Julius Caesar Quote Test
These growing feathers pluck'd from Caesar's wing Will make him fly an ordinary pitch, Who else would soar above the view of men And keep us all in servile fearfulness. (I, i, 72-75)
. Flavius c. He is taking to Marullus while taking the flowers off Caesar's statue d.He is saying that they must stop Caesar before he become too powerful. Caesars power is based on the support of the commoners.
Brutus had rather be a villager Than to repute himself a son of Rome Under these hard conditions as this time Is likely to lay upon us. (I, ii, 172-175)
Brutus c. Act 1 scene 2, he is speaking to Cassius, metaphor d. Brutus would rather be a commoner that become the king of Rome even under the pressure that is presented. Civil war in Brutus, Caesar and Pompey at war. He doesn't want to make a decision.
But let not therefore my good friends be grieved-- Among which number, Cassius, be you one-- Nor construe any further my neglect, Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war, Forgets the shows of love to other men. (I, ii, 43-47)
Brutus c.Brutus is speaking to Cassius d.He is conflicted over whether to side with Cassius or Caesar.
"Brutus" and "Caesar": what should be in that 'Caesar'? Why should that name be sounded more than yours? Write them together, yours is as fair a name; Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well; Weigh them, it is as heavy; conjure with 'em, "Brutus" will start a spirit as soon as "Caesar". (I, ii, 142-147)
Cassius c. He is speaking to brutus d.He is trying to convince Brutus to become part of his cause. He is saying that they are equals and that feeds Brutus's ego/vanity.
Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear; And since you know you cannot see yourself So well as by reflection, I your glass, Will modestly discover to yourself That of yourself which you yet know not of. (I, ii, 66-70)
Cassius c.He is talking to Brutus to convince him to become part of his plan. d. Cassius is exporting his friendship with Brutus to get him to be part of his plan. I know you better than you know yourself.
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 That comes in triumph over Pompey's blood? Be gone! Run to your houses, fall upon your knees, Pray to the gods to intermit the plague That needs must light on this ingratitude. (I, i, 48-55)
Marullus c. He is speaking to the crowd of commoners who are celebrating Caesar's victory d.It show the divide between the commoners and tribunes. Tribunes support Pompey while the commoners support Caesar. Also it shows how easily the views of commoners shift.
I could be well moved, if I were as you: If I could pray to move, prayers would move me: But I am constant as the northern star, Of whose true-fix'd and resting quality There is no fellow in the firmament. (III, i, 58-62)
b. Caesar c. Act 3 Scene 1- Caesar is talking to the Senate, metaphor d.Caesar is comparing himself the north star. He is saying that he is fixed and set in his decisions. There is also no exact match to him.
O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, That I am meek and gentle with these butchers! Thou art the ruins of the noblest man That ever lived in the tide of times. Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood! Over thy wounds now do I prophesy,-- Which, like dumb mouths, do open their ruby lips, To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue-- A curse shall light upon the limbs of men; (III, i, 254-262)
b.Anthony c.Act 3, Scene 1- Antony is talking to the corpse of Caesar d.He is saying that he is sorry for being friendly with the murders of Caesar. It shows his anger and reveals his plans for revenge.
Line preceding this: Octavius: "But he's a tried a valiant soldier." So is my horse, Octavius; and for that I do appoint him store of provender: It is a creature that I teach to fight, To wind, to stop, to run directly on, His corporal motion govern'd by my spirit. And, in some taste, is Lepidus but so; He must be taught and train'd and bid go forth; A barren-spirited fellow:... (IV, i, 29-36)
b.Antony c. Act 4, Scene 1- Antony is talking with Octavius in his house d. Antony is comparing Lepidus to house in that he must be told where to move. Antony thinks of him as a tool that must be taught how to move. Antony doesn't think Leidus is useful to their cause. Antony doesn't want to rule with the other- shows his ambition (metaphor)
Have patience, gentle friends, I must not read it; It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you. You are not wood, you are not stones, but men; And, being men, bearing the will of Caesar, It will inflame you, it will make you mad: 'Tis good you know not that you are his heirs; For, if you should, O, what would come of it! (III, ii, 137-143
b.Antony c.Act 3, Scene 2- Anthony is talking to the crowd d.Anthony is saying that if he reads the will it will make the people angry, which could cause problems. He is using sarcasm and by saying this is trying to get the crowd more riled up.
(Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest) Come I to speak in Caesar's funeral. He was my friend, faithful and just to me; But Brutus says he was ambitious, And Brutus is an honorable man. He hath brought many captives home to Rome, Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill. Did this in Caesar seem ambitious? When the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept; Ambition should be made of sterner stuff. Yet Brutus says he was ambitious; And Brutus is an honorable man. (III, ii, 81-91)
b.Antony c.Act 3, Scene 2- Antony is talking to the crowd d.Antony disapproving Brutus's claim that Caesar was ambitious. He says that Caesar was good to him, cared about the poor, and brought home captives that contributed to the government treasury.
I tell you that which you yourselves do know, Show you sweet Caesar's wounds, poor poor dumb mouths, And bid them speak for me. But were I Brutus, And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony Would ruffle up your spirits and put a tongue In every wound of Caesar that should move The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny. (III, ii, 220-226)
b.Antony c.Act 3, Scene 2- Antony is talking to the crowd d.Antony is saying that if he had the verbal skills of Brutus that the crowd would rise in mutiny.
Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabbed; And as he plucked his cursed steel away, Mark how the blood of Caesar followed it, As rushing out of doors, to be resolved If Brutus so unkindly knocked, or no; For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar's angel. Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him! (III, ii, 173-1790
b.Antony c.Act 3, Scene 2- Antony is talking to the crowd, showing them the body of Caesar d.Antony is showing where Brutus had stabbed Caesar. This blood rushed out of the wound as it to find out if Brutus had made it. Metaphor of an angel- Caesar idolized Brutus.
What, shall one of us That struck the foremost man of all this world But for supporting robbers, shall we now Contaminate our fingers with base bribes, And sell the mighty space of our large honours For so much trash as may be grasped thus? I had rather be a dog, and bay the moon, Than such a Roman. (IV, iii, 21-28)
b.Brutus c.Act 4, Scene 3- Inside Brutus' tent at Sardis d.Brutus is accusing Cassius of taking bribes rom corrupt officials. He is saying that Cassius is too greedy and corrupt. Brutus says that he would rather be a dog then be like Cassius. (reversal), hands- when they kill Caesar to dip their hands in blood because it is a noble act, but bribes are not ok.
Then lest he may, prevent. And since the quarrel Will bear no color 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 egg, Which, hatched, would as his kind grow mischievous, And kill him in the shell. (II, i, 28-35)
b.Brutus c.Act 2, Scene 1- Brutus is talking to Cassius and the other conspirators d.He is comparing Caesar to a serpent egg. That he isn't dangerous now, but when he "hatches" he will be much more dangerous. It's not a fair assessment because he hasn't shown any tendencies of destruction, but he does have this potential because he has so much power
Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar, I have not slept. Between the acting of a dreadful thing and the first motion, All the interim is like phantasma or a hideous dream. The genius and mortal instruments. Are then in council, and the state of man. Like to a little kingdom, suffers then. The nature of an insurrection. (II, i, 63-69)
b.Brutus c.Act 2, Scene 1- Brutus is talking to himself d.Brutus is talking about how he feels like he is a little kingdom in civil war. He is saying that he feels like he is living a nightmare.
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. (II, ii, 162-168)
b.Brutus c.Act 2, Scene 2- Brutus is talking to the co-conspirators d.Cassius is saying that they are against the spirit of Cassius not his body so they should avoid an obvious show of violence. This could also further incriminate them and make them in more danger, but looking less honorable.
O Antony, beg not your death of us! Though now we must appear bloody and cruel, As by our hands and this present act You see we do, yet see you but our hands And this the bleeding business they have done. Our hearts you see not. They are pitiful; And pity to the general wrong of Rome (As fire drives out fire, so pity pity) Hath done this deed on Caesar. (III, i, 164-172)
b.Brutus c.Act 3, Scene 1- Brutus is trying to convince Antony, Senate d.Brutus is saying that although their act seems very cruel, they feel bad about what happened and that is was necessary for the good of Rome. They are saying that they won't kill him. Don't just see the act, but reasons that we did it.
There is tears for his love; joy for his Fortune; honor for his valor; and death for his ambition. Who is Here so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak, for him have I offended. Who here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, Speak, for him have I offended. Who here is so vile that will not Love his country? If any, speak, for him I have offended. I pause For a reply. (III, ii, 24-30)
b.Brutus c.Act 3, Scene 2- Brutus is giving a speech to the crowd d.Brutus is saying that he loved Caesar for all his good characteristics, but killed them for his faults. He is saying that under Caesar they would have all been slaves and it would have destroyed Rome. His argument is that if they loved Rome they would support the death of Caesar.
Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony, who though he had no hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of his dying, a place in the commonwealth, as which of you shall not? With this I depart, that, as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country to need my death. (III, ii, 36-41)
b.Brutus c.Act 3, Scene 2- Brutus is talking to the crowd, Loaded Questions d.Brutus introduces Antony who is carrying Caesars body. Antony had no part in Caesar's death, but will benefit from it. Brutus says that if the people want him to die then he will kill himself.
Thou hast described A hot friend cooling: ever note, Lucilius, When love begins to sicken and decay, It useth an enforced 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. (IV, ii, 18-27)
b.Brutus c.Act 4, Scene 2- Brutus is talking to Lucilius in his tent. d. Brutus is talking to Lucilius about how Cassius and him are growing apart. He believes that Cassius is corrupt by not doing what he says he will do. A second comparison to a horse- both groups are falling apart.
Our legions are brim-full, our cause is ripe. The enemy increaseth every day. We, at the height, are ready to decline. There is a tide in the affairs of men, Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat, And we must take the current when it serves Or lose our ventures. (IV, iii, 215-224)
b.Brutus c.Act 4, Scene 3- Inside Brutus' tent at Sardis d.Brutus is saying that the army is strongest now. Brutus is using the metaphor of life to a sea voyage. If they miss the high tide then they will be lost at sea forever. If they don't attack now then they will lose their chance. Juxtaposition of us vs. the enemy, metaphors
Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort As if he mocked himself and scorned his spirit That could be moved to smile at anything. Such men as he be never at heart's ease Whiles they behold a greater than themselves, And therefore are they very dangerous. (I, ii, 205-210
b.Caesar c.Act 1 Scene 2- Caesar is speaking about his distrust of Cassius to Antony d. Caesar is saying that Cassius is never content and is always looking for something more. He is saying the Cassius is a danger to him because someone who is hungry for change is a danger to Caesar's rule.
By all the gods that Romans bow before, I here discard my sickness! Soul of Rome! Brave son, derived from honourable loins! Thou, like an exorcist, hast conjured up My mortified spirit. Now bid me run, And I will strive with things impossible; Yea, get the better of them. What's to do? (II, i, 320-326)
b.Caius c.Act 2, Scene 1- Casis has come to Brutus's house d.Casis is saying that he is no longer sick and is ready to "join the fight".
Well, Brutus, thou art noble; yet I see Thy honorable mettle may be wrought From that is disposed. Therefore it is meet That noble minds keep ever with their likes; For who so firm that cannot be seduced? (I, ii, 301-305)
b.Cassius c.Act 1, Scene 2- Cassius is talking to himself d.Cassius is saying that there is a way to get Brutus to come to his side.
No, Caesar hath it not; but you and I, And honest Casca, we have the falling sickness. (l, ii, 252-253)
b.Cassius c. Act 1, Scene 2- Cassius is talking to Casca and Brutus about Caesar falling. d.Cassius is saying that under Caesar's rule they have fallen low (they aren't as respected or important). Caesar has overpowered them and they feel as if there standing has been diminished.
I know where I will wear this dagger then;(euphemism) Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius. Therein, ye gods, make the weak most strong; Therein, ye gods, you tyrants do defeat. (I, iii, 89-92)
b.Cassius c.Act 1, Scene 3- Talking to Casca, apastrapy, d.Cassius is talking about killing himself to escape Caesars rule and oppression. Do or die for Cassius
And why should Caesar be a tyrant then? Poor man! I know he would not be a wolf But that he sees the Romans are but sheep; He were no lion, were not Romans hinds. Those that with haste will make a mighty fire Begin it with weak straw. What trash is Rome, What rubbish and what offal, when it serves For the base matter to illuminate So vile a thing as Caesar! O grief, (I, iii, 103-111)]
b.Cassius c.Act 1, Scene 3- Talking to Casca, storm brewing d.He is saying that the Romans allowed Caesar to take power by being weak and submissive.
Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once, Of all the wonders that yet have heard, It seems to me more strange than men should fear, Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come. (II, ii, 32-37)
b.Ceasar c.Act 2 Scene 2- Caesar is talking to Calpurnia d.He is saying there is no point worrying about death because it happens to everyone. Thinking about just makes you die many times.
It will not let you eat nor talk nor sleep, And could it work so much upon your shape As it hath much prevailed on your condition, I should not know you Brutus. Dear my lord, Make me acquainted with your cause of grief. (II, i, 252-256)
b.Portia c.Act 2, Scene 1- Portia and Brutus are talking at their house d.Portia is basically saying that his personality has changed so much that she doesn't recognize him. Portia believe that she should know whats going on in my life.
