Julius Caesar Act 1 Review

Why are the commoners are celebrating in the first scene? (Two reasons)

Why are the commoners are celebrating in the first scene? The Feast of Lupercal --What is the Feast of Lupercal? Caesar’s triumph over Pompey’s sons: war victory Who was Pompey? Why did Caesar fight his sons?

Why is Marullus upset with the commoners?

Why is Marullus upset with the commoners? They will use any excuse for a holiday They are fickle- they used to love Pompey: “You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things! O you hard hearts, you cruel men Rome, Knew you not Pompey?

Summary Act 1, Scene i On February 15, the Feast of Lupercal, the people take a holiday to celebrate Caesar's victory over Pompey in a civil war. Marullus and Flavius, two government officials who supported Pompey, attempt to discourage celebrating workers.

What is the setting of Act 1, Scene 2?

What is the setting of scene II? A public place in Rome

What warning does the soothsayer give Caesar, and what is Caesar’s response?

“Beware the ides of March” (March 15) Dismisses him as a “dreamer” What warning does the soothsayer give Caesar, and what is Caesar’s response? “Beware the ides of March” (March 15) Dismisses him as a “dreamer”

Implications of Scene 1 What does this suggest about the Roman mob? What are the two social classes represented in Act 1, Scene 1? What is the consequence of removing garlands from Caesar’s statues for Flavius and Marullus?

Explain what Cassius wants to convince Brutus of in Scene II.

Explain what Cassius wants to convince Brutus of in Scene II That Caesar is dangerous and needs to be stopped before it is too late That Brutus should decide to join the conspiracy That they are just as capable leaders as Caesar

Why does Caesar think Cassius is dangerous Why does Caesar think Cassius is dangerous? What qualities about Cassius disturb Caesar?

Cassius has a “lean and hungry look” and he “thinks too much” (1.2.94) Why does Caesar think Cassius is dangerous? What qualities about Cassius disturb Caesar? Cassius has a “lean and hungry look” and he “thinks too much” (1.2.94) Cassius envies Caesar: “O, he sits high in all the people’s hearts; And that which would appear offense in us His countenance, like richest alchemy, Will change to virtue and to worthiness.” Men like Cassius are never at ease when they see someone with more power. “Men at some time are masters of their fates. The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings. (1.2.208-210)

What happens when Caesar is offered the crown in Scene II?

What happens when Caesar is offered the crown in Scene II? He denies the crown three times The crowd cheers his refusal of the crown He falls into a brief epileptic seizure

Caesar is probably the most powerful man in the world at the time of the play, yet he suffers from personal weakness? Name 4 weaknesses.

Caesar is probably the most powerful man in the world at the time of the play, yet he suffers from personal weakness? Can you name what these are? Deaf in the left ear Superstitious (but doesn’t admit it) Suffers from epilepsy Had to have help while swimming the Tiber, according to Cassius

At the end of Scene II, how does Cassius say he will pursue his plan to involve Brutus in the conspiracy against Caesar?

At the end of Scene II, how does Cassius say he will pursue his plan to involve Brutus in the conspiracy against Caesar? He has already tried to flatter him– it worked a little He will write letters and deliver them to Brutus. He will visit Brutus again

People in Shakespeare’s day beleived that nature mirrored the disorders in human lives. How does he demonstrate this in the play as the conspirators gather to discuss their plans?

Shakespeare beloved that nature mirrored the disorders in human lives Shakespeare beloved that nature mirrored the disorders in human lives. How does he demonstrate this in the play as the conspirators gather to discuss their plans? There is a terrible storm- this is when the conspirators meet to discuss their plans Fire drops from the skies, bodies spontaneously combust, lions roam the capitol, ghosts walk and the night owl shrieks in the daylight.

At the beginning of Scene II, Brutus pronounces his love for Caesar, but by the end of Scene II, it appears that Brutus may join the conspiracy to kill Caesar. What steps has Cassius taken (as the “moving force”) by the end of Act I to achieve his goals? Gaius Cassius Longinus

Cassius has… Begun recruiting Brutus Has already recruited Casca Forged the letters to Brutus Called a meeting of the conspirators

Cassius Cassius, who fears Caesar's ever growing power, begins to recruit Brutus, a close friend of Caesar's, towards his conspiracy by implying that Caesar is becoming too powerful. What are his personality traits?

Brutus Brutus is suspicious of Cassius' motives but tells Cassius that he will think it over. Describe Brutus:

Casca Cassius' conspiracy gains momentum when he recruits a suspicious Casca to their cause against Caesar by pointing out that several recent strange occurrences are omens warning them against Caesar. Casca reveals information to Brutus that suggests Caesar may be getting more ambitious.

Cinna To ensure Brutus joins his conspiracy, Cassius has Cinna place some forged letters where Brutus will find them convincing Brutus to join their cause. Cinna reveals that Brutus' good name will be an asset to their conspiracy.

The Plebeians The commoners are easily swayed and shift loyalties according to the moment. They love festivals and celebrations and therefore are susceptible to colorful, theatrical and “showy” leaders.

What is the conflict in this act? Citizens and Senators vs. the conspirators (external conflict) Brutus’ indecision about joining the conspirators (internal conflict)