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Questions and Answers
What does Brutus mutter to himself in the garden?
What does Brutus mutter to himself in the garden?
Brutus mutters to himself that Caesar will have to die.
What is Brutus's concern about Caesar's rise to power?
What is Brutus's concern about Caesar's rise to power?
Brutus questions whether or not Caesar will be corrupted by his power and whether he will come to scorn those lower in status.
What does Brutus compare Caesar to, and what decision does he make based on this comparison?
What does Brutus compare Caesar to, and what decision does he make based on this comparison?
Brutus compares Caesar to the egg of a serpent, and based on this comparison, he determines to 'kill him in the shell'.
What does the letter found by Brutus's servant accuse Brutus of, and how does Brutus interpret it?
What does the letter found by Brutus's servant accuse Brutus of, and how does Brutus interpret it?
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Who arrives at Brutus's door, and who are they?
Who arrives at Brutus's door, and who are they?
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What metaphor does Brutus use to describe Caesar's rise to power, and what decision does he make based on this metaphor?
What metaphor does Brutus use to describe Caesar's rise to power, and what decision does he make based on this metaphor?
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What challenge does the letter found by Brutus's servant present to him, and how does Brutus interpret it?
What challenge does the letter found by Brutus's servant present to him, and how does Brutus interpret it?
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What does Brutus believe the people of Rome are telling him through the single letter, and how does he resolve to respond to it?
What does Brutus believe the people of Rome are telling him through the single letter, and how does he resolve to respond to it?
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What does Brutus mutter to himself in the garden, and what does he know with certainty about Caesar's future?
What does Brutus mutter to himself in the garden, and what does he know with certainty about Caesar's future?
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What group of men arrives at Brutus's door, and who are they?
What group of men arrives at Brutus's door, and who are they?
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Study Notes
Brutus's Internal Conflict
- Brutus expresses his turmoil in the garden, murmuring doubts about Caesar's ambitions.
- Concern about Caesar's rising power stems from fear it could threaten Rome's republic and its citizens’ freedoms.
Comparison and Decision
- Compares Caesar to a serpent's egg, determining that it's best to act before it hatches and becomes dangerous.
- This analysis leads him to contemplate taking action against Caesar to prevent tyranny.
Letter and Interpretation
- Brutus's servant brings a letter accusing him of inaction and calling for noble action to protect Rome.
- Brutus interprets this letter as a direct plea from the citizens of Rome for him to rise against Caesar.
Arrival of Conspirators
- A group of conspirators, including Cassius, arrives at Brutus's door to discuss plans against Caesar, seeking his support.
Metaphor for Power
- Utilizes the metaphor of a snake to illustrate how unchecked power can become lethal and must be curtailed early.
- Based on this, he resolves to take decisive action against Caesar before it’s too late.
Challenge of the Letter
- The letter challenges Brutus to think about his role in preventing tyranny and to act righteously for the sake of Rome.
- Sees it as a catalyst for his eventual decision to join the conspiracy against Caesar.
Belief About the People
- Brutus believes the plea in the letter reflects the collective mood of the Roman populace, urging him to uphold their liberties.
- Resolves to respond by embracing the responsibility to protect the Republic from potential despotism.
Key Moments in the Garden
- While alone in the garden, he acknowledges his deep conviction that Caesar’s ambition will lead to absolute power.
- Emotional and contemplative, Brutus wrestles with his duty and the implications of opposing Caesar.
Group's Arrival
- The conspirators, including prominent figures like Cassius, gather at Brutus's residence to solidify their plans against Caesar.
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Description
Test your understanding of Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" Act II, Scene i with this summary and analysis quiz. Explore Brutus's inner turmoil and his decision-making process as he grapples with the fate of Caesar.
