Julius Caesar Key Characters and Plot Points
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Questions and Answers

What is a soothsayer?

A soothsayer is a person who is believed to be able to see into the future.

What warning does the soothsayer give to Caesar?

The soothsayer warns Caesar to "beware the ides of March."

Who are Flavius and Marullus and what do they do?

Flavius and Marullus are tribunes, who are Roman officials. They berate the commoners for celebrating Caesar's victory.

The Ides of March is March 15th.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Cassius believe that Caesar should not be above him?

<p>Cassius believes that Caesar is a coward and too weak to rule Rome.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes the people to cheer for Caesar three times?

<p>The people cheer for Caesar three times because Antony offers him the crown three times.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Caesar's two physical infirmities?

<p>Deaf in one ear (A), Has epilepsy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What omens does Casca observe that concern him?

<p>All of the above (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Brutus's soliloquy about while walking in the orchard?

<p>Brutus is deciding whether or not to join the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What reason does Brutus give for joining the conspiracy?

<p>Brutus believes that it is better to kill Caesar before he has a chance to become a tyrant.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who sends letters to Brutus claiming they are from a concerned citizen?

<p>Cassius sends letters to Brutus claiming they are from a concerned citizen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is concerned about Brutus and his unease?

<p>Portia is concerned about Brutus and his unease.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Brutus not insist on an oath between the conspirators?

<p>Brutus believes that what the conspirators are doing is for the good of Rome, so an oath isn't necessary.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Decius say he will get Caesar to the Capitol?

<p>Decius claims that he will tell Caesar that the conspirators are planning to crown him and that he should go to the Capitol to accept the crown.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is the original leader of the conspiracy, and who takes over once the assassination plot has begun?

<p>Cassius is the original leader of the conspiracy, but Brutus takes over once the assassination plot has begun.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Calpurnia dream that causes her to beg her husband to stay home?

<p>Calpurnia dreams that Caesar's statue has been stabbed 100 times with blood pouring out.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What pretense do the conspirators use to get close enough to Caesar to stab him?

<p>The conspirators use the pretense of asking Caesar to repeal his decision to banish Publius Cimber.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Caesar's last words?

<p>Caesar's last words are &quot;Et tu, Brute?&quot; which means &quot;You too, Brutus?&quot;</p> Signup and view all the answers

When does Antony reveal his true feelings after Caesar's death?

<p>Antony reveals his true feelings after Caesar's death when he is all alone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is Antony loyal to?

<p>Antony is loyal to Caesar.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which character does Brutus think is weak and powerless but who proves to be opposite?

<p>Brutus thinks that Antony is weak and powerless, but he proves to be the opposite.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who accompanies Antony to the funeral oration?

<p>Brutus and Cassius accompany Antony to the funeral oration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Antony describe Brutus during his eulogy?

<p>Antony describes Brutus as an &quot;honorable man&quot; during his eulogy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which conspirator gives Caesar the unkindest cut of all?

<p>Brutus gives Caesar the unkindest cut of all.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who makes up the new triumvirate?

<p>The new triumvirate is made up of Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Brutus angry with Cassius?

<p>Brutus is angry with Cassius because Cassius denied him money to pay for his army.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Portia kill herself?

<p>Portia kills herself by swallowing hot coals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Brutus believe should be done, and what does Cassius think they should do?

<p>Brutus believes they should wait and let the enemy come to them, while Cassius thinks they should march to Philippi and attack there.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens at the end of Act IV?

<p>The ghost of Caesar visits Brutus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens in Act V, Scene II?

<p>The battle begins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do Brutus's men give to Titinius during the battle, and what does it represent?

<p>Brutus's men give Titinius a wreath, which represents victory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who dies on his birthday?

<p>Cassius dies on his birthday.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who are the victors of the battle, and who speaks over Brutus's dead body?

<p>Antony and Octavius are the victors of the battle, and they speak over Brutus's dead body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is the new ruler of Rome?

<p>Octavius is the new ruler of Rome.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Who warns Caesar about the Ides of March?

The soothsayer warns Caesar about the Ides of March, a date that will bring him great danger.

Who berates the commoners after Caesar's victory?

Flavius and Marullus are Roman officials who scold the commoners for celebrating Caesar's victory, believing it is not a cause for celebration.

What date is the Ides of March?

The Ides of March falls on March 15th, a significant date in this play due to Caesar's assassination.

Why does Cassius believe Caesar should not rule Rome?

Cassius believes Caesar is too powerful and lacks the strength to rule Rome, leading him to see Caesar as a threat to his own ambition.

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What causes the people to cheer for Caesar?

When Antony offers Caesar a crown three times, the crowd cheers loudly for Caesar, showing their admiration and support for him.

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What are Caesar's physical infirmities?

Caesar has two physical disabilities: he is deaf in one ear and suffers from seizures or epilepsy, which some view as signs of weakness.

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What omens does Casca observe?

Casca observes several ominous signs, like a lion at the Capitol, men walking on fire, a slave with his hand on fire, and an owl during the day, all suggesting impending doom.

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What does Brutus contemplate in his soliloquy?

Brutus grapples with the decision of whether or not to kill Caesar, struggling with his moral conscience and the potential consequences.

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What reason does Brutus give for joining the conspiracy?

Brutus believes that killing Caesar now, before he becomes too powerful, is the best course of action to ensure the safety of Rome.

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Who sends letters to Brutus to persuade him?

Cassius sends fake letters to Brutus, pretending to be from concerned citizens, to manipulate Brutus into joining the conspiracy against Caesar.

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Who is worried about Brutus's unease?

Portia, Brutus's wife, is worried about his troubled state and tries to understand his distress, showing her deep concern for him.

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Why does Brutus refuse an oath between the conspirators?

Brutus refuses to take an oath with the conspirators because he believes their actions are inherently right and do not need a formal agreement, signifying his strong ethical convictions.

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How does Decius plan to get Caesar to the Capitol?

Decius Brutus claims that he can convince Caesar to go to the Capitol by saying that the Senate plans to honor him by offering him the crown, a clever manipulation.

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Who takes over the conspiracy after Cassius?

Cassius was the initial leader of the conspiracy, but Brutus takes over once the assassination plot begins, primarily due to his reputation and influence.

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What does Calpurnia dream that worries her?

Calpurnia has a vivid dream of Caesar's statue being stabbed repeatedly with blood pouring out, which she interprets as a bad omen and begs him to stay home.

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What pretense do the conspirators use?

The conspirators use the pretense of Publius Cimber's banishment as an opportunity to approach Caesar and stab him, their true motive hidden behind a seemingly noble request.

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What are Caesar's last words?

Caesar's dying words,

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When does Antony reveal his true feelings?

Antony reveals his true feelings about Caesar's death when he is alone with his servants, showing his grief and loyalty to Caesar.

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Who is Antony loyal to?

Antony shows his unwavering loyalty to Julius Caesar, even after his death. He is committed to honoring his friend and avenging his death.

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Who does Brutus underestimate?

Brutus believes Antony is weak and powerless, but Antony proves to be a shrewd and powerful manipulator, underestimating his capabilities.

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Who accompanies Antony to the funeral?

Brutus and Cassius accompany Antony to the funeral oration to ensure the peace of Rome and to control the potentially volatile public reaction to Caesar's death.

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How does Antony describe Brutus during the eulogy?

During Caesar's funeral oration, Antony skillfully uses emotional appeals to honor Caesar's memory and evoke sympathy for him, ultimately turning the crowd against Brutus's conspiracy.

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Which conspirator gives Caesar the unkindest cut?

Brutus strikes Caesar in the chest, considered the most damaging and symbolic wound, reflecting the deep impact of Brutus's betrayal on Caesar.

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Who makes up the new triumvirate?

A new triumvirate is formed with Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus, who combine their power to govern Rome following Caesar's assassination, signifying a shift in power.

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Why is Brutus angry with Cassius?

Brutus is angry at Cassius for denying him the money needed to pay for his army, highlighting the growing tension and mistrust between them.

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How does Portia kill herself?

Portia, unable to bear the burden of her grief and worry for her husband, chooses to kill herself by swallowing hot coals, demonstrating the emotional impact of the events.

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What are Brutus and Cassius's differing opinions on the strategy?

Brutus believes they should meet the enemy at Philippi and attack them, while Cassius prefers to wait and let the enemy come to them, illustrating their differing strategies and personalities.

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What happens at the end of Act IV?

At the end of Act IV, Caesar's ghost appears to Brutus, warning him of an unfavorable outcome, foreshadowing the tragic demise of both Brutus and Cassius.

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What occurs in Act V, scene ii?

In Act V, scene ii, a decisive battle commences between the forces of Brutus and Cassius against Octavius and Antony, signifying the climax of the play's conflict.

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What do Brutus's men give to Titinius during battle?

Brutus's men give Titinius a wreath, symbolizing victory, to inform Cassius that they are winning the battle, but the news is ultimately false.

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Who dies on his birthday?

Cassius dies on his birthday, emphasizing the tragic irony of his fate and the disastrous consequences of his actions.

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Who are the victors of the battle?

Following the battle, Octavius and Antony emerge victorious, delivering Brutus's eulogy and celebrating their dominance over the forces of the conspirators, cementing their new power.

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Who becomes the new ruler of Rome?

Octavius, the adopted son of Caesar, becomes the new ruler of Rome following Caesar's assassination and the battle at Philippi, signifying a change in leadership and the legacy of Caesar's death.

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Study Notes

Julius Caesar Key Characters and Plot Points

  • Soothsayer: Warns Caesar about the Ides of March.
  • Flavius and Marullus: Publicly reprimand commoners celebrating Caesar's victory.
  • Ides of March: March 15th.
  • Cassius's Motivation for Conspiracy: Believes Caesar is a weak and unworthy ruler.
  • Caesar's Popularity: Antony offered him the crown three times, causing the crowd to cheer.
  • Caesar's Physical Afflictions: Deaf in one ear and epileptic.
  • Casca's Omens: Observes ominous signs including a lion in the Capitol, men walking on fire, a slave with a burning hand, and an owl during the day.
  • Brutus's Soliloquy: Questions his role in the conspiracy.
  • Brutus's Justification for Conspiracy: Believes killing Caesar is necessary to prevent tyranny.
  • Sources of Brutus's Conspiracy Info: Cassius sent letters posing as concerned citizens.
  • Portia's Concern: Worried about Brutus's emotional turmoil.
  • Brutus's Rejection of an Oath: Believes the conspiracy's necessity makes an oath unnecessary.
  • Decius's Strategy for Conspiracy: Promises to persuade Caesar to come to the Capitol.
  • Brutus's Leadership Role: Takes over the conspiracy from Cassius.
  • Calpurnia's Dream: Dreams of Caesar's statue being stabbed, urging him to stay home.
  • False Pretense for the Conspiracy: The conspirators used the pretense of repealing Publius Cimber's banishment.
  • Caesar's Last Words: "Et tu, Brute?" (You too, Brutus?)
  • Antony's Emotional Reveal: Only after being alone reveals his true feelings about Caesar's death.
  • Antony's Allegiance: Loyal to Caesar.
  • Brutus's Misjudgment of Antony: Believes Antony is weak but Antony proves otherwise.
  • Funeral Oration Attendants: Antony, Brutus, and Cassius are present.
  • Antony's Characterization of Brutus: Calls Brutus an honorable man.
  • Brutus's Cruelest Stab: The one given by Brutus.
  • The New Triumvirate: Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus.
  • Brutus's Anger with Cassius: Cassius's refusal to provide funding.
  • Portia's Suicide: Consumes hot coals.
  • Brutus and Cassius's Strategic Choice: Brutus favors attacking at Philippi.
  • Act IV Ghost of Caesar: The ghost of Caesar visits Brutus.
  • Act V Scene II: Philippi Battle: The battle begins.
  • Titinius's Reward: Awarded a wreath symbolizing victory.
  • Cassius's Death: Dies on his birthday.
  • Victors at Philippi: Antony and Octavius.
  • New Ruler of Rome: Octavius.

Julius Caesar - Strategic and Moral Conflicts

  • Brutus's internal conflict: Struggle between duty to Rome versus personal feelings.
  • Cassius's ambition: Driven by personal ambition and envy.
  • Antony's political skill: Uses funeral speech to turn public opinion against the conspirators.
  • Octavius's rise to power: Political maneuvering and military strength.

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Description

This quiz explores key characters and significant plot points from Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar'. It includes essential elements such as the warnings from the Soothsayer, the motivations behind the conspiracy, and the internal conflicts faced by Brutus. Test your understanding of the pivotal moments and themes within this classic play.

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