The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Part 5: Developing Central Ideas

Question 1

Read the excerpt from act 4, scene 1, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.[ANTONY.] And now, Octavius,Listen great things—Brutus and CassiusAre levying powers. We must straight make head.Therefore let our alliance be combined,Our best friends made, our means stretched,And let us presently go sit in council,How covert matters may be best disclosed,And open perils surest answerèd.OCTAVIUS. Let us do so: for we are at the stake,And bayed about with many enemies;And some that smile have in their hearts, I fear,Millions of mischiefs.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B: Antony and Octavius must join forces to win in battle against the combined forces of Brutus and Cassius.

Question 2

Which evidence from the text supports the conclusion that Brutus and Cassius are in conflict? Select two options.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

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Question 3

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.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D: Lupercal alludes to an important patriotic festival, and celebrating Caesar’s triumphant return at the same indicates his high position in Rome.

Question 4

Read the excerpt from act 2, scene 2, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar and the background information on the allusion it contains.Excerpt:[DECIUS.] It was a vision fair and fortunate.Your statue spouting blood in many pipes,In which so many smiling Romans bathed,Signifies that from you great Rome shall suckReviving blood, and that great men shall pressFor tinctures, stains, relics, and cognizance.This by Calpurnia's dream is signified.Background information:In medieval times, it was customary to dip handkerchiefs into the blood of martyrs and other great people. Doing so turned the handkerchiefs into relics for worship or inspiration.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: to flatter Caesar and make sure he will go to the Capitol

Question 5

Brutus could be considered a major character who acts as a(n)

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C: protagonist

Question 6

What is the best definition of the literary term allusion?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C: a reference in a text to a well-known text, person, event, or thing

Question 7

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.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 3, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar and the background information on the allusion it contains.Excerpt: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 administrator and helped 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.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B: historical allusion.

Question 9

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.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: cultural allusion.

Question 10

Read the excerpt from act 4, scene 2, 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.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B: The friendship and confidence between Cassius and Brutus is deteriorating.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Part 5: Developing Central Ideas Answers

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