Julius Caesar- Characters + Multiple Choice

joins and then leads the conspiracy to kill Caesar

Brutus

Why does Cassius want Brutus to join the conspiracy?

Brutus is a favorite of the people. He is honorable and well-thought-of. If the people would see that Brutus supported the conspiracy, the conspirators would be in better favor with the people following the assassination.

Under what conditions will Antony speak at the funeral?

He will be allowed to speak if he doesn't blame the conspirators, admits he speaks by their permission, and speaks last (after Brutus).

For what reason does Metellus Cimber want Cicero to join the conspiracy?

". . . his silver hairs/Will purchase us a good opinion,/And buy men's voices to commend our deeds. . . ."

n the moments following Caesar's death, what do the conspirators proclaim to justify their deed?

"Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!"

What did Antony say to the people at the funeral in his now famous "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears" speech?

Antony called the conspirators "honorable men" and does not obviously attempt to degrade the crowd's new-found heroes. Instead, he begins pointing our examples of Caesar's behavior which clearly contradict the accusations made by the conspirators. He notes that Caesar shared the spoils of war, showed compassion for the common people, and denied acceptance of the crown three times. These were not deeds of an ambitious man, so Antony said. Throughout the speech, he masterfully manipulates the crowd's emotions until, at the end, they praise him and Caesar and are ready to riot.

Summarize Casca's explanation of why Caesar looked so sad.

Antony offered Caesar a crown. When he refused it, the crowd cheered. So, although Caesar really wanted the crown, he at that point could not publicly accept it. Then he had a seizure.

Antony's servant brings a message to Brutus. What does he say?

Antony praises Brutus for being honest and noble and requests to be able to safely come see Brutus to hear why Caesar was murdered.

gives Caesar a letter of warning naming the conspirators

Artemidorus

Antony wants to speak at Caesar's funeral. What reaction does Brutus have? Cassius?

Brutus would let him speak. Cassius thinks it is too dangerous for them to let Antony speak to the people.

Caesar clearly gives his thoughts about Cassius. What does he say?

Caesar says that Cassius "has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much and such men are dangerous."

Caesar's wife

Calpurnia

Fist to stab Caesar

Casca

organizes the conspiracy and gets Brutus to join

Cassius

Explain the difference between the views of Caesar held by Cassius and Brutus.

Cassius openly wants Caesar out of power. He is jealous and wants better for himself. Brutus has been thinking about Caesar and the state of his countrymen, and at this point is ready to listen to Cassius. Although Brutus loves Caesar, he recognizes Caesar's flaws.

Roman Senator Casca to whom talks on the eve of the assassination

Cicero

plants the forged letter for Cassius, also a conspirator

Cinna

mistaken for Cinna the conspirator

Cinna the Poet

reinterprets Calpurnia's dream and convinces Caesar to go to Senate

Decius

Caesar yields to Calpurnia's wishes at first. Why does he change his mind and decide to go to the Senate meeting?

Decius reinterprets Calpurnia's dream to entice Caesar to go to the meeting.

tribune who breaks up crowd waiting to honor Caesar's triumph

Flavius

What does Lucius give to Brutus in Act 2 Scene I?

He brings the forged note which had been thrown through Brutus' window.

To what decision does Brutus come in his orchard? Why?

He decides to join the conspiracy to murder Caesar. He believes after Caesar is crowned, he will abuse his power, so Brutus thinks it best to "kill him in the shell; that is, to murder him before he gets a chance to abuse his power.

What is ironic about the timing of Caesar's murder (in relation to the preceding events)?

He has just finished saying how he is one who is as "constant as the Northern Star" and comparing himself to Olympus. He is destroyed just after proclaiming his magnificence and indestructibility.

At the end of Scene II in lines 312 - 326, Cassius makes plans. What plans does he make? Why?

He is going to forge notes to Brutus from several citizens in order to help sway Brutus against Caesar.

What did Brutus say to the people at the funeral?

He said he loved Caesar, but he loved Rome more. He asked them if they would "rather Caesar were living and die all slaves then that Caesar were dead, to live all freemen." He asked for anyone he had offended to step forth. (No one did.) Brutus attempted to appeal to the crowd's reason, to show them that the assassination was the only logical way to do the best thing for the people.

Brutus is against including Cicero and against killing Mark Antony. Why?

He says Cicero will not follow any plan started by someone else. Killing Mark Antony isn't necessary; it would be too bloody.

Why doesn't Brutus want to swear an oath with the conspirators?

He thinks a just cause needs no oath to bind the doers to their cause.

Casca says, "For I believe they are portentous things/Unto the climate that they point upon." What does he mean?

He thinks the list of "unnatural" sights he has just told Cicero about are signs of the tragedy about to unfold in their country.

What is the point of Act III Scene III? (Cinna the poet and the mob)

It graphically shows the violent mood of the crowd. Even when told they have the wrong Cinna, they want to destroy him anyway for his bad verses and for having the same name as Cinna the conspirator.

What does the note Artemidorus wants to give to Caesar say?

It warns Caesar about the conspiracy and names the conspirators.

Emperor of Rome

Julius Caesar

joins with Octavius and Antony, used by Octavius and Antony

Lepidus

vows to follow Brutus

Ligarius

captured by Antony's soldiers, mistaken for Brutus

Lucilius

servant to Brutus

Lucius

tribune who breaks up crowd waiting to honor Caesar's triumph

Marcellus

devoted follower of Caesar; defeats Brutus

Mark Antony

distracts Caesar's attention so conspirators can carry out their plan

Metellus

heir of Julius Caesar

Octavius

wishes Cassius well in his "enterprise"

Papilius

servant to Cassius

Pindarus

wife of Brutus

Portia

Why did Brutus say, "Render me worthy of this noble wife!"?

Portia has shown her concern for him and insists on sharing his emotional burden.

one of many who escort Caesar to the Senate meeting

Publius

Of what does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar?

She tries to convince him that her dreams are omens of tragedy and that he should not go to the Senate meeting.

warns Caesar to "Beware the Ides of March"

Soothsayer

What is the Soothsayer's advice to Caesar?

The Soothsayer told Caesar to "Beware the Ides of March."

Why did Brutus and Cassius flee Rome?

Their lives were in danger after Antony's remarks at the funeral.

In Scene I, what do Flavius and Marcellus want the commoners to do?

They want the commoners to break up and move along; they don't want them to celebrate Caesar's triumphs.

takes Antony away from the assassination scene so he won't interfere

Trebonius

10. What does Lucius give to Brutus in Scene I? A. He brings the forged note that has been thrown through the window. B. He brings Brutus a cup of wine to ease his troubled sleep. C. He brings a note from Caesar asking him to come to the palace. D. He brings a plate of eggs for breakfast.

a

Antony's servant brings a message to Brutus. What does he say? A. Antony praises Brutus for being honest and requests to be able to safely see Brutus to hear why Caesar was murdered. B. Antony expresses his anger and vows that Caesar's murder shall be avenged. C. Antony surrenders and asks for safe passage from the city. D. Antony congratulates Brutus and says he is glad Caesar is dead.

a

Explain the difference between the views of Caesar held by Cassius and Brutus. A. Cassius openly wants Caesar out of power. Brutus loves Caesar but recognizes his flaws and thinks about the state of his countrymen. B. Cassius wants Caesar to stay in power. Brutus thinks Cassius would be a\ better leader and wants to help him take over. C. Cassius wants Caesar out of power. Brutus agrees but thinks Cassia would not be a good leader either. D. Cassius thinks Caesar should share his power with Cassius, Brutus and others. Brutus thinks the power should be divided equally among all of the countrymen.

a

Of what does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar? A. Her dreams are omens of tragedy, and he should not go to the Senate meeting. B. Her spies have told her that there is a plot against Caesar. C. There is going to be a terrible earthquake, and he should cancel the Senate meeting. D. He should let her and the other wives be present for his coronation.

a

What did Brutus say to the people at the funeral? A. He told them the assassination was the only logical way to do the best thing for the people. B. He told them he would be a much better ruler than Caesar and asked for their trust and support. C. He said he would divide Caesar's wealth among the people after the funeral. D. He criticized Caesar for being a cruel and evil ruler.

a

What is the point of Act III Scene III? A. It graphically shows the violent mood of the crowd. B. It shows the people's dislike of bad poetry. C. It lets us know what Brutus is thinking. D. It encourages sympathy for Mark Antony

a

Why does Cassius want Brutus to join the conspiracy? A. Brutus is well thought of by the people. If he supported the conspiracy, the conspirators would be in better favor with the people following the assassination. B. Brutus has the best knowledge of the layout of the Capitol. It would be easy for him to plan a secret attack. C. Brutus has great influence over the soldiers. Cassius needs Brutus to direct them not to help Caesar. D. Brutus is very wealthy. They will need a lot of money to set up the new government.

a

Antony wants to speak at Caesar's funeral. What reaction does Brutus have? Cassius? A. They both refuse. B. Brutus agrees, but Cassius thinks it is dangerous to let Antony speak to the people. C. Brutus refuses, but Cassius thinks it will calm the people. D. They both agree that it will help their cause.

b

Brutus is against including Cicero and against killing Mark Antony. Why? A. Cicero is a coward, and Mark Antony can be persuaded to side with them. B. Cicero will not follow any plan started by someone else, and killing Mark Antony would be too bloody. C. Cicero may be a spy of Caesar's, and Mark Antony will not be a threat once Caesar is dead. D. Cicero wants the crown for himself, and if they kill Mark Antony, the Army will retaliate.

b

For what reason does Metellus Cimber want Cicero to join the conspiracy? A. "... for his is given To sports, to wildness and much company. There is no fear in him..." B. "...his silver hairs Will purchase us a good opinion. And buy men's voices to commend our deeds..." C. "...we shall find of him A shrewd contriver..." D. "...thy master is wise and valiant Roman..."

b

What is Casca's explanation of Caesar's sad look? (Act I) A. He is suffering from battle fatigue and lack of proper food. B. He really wants the crowd, but the crowd cheered when he refused it. C. He does not like public ceremonies and wants to go home. D. The crowd begs him to accept the crown, but he does not want it.

b

What is ironic about the timing of Caesar's murder (in relation to the preceding events)? A. He is murdered just as he is reading the warning from Portia. B. He is destroyed just after proclaiming his magnificence and indestructibility. C. It occurs just after a great storm and earthquake. D. Brutus has changed his mind but is not able to stop the others.

b

What is the Soothsayer's advice to Caesar? A. "Neither a borrower nor a lender be." B. "Beware the Ides of March." C. "Go you down that way towards the Capitol." D. "Make haste, for it grows very late."

b

9. To what decision does Brutus come in his orchard? Why? A. He decides to stay loyal to Caesar and to warn him of the conspirators' plot because he believes that Caesar has Rome's best interests at heart. B. He decides to remain neutral because he does not fully trust the conspirators or Caesar. C. He decides to join the conspiracy to murder Caesar because he thinks Caesar will abuse his power if he is crowned. D. He decides to leave the city and go into hiding.

c

At the end of Scene II in lines 312 - 326, Cassius makes plans. What plans does he make? Why? A. He is going to ask Casca and Brutus to have dinner with him the following evening to discuss what to do about Caesar. B. He plans to hold a reception in Caesar's honor to make amends with him. C. He is going to forge notes to Brutus from several citizens in order to help sway Brutus against Caesar. D. He is going to forge notes from Brutus to Caesar.

c

Caesar clearly gives his thoughts about Cassius. What does he say? A. "It doth amaze me A man of such feeble temper should So get the start of a majestic world." B. "He had rather be a villager Than to repute himself a son of Rome." C. "He has a lean and hungry look.; He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous." D. "We have both fed as well, and we can both Endure the winter's cold as well as he."

c

Casca says, "For I believe they are portentous things/Unto the climate that they point upon." What does he mean? A. He thinks they are going to continue to have bad weather. B. He thinks Caesar has caused some kind of magic spell to be put upon the city. C. He thinks the "unnatural" sights he has seen are signs of tragedy about to unfold in his country. D. He thinks Caesar will make some needed improvements in the way the government is run.

c

In Scene I, what do Flavius and Marcellus want the commoners to do? A. Go home and put on their best clothes. B. Stand along the sides of the street to get ready for Caesar's procession. C. Break up, move along, and ignore Caesar's victory. D. Offer their services free of charge to Caesar.

c

What did Antony say to the people at the funeral in his now famous "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears" speech? A. He accuses the conspirators of treason and demands that they be put to death for Caesar's murder. B. He says the Caesar deserved to die and the people should thank the conspirators. C. He contradicts the accusations made by the conspirators of treason and demands that they be put to death for Caesar's murder. D. He praises Caesar and asks that a memorial be built for him.

c

What does the note Artemidorus wants to give to Caesar say? A. It is a speech for Caesar to deliver at the coronation. B. It is a letter from Calpurnia. She apologizes and sends her love. C. It warns Caesar of the Conspiracy and names the conspirators. D. It is a note from one of the senators who will not be at the meeting.

c

Why did Brutus say, "Render me worthy of this noble wife!"? A. He feels badly. He knows he has not been attentive to his wife lately. B. He wants to keep his plan a secret from his wife because she will be angry. C. Portia has shown her concern for him and insists on sharing his emotional burden. D. Portia approves of his plan and offers to help.

c

Caesar yields to Calpurnia's wishes at first. Why does he change his mind and decide to go to the Senate meeting? A. His servants tell him the priests said it was alright for him to go. B. He knows that his army is strong and will protect him. C. He has seen a good luck omen in the sky. He thinks it is stronger than Calpurnia's dreams. D. Decius reinterprets Calpurnia's dream to entice Caesar to go to the meeting.

d

In the moments following Caesar's death, what do the conspirators proclaim to justify their deed? A. "Life! Liberty! The pursuit of happiness!" B. "Et tu, Brute!" C. "Fates, we will know your pleasures." D. "Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!"

d

Under what conditions will Antony speak at the funeral? A. He must go first, take full responsibility for his speech, and swear allegiance to Brutus. B. He must use the speech that the conspirators have written and say that he approves of their actions. C. He must speak after Casca and only wish Caesar eternal peace. D. He must not blame the conspirators, admit he speaks by their permission, and speak last, after Brutus

d

Why did Brutus and Cassius flee Rome? A. They had hidden Caesar's fortune and wanted to recover it. B. They went to get the army to put down the riot. C. They were following their wives, who had left the city earlier. D. Their lives were in danger after Antony's remarks at the funeral.

d

Why doesn't Brutus want to swear an oath with the conspirators? A. He is planning to double-cross them later on. B. He thinks it is bad luck to swear an oath. C. He is afraid Lucius will overhear him and run to warn Caesar. D. He thinks a just cause needs no oath to bind the doers to their cause.

d