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Questions and Answers
What accusation does Cassius make against Brutus regarding Lucius Pella?
What accusation does Cassius make against Brutus regarding Lucius Pella?
What metaphor does Brutus use to illustrate his disdain for corruption?
What metaphor does Brutus use to illustrate his disdain for corruption?
What does Brutus imply about Cassius's character through his accusation of an 'itching palm'?
What does Brutus imply about Cassius's character through his accusation of an 'itching palm'?
What emotional state does Brutus display towards Cassius during their argument?
What emotional state does Brutus display towards Cassius during their argument?
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How does Brutus view the act of taking bribes in the context of their larger moral struggle?
How does Brutus view the act of taking bribes in the context of their larger moral struggle?
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What does Cassius argue concerning his experience as a soldier compared to Brutus?
What does Cassius argue concerning his experience as a soldier compared to Brutus?
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What does Brutus accuse Cassius of being unable to control during their argument?
What does Brutus accuse Cassius of being unable to control during their argument?
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What does Brutus ultimately express a desire to learn from Cassius?
What does Brutus ultimately express a desire to learn from Cassius?
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What does Cassius express he would prefer to do rather than obtain money through vile means?
What does Cassius express he would prefer to do rather than obtain money through vile means?
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How does Brutus feel about Cassius's threats?
How does Brutus feel about Cassius's threats?
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What does Brutus imply by saying he does not like Cassius's faults?
What does Brutus imply by saying he does not like Cassius's faults?
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What does Cassius suggest is his state of mind when he talks about being 'aweary of the world'?
What does Cassius suggest is his state of mind when he talks about being 'aweary of the world'?
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What tragic news does Brutus deliver to Cassius about Portia?
What tragic news does Brutus deliver to Cassius about Portia?
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What does Cassius doubt about Brutus's feelings towards him?
What does Cassius doubt about Brutus's feelings towards him?
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What event does Messala inform Brutus about concerning Octavius and Mark Antony?
What event does Messala inform Brutus about concerning Octavius and Mark Antony?
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What does Cassius mean by saying he denied Brutus money?
What does Cassius mean by saying he denied Brutus money?
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How does Brutus respond to Cassius's accusation of wrongdoing?
How does Brutus respond to Cassius's accusation of wrongdoing?
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What implication does Cassius's reference to his dagger convey?
What implication does Cassius's reference to his dagger convey?
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What does Brutus suggest about Cassius's temperament?
What does Brutus suggest about Cassius's temperament?
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What does Cassius mean by 'set in a note-book, learn'd, and conn'd by rote'?
What does Cassius mean by 'set in a note-book, learn'd, and conn'd by rote'?
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What final action does Brutus take to resolve the conflict with Cassius?
What final action does Brutus take to resolve the conflict with Cassius?
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What is Brutus's reaction to the news of Portia's death?
What is Brutus's reaction to the news of Portia's death?
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What strategy does Cassius propose regarding their approach to the enemy?
What strategy does Cassius propose regarding their approach to the enemy?
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Which philosophical view does Brutus express when he talks about the 'tide in the affairs of men'?
Which philosophical view does Brutus express when he talks about the 'tide in the affairs of men'?
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What request does Brutus make of Lucius at the end of the passage?
What request does Brutus make of Lucius at the end of the passage?
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What does the ghost of Caesar tell Brutus?
What does the ghost of Caesar tell Brutus?
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What sentiment does Cassius express toward the end of the conversation?
What sentiment does Cassius express toward the end of the conversation?
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How does Brutus characterize their current military situation?
How does Brutus characterize their current military situation?
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What does Brutus mean by 'If at Philippi we do face him there'?
What does Brutus mean by 'If at Philippi we do face him there'?
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What ultimately motivates Brutus's decision to march to Philippi?
What ultimately motivates Brutus's decision to march to Philippi?
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What aspect of Brutus's character is revealed through his interaction with Lucius?
What aspect of Brutus's character is revealed through his interaction with Lucius?
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What theme is suggested by the phrase 'O murderous slumber'?
What theme is suggested by the phrase 'O murderous slumber'?
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How does Brutus address the concept of fate and opportunity?
How does Brutus address the concept of fate and opportunity?
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What does the conversation indicate about Brutus and Cassius's relationship?
What does the conversation indicate about Brutus and Cassius's relationship?
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What does Brutus's mention of time suggest about his view of leadership?
What does Brutus's mention of time suggest about his view of leadership?
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What does Brutus assert about the moral implications of taking bribes, specifically in relation to their past actions?
What does Brutus assert about the moral implications of taking bribes, specifically in relation to their past actions?
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How does Cassius react to Brutus's accusations of corruption, and what does this reveal about his character?
How does Cassius react to Brutus's accusations of corruption, and what does this reveal about his character?
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In what way does Brutus's rhetoric highlight his sense of honor in contrast to Cassius's accusations?
In what way does Brutus's rhetoric highlight his sense of honor in contrast to Cassius's accusations?
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What does Brutus mean when he refers to Cassius as 'a slight man' during their heated argument?
What does Brutus mean when he refers to Cassius as 'a slight man' during their heated argument?
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How does the exchange between Brutus and Cassius reveal themes of friendship and rivalry?
How does the exchange between Brutus and Cassius reveal themes of friendship and rivalry?
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What does Cassius mean by claiming to be 'older in practice' than Brutus, and how does this reflect their differing positions?
What does Cassius mean by claiming to be 'older in practice' than Brutus, and how does this reflect their differing positions?
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What is the significance of Brutus wishing to use Cassius 'for mirth' after their conflict?
What is the significance of Brutus wishing to use Cassius 'for mirth' after their conflict?
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How does Brutus address the concept of loyalty during his altercation with Cassius?
How does Brutus address the concept of loyalty during his altercation with Cassius?
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How does Cassius express his view on friendship and financial dealings with Brutus?
How does Cassius express his view on friendship and financial dealings with Brutus?
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What does Brutus mean when he states he is 'arm'd so strong in honesty'?
What does Brutus mean when he states he is 'arm'd so strong in honesty'?
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What crisis does Brutus reveal to Cassius regarding Portia?
What crisis does Brutus reveal to Cassius regarding Portia?
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How does Cassius react to Brutus's claim that he is angry?
How does Cassius react to Brutus's claim that he is angry?
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What metaphor does Cassius use to describe his feelings of being judged by Brutus?
What metaphor does Cassius use to describe his feelings of being judged by Brutus?
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What does Brutus reveal about his own temperament after Cassius's angry outburst?
What does Brutus reveal about his own temperament after Cassius's angry outburst?
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How does Brutus communicate his feelings toward Cassius's accusation of greed?
How does Brutus communicate his feelings toward Cassius's accusation of greed?
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What does Cassius wish for in response to the strains on his friendship with Brutus?
What does Cassius wish for in response to the strains on his friendship with Brutus?
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What does Brutus mean when he tells Cassius to sheath his dagger?
What does Brutus mean when he tells Cassius to sheath his dagger?
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What is the significance of the 'bowl of wine' to Brutus and Cassius's conversation?
What is the significance of the 'bowl of wine' to Brutus and Cassius's conversation?
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What overarching theme does Brutus's expression of his grief and philosophical viewpoint illustrate?
What overarching theme does Brutus's expression of his grief and philosophical viewpoint illustrate?
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How does Cassius react to the news of Cicero's death?
How does Cassius react to the news of Cicero's death?
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What does Brutus imply about his relationship with Cassius through his comments on faults?
What does Brutus imply about his relationship with Cassius through his comments on faults?
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What does Brutus's statement 'You have done that you should be sorry for' indicate about their conflict?
What does Brutus's statement 'You have done that you should be sorry for' indicate about their conflict?
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What does Brutus's reaction to Portia's death reveal about his emotional resilience?
What does Brutus's reaction to Portia's death reveal about his emotional resilience?
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How does Brutus justify his decision to march to Philippi instead of waiting for the enemy?
How does Brutus justify his decision to march to Philippi instead of waiting for the enemy?
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What is the significance of the ghost of Caesar appearing to Brutus?
What is the significance of the ghost of Caesar appearing to Brutus?
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How does Brutus's view of time influence his leadership style in the passage?
How does Brutus's view of time influence his leadership style in the passage?
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In what way does Brutus's relationship with Lucius reflect his character?
In what way does Brutus's relationship with Lucius reflect his character?
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What argument does Cassius present against marching to Philippi?
What argument does Cassius present against marching to Philippi?
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How does Brutus interpret the nature of their military situation?
How does Brutus interpret the nature of their military situation?
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What does Cassius’s reaction to Brutus's leadership style reveal about their camaraderie?
What does Cassius’s reaction to Brutus's leadership style reveal about their camaraderie?
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What does the phrase 'O murderous slumber' suggest about Brutus's state of mind?
What does the phrase 'O murderous slumber' suggest about Brutus's state of mind?
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How does Brutus reconcile with the loss of Portia through his dialogue with Cassius?
How does Brutus reconcile with the loss of Portia through his dialogue with Cassius?
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What does the discussion about sleep indicate about Brutus's leadership demands?
What does the discussion about sleep indicate about Brutus's leadership demands?
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How does Brutus's use of the metaphor 'a tide in the affairs of men' reflect his views on opportunity?
How does Brutus's use of the metaphor 'a tide in the affairs of men' reflect his views on opportunity?
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In what way does Brutus's conversation with Cassius foreshadow the events at Philippi?
In what way does Brutus's conversation with Cassius foreshadow the events at Philippi?
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What does the exchange between Brutus and his men about music signify about his character?
What does the exchange between Brutus and his men about music signify about his character?
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Study Notes
Brutus and Cassius's Argument
- Brutus and Cassius are arguing about a bribe that Cassius gave to Lucius Pella, a Sardian official.
- Brutus is angry because he believes that Cassius is corrupt.
- Cassius defends himself by saying that Brutus is also corrupt and that he is a better soldier.
- Brutus is offended by Cassius's claim that he is a better soldier and tells him that he is only a "slight man".
- Cassius is furious and threatens to hurt Brutus.
- Brutus scolds Cassius and calls him “choleric" and “a madman”.
- Brutus also says that he will no longer take Cassius seriously.
- The argument escalates until Cassius threatens to kill himself.
Brutus Reflects on His Grief
- Brutus reveals that his wife, Portia, has died.
- Portia died by swallowing fire after she heard that Antony and Octavius had strengthened their army.
- Brutus is so grief-stricken that he drinks wine to bury his sorrow.
News of the Growing Threat
- Messala brings news about Octavius and Antony's growing power.
- Messala says that they have put to death one hundred senators by proscription.
- Brutus and Messala reveal that they do not agree on the actual number of senators killed, with Brutus's letter stating seventy senators including Cicero.
Planning for War
- Brutus suggests marching to Philippi to meet Octavius and Antony, believing that they should force the enemy to attack them.
- Cassius disagrees and argues that they should stay put and let the enemy approach.
- Brutus rejects Cassius's argument and explains the importance of seizing the moment and taking advantage of strategic opportunities.
- Brutus and Cassius eventually agree to meet the enemy at Philippi.
Brutus Encounters Caesar's Ghost
- Brutus encounters the ghost of Caesar, who tells him that he will see him at Philippi.
- Brutus initially believes that he is seeing an apparition due to his weary eyes.
- The ghost tells Brutus that he is his "evil spirit".
- Brutus is shaken by the encounter and calls for his men to wake up.
- Brutus orders them to prepare for an early attack.
Key Facts
- The setting of the scene is Brutus's tent.
- Brutus and Cassius are generals of the Roman Republic army.
- Octavius and Antony are leaders of Caesar's opposing forces.
- The events occur during a time of war and political turmoil in ancient Rome.
- The play's main themes of honor, power, and loyalty are explored in this scene.
Brutus and Cassius’ Argument
- Brutus and Cassius argue about a bribe taken by Lucius Pella, accusing Cassius of being corrupt
- Cassius insists his letters defending Pella were ignored, while Brutus accuses Cassius of taking bribes
- They argue about who is a better soldier and question each other’s love and loyalty
- Cassius feels betrayed by Brutus’ accusations, while Brutus believes his honesty protects him from Cassius’ threats
- Brutus claims he needs money to pay his legions and reveals he would rather “coin his heart” than take bribes
The Death of Portia
- Brutus reveals that his wife, Portia, has died
- Portia dies as a result of the grief caused by Octavius and Antony’s growing power and Brutus’ absence
- Cassius mourns her death and expresses concern for Brutus’ mental state
Planning for War
- Messala reports that Octavius and Antony are marching on Philippi with a large army
- Brutus and Cassius discuss their strategy for war, highlighting their weaknesses and advantages
- Cassius favors waiting for the enemy, while Brutus argues for taking the offensive at Philippi
The Ghost of Caesar and Mental State
- Brutus experiences supernatural occurrences as he prepares for war
- Caesar's ghost appears before Brutus, predicting a future battle at Philippi
- The ghost’s appearance leaves Brutus disturbed and questioning reality
- Brutus’ later sleepwalking suggests a troubled mind, possibly influenced by guilt and fear
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Description
Explore the intense conflict between Brutus and Cassius as they argue over issues of corruption and loyalty in Shakespeare's play 'Julius Caesar'. This quiz also delves into Brutus's profound grief over the death of his wife, Portia, and the growing military threat posed by Octavius and Antony. Test your understanding of these pivotal moments and character dynamics.