Julius Caesar's Assassination Scene

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does Artemidorus urge Caesar to do?

Participate in the Senate meeting

Attend to the Soothsayer's warning

Read his schedule first (correct)

Delay his actions until later

What is the primary concern of Cassius in this scene?

To ensure the Senate remains loyal to Caesar

To prevent the discovery of their plot (correct)

To pressure Brutus into joining the conspiracy

To engage in a public debate with Caesar

What does Caesar express skepticism towards?

The loyalty of the Senate

The motives behind the petitions presented to him (correct)

The advice given by Artemidorus

The predictions made by the Soothsayer

How does Brutus react to Popilius' wish for their enterprise to thrive?

He sees it as a sign of potential failure Signup and view all the answers

What does Caesar believe motivates people to flatter him?

Basic human weakness Signup and view all the answers

What role does Trebonius play during the scene?

He distracts Antony from Caesar Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'idles of March' refer to in this context?

A foreshadowing of danger Signup and view all the answers

What does Metellus Cimber do in front of Caesar?

Kneels and presents a humble heart Signup and view all the answers

What does Antony imply about the nature of his allies after Caesar's death?

They share a bond of brotherhood. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason Antony wishes to speak at Caesar's funeral?

To show his loyalty to Caesar. Signup and view all the answers

What does Antony foresee happening as a result of Caesar's death?

War and civil strife across Italy. Signup and view all the answers

How does Antony feel about the act of shaking hands with Caesar's assassins?

He feels conflicted and sorrowful. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Antony's reference to 'the dogs of war'?

It foreshadows chaos and violence. Signup and view all the answers

Which character expresses doubt about allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral?

Caius Cassius. Signup and view all the answers

What does Antony mean by referring to Caesar's wounds as 'dumb mouths'?

The wounds speak for Caesar's suffering. Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment does Antony express about those who have shed Caesar's blood?

They will face dire consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What does Antony request from Brutus concerning Caesar's body?

To display it in the marketplace. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Antony's tone when addressing Caesar's corpse?

Melancholic and regretful. Signup and view all the answers

Antony's statement about being 'meek and gentle' suggests what about his character?

He is calculating and strategic. Signup and view all the answers

What does Antony mean by the line 'a curse shall light upon the limbs of men'?

He wishes for punishment against his enemies. Signup and view all the answers

What emotion does Antony's speech primarily convey regarding Caesar's assassination?

Anger and vengeance. Signup and view all the answers

What does Antony ask his servant to inform Octavius Caesar about Rome’s situation?

He should delay his return. Signup and view all the answers

What is Metellus Cimber asking Caesar for?

To free Publius Cimber Signup and view all the answers

How does Cassius describe his constancy compared to the northern star?

He is unshaken in his decisions Signup and view all the answers

What does Brutus suggest they do with Caesar's blood?

Bathe their hands in it Signup and view all the answers

What is the general reaction of the people after Caesar's assassination?

They cry for revenge and chaos Signup and view all the answers

What does Brutus mean when he states, 'ambition's debt is paid'?

They are free from Caesar's control Signup and view all the answers

What reason does Antony suggest for why he would choose to die?

To join Caesar in death Signup and view all the answers

Why does Cassius express a fear regarding Antony?

He thinks Antony might seek revenge Signup and view all the answers

What does Brutus believe is the best outcome of their actions?

The people will be grateful for their freedom Signup and view all the answers

What does Decius Brutus insist about their plan?

It will unite Rome Signup and view all the answers

How does Brutus respond to the servant sent by Antony?

With trust and openness Signup and view all the answers

What phrase signifies that Caesar has been betrayed by someone close to him?

Et tu, Brute! Signup and view all the answers

What future perspective does Cassius have about their deed?

It will be watched and remembered by generations Signup and view all the answers

What symbolizes their victory in the assassination of Caesar according to Brutus?

Their weapons stained with blood Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Caesar's Death

Caesar enters the Capitol, being followed by a crowd including Brutus, Cassius, and other conspirators
Artemidorus tries to give Caesar a letter warning of the conspiracy
Caesar ignores him, claiming that he will attend to information regarding himself last
Popilius Lena expresses his hope that Cassius's enterprise succeeds
Cassius fears they will get caught, however, Brutus reassures him that nothing seems amiss because Caesar is not acting suspicious
Decius Brutus brings Metellus Cimber forward to petition Caesar to repeal his brother's banishment
Caesar refuses to be swayed, denounces flattering, and claims he does not wrong anyone without cause
Brutus and Cassius both plead on their behalf, but Caesar refuses to repeal the banishment
Casca attacks Caesar first, then the other conspirators all join in stabbing him
Caesar cries out "Et tu, Brute?" ("Even you, Brutus?"), indicating his shock that Brutus, whom he trusted, would participate in his assassination
Brutus, Cassius, and the other conspirators follow up on their victory by proclaiming "Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!"
They urge the people to remain calm and not be afraid, stating that ambition's debt has been paid
Antony is revealed to have fled to his house in terror, claiming that the people and their families were acting as if it was doomsday

Antony's Reaction

Antony receives a message from a servant to kneel and say that Caesar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving, and that he fears, honors, and loves him
The servant also states that if Brutus would be so kind as to allow him to visit safely to know why Caesar deserves death, he would prefer Brutus alive to Caesar dead
The servant notes that he would follow Brutus into the most dangerous of situations
Brutus assures the servant that Antony shall be safe, and that he will visit them soon

Antony's Grief and Plan

Antony arrives and expresses his grief at Caesar's death
He appears to accept his death, but states that his sword is only worth half as much now that it is not drenched in the "most noble blood of all this world"
Antony begins acting as if he plans to die by the conspirator's hands, almost pleading with them to do so
Brutus assures Antony that they are not his enemies, and that they will tell him the reason they killed Caesar when the people have calmed down

Antony's Speech

Antony shakes the hands of all the conspirators, accepting their friendship but states that he is either a coward for making peace or a flatterer for praising Caesar in front of his dead body.
He states that if Caesar’s spirit can see the scene, it must be more painful for him to see Antony shaking the hands of his assassins than the actual death.
He states that even though he has many eyes he can see nothing but Caesar's wounds and blood.
Antony speaks of how Caesar's body is similar to a deer that has been killed by many princes, and cries out to The World that Caesar was the "heart of thee."
Cassius questions Antony’s motives for befriending the conspirators, suspecting that he is only pretending friendliness while planning to betray them
Antony states that he is befriending the conspirators on the condition that they give him an explanation for Caesar's death.
Antony claims he would not be satisfied if he did not find out the reasoning.
Brutus states that they have just cause for Caesar's death, and that even if Antony were Caesar's son, he would be satisfied with their reasoning.
Antony asks Brutus to allow him to give a speech at Caesar’s funeral as a friend to honor him.
Brutus accepts Antony’s request, but Cassius is suspicious and warns Brutus that he should not allow Antony to talk at the funeral on account of his potential influence over the crowd.
Brutus assures Cassius that he will speak at the funeral first, and will make it clear Antony is speaking by permission, and that Caesar will receive the appropriate rites and ceremonies.
Brutus gives Antony Caesar's body and states he is free to speak at his funeral but only good things, and only after Brutus has spoken, and that if he does not agree to this, he will not be allowed at the funeral at all
Antony agrees to the terms.

Antony's Soliloquy

Antony ponders upon the death of Caesar, calling him the noblest that ever existed, and curses the hands that spilled his blood
He claims that Caesar's wounds will speak through his voice, and with the help of Ate (goddess of vengeance), will call for havoc and war upon Italy
Antony’s servant tells him that Octavius has received his letter and is coming, and that Octavius is safe for now
Antony tells his servant to wait until he has given a speech at the funeral, and use the speech as a way to determine which way the crowd is leaning, to report back to Octavius about the situation
Antony and the servant leave together, still dragging Caesar’s body.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the dramatic events leading to the assassination of Julius Caesar in this quiz. Analyze the characters' motivations, key dialogues, and the significance of their actions. Test your understanding of this pivotal moment in Shakespeare's play.