| In Scene 1, what do Flavius and Marcellus want the commoners to do? | They want the commoners to break up and move along; they don’t want them to celebrate Caesar’s triumphs. |
| What is the soothsayer’s advice to Caesar? | The Soothsayer told Caesar to “Beware the Ides of March.” |
| Explain the difference between the views of Caesar held by Cassius and Brutus. | Cassius openly wants Caesar out of power. He is jealous and wants better for himself. Brutus has been thinking about Caesar and the state of his countrymen, and at this point is ready to listen to Cassius. Although Brutus loves Caesar, he recognizes Caesar’s flaws. |
| Caesar clearly gives his thoughts about Cassius. What does he say? | Caesar says that Cassius “has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much and such men are dangerous.” |
| Summarize Casca’s explanation of why Caesar looked so sad. | Antony offered Caesar a crown. When he refused it, the crowd cheered. So, although Caesar really wanted the crown, he at that point could not publicly accept it. Then he had a seizure. |
| At the end of Scene II in lines 312-318, Cassius makes plans. What plans does he make? | He is going to forge notes to Brutus from several citizens in order to help sway Brutus against Caesar. |
| Casca says, “For I believe they are portentous things/Unto the climate that they point upon.” What does this mean? | He thinks the list of “unnatural” sights he has just told Cicero about are signs of the tragedy about to unfold in their country. |
| Why does Cassius want Brutus to join the conspiracy? | Brutus is a favorite of the people. He is honorable and well-thought-of. If the people would see that Brutus supported the conspiracy, the conspirators would be in better favor with the people following the assassination. |
Julius Caesar Short Answer Study Guide ~ Act 1
April 11, 2020