?
What does Caesar's Ghost tell Brutus?
What is Brutus's reaction after seeing Caesar's Ghost?
What is Brutus's reaction after seeing Caesar's Ghost?
How does Brutus describe the time for action in his speech?
How does Brutus describe the time for action in his speech?
What is Brutus's demeanor when he speaks to Lucius before he sleeps?
What is Brutus's demeanor when he speaks to Lucius before he sleeps?
What does Cassius imply about Brutus' treatment of him?
What does Cassius imply about Brutus' treatment of him?
What is Brutus' reason for refusing to help Cassius financially?
What is Brutus' reason for refusing to help Cassius financially?
How does Cassius address his feelings toward their recent disagreement?
How does Cassius address his feelings toward their recent disagreement?
How does Cassius feel about his relationship with Brutus?
How does Cassius feel about his relationship with Brutus?
What order does Brutus give regarding his soldiers as they prepare for the night?
What order does Brutus give regarding his soldiers as they prepare for the night?
What does Brutus mean by the phrase 'the currents when it serves'?
What does Brutus mean by the phrase 'the currents when it serves'?
What does Cassius compare his heart to in order to express his emotions?
What does Cassius compare his heart to in order to express his emotions?
What sentiment does Brutus convey when he says, 'Do what you will, dishonour shall be humour'?
What sentiment does Brutus convey when he says, 'Do what you will, dishonour shall be humour'?
What feeling encapsulates Brutus's response to his sleeplessness and the appearance of the Ghost?
What feeling encapsulates Brutus's response to his sleeplessness and the appearance of the Ghost?
What does Brutus reveal about Portia's death?
What does Brutus reveal about Portia's death?
What does Messala convey to Brutus regarding Octavius and Antony?
What does Messala convey to Brutus regarding Octavius and Antony?
What does Cassius suggest about Brutus' handling of his faults?
What does Cassius suggest about Brutus' handling of his faults?
What action does Brutus ultimately take regarding his anger towards Cassius?
What action does Brutus ultimately take regarding his anger towards Cassius?
What does Cassius mean when he says he feels 'aweary of the world'?
What does Cassius mean when he says he feels 'aweary of the world'?
What does Cassius mean by stating, 'A friend should bear his friend's infirmities'?
What does Cassius mean by stating, 'A friend should bear his friend's infirmities'?
What does Cassius accuse Brutus of when he denies him gold?
What does Cassius accuse Brutus of when he denies him gold?
What does Brutus request from Lucius at the end of the conversation?
What does Brutus request from Lucius at the end of the conversation?
What theme is reflected in the line, 'You have done that you should be sorry for'?
What theme is reflected in the line, 'You have done that you should be sorry for'?
What does Brutus accuse Cassius of regarding his behavior in the scene?
What does Brutus accuse Cassius of regarding his behavior in the scene?
How does Cassius respond to Brutus's accusation about his character?
How does Cassius respond to Brutus's accusation about his character?
What metaphor does Brutus use to express his disdain for corruption?
What metaphor does Brutus use to express his disdain for corruption?
What does Brutus mean by saying he would 'use' Cassius for his 'mirth'?
What does Brutus mean by saying he would 'use' Cassius for his 'mirth'?
How does Brutus frame his commitment to justice during the argument?
How does Brutus frame his commitment to justice during the argument?
What does the conflict between Brutus and Cassius reveal about their personalities?
What does the conflict between Brutus and Cassius reveal about their personalities?
What does Cassius accuse Brutus of forgetting during their argument?
What does Cassius accuse Brutus of forgetting during their argument?
In their exchange, how does Brutus view Cassius's temperament?
In their exchange, how does Brutus view Cassius's temperament?
What does Brutus mean when he says he is 'arm'd so strong in honesty'?
What does Brutus mean when he says he is 'arm'd so strong in honesty'?
How does Cassius view the accusations against him regarding his financial dealings?
How does Cassius view the accusations against him regarding his financial dealings?
What emotion does Cassius express through his metaphor of giving his heart?
What emotion does Cassius express through his metaphor of giving his heart?
What does Brutus mean by saying 'love and be friends'?
What does Brutus mean by saying 'love and be friends'?
How does Brutus react to the news of Portia’s death?
How does Brutus react to the news of Portia’s death?
What does Cassius mean when he says he is 'aweary of the world'?
What does Cassius mean when he says he is 'aweary of the world'?
What philosophical stance does Brutus take regarding accidental evils?
What philosophical stance does Brutus take regarding accidental evils?
How does Brutus regard Cassius's faults?
How does Brutus regard Cassius's faults?
What does Cassius believe a friend should do regarding their friend's faults?
What does Cassius believe a friend should do regarding their friend's faults?
What does Brutus want to do with Cassius's anger?
What does Brutus want to do with Cassius's anger?
What news does Messala share that pertains to the political state?
What news does Messala share that pertains to the political state?
How does Brutus respond to Cassius's claims of being wronged?
How does Brutus respond to Cassius's claims of being wronged?
What does Cassius accuse Brutus of being in their argument?
What does Cassius accuse Brutus of being in their argument?
Why does Brutus decide to bury all unkindness?
Why does Brutus decide to bury all unkindness?
What news does Messala bring to Brutus regarding his wife?
What news does Messala bring to Brutus regarding his wife?
Why does Brutus think they should march to Philippi?
Why does Brutus think they should march to Philippi?
Cassius argues against marching to Philippi; what is his reason?
Cassius argues against marching to Philippi; what is his reason?
What metaphor does Brutus use to describe the timing of decisions?
What metaphor does Brutus use to describe the timing of decisions?
What does Brutus ask Lucius to do before going to rest?
What does Brutus ask Lucius to do before going to rest?
What apparition does Brutus encounter in his tent?
What apparition does Brutus encounter in his tent?
How does Brutus react to the Ghost of Caesar's appearance?
How does Brutus react to the Ghost of Caesar's appearance?
What does Brutus feel about the news of Portia's death?
What does Brutus feel about the news of Portia's death?
What do Brutus and Cassius plan to do at the end of their conversation?
What do Brutus and Cassius plan to do at the end of their conversation?
What does Brutus mean by saying 'we will follow'?
What does Brutus mean by saying 'we will follow'?
When Brutus asks Lucius about his sleep, what is Lucius's response?
When Brutus asks Lucius about his sleep, what is Lucius's response?
How does Brutus plan to handle his soldiers for the night?
How does Brutus plan to handle his soldiers for the night?
What does Brutus reflect on before falling asleep?
What does Brutus reflect on before falling asleep?
What does Cassius refer to when speaking of feeling 'aweary of the world'?
What does Cassius refer to when speaking of feeling 'aweary of the world'?
Study Notes
Brutus and Cassius's Argument
- Brutus and Cassius argue about Cassius's alleged corruption.
- Brutus accuses Cassius of taking bribes and selling offices for gold.
- Cassius is enraged by the accusations and threatens Brutus.
- Brutus is even angrier and tells Cassius that he is a "slight man" and a "madman".
- Brutus tells Cassius that he will use him for "mirth" and "laughter".
- Cassius claims he is older and a better soldier than Brutus.
- Brutus disagrees and mocks Cassius.
- Cassius argues that Caesar would never have been treated this way.
- Brutus insists that Cassius wouldn't have dared to disrespect Caesar.
- Brutus accuses Cassius of denying him gold needed to pay his legions.
- Brutus is disgusted at Cassius's apparent greed.
- Cassius denies the accusation.
- The argument escalates to where Cassius is overwhelmed by Brutus's accusations and contemplates suicide.
- Brutus soothes Cassius and the two reconcile.
Portia's Death
- Brutus reveals to Cassius that his wife, Portia, has died.
- Portia's death was caused by grief over Brutus's absence and despair over Antony and Octavius' growing power.
- Portia committed suicide by swallowing hot coals.
The Decision to March to Philippi
- Messala arrives with news that Octavius and Antony are marching on Philippi.
- Messala also reveals the news of Cicero's death by proscription.
- Messala informs Brutus that the letters he received from his wife are silent about her fate.
- Messala reluctantly informs Brutus of Portia's death.
- Brutus and Cassius consider where and when to meet Antony and Octavius.
- Brutus argues that it is best to confront Antony and Octavius at Philippi while they are still weak and vulnerable.
- Brutus uses the metaphor of a tide to emphasize the importance of seizing the moment.
- Cassius initially opposes Brutus's plan, but ultimately agrees to march to Philippi.
Brutus's Vision of Caesar's Ghost
- While the other characters have gone to sleep, Brutus is left alone.
- While reading by a dim candle, Brutus is visited by Caesar's ghost.
- Caesar's ghost warns Brutus that they will meet again at Philippi.
- Brutus is terrified and calls for his men to wake up.
- Brutus's men wake but claim they have had no dreams or visions.
- Brutus orders his men to prepare and march to Philippi.
Brutus and Cassius' Argument
- Brutus and Cassius argue over whether Cassius has taken bribes. Brutus accuses Cassius of corruption.
- Cassius is enraged and accuses Brutus of forgetting himself and insulting him.
- Brutus insults Cassius as a "slight man" and states that he will use Cassius for his amusement in future.
- Cassius threatens to harm Brutus if Brutus continues his criticism.
- Brutus is calm and dismissive of Cassius’ threats, attributing them to his volatile nature.
- A poet interrupts the argument, calling for peace between the generals.
- Brutus dismisses the poet as a "jigging fool" and sends him away.
Brutus' Grief and Portia's Death
- Cassius expresses concern for Brutus' well-being, stating that he makes no use of his philosophy if he succumbs to hardship.
- Brutus reveals that his grief is due to Portia’s death.
- Portia died by swallowing fire, distraught at the news of Octavius and Mark Antony's growing power.
- Brutus drinks wine to bury his sadness and requests company from his soldiers.
Brutus' Receiving of News
- Messala informs Brutus of the alliance between Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus.
- Messala's letter states that they have put to death 100 senators, including Cicero.
- Brutus receives his own letters stating 70 senators were killed.
- Messala reveals to Brutus that he is sure Portia is dead, though there is no mention of her death in any of his letters.
Discussion of a Strategy
- Brutus and Cassius discuss the best approach to their upcoming battle with Octavius and Antony.
- Cassius recommends not engaging the enemy directly so they can tire themselves out.
- Brutus disagrees; arguing that it is better to ambush the enemy and engage in battle swiftly.
The Ghost of Caesar
- Brutus is left alone in the tent, reading a book and listening to Lucius play music.
- He sees the ghost of Caesar, making his blood turn cold, and asks the ghost who it is.
- The ghost replies that it is Brutus' evil spirit.
- The ghost tells Brutus that he will see him at Philippi.
- The ghost disappears and Brutus calls for his soldiers.
- Brutus questions his soldiers, who deny seeing anything.
- In the end, despite having seen Caesar's ghost, Brutus tries to stay focused on his task of winning the battle.
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Description
Explore the heated argument between Brutus and Cassius in Act 4 of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. This quiz delves into themes of loyalty, greed, and reconciliation amidst political turmoil. Understand key character motivations and the impact of their conflict on the story's progression.
