English 10 GP Name______Per____Date______Lipinski/Edmonds

Julius Caesar: Act II

Act II, scene I

1. In a soliloquy (a speech that reveals a character’s inner thoughts but is not heard by the other characters of the play), Brutus must sort out his thoughts regarding Caesar’s assassination. What are some of Brutus’ concerns? (lines 10-35).

Brutus’ thoughts about Killing Caesar Pros Cons 1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

2. What does the letter that Brutus receives say? What effect does the letter have on him? (lines 47-58).

3. For what information does Brutus want Lucius to look at a calendar? What is the significance of what Lucius finds? 4. Why do the conspirators want Cicero to join them? Why does Brutus reject Cicero? What is Cassius’ reaction and what does this show about his and Brutus’ relationship? (lines 141-153)

5. The conspirators wonder if they should kill Mark Antony as well. What do they decide? (lines 155-191) Think about the lines: “For Antony is but a limb of Caesar./Let us be sacrificers, but not butchers, Caius.” (lines 165-166).

6. How does Decius say he will make sure that Caesar will come to the Capitol? (lines 202-208)

7. What kind of relationship do Brutus and Portia have? What has Portia done to show Brutus that she is worthy of knowing his secrets? (lines 291-302).

Act II, scene ii

1. About What strange and horrible things does Calpurnia tell Caesar she has dreamt that night? What request does she make of Caesar and what is his response? (lines 9-26)

2. What does Calpurnia mean by the following statement? “When beggars die, there are no comets seen;/The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.” (lines 30-31). 3. Caesar tells Calpurnia that “Cowards die many times before their deaths;/The valiant ever taste of death but once.” What does he mean by this? (lines 32-33)

4. How does Decius convince Caesar to go to the Capitol? Act II, scene iii and iv

1. What is in Artemidorus’ letter? Considering what we know about Caesar, how do you think he will react to the letter?

2. What does Portia learn from the soothsayer? On what errand does she send Lucius?

OVERVIEW/OPINION QUESTIONS

1. At this point, with whom do you side more, the conspirators or Caesar? Explain your answer.

2. Do Brutus and Cassius have different motives for wanting to kill Caesar? Explain.

3. Who is the true leader of the conspirators? Support you opinion with evidence form the play.

4. Who would make a better replacement for Caesar, Brutus or Cassius? Support you opinion with evidence from the play.