Act Two Scene One

He specifically speaks out against Cicero. 1. Throughout this scene, Brutus resents the sneaky way the others are going about things. Remember, he wants to kill Caesar for the good of Rome, and he believes that this noble cause shouldn’t be smeared by “criminal-like” behavior. Give an example when Brutus spoke out against the behavior of the others. He specifically speaks out against Cicero. Act 2:1, “Oh, name him not. Let us not break with him / For he will never follow anything / That other men begin.

2. Who is the only one that doesn’t seem to want Cicero to be in on the plot? Brutus

3. Why do the others pacify him? The other men are mostly sheep and are easily swayed. Also, Brutus is seen as the wisest of them and he’s becoming their leader.

4. Why does Cassius plot to kill Mark Antony as well as Caesar? Cassius reasons that Antony is Caesar’s top loyalist, he’s too shrewd, and he will make trouble for them once Caesar is dead.

5. How does Brutus persuade Cassius not to kill Mark Antony 5. How does Brutus persuade Cassius not to kill Mark Antony? This was a tactical error, and Cassius knew it, but why was he willing to make it? He says it will make the business too bloody. We are sacrificers, not butchers. Brutus convinces Cassius that Antony cares more about partying and being social than revenge, as seen in lines 188-189.

6. Who volunteers to make sure Caesar goes out to the Capitol the next day? Decius

7. At what time are they planning to meet Caesar? They will meet at 8 a.m.

8. Who is Portia? Portia is Brutus’ wife.

9. What does Portia want to know? She knows that something’s bothering her husband, but he won’t talk to her about it. She actually stabs her thigh to prove she is tough enough to keep his secrets.

10. What is Brutus’ answer? Eventually, he agrees to tell her what’s been bothering him (the assassination plot), but they’re interrupted.

Act Two Scene Two

1. Caesar does not fear death because… a. he thinks he is immortal. b. it must come to all men. c. the fortune tellers say all is well.

2. Why does Calphurnia object to Caesar’s going to the Capitol? She had a bad dream and doesn’t want him to go.

3. Using two or three sentences, describe Calphurnia’s dream. Last night, she dreamed she saw a statue of Caesar with a hundred holes in it, like a fountain with pure blood flowing from it, and many happy Romans came smiling and washed their hands in it.

4. How many ploys does Decius use to get Caesar to go to the Senate 4. How many ploys does Decius use to get Caesar to go to the Senate? Explain each one. Why do you think Caesar was more ready to believe Decius’s interpretation of the dream than Calphurnia’s interpretation? Four The dream was a good omen, a symbol of your blood nourishing Rome. The Senate’s ready to give you the crown today. If you don’t show up, the senators might change their minds. The senators will make fun of you for giving into your wife’s foolishness. You’ll look like less of a man to them. If you don’t go, you’ll look cowardly. Opinion based answer, but it’s clear that Caesar wants the crown and he doesn’t want to look foolish in front of the other men.

Act Two Scene Three

1. In Scene 3, what seems to be the one remaining hope that Caesar may yet be saved? Artemidorus’ letter

2. According to Artemidorus, what is it that allows others to plot assassinations? a. trust b. overconfidence c. jealousy

3. In the following quote from Artemidorus, what or who does “goodness” symbolize? What or who does “jealousy’s envious fangs” symbolize? My heart grieves that goodness cannot live out of reach of jealousy’s envious fangs. goodness = Caesar jealousy’s envious fangs = the conspirators’ plot

4. What evidence is there that Portia is starting to lose control? She is very scatterbrained. “Please, boy, run to the Senate House/ Don’t’ stop to answer me, but hurry up and go / Why do you stay” “To know what you want me to do, madam” She tells her servant to go to the Senate, but doesn’t tell him why or what to do when he gets there. She then talks to herself (sort of bc Lucius is right there)… “I would have you there and back again already if I could tell you what to do there ….Lucius are you here yet?” Madam, what should I do? / Run to the Capital, and nothing else?

5. Brutus shows himself to be a poor judge of character. How 5. Brutus shows himself to be a poor judge of character. How? He also makes several key mistakes. What are they? He underestimates Antony. (Later, he’ll also make poor military choices.) He is mistaken in trusting Cassius and he allows himself to be swayed by flattery.