english 2 tragedy

Read the excerpt from act 4, scene 3, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. BRUTUS. O Cassius, I am sick of many griefs. CASSIUS. Of your philosophy you make no use,If you give place to accidental evils. BRUTUS. No man bears sorrow better. Portia is dead. CASSIUS. Ha! Portia? BRUTUS. She is dead. CASSIUS. How scaped I killing when I crossed you so?O insupportable and touching loss!Upon what sickness? BRUTUS. Impatient of my absence,And grief that young Octavius with Mark AntonyHave made themselves so strong—for with her deathThat tidings came. With this, she fell distraught,And, her attendants absent, swallowed fire. CASSIUS. And died so? BRUTUS. Even so. CASSIUS. O ye immortal gods! [Enter LUCIUS, with wine and taper] BRUTUS. Speak no more of her. Give me a bowl of wine.In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius. CASSIUS. My heart is thirsty for that noble pledge.Fill, Lucius, till the wine o'erswell the cup;I cannot drink too much of Brutus' love. Which evidence from the text supports the conclusion that Cassius and Brutus have reconciled? Select two options.

"How scaped I killing when I crossed you so? / O insupportable and touching loss!" "My heart is thirsty for that noble pledge. / Fill, Lucius, till the wine o'erswell the cup"

Read the passage from act 5, scene 4, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. ANTONY. This is not Brutus, friend, but, I assure you,A prize no less in worth. Keep this man safe.Give him all kindness. I had rather haveSuch men my friends than enemies. Go on,And see whether Brutus be alive or dead,And bring us word unto Octavius' tentHow everything is chanced. Which piece of evidence best expresses the theme of this passage?

"I had rather have / Such men my friends than enemies."

Read the passage from act 5, scene 4, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. BRUTUS. Come hither, good Volumnius. List a word. VOLUMNIUS. What says my lord? BRUTUS. Why this, Volumnius.The ghost of Caesar hath appeared to meTwo several times by night—at Sardis once,And this last night, here in Philippi fields.I know my hour is come. VOLUMNIUS. Not so, my lord. BRUTUS. Nay, I am sure it is, Volumnius.Thou seest the world, Volumnius, how it goes.Our enemies have beat us to the pit; [Low alarums] It is more worthy to leap in ourselvesThan tarry till they push us. Good Volumnius,Thou know'st that we two went to school together.Even for that, our love of old, I prithee,Hold thou my sword hilts, whilst I run on it. VOLUMNIUS. That's not an office for a friend, my lord. Which piece of evidence best supports the theme that one should accept fate rather than fight it?

"I know my hour is come."

Which quotation from Julius Caesar is an example of a historical allusion?

"What tributaries follow him to Rome / To grace in captive bonds his chariot wheels? / You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things! / O, you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome, / Knew you not Pompey?" (act 1, scene 1)

Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 2, scene 2. CALPURNIA. Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies,Yet now they fright me. There is one within,Besides the things that we have heard and seen,15Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch.A lioness hath whelpèd in the streets,And graves have yawned, and yielded up their dead.Fierce fiery warriors fight upon the clouds,In ranks and squadrons and right form of war,20Which drizzled blood upon the Capitol.The noise of battle hurtled in the air,Horses did neigh, and dying men did groan,And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the streets.O Caesar, these things are beyond all use,25And I do fear them. Which quotations from this excerpt are examples of imagery? Select three options.

A lioness hath whelpèd in the streets." "Fierce fiery warriors fight upon the clouds." "The noise of battle hurtled in the air."

Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 3, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar and the background information on the allusion it contains. CASSIUS. And why should Caesar be a tyrant then?Poor man, I know he would not be a wolfBut that he sees the Romans are but sheep.He were no lion, were not Romans hinds.Those that with haste will make a mighty fireBegin it with weak straws. What trash is Rome?What rubbish, and what offal? when it servesFor the base matter to illuminateSo vile a thing as Caesar! But, O grief,Where hast thou led me? I perhaps speak thisBefore a willing bondman: then I knowMy answer must be made. But I am armedAnd dangers are to me indifferent. CASCA. You speak to Casca, and to such a manThat is no fleering tell-tale. Hold, my hand.Be factious for redress of all these griefsAnd I will set this foot of mine as farAs who goes farthest. CASSIUS. There's a bargain made.Now know you, Casca, I have moved alreadySome certain of the noblest-minded RomansTo undergo with me an enterpriseOf honourable dangerous consequence.And I do know by this, they stay for meIn Pompey's Porch. For now this fearful nightThere is no stir or walking in the streets;And the complexion of the elementIn favour's like the work we have in hand,Most bloody, fiery, and most terrible. Background information: Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, known in English as Pompey the Great, was a Roman general and political leader. Together with Caesar and Crassus, Pompey ruled as a member of the first Roman triumvirate. As a leader, Pompey was a capable administer and worked to help Rome grow and prosper. Among other projects, he built a large amphitheater in Rome. This amphitheater was named after him, and its annex became known as Pompey's Porch. During this time, Pompey married Caesar's daughter, Julia. After her death, however, Pompey and Caesar began to grow apart, and within a few years, Pompey sided with the senate against Caesar. War followed. In 48 BCE, Pompey's armies were defeated, and he was murdered by former allies who were afraid of Caesar's power. Which statement best explains the meaning added by the allusion in this excerpt?

Alluding to Pompey invokes the history of his opposition to Caesar, showing that the conspirators in the play are part of a longstanding battle against a tyrant.

Read the excerpt from act 5, scene 1, of Julius Caesar. ANTONY. Villains, you did not so, when your vile daggersHacked one another in the sides of Caesar:You showed your teeth like apes, and fawned like hounds,And bowed like bondmen, kissing Caesar's feet,Whilst damnèd Casca, like a cur, behind,Struck Caesar on the neck. O you flatterers! Cur and dog mean the same thing denotatively. Which statement best explains why Antony uses the word cur rather than dog to describe Casca?

Antony has contempt for Casca and is insulting him.

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 1, of Julius Caesar. SERVANT. Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel.Thus did Mark Antony bid me fall down,And, being prostrate, thus he bade me say."Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest.Caesar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving.Say I love Brutus, and I honour him.Say I feared Caesar, honoured him, and loved him.If Brutus will vouchsafe that AntonyMay safely come to him and be resolvedHow Caesar hath deserved to lie in death,Mark Antony shall not love Caesar deadSo well as Brutus living, but will followThe fortunes and affairs of noble BrutusThorough the hazards of this untrod stateWith all true faith." So says my master Antony. What is the best summary of this monologue?

Antony sends his servant to respectfully tell Brutus that Antony loves and honors him, as he did Caesar. Then the servant says that if Antony can safely come and inquire about Caesar's death, then Antony will be loyal to Brutus.

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 1, of Julius Caesar. [ANTONY.] First, Marcus Brutus, will I shake with you—Next, Caius Cassius, do I take your hand—Now, Decius Brutus, yours;—now yours, Metellus;—Yours, Cinna;—and my valiant Casca, yours;—Though last, not last in love, yours, good Trebonius.Gentlemen all,—alas, what shall I say?My credit now stands on such slippery groundThat one of two bad ways you must conceit me:Either a coward or a flatterer.That I did love thee, Caesar, O, 'tis true.If then thy spirit look upon us now,Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death,To see thy Antony making his peace,Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes—Most noble!—In the presence of thy corse? What is the best summary of this monologue

Antony shakes the hands of all the conspirators and says he knows that his love for Caesar puts him in an unstable position. Then he imagines that it would break Caesar's heart to see Antony making peace with his assassins.

Read the excerpt from act 2, scene 1, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. BRUTUS. Let 'em enter. [Exit LUCIUS] They are the faction. O conspiracy,Shamest thou to show thy dangerous brow by night,When evils are most free? O then by dayWhere wilt thou find a cavern dark enoughTo mask thy monstrous visage? Seek none, conspiracy.Hide it in smiles and affability;For if thou path, thy native semblance on,Not Erebus itself were dim enoughTo hide thee from prevention. [Enter the conspirators: CASSIUS, CASCA, DECIUS BRUTUS, CINNA, METELLUS CIMBER, and TREBONIUS] CASSIUS. I think we are too bold upon your rest.Good morrow, Brutus. Do we trouble you? BRUTUS. I have been up this hour, awake all night.Know I these men that come along with you? CASSIUS. Yes, every man of them; and no man hereBut honours you; and every one doth wishYou had but that opinion of yourselfWhich every noble Roman bears of you. Which statement best explains how Brutus's tragic flaw reveals the theme that citizens are persuaded by charismatic leaders?

Because Brutus is easily manipulated by others, he falls for Cassius's flattery and joins the conspiracy.

Read the excerpt from act 2, scene 1, of Julius Caesar. BRUTUS. The exhalations whizzing in the airGive so much light that I may read by them. [Opens the letter and reads] "Brutus, thou sleep'st. Awake, and see thyself.Shall Rome, etc.? Speak, strike, redress."—"Brutus, thou sleep'st. Awake!"Such instigations have been often droppedWhere I have took them up."Shall Rome, etc.?" Thus must I piece it out:Shall Rome stand under one man's awe? What, Rome?My ancestors did from the streets of RomeThe Tarquin drive when he was called a king."Speak, strike, redress!" Am I entreatedTo speak and strike? O Rome, I make thee promise,If the redress will follow, thou receivestThy full petition at the hand of Brutus! What effect does the letter have on Brutus?

Brutus decides to join the conspiracy to kill Caesar.

Read the excerpt from act 2, scene 1, of Julius Caesar. [BRUTUS.] Let us be sacrificers, but not butchers, Caius.We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar,And in the spirit of men there is no blood.O, that we then could come by Caesar's spirit,And not dismember Caesar! Why is this passage an example of verbal irony?

Brutus does not want to be a butcher but has to dismember Caesar.

Read the excerpt from act 2, scene 1, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. BRUTUS. It must be by his death: and for my partI know no personal cause to spurn at himBut for the general. He would be crowned:How that might change his nature, there's the question.It is the bright day that brings forth the adder,And that craves wary walking. Crown him that,And then I grant we put a sting in himThat at his will he may do danger with.Th' abuse of greatness is when it disjoinsRemorse from power. And to speak truth of Caesar,I have not known when his affections swayedMore than his reason. But 'tis a common proofThat lowliness is young ambition's ladder,Whereto the climber-upward turns his face;But when he once attains the upmost round,He then unto the ladder turns his back,Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degreesBy which he did ascend. So Caesar may.Then lest he may, prevent. And since the quarrelWill bear no colour for the thing he is,Fashion it thus: that what he is, augmented,Would run to these and these extremities;And therefore think him as a serpent's eggWhich, hatched, would as his kind grow mischievous,And kill him in the shell. What moral dilemma does this excerpt express?

Brutus must decide whether to help in the plot to kill Caesar.

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 2, of Julius Caesar. [BRUTUS.] Who is here sovile that will not love his country? If any, speak,for him have I offended. I pause for a reply. ALL. None, Brutus, none. BRUTUS. Then none have I offended. I have doneno more toCaesar than you shall do to Brutus. The question ofhis death is enrolled in the Capitol: his glory notextenuated, wherein he was worthy, nor his offencesenforced, for which he suffered death. [Enter ANTONY and others, with CAESAR's body] Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony, who,though he had no hand in his death, shall receivethe benefit of his dying: a place in thecommonwealth—as which of you shall not? With thisI depart: that, as I slew my best lover for thegood of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself,when it shall please my country to need my death. What is the best summary of this monologue?

Brutus says that he has not offended anyone and that he killed Caesar for the good of Rome, just as the people may kill him someday. As Caesar's body is delivered, Brutus also acknowledges that Antony is not guilty, but will benefit from Caesar's death, just as everyone will.

Read the excerpt from act 2, scene 1, of Julius Caesar. CASCA. You shall confess that you are both deceived.Here, as I point my sword, the sun arises,Which is a great way growing on the south,Weighing the youthful season of the year.Some two months hence up higher toward the northHe first presents his fire, and the high eastStands, as the Capitol, directly here. BRUTUS. Give me your hands all over, one by one. CASSIUS. And let us swear our resolution. BRUTUS. No, not an oath. If not the face of men,The sufferance of our souls, the time's abuse—If these be motives weak, break off betimes,And every man hence to his idle bed. What effect does Cassius's request to swear a resolution have on Brutus?

Brutus says that swearing a resolution is not necessary to fight tyranny.

Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 1, scene 2. BRUTUS. Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,That you would have me seek into myselfFor that which is not in me?70 CASSIUS. Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear.And since you know you cannot see yourselfSo well as by reflection, I, your glass,Will modestly discover to yourselfThat of yourself which you yet know not of.75And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus.Were I a common laugher, or did useTo stale with ordinary oaths my loveTo every new protester; if you knowThat I do fawn on men and hug them hard80And after scandal them: or if you knowThat I profess myself in banquetingTo all the rout: then hold me dangerous. Which statement best summarizes the conflict in this passage?

Brutus suspects that Cassius's flattery is fueled by intentions that will put him at risk, and Cassius assures Brutus that he is honest and trustworthy.

Read the excerpt from act 2, scene 1, of Julius Caesar. BRUTUS. Our course will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius,To cut the head off and then hack the limbs,Like wrath in death and envy afterwards—For Antony is but a limb of Caesar.Let us be sacrificers, but not butchers, Caius.We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar,And in the spirit of men there is no blood.O, that we then could come by Caesar's spirit,And not dismember Caesar! But, alas,Caesar must bleed for it. And, gentle friends,Let's kill him boldly, but not wrathfully.Let's carve him as a dish fit for the gods,Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds.And let our hearts, as subtle masters do,Stir up their servants to an act of rage,And after seem to chide 'em. This shall makeOur purpose necessary, and not envious;Which so appearing to the common eyes,We shall be called purgers, not murderers.And for Mark Antony, think not of him,For he can do no more than Caesar's armWhen Caesar's head is off. Which statement best explains Brutus's motivation in this scene?

Brutus wants people to think of the conspirators as honorable, not evil.

Read the excerpt from act 2, scene 1, of Julius Caesar. BRUTUS. O ye gods,Render me worthy of this noble wife! [Knocking within] Hark, hark, one knocks. Portia, go in a while,And by and by thy bosom shall partakeThe secrets of my heart.All my engagements I will construe to thee,All the charactery of my sad brows.Leave me with haste. [Exit PORTIA] Which statement best explains Brutus's motivation in this scene?

Brutus wants to keep Portia out of the conspiracy to protect her.

Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 1, scene 2. CASSIUS. Ay, do you fear it?Then must I think you would not have it so. BRUTUS. I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well.But wherefore do you hold me here so long?90What is it that you would impart to me?If it be aught toward the general good,Set honour in one eye and death i'th' other,And I will look on both indifferently;For let the gods so speed me as I love95The name of honour more than I fear death. Which prediction about the plot does this passage most support?

Brutus will die.

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 1, of Julius Caesar. [CAESAR.] So in the world: 'tis furnished well with men,And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive;Yet in the number I do know but oneThat unassailable holds on his rank,Unshaked of motion; and that I am heLet me a little show it even in this—That I was constant Cimber should be banished,And constant do remain to keep him so. What is the best summary of this monologue?

Caesar refuses to reverse Cimber's banishment. He says that, although the world is full of reasonable men, he is the only one who stands firm, and he will stick by his sentence to prove it.

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 1, of Julius Caesar. CAESAR. I must prevent thee, Cimber.These couchings and these lowly courtesiesMight fire the blood of ordinary men,And turn preordinance and first decreeInto the law of children. Be not fondTo think that Caesar bears such rebel bloodThat will be thawed from the true qualityWith that which melteth fools: I mean sweet words,Low-crookèd courtesies, and base spaniel fawning.Thy brother by decree is banished.If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him,I spurn thee like a cur out of my way.Know Caesar doth not wrong but with just cause,Nor without cause will he be satisfied. What is the central idea of this excerpt?

Caesar will not reverse the exile of Cimber's brother in response to begging and flattery.

Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 3, of Julius Caesar. [CASSIUS.] Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius.Therein, ye gods, you make the weak most strong;Therein, ye gods, you tyrants do defeat.Nor stony tower, nor walls of beaten brass,Nor airless dungeon, nor strong links of iron,Can be retentive to the strength of spirit;But life, being weary of these worldly bars,Never lacks power to dismiss itself.If I know this, know all the world besides,That part of tyranny that I do bearI can shake off at pleasure. [Thunder still] CASCA. So can I.So every bondman in his own hand bearsThe power to cancel his captivity. How does Cassius's proclamation affect Casca?

Casca says that he will also fight Caesar's rise to power.

Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 3, of Julius Caesar. CASSIUS. And why should Caesar be a tyrant then?Poor man, I know he would not be a wolfBut that he sees the Romans are but sheep. Why is this excerpt an example of verbal irony?

Cassius actually believes that Caesar wants to be a tyrant.

Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 1, scene 2. [CASSIUS.] And this manIs now become a god, and Cassius isA wretched creature, and must bend his bodyIf Caesar carelessly but nod on him.125He had a fever when he was in Spain,And when the fit was on him, I did markHow he did shake. 'Tis true, this god did shake.His coward lips did from their colour fly,And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world130Did lose his lustre. I did hear him groan:Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the RomansMark him and write his speeches in their books,"Alas," it cried "Give me some drink, Titinius,"As a sick girl. Ye gods, it doth amaze me60135A man of such a feeble temper shouldSo get the start of the majestic world,And bear the palm alone. According to this passage, why is Cassius so frustrated with Caesar?

Cassius cannot believe that a weakling like Caesar has become so great.

Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 3, of Julius Caesar. CASSIUS. I know where I will wear this dagger then:Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius. Given Cassius's statement about himself here, which hypothetical action would be an example of situational irony? Select two options.

Cassius ends up being a victim of Mark Antony's wrath. Cassius ends up causing the thing he tries to escape.

Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 1, scene 2. CASSIUS. 'Tis just;And it is very much lamented, Brutus,60That you have no such mirrors as will turnYour hidden worthiness into your eye,That you might see your shadow. I have heardWhere many of the best respect in Rome—Except immortal Caesar—speaking of Brutus,65And groaning underneath this age's yoke,Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes. Which summary of the passage is the most accurate?

Cassius says that it is too bad Brutus cannot see his hidden greatness and that he has heard many nobles speak of Brutus when complaining about the current government's problems.

Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 2, scene 1. CASSIUS. But it is doubtful yet,Whether Caesar will come forth today or no;For he is superstitious grown of late,750Quite from the main opinion he held onceOf fantasy, of dreams and ceremonies:It may be these apparent prodigies,The unaccustomed terror of this night,And the persuasion of his augurers,755May hold him from the Capitol today. DECIUS. Never fear that. If he be so resolvedI can o'ersway him; for he loves to hearThat unicorns may be betrayed with trees,And bears with glasses, elephants with holes,760Lions with toils, and men with flatterers;But when I tell him he hates flatterers;He says he does, being then most flattered. Letme work;For I can give his humour the true bent,And I will bring him to the Capitol.765 Which conclusion does this excerpt best support?

Decius strongly believes that he can get Caesar to go to the Capitol.

Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 1, scene 1. [FLAVIUS.] See whether their basest metal be not moved.60They vanish tongue-tied in their guiltiness.Go you down that way towards the Capitol;This way will I. Disrobe the images,If you do find them decked with ceremonies. MARULLUS. May we do so?65You know it is the feast of Lupercal. FLAVIUS. It is no matter; let no imagesBe hung with Caesar's trophies. I'll about,And drive away the vulgar from the streets:So do you too, where you perceive them thick. Which paraphrase of the passage is the most accurate?

Flavius hopes that he has changed the high spirits of the people in the streets and sends them away before Caesar sees them. He instructs Marullus to go toward the capitol, while he himself goes the other way to take down any images of Caesar or decorations on his statues. Marullus wants to know if that is OK, because everyone is celebrating the feast of Lupercal. Flavius does not care, and he tells Marullus to do as he says and send the crowds home.

FLAVIUS. Go, go, good countrymen, and for thisfault Assemble all the poor men of your sort; Draw them to Tiber banks, and weep your tears Into the channel, till the lowest stream Do kiss the most exalted shores of all. -The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,William Shakespeare Read the passage. What is the best paraphrase of the text?

Go, go, citizens. To make up for doing wrong, gather up all the poor men like yourselves. Lead them to the river and cry into it until it overflows.

Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 1, scene 1. FLAVIUS. But wherefore art not in thy shop today?Why dost thou lead these men about the streets? COBBLER. Truly, sir, to wear out their shoes to get myselfinto more work. But indeed, sir, we make holiday30to see Caesar and to rejoice in his triumph. MARULLUS. Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home?What tributaries follow him to RomeTo grace in captive bonds his chariot wheels?You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things!35O, you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome,Knew you not Pompey? Many a time and oftHave you climbed up to walls and battlements,To towers and windows, yea to chimney-tops,Your infants in your arms, and there have sat40The livelong day, with patient expectation,To see great Pompey pass the streets of Rome.And when you saw his chariot but appear,Have you not made an universal shout,That Tiber trembled underneath her banks45To hear the replication of your soundsMade in her concave shores?And do you now put on your best attire?And do you now cull out a holiday?And do you now strew flowers in his way,50That comes in triumph over Pompey's blood? Be gone!Run to your houses, fall upon your knees,Pray to the gods to intermit the plagueThat needs must light on this ingratitude. FLAVIUS. Go, go, good countrymen, and, for this fault55Assemble all the poor men of your sort;Draw them to Tiber banks, and weep your tearsInto the channel, till the lowest streamDo kiss the most exalted shores of all.[Exeunt all the Commoners] Which quotations from this excerpt are examples of imagery? Select two options.

Have you not made an universal shout, / That Tiber trembled underneath her banks" "And do you now strew flowers in his way, / That comes in triumph over Pompey's blood?"

Which statements about a moral dilemma apply to the character of Mark Antony? Select two options.

He has to decide whether to go to war with the conspirators. He has to decide whether or not to support the assassins.

Read the excerpt from act 4, scene 1, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. [Exit LEPIDUS] ANTONY. This is a slight, unmeritable man,Meet to be sent on errands. Is it fit,The three-fold world divided, he should standOne of the three to share it? OCTAVIUS. So you thought him,And took his voice who should be pricked to die,In our black sentence and proscription. ANTONY. Octavius, I have seen more days than you:And though we lay these honors on this man.To ease ourselves of divers sland'rous loads,He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold,To groan and sweat under the business,Either led or driven as we point the way;And having brought our treasure where we will,Then take we down his load, and turn him off,Like to the empty ass, to shake his earsAnd graze in commons. What does this interaction reveal about Antony's agenda?

He plans to remove Lepidus from power once he has served his purpose.

Read the excerpt from act 5, scene 1, of Julius Caesar. OCTAVIUS. Come, Antony, away!Defiance, traitors, hurl we in your teeth.If you dare fight to-day, come to the field.If not, when you have stomachs. What is the most likely reason Shakespeare chose the word hurl rather than throw?

Hurl suggests a more violent and powerful motion or action.

COBBLER. Truly, sir, all that I live by, is with the awl: I meddle with no tradesman's matters, nor women's matters, but withal. I am indeed, sir, a surgeon to old shoes; when they are in great danger, I recover them. As proper men as ever trod upon neat's leather have gone upon my handiwork. -The Tragedy of Julius CaesarWilliam Shakespeare Read the passage. What is the best summary of the

I am a tradesman and do not bother others.

Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 2, scene 1. BRUTUSGive me your hands all over, one by one. CASSIUSAnd let us swear our resolution. BRUTUSNo, not an oath. If not the face of men,5The sufferance of our souls, the time's abuse—If these be motives weak, break off betimes,And every man hence to his idle bed.So let high-sighted tyranny range onTill each man drop by lottery. But if these—10As I am sure they do—bear fire enoughTo kindle cowards and to steel with valorThe melting spirits of women, then, countrymen,What need we any spur but our own causeTo prick us to redress? What other bond15Than secret Romans that have spoke the wordAnd will not palter? And what other oathThan honesty to honesty engaged,That this shall be, or we will fall for it?Swear priests and cowards and men cautelous,20Old feeble carrions and such suffering soulsThat welcome wrongs. Unto bad causes swearSuch creatures as men doubt. But do not stainThe even virtue of our enterprise,Nor th' insuppressive mettle of our spirits,25To think that or our cause or our performanceDid need an oath, when every drop of bloodThat every Roman bears—and nobly bears—Is guilty of a several bastardyIf he do break the smallest particle30Of any promise that hath passed from him. How does this scene contribute to the plot?

It illustrates Brutus's resolve and commitment.

Read the excerpt from act 4, scene 3, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. [BRUTUS.] Messala, I have here receivèd letters,That young Octavius and Mark AntonyCome down upon us with a mighty power,Bending their expedition toward Philippi. MESSALA. Myself have letters of the selfsame tenor. BRUTUS. With what addition? MESSALA. That by proscription and bills of outlawry,Octavius, Antony, and LepidusHave put to death an hundred senators. BRUTUS. Therein our letters do not well agree.Mine speak of seventy senators that diedBy their proscriptions, Cicero being one. CASSIUS. Cicero one! MESSALA. Ay, Cicero is dead,And by that order of proscription. How does this interaction affect the plot?

It informs the audience about events that took place off stage.

Read the excerpt from act 5, scene 1, of Julius Caesar. OCTAVIUS. So I hope.I was not born to die on Brutus' sword. BRUTUS. O, if thou wert the noblest of thy strain,Young man, thou couldst not die more honourable. CASSIUS. A peevish schoolboy, worthless of such honour,Joined with a masquer and a reveller! ANTONY. Old Cassius still! How does the word peevish help the reader understand Cassius's feeling toward Octavius?

It reveals a deeper level of contempt when he insults Octavius.

Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 1, scene 2. SOOTHSAYER. Caesar!15 CAESAR. Ha! who calls? CASCA. Bid every noise be still. Peace yet again. CAESAR. Who is it in the press that calls on me?I hear a tongue shriller than all the musicCry "Caesar!" Speak. Caesar is turned to hear.20 SOOTHSAYER. Beware the ides of March. CAESAR. What man is that? BRUTUS. A soothsayer bids you beware the ides ofMarch. CAESAR. Set him before me; let me see his face. CASSIUS. Fellow, come from the throng; look upon25Caesar. CAESAR. What say'st thou to me now? Speak once again. SOOTHSAYER. Beware the ides of March. CAESAR. He is a dreamer. Let us leave him. Pass! How does this scene most contribute to the plot?

It reveals that Caesar may be in danger.

Read the excerpt from act 5, scene 1, of Julius Caesar. MESSENGER. Prepare you, generals.The enemy comes on in gallant show.Their bloody sign of battle is hung out,And something to be done immediately. ANTONY. Octavius, lead your battle softly on,Upon the left hand of the even field. OCTAVIUS. Upon the right hand, I; keep thou the left. How does the use of the word gallant add to the meaning of the sentence?

It suggests that the enemy is courageous.

Read the excerpt from act 5, scene 1, of Julius Caesar. BRUTUS. No, Cassius, no:Think not, thou noble Roman,That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome.He bears too great a mind. But this same dayMust end that work the ides of March begun;And whether we shall meet again I know not.Therefore our everlasting farewell take.Forever and forever farewell, Cassius.If we do meet again, why, we shall smile.If not, why then, this parting was well made. How does Shakespeare's use of the word everlasting most affect the meaning of this passage?

It suggests that they will not meet again.

Read the passage from act 5, scene 3, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. [TITINIUS.] Why didst thou send me forth, brave Cassius?Did I not meet thy friends, and did not theyPut on my brows this wreath of victory,And bid me give it thee? Didst thou not hear their shouts?Alas, thou hast misconstrued everything!But hold thee, take this garland on thy brow.Thy Brutus bid me give it thee, and IWill do his bidding. Brutus, come apace,And see how I regarded Caius Cassius.By your leave, gods,—this is a Roman's part:Come, Cassius' sword, and find Titinius' heart. Which theme is best expressed by the text evidence in the excerpt?

Loyalty to one's superior is more important than life.

Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 1, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar and the background information on the allusion it contains. Excerpt: [FLAVIUS.] See whether their basest mettle be not moved.They vanish tongue-tied in their guiltiness.Go you down that way towards the Capitol;This way will I. Disrobe the imagesIf you do find them decked with ceremonies. MARULLUS. May we do so?You know it is the feast of Lupercal. FLAVIUS. It is no matter; let no imagesBe hung with Caesar's trophies. I'll about,And drive away the vulgar from the streets:So do you too, where you perceive them thick.These growing feathers plucked from Caesar's wingWill make him fly an ordinary pitch,Who else would soar above the view of men,And keep us all in servile fearfulness. Background information: In Rome, February 15 was Lupercalia, an annual festival celebrating the myth of the she-wolf that saved the lives of the infant twins Romulus and Remus. According to legend, the two boys became the founders of Rome. The festival is also said to have celebrated the god who protected flocks from hungry wolves. Which statement best explains the meaning added by the allusion in this excerpt

Lupercal alludes to an important patriotic festival, and celebrating Caesar on Lupercal indicates his high position in Rome.

Read the passage from act 5, scene 4, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. LUCILLIUS. Only I yield to die.There is so much, that thou wilt kill me straight:[Offering money]Kill Brutus, and be honoured in his death. FIRST SOLDIER. We must not.—A noble prisoner! SECOND SOLDIER. Room, ho! Tell Antony, Brutus is ta'en. FIRST SOLDIER. I'll tell the news. Here comes the general.— [Enter ANTONY] Brutus is ta'en, Brutus is ta'en, my lord. ANTONY. Where is he? LUCILLIUS. Safe, Antony, Brutus is safe enough.I dare assure thee that no enemyShall ever take alive the noble Brutus.The gods defend him from so great a shame.When you do find him, or alive or dead,He will be found like Brutus, like himself. ANTONY. This is not Brutus, friend, but, I assure you,A prize no less in worth. Keep this man safe.Give him all kindness. I had rather haveSuch men my friends than enemies. Go on,And see whether Brutus be alive or dead,And bring us word unto Octavius' tentHow everything is chanced. [Exeunt] Which statement best explains how a catastrophe reveals the theme that loyalty to the republic is more important than loyalty to friends?

Mark Antony understands that Brutus killed Caesar to protect the republic, so he wants Brutus kept alive.

Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 1, scene 1. MARULLUS. Wherefore rejoice? What conquest bringshe home?What tributaries follow him to RomeTo grace in captive bonds his chariot wheels?You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless35things!O, you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome,Knew you not Pompey? Many a time and oftHave you climbed up to walls and battlements,To towers and windows, yea, to chimney-tops,Your infants in your arms, and there have sat40The livelong day, with patient expectation,To see great Pompey pass the streets of Rome. Which summary of the passage is the best?

Marullus regrets that the people are celebrating Caesar and is insulted that they forgot how they used to praise Pompey.

Read the excerpt from act 5, scene 1, of Julius Caesar. CASSIUS. Messala. MESSALA, standing forth. What says my general? CASSIUS. Messala,This is my birthday; as this very dayWas Cassius born. Give me thy hand, Messala.Be thou my witness that, against my will,As Pompey was, am I compelled to setUpon one battle all our liberties.You know that I held Epicurus strongAnd his opinion. Now I change my mind,And partly credit things that do presage.Coming from Sardis, on our former ensignTwo mighty eagles fell, and there they perched,Gorging and feeding from our soldiers' hands;Who to Philippi here consorted us.This morning are they fled away and gone,And in their steads do ravens, crows, and kitesFly o'er our heads and downward look on us,As we were sickly prey. Their shadows seemA canopy most fatal, under whichOur army lies ready to give up the ghost. MESSALA. Believe not so. CASSIUS. I but believe it partly;For I am fresh of spirit, and resolvedTo meet all perils very constantly. Which central idea does this speech about omens best support?

Maybe fate does control everything.

Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 2, scene 4. PORTIA. I prithee, boy, run to the Senate House;Stay not to answer me, but get thee gone.—Why dost thou stay? LUCIUS. To know my errand, madam. PORTIA. I would have had thee there and here again5Ere I can tell thee what thou shouldst do there.[Aside] O constancy, be strong upon my side;Set a huge mountain 'tween my heart and tongue.I have a man's mind, but a woman's might.How hard it is for women to keep counsel!10[To LUCIUS] Art thou here yet? LUCIUS. Madam, what should I do?Run to the Capitol, and nothing else?And so return to you, and nothing else? PORTIA. Yes, bring me word, boy, if thy lord look well,For he went sickly forth; and take good note15What Caesar doth, what suitors press to him.Hark, boy, what noise is that? LUCIUS. I hear none, madam. Which conclusion does this excerpt best support?

Portia wants to take action, but she cannot.

Read the excerpt from act 2, scene 1, of Julius Caesar. BRUTUS. Kneel not, gentle Portia. PORTIA. I should not need if you were gentle Brutus.Within the bond of marriage, tell me, Brutus,Is it excepted I should know no secretsThat appertain to you? Am I your selfBut as it were in sort or limitation?To keep with you at meals, comfort your bed,And talk to you sometimes? Dwell I but in the suburbsOf your good pleasure? If it be no more,Portia is Brutus' harlot, not his wife. BRUTUS. You are my true and honourable wife,As dear to me as are the ruddy dropsThat visit my sad heart. PORTIA. If this were true, then should I know this secret.I grant I am a woman, but withalA woman that Lord Brutus took to wife.I grant I am a woman, but withalA woman well reputed, Cato's daughter.Think you I am no stronger than my sex,Being so fathered and so husbanded?Tell me your counsels; I will not disclose 'em.I have made strong proof of my constancy,Giving myself a voluntary woundHere in the thigh. Can I bear that with patience,And not my husband's secrets? BRUTUS. O ye gods,Render me worthy of this noble wife! What effect does Brutus's secrecy have on his wife, Portia? Select three options.

She feels like she is not really Brutus's wife if he cannot be honest with her. She thinks that Brutus is unfairly keeping her in the dark because she is a woman. She harms herself to prove to Brutus that she is strong enough to keep his secret.

Which statements should be included in a summary of act 1, scene 1? Check all that apply.

The commoners cheer for Caesar's return. Flavius and Marullus are dispersing the crowd. Flavius and Marullus are fearful of Caesar's power.

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 3, of Julius Caesar. CINNA THE POET. Directly, I am going to Caesar's funeral. FIRST PLEBEIAN. As a friend or an enemy? CINNA THE POET. As a friend. SECOND PLEBEIAN. That matter is answered directly. FOURTH PLEBEIAN. For your dwelling—briefly. CINNA THE POET. Briefly, I dwell by the Capitol. THIRD PLEBEIAN. Your name, sir, truly. CINNA THE POET. Truly, my name is Cinna. FIRST PLEBEIAN. Tear him to pieces! He's a conspirator. CINNA THE POET. I am Cinna the poet, I am Cinna the poet. FOURTH PLEBEIAN. Tear him for his bad verses, tear him for his bad verses. CINNA THE POET. I am not Cinna the conspirator. FOURTH PLEBEIAN. It is no matter, his name's Cinna. Pluck but hisname out of his heart, and turn him going. THIRD PLEBEIAN. Tear him, tear him! Come, brands ho! Firebrands!To Brutus', to Cassius'! Burn all! Some to Decius'house, and some to Casca's; some to Ligarius'. Away, go! [Exeunt] What is the central idea of this excerpt?

The plebeians mistake Cinna the poet for Cinna the conspirator and decide to tear him to pieces before going after Caesar's killers.

Read the excerpt from act 5, scene 2, of Julius Caesar. BRUTUS. Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these billsUnto the legions on the other side. [Loud alarum] Let them set on at once, for I perceiveBut cold demeanour in Octavius' wing,And sudden push gives them the overthrow.Ride, ride, Messala, let them all come down. [Exeunt] How would the meaning of the passage be affected if the phrase "all come down" were changed to "advance"?

The urgent tone would be softened considerably.

Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 3, of Julius Caesar. [CASSIUS.] Now know you, Casca, I have moved alreadySome certain of the noblest-minded RomansTo undergo with me an enterpriseOf honourable dangerous consequence.And I do know by this, they stay for meIn Pompey's Porch. For now this fearful nightThere is no stir or walking in the streets;And the complexion of the elementIn favour's like the work we have in hand,Most bloody, fiery, and most terrible. What causes Cassius to delay killing Caesar?

a violent storm

Read the excerpt from act 5, scene 1, of Julius Caesar. CASSIUS. Why, now, blow wind, swell billow, and swim bark!The storm is up, and all is on the hazard. The storm imagery functions as what motif in the play?

an omen suggesting a tragic end to the battle

Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 1, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar and the background information on the allusion it contains. Excerpt: [FLAVIUS.] See whether their basest mettle be not moved.They vanish tongue-tied in their guiltiness.Go you down that way towards the Capitol;This way will I. Disrobe the imagesIf you do find them decked with ceremonies. MARULLUS. May we do so?You know it is the feast of Lupercal. FLAVIUS. It is no matter; let no imagesBe hung with Caesar's trophies. I'll about,And drive away the vulgar from the streets:So do you too, where you perceive them thick.These growing feathers plucked from Caesar's wingWill make him fly an ordinary pitch,Who else would soar above the view of men,And keep us all in servile fearfulness. Background information: In Rome, February 15 was Lupercalia, an annual festival celebrating the myth of the she-wolf that saved the lives of the infant twins Romulus and Remus. According to legend, the two boys became the founders of Rome. The festival is also said to have celebrated the god who protected flocks from hungry wolves. This excerpt revolves around a

cultural allusion.

Which steps are part of the process of citing supporting details? Select four options.

finding repeated words and phrases determining the central idea looking for facts and examples considering all the evidence

Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 1, scene 2. CASCA. I can as well be hanged as tell the manner of it.It was mere foolery, I did not mark it. I saw MarkAntony offer him a crown—yet 'twas not a crownneither, 'twas one of these coronets—and, as I told245you he put it by once; but, for all that, to mythinking he would fain have had it. Then heoffered it to him again; then he put it by again—but to my thinking he was very loath to lay hisfingers off it. And then he offered it the third250time; he put it the third time by. And still as herefused it, the rabblement hooted, and clapped theirchapped hands, and threw up their sweaty nightcapsand uttered such a deal of stinking breath becauseCaesar refused the crown that it had almost choked260Caesar; for he swooned and fell down at it. Andfor mine own part, I durst not laugh for fear ofopening my lips and receiving the bad air. Which senses does this excerpt appeal to? Select three options.

sight: "swooned and fell down" sound: "the rabblement hooted" touch: "chapped hands"

Read the excerpt from act 4, scene 1, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. [BRUTUS.] He is not doubted—A word, Lucillius.How he received you let me be resolved. LUCILLIUS. With courtesy and with respect enough,But not with such familiar instances,Nor with such free and friendly conference,As he hath used of old. BRUTUS. Thou hast describedA hot friend cooling. Ever note, Lucillius:When love begins to sicken and decayIt useth an enforcèd ceremony.There are no tricks in plain and simple faith;But hollow men, like horses hot at hand,Make gallant show and promise of their mettle;But when they should endure the bloody spur,They fall their crests and, like deceitful jades,Sink in the trial. Which central idea is reflected in this passage?

the extent of loyalty

Read the excerpt from act 4, scene 3, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. [BRUTUS.] Messala, I have here receivèd letters,That young Octavius and Mark AntonyCome down upon us. . . . MESSALA. Myself have letters of the selfsame tenor. BRUTUS. With what addition? MESSALA. That by proscription and bills of outlawry,Octavius, Antony, and LepidusHave put to death an hundred senators. BRUTUS. Therein our letters do not well agree.Mine speak of seventy senators that diedBy their proscriptions, Cicero being one. CASSIUS. Cicero one! MESSALA. Ay, Cicero is dead,And by that order of proscription. What is the central idea of this excerpt?

the ruthlessness of power