Julius Caesar Act II Scenes 1 and 2 BHH Notes and Questions

7. If Brutus agrees to participate in the conspiracy to kill Caesar, what would his motive be.

Brutus says he will kill Caesar because, "I know no personal cause to spurn [Caesar], But for the general" (2.1.11-12). This means Brutus has no personal reason to kill Caesar, but he will do it for the general welfare of Rome. Brutus says Caesar being crowned king would "put a stone in him that at his will he may do danger with" (2.116-17), meaning being crowned king would give Caesar power to do much damage to Rome and its people.

9. How does Brutus convince Cassius that Mark Antony does not need to be killed.

Brutus tells Cassius and the rest of the conspirators, "Let's kill [Caesar] badly but not wrathfully" (2.1.174), meaning they should not kill Caesar out of spite or hatred, He further says that killing Antony is not necessary because without Caesar, Antony is like a limb without a head, and Antony "can do no more than Caesar's head is off" (2.1.184-185).

8. What bothers Brutus about the conspirators.

Brutus worries that the conspirators want to get rid of Caesar for the wrong (PERSONAL) reasons rather than for the good of Rome.

4. Portia:

Brutus' wife

3. Lucius:

Brutus' young servant

13. Calpurnia:

Caesar's wife

14. Decius:

Conspirator- Talks Caesar unto going to Senate

12. Caesar:

Dictator of Rome

1. Brutus:

Friend of Caesar. Worried about Caesar becoming a tyrant if he is crowned king.

2. Cassius:

Lead conspirator wanting to kill Caesar.

10. Why is Portia annoyed with Brutus.

Portia is annoyed with Brutus because Brutus is clearly troubled, but he will not confide in her and tell her what is wrong.

11. How does Portia prove she is tough enough to handle Brutus' secrets.

She stabs herself in the leg- DON'T NEED TO KNOW FOR QUIZ.

5. Describe Brutus' soliloquy and two main conversations in this scene.

Soliloquy: Brutus debates whether he should join the conspiracy by contemplating Caesar's character and whether he will become a tyrant and destroy the Roman Republic. He decided Caesar should not become king. Conversation 1: Brutus and the Conspirators: Brutus tells the conspirators they should not promise each other they should kill Caesar, but kill Caesar for the greater good of Rome. He also convinces the conspirators they should not kill Antony. Conversation 2: Brutus and Portia: Portia is upset with Brutus that he won't confide in her.

6. Collectivey, who are Cassius, Casca, Decius, Brutus, Metellus, Cinna, Trebonius, and Ligarius.

These men are the conspirators plotting against Caesar.