Julius Caesar Act I

Caesar’s triumph over Pompey’s sons: war victory Explain why the commoners are celebrating in the first scene. (Two reasons) The feast of Lupercal Caesar’s triumph over Pompey’s sons: war victory

Why is Marullus upset with them? They will use any excuse for a holiday They are fickle- they used to love Pompey

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

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” Doesn’t take him seriously

How is loyalty important in friendship? Journal Day 2 How is loyalty important in friendship? blablabla

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. Wants Brutus to join the conspiracy They are just as capable leaders as Ceasar

Cassius has a “lean and hungry look” and he “thinks too much”. 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”. 94 Men like Cassius are never at ease when they see someone with more power. 208-210

What happens when Caesar is offered the crown in Scene II? He denies the crown three times Casca says it looked like it pained Caesar to say he didn’t want it.

Had to have help while swimming Suffers from epilepsy 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 Fearful in battle Had to have help while swimming Suffers from epilepsy

He has already tried to flatter him- worked a little 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- worked a little He will write letters and deliver them to Brutus. He will visit Brutus again

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

Journal day 3 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 is more important, your loyalty toward a friend or to do what you believe is right even at the cost of your friendship.

Summary of Act I, Scene ii 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... Brutus is suspicious of Cassius' motives but tells Cassius that he will think it over... Casca, another conspirator, reveals information to Brutus that suggests Caesar may be getting more ambitious...

Summary Over Scene ii 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... 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...

Begun recruiting Brutus Has already recruited Casca What steps has Casca taken (as the “moving force”) by the end of Act I to achieve his goals? Begun recruiting Brutus Has already recruited Casca Forged the letters to Brutus Called a meeting of the conspirators

What is the conflict in this act? Those who are for Caesar vs. those against Citizens and Senators vs. the conspirators

Shakespeare uses even minor characters in this act to set up the basic situation of the play and to foreshadow future conflicts and events. Explain what you learned from this act about the moods and loyalties of the Roman mob?

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

Character Individual in a story, poem or play Direct characterization: The writer tells us exactly what the character is like. Indirect characterization: The reader puts together clues to figure out what a character is like

Static Character or Flat Character: Does not change much in the course of the story Dynamic Character or Round Character: Changes in important ways as a result of a story’s actions

Journal Day 4 What are the characteristics of a good leader.

Pretest notes Plebeians: common people as represented by the cobbler and carpenter in Scene i Patricians: wealthy, highborn citizens as represented by Flavius and Marullus in Scene i