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 fire Begin 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 this Before a willing bondman: then I know My answer must be made. But I am armed And 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 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.
Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 1, scene 2.CASCA. Why, there was a crown offered him: and beingoffered him, he put it by with the back of his hand,thus; and then the people fell a-shouting.230BRUTUS. What was the second noise for?CASCA. Why, for that too.CASSIUS. They shouted thrice. What was the last cry for?CASCA. Why, for that too.BRUTUS. Was the crown offered him thrice?235CASCA. Ay, marry, was’t; and he put it by thrice, everytime gentler than other; and at every putting by,mine honest neighbours shouted.
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 not extenuated, 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.
Read the two excerpts from act 2, scene 1, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.Excerpt 1:[BRUTUS.] Since Cassius first did whet me against CaesarI have not slept.Between the acting of a dreadful thingAnd the first motion, all the interim isLike a phantasma or a hideous dream. The genius and the mortal instrumentsAre then in council, and the state of man,Like to a little kingdom, suffers thenThe nature of an insurrection.Excerpt 2:BRUTUS. Kneel not, gentle Portia. . . .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. . . .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?
Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 1, scene 2.CASCA. I know not what you mean by that, but I am sure265Caesar fell down. If the tag-rag people did notclap him and hiss him, according as he pleased anddispleased them, as they use to do the players inthe theatre, I am no true man.BRUTUS. What said he when he came unto himself?270CASCA. Marry, before he fell down, when he perceived thecommon herd was glad he refused the crown, heplucked me open his doublet and offered them histhroat to cut. An I had been a man of anyoccupation, if I would not have taken him at a word,275I would I might go to hell among the rogues. And sohe fell.
Which quotations support the central idea that Brutus thinks it will do no harm and may actually benefit the conspirators if they let Antony give the eulogy at Caesar’s funeral? Select two options.
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 helping to kill Caesar.Cassius ends up sharing power with Brutus.Cassius ends up being a victim of Mark Antony's wrath.Cassius ends up causing the thing he tries to escape.Cassius ends up banishing Caesar from Rome.
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.
What effect does Brutus's secrecy have on his wife, Portia? Select three options.
Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 1, scene 2.CASSIUS. 'Tis just; And it is very much lamented, Brutus,60 That you have no such mirrors as will turn Your hidden worthiness into your eye, That you might see your shadow. I have heard Where many of the best respect in Rome— Except immortal Caesar—speaking of Brutus,65 And groaning underneath this age’s yoke, Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes.
Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 1, of Julius Caesar.ANTONY. Therefore I took your hands, but was indeed Swayed from the point by looking down on Caesar. Friends am I with you all, and love you all, Upon this hope: that you shall give me reasons Why and wherein Caesar was dangerous.
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.
Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 1, scene 1.FLAVIUS. It is no matter; let no images Be 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.70 These growing feathers plucked 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. [Exeunt]
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