Julius Caesar Act Two

Study Guide

 

  1. Name Brutus’s personal servant.

    2.  

  2. About what has Brutus been thinking that has prevented him from sleeping?

    3.  

  3. Brutus reads the letter that he receives. What is its purpose?

    4.  

  4. Name the person who tossed the forged letters to Brutus.

    5.  

  5. What day is it now?

    6.  

  6. What relation is Cassius to Brutus?

    7.  

  7. Why did Lucius not recognize the other conspirators with Cassius when they arrived?

    8.  

  8. Who suggested Cicero be asked to join the conspiracy?

    9.  

  9. Why, at first, did his name come up as a possible addition to their conspiracy?

    10.  

  10. What do they decide to do about including him? What reason do they give for their decision?

    11.  

  11. Why does Brutus put a stop to Cassius’s idea to also kill Antony?

    12.  

  12. Brutus tells the conspirators to put on happy faces when they go to the Capitol. Why?

    13.  

  13. What reason does he give to Portia as causing his changed behavior?

    14.  

  14. Does he confide in Portia as to the real reason for his disturbed behavior?

    15.  

  15. Who was Cato?

    16.  

  16. In scene two, who else has been experiencing trouble sleeping?

    17.  

  17. What is Calpurnia’s feelings regarding the day at hand?

    18.  

  18. According to Calpurnia, what are some unusual sightings that have taken place today?

    19.  

  19. What decision does Caesar make regarding going tot he Capitol or staying home?

    20.  

  20. Caesar begins to reconsider going to the Capitol. What excuse does he consider offering?

    21.  

  21. What dream has been dreamt by Calpurnia?

    22.  

  22. How did Decius reinterpret the meaning of Calpurnia’s dream from its original meaning?

    23.  

  23. Caesar requests the men to be near him at all times in the Capitol today. How is this request ironic in light of things to come?

    24.  

  24. Scene 3 opens with Artemidorus reading a letter. What is its contents?

    25.  

  25. In scene 4, why does Portia send Lucius to the Capitol?

    26.  

  26. Why does the fortuneteller go toward the capitol himself?

    27.  

  27. At the end of the scene where does Lucius go?

 

Julius Caesar

Act Two Quotations

 

 

1. "A sunny day encourages vipers to come out into the open."

 

2. "in the early stages of ambition that humility is a ladder,

on which the climber mounts with his face turned upward.

Once he gets to the top rung, however,

He turns his back to the ladder."

 

3. "O let us have him, because his silvery hair

will win us everyone’s good opinion

and buy men’s speeches to praise our deeds."

 

4. "for he will never follow any cause

started by other men."

 

5. Since Antony is only a limb of Caesar."

 

6. "We shall be called purgers

and not murderers.

As for Mark Antony, don’t think about him,

Because he can accomplish no more than Caesar’s arm

After Caesar’s head has been cut off."

 

7. "Don’t let our serious looks reveal our purposes,

but let us play it out like Roman actors,

with untired spirits and a dignified self-control."

 

8. "I am not sick any longer if Brutus has

some action worthy of the name of honor."

 

9. "Lead the way,

and with a spirit that has just been inspired by your words,

I will follow you."

 

10. "What do you mean to do Caesar? Are you thinking of going out?

I won’t allow you to stir out of the house today."

 

11. "Adjourn the Senate to another time,

when Caesar’s wife has better dreams."

 

12. "How hard it is for women to keep a secret."