Definitions – Literary Terms to Know

A conversation between two or more characters a. Monologue b. Dialogue c. Soliloquy d. Aside Answer: Dialogue

A division of acts into smaller parts Answer: Scene

Thoughts spoken aloud by a character when he/she is alone or thinks he/she is alone a. Aside b. Monologue c. Soliloquy d. Dialogue Answer: Soliloquy

A division within a play, much like chapters of a novel. Answer: Act

Lines that are spoken by a character directly to the audience a. Monologue b. Dialogue c. Soliloquy d. Aside Answer: Aside

Character Identification

A Roman judge from a famous Roman family Answer: Brutus

Brutus’ wife Answer: Portia

Caesar’s adopted son Answer: Octavius

A public official (like a police officer) Answer: Flavius or Murellus

Joins forces with Octavius to battle Brutus and Cassius Answer: Antony

True or False

Caesar’s ambition is referred to as a character flaw throughout the play. Answer: True

After the assassination, Brutus is skeptical about Antony as an ally. Answer: False

After the assassination, Cassius is skeptical about Antony as an ally. Answer: True

Portia knew about the Conspirator’s plan to assassinate Caesar. Answer: True

The soothsayer’s prediction is correct. Answer: True

Brutus accuses Cassius of plotting to steal Caesar’s money. Answer: False

The ghost of Caesar visits Antony. Answer: False

The storm foreshadows the chaotic state of Rome after the assassination. Answer: True

Cassius thinks the ravens on the battlefield are a good omen. Answer: False

Brutus says he would rather be a prisoner of war than die. Answer: False

Brutus’ death was a suicide. Answer: True

Antony and Octavius are allies. Answer: True

Mark Antony is a senator. Answer: True

Caesar receives the letter of warning from Artemidorus. Answer: False

The Feast of Lupercal was a festival for fertility. Answer: True

Who said it?

“Good gentleman, look fresh and merrily. Let not our looks put on our purposes, But bear it, as our Roman actors do, With untired spirits and formal constancy” (Act II, scene 1). Answer: Brutus

“A lioness hath whelped in the streets, And graves have yawned and yielded up their dead. Fierce fiery warriors fought upon the clouds In ranks and squadrons and right form of war, Which drizzled blood upon the Capitol” (Act II, scene 2) Answer: Calphurnia

“But I am constant as the Northern Star, Of whose true fixed and resting quality There is no fellow in the firmament” (Act III, scene 1). Answer: Caesar

“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him” (Act III, scene 2). Answer: Antony

“ Not that I lov’d Caesar less, but that I lov’d Rome more” (Act III, scene 2). Answer: Brutus

Short Answer

What is the warning that the soothsayer gives to Caesar in Act I? Answer: “Beware the ides of March”

What did Caesar do when he was offered the crown? Answer: He refused it.

What does Cassius try to convince Brutus to do? Answer: Join the Conspirators and plot against Caesar.

Why does Calphurnia beg Caesar not to go to Senate? Answer: She had a dream that a statue of Caesar was pouring blood.

What do the visions of fire, the lion, and the bird of night mean? Answer: Something important and significant will occur.

Why does Caesar decide to go to the Senate meeting on March 15? Answer: Decius convinces Caesar that Calphurnia misinterpreted her dream.

Who writes Caesar a letter to warn him about the Conspirators? Answer: Artemidorus

What does the letter of warning say? Answer: It warns Caesar about Brutus and the other Conspirators.

What are Caesar’s famous last words? Answer: “Et tu, Brute?”

By killing Caesar, what did the Conspirators say they accomplished? Answer: They gave Romans freedom and liberty.

How does Antony react to seeing Caesar’s corpse? Answer: He is shocked.

What does Antony swear to do when he is alone with Caesar’s corpse? Answer: Avenge Caesar’s death

What does Antony request to do at Caesar’s funeral? Answer: give a speech

What does Portia do to prove her loyalty and devotion to Brutus? Answer: She gives herself a wound.

According to Caesar’s will, whom did he wish to receive his money? Answer: Roman citizens

What happens after Caesar’s funeral? Answer: The townspeople riot in the streets.

Who is harmed by the rioting Romans? Answer: Cinna the poet

What does Octavius do after returning to Rome? Answer: He forms an alliance with Antony

How does Brutus die? Answer: He runs into Strato’s sword.