Julius Caesar: Brutus's Dilemma
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Questions and Answers

What metaphor does Brutus use to describe the potential danger of Caesar's ambition?

  • A serpent's egg (correct)
  • A growing tree
  • A blooming flower
  • A sleeping serpent

    • Which day does Brutus mention as significant to their plans?

  • The day of reckoning
  • The day of the festival
  • The Ides of March (correct)
  • The Ides of February

    • What does Brutus imply about Caesar's emotions and reasoning?

  • Caesar is deceitful and manipulative.
  • Caesar is easily swayed by others.
  • Caesar is always rational.
  • Caesar's affections overpower his reason. (correct)

    • What is the primary concern Brutus expresses regarding power?

    <p>Greatness can lead to the loss of empathy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the letter found by Lucius indicate about Brutus's state of mind?

    <p>Brutus is indecisive about his actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus mean by 'the bright day that brings forth the adder'?

    <p>Good fortune can hide dangers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus imply will happen if Caesar is crowned?

    <p>His nature may change for the worse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What motivates Ligarius to discard his sickness?

    <p>Brutus's call for action and honor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus imply will happen as a result of the work he proposes?

    <p>Sick men will become whole</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Ligarius express about the nature of the task Brutus is proposing?

    <p>It feels impossible to him</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phrase best describes Ligarius's attitude towards following Brutus?

    <p>Eager and determined</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus suggest must happen to some people in order to achieve their goal?

    <p>They must be made sick</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus suggest they should do to keep their purpose hidden?

    <p>Act as if they are carefree and happy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concern does Cassius express about Caesar?

    <p>Caesar may refuse to come to the Capitol due to superstition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What quality does Decius Brutus believe he can use to persuade Caesar?

    <p>His ability to flatter Caesar's ego effectively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Portia suspect is troubling Brutus?

    <p>He is not well physically, affecting his mood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action does Portia take to demonstrate her strength to Brutus?

    <p>She inflicts a wound upon herself.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Brutus respond to Portia's demand for information?

    <p>He remains secretive and dismissive of her concerns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which character expresses concern about the time remaining before they proceed with their plan?

    <p>Cinna</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What precaution does Brutus mention to Portia regarding their plans?

    <p>They need to make sure to appear unconcerned.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Portia ask Brutus to do to affirm their partnership?

    <p>Share his secret with her.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What intrinsic quality does Portia assert she possesses?

    <p>She is robust, despite being a woman.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of humor does Decius Brutus refer to when speaking about Caesar?

    <p>He loves light-hearted and whimsical stories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Brutus's main concern when Portia expresses her worries?

    <p>He wants to protect her from the dangers ahead.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens as Brutus speaks with Portia?

    <p>He is interrupted by a knock at the door.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Ligarius refer to when he speaks with Brutus?

    <p>He speaks about his physical ailment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Portia perceive her role in relation to Brutus?

    <p>As a partner entitled to share his secrets.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Brutus contemplating at the beginning of the passage?

    <p>The morality of assassinating Caesar</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Brutus describe the state of man in his reflections?

    <p>Like a little kingdom suffering an insurrection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus mean by 'not an oath' when addressing the conspirators?

    <p>Their commitment should come from shared motives rather than formal agreements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concern is raised about Cicero in the conversation?

    <p>He will not join their cause</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Cassius suggest regarding Mark Antony?

    <p>He must be eliminated along with Caesar</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phrase best captures Brutus's stance on killing Caesar?

    <p>He wants to ensure it's a moral act</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What imagery does Brutus use to describe their purpose?

    <p>To serve as purgers, not murderers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Cassius's tone when he first addresses Brutus?

    <p>Supportive and respectful</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus order the conspirators to do concerning their oath?

    <p>To forget about oaths altogether</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What reason does Cassius provide for wanting Cicero in their conspiracy?

    <p>His age will lend credibility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus express about their motives for the conspiracy?

    <p>They need noble and just reasons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concern about how they will kill Caesar, according to Brutus?

    <p>They shouldn't make it seem like an act of revenge</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus mean when he refers to 'the face of men'?

    <p>The outward expressions of their intentions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ultimately motivates the conspirators according to Brutus?

    <p>A love for their country</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Cassius view the need for an oath among the conspirators?

    <p>He thinks oaths are unnecessary due to their shared intentions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What motivates Ligarius to discard his sickness?

    <p>Brutus's noble character</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Ligarius mean when he says, 'but are not some whole that we must make sick'?

    <p>Some individuals may have to be harmed for the greater good.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Brutus characterize the task they are about to undertake?

    <p>An exploit worthy of honour</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Brutus's attitude towards Ligarius's willingness to follow him?

    <p>Encouraging</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Ligarius mean when he says, 'I will strive with things impossible'?

    <p>He is confident in their success against all odds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus suggest about Caesar if he is crowned?

    <p>He may become dangerous and misuse his power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What imagery does Brutus use to describe the potential danger of Caesar's ambition?

    <p>A serpent's egg.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Brutus's attitude towards the conspiracy reflect his views on ambition and power?

    <p>He sees power as inherently corrupting and dangerous.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus mean when he says, 'the abuse of greatness is, when it disjoins remorse from power'?

    <p>Power without conscience leads to tyranny.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the letter Lucius brings to Brutus signify about the conspirators' intentions?

    <p>They encourage Brutus to take action against Caesar.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus mean by saying he has no personal cause to spurn at Caesar?

    <p>He is motivated solely by the common good.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What implication does Brutus make regarding the consequences of letting Caesar become powerful?

    <p>He will become a tyrant who rules unjustly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Brutus's reasoning about the 'ladder' of ambition characterize his view of success?

    <p>Achieving success leads to a disregard for one's roots.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Decius Brutus suggest he can use to persuade Caesar?

    <p>Flattery and deceit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus imply about the necessity of an oath among the conspirators?

    <p>Oaths would undermine the virtue of their cause.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Portia urge Brutus to share with her?

    <p>His secret worries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Brutus respond to Portia's concern for his health?

    <p>He reassures her he is fine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus suggest they should focus on instead of an oath?

    <p>The strength of their resolve and the righteousness of their cause.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Portia imply about the nature of her relationship with Brutus?

    <p>Her understanding is limited to domestic matters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Brutus describe the act of killing Caesar?

    <p>A noble sacrifice for the republic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Cassius's belief about Caesar's current state of mind?

    <p>He is very distressed and paranoid about omens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What argument do the conspirators make regarding Cicero?

    <p>His reputation will lend credibility to their cause.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Cassius express concern about regarding Mark Antony?

    <p>His ability to rally support for Caesar.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Portia believe Brutus's hidden anguish might be related to?

    <p>Plans regarding Caesar's fate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus say about the way they should kill Caesar?

    <p>They should kill him honorably, as a sacrifice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus instruct his companions to remember?

    <p>To maintain their true Roman identity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do the characters perceive the omens that are affecting Caesar's behavior?

    <p>They see them as signs of impending doom</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Decius Brutus speculate about the dawn?

    <p>It marks the beginning of their conspiracy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Portia's act of wounding herself symbolize?

    <p>Her loyalty and strength</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Brutus feel about the concept of conspiracy?

    <p>He views it as shameful and dark.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What indication does Brutus give regarding the conspirators' need for Oaths?

    <p>Oaths are unnecessary for their cause</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What motivates Cassius to insist on including Cicero in their plans?

    <p>His age and wisdom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Ligarius's physical condition when he first speaks with Brutus?

    <p>He appears sick and feeble</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus suggest about the conspirators' motives?

    <p>They arise from genuine concern for the state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Brutus propose they conduct their conspiracy to avoid appearing malicious?

    <p>By ensuring they act collectively and honorably.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Brutus feel about Portia's need for knowledge regarding his struggles?

    <p>He believes it's justified</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concern does Brutus express about slaying Caesar's body?

    <p>It might overshadow their intentions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What theme does Portia's insistence on knowing Brutus's troubles highlight?

    <p>The struggles of female voices in a patriarchal society</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus's description of 'the state of man' suggest?

    <p>Society is chaotic and requires order.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Brutus request of Portia at the end of their conversation?

    <p>To stand by his side in action</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Brutus feel about the value of their shared intentions?

    <p>Their honor should be the only measure of their actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Brutus's Internal Conflict

    • Brutus is wrestling with the decision to kill Caesar.
    • Brutus is conflicted about Caesar's ambition and his desire for a monarchy, but recognizes that Caesar is generally a good person.
    • Brutus cites the dangers of unchecked power and the potential for Caesar to become tyrannical like the Roman king Tarquin

    The Conspiracy Begins

    • Brutus is hesitant to take action against Caesar.
    • Brutus receives a letter that urges him to wake up and be a good Roman, which inspires action. Brutus reads, "Speak, strike, redress!" (The letter is likely from Cassius who will later convince him to move forward)
    • Cassius and other conspirators arrive at Brutus's door.
    • Cassius argues they should kill Antony along with Caesar due to Antony's potential for revenge.

    The Nature of Conspiracy and Morality

    • Brutus, despite his desire for a noble cause, worries about the appearance of their actions.
    • Antony is considered a limb of Caesar.
    • The group seeks to be "purgers" not "murderers" in the eyes of the public.
    • They hope to convince the public that their actions are justified.

    Brutus's Private Struggle

    • Brutus seeks the support of Ligarius, a man who is not well.
    • Ligarius discards his sickness to join Brutus's cause.

    Portfolios Personal Struggles

    • Portia, Brutus's wife, is aware of his internal struggles and seeks information from him.
    • Portia demonstrates her strength and devotion with her self-inflicted thigh wound, which suggests her deep love and understanding.
    • Her actions highlight the emotional burden of the conspiracy unfolding.

    Brutus's Internal Conflict

    • Brutus is troubled by the possibility of Caesar becoming king.
    • He sees the potential dangers of Caesar's rise to power.
    • He believes Caesar could become tyrannical, similar to the Tarquin kings of ancient Rome overthrown by his ancestors.

    Brutus’s Internal Monologue

    • Brutus rationalizes that Caesar's death is necessary for the good of Rome.
    • He sees Caesar as a dangerous serpent's egg that must be destroyed before it hatches.
    • He fears Caesar's influence and power if he becomes king and considers it his duty to prevent this outcome.

    Brutus’s Conspiracy

    • Brutus is drawn into a conspiracy to assassinate Caesar.
    • He receives an anonymous letter urging him to take action.
    • He interprets the letter as a call to action to save Rome from Caesar's ambition.
    • He sees himself as a defender of Roman liberty and freedom.

    The Conspirators

    • Brutus meets with his fellow conspirators including Cassius, Casca, Decius Brutus, Cinna, Metellus Cimber, and Trebonius.
    • They discuss the plan to assassinate Caesar and the potential repercussions.
    • They agree to carry out the assassination on the Ides of March.

    Brutus’s Moral Dilemma

    • Brutus struggles with guilt and doubts despite believing in the cause.
    • He feels the weight of the decision, comparing it to the mental turmoil that precedes a terrible act.
    • He is torn between duty to Rome and the potential repercussions.

    The Conspirators' Tactics

    • The conspirators plan to present a united front against Caesar.
    • Brutus wants to avoid appearing like murderers but rather as heroic saviours of Rome.
    • They believe that Mark Antony, Caesar’s friend, will not pose a threat after Caesar is gone.

    Brutus’s Relationship with Portia

    • Portia, Brutus’s wife, notices his troubled state and attempts to understand his worries.
    • She persistently attempts to convince Brutus to reveal his secrets.
    • She shows strength by demonstrating her commitment to him and her willingness to endure pain for his sake.
    • Brutus reveals he will soon reveal his secrets to her, hinting at his involvement in the conspiracy.

    Brutus’s Decision to Include Ligarius

    • He meets with Caius Ligarius, another conspirator urged by Metellus Cimber.
    • Ligarius, initially weakened by sickness, is inspired by Brutus and joins the conspiracy.
    • This suggests Brutus's influence and the power of the cause.

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    Description

    This quiz explores Brutus's internal conflict regarding the assassination of Caesar in Shakespeare's play. It examines the moral implications of conspiracy, Brutus's motivations, and the influence of other conspirators. Test your understanding of Brutus's character and ethical challenges in this dramatic context.

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