Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
According to the text, where does the plot of a Shakespearean tragedy have its roots?
Answer
In characterisation.
Question
How do human beings primarily reveal themselves in Shakespearean drama through communication?
Answer
By what they say, their manner of saying it, and their silence.
Question
Beyond speech, what other personal factor helps us learn about characters in Shakespeare's plays?
Answer
Their actions or their failure to act on certain occasions.
Question
By what external device are characters revealed to the audience other than their own words and deeds?
Answer
What others say about them.
Question
How does the technique of comparison help reveal a character's nature?
Answer
By contrasting them with other characters.
Question
Who are the four leading figures depicted in the play Julius Caesar?
Answer
Julius Caesar, Brutus, Cassius, and Antony.
Question
Name three minor figures identified in the character analysis of Julius Caesar.
Answer
Casca, Cicero, and Decius (or Lepidus, Octavius, Lucilius, Messala).
Question
Who are the only two female characters in the play?
Answer
Portia and Calpurnia.
Question
What collective term is used to describe the common people of Rome behind the leading figures?
Answer
'The Mob'.
Question
What type of activity dominates the final Acts of Julius Caesar?
Answer
Military activity.
Question
How does Brutus describe Julius Caesar's status at the beginning of the play?
Answer
As "the foremost man of all this world."
Question
How many brief appearances does Caesar actually make before being killed in the middle of the play?
Answer
Three.
Question
What physical reaction did Caesar have when offered the crown, according to Casca?
Answer
He fell down in the market place and foamed at the mouth.
Question
What specific physical handicap does Caesar possess that affects his hearing?
Answer
He is deaf in one ear.
Question
Which anecdote is used to prove that Caesar lacked the physical endurance of Cassius?
Answer
The swimming match in the Tiber.
Question
Under what 'garb' does Caesar attempt to hide his highly superstitious nature?
Answer
The garb of masculinity.
Question
What does Caesar enjoin Calpurnia to do at the Lupercalia to address her condition?
Answer
To "stand directly in Antonius' way."
Question
How does Caesar typically refer to himself in speech to demonstrate his pride?
Answer
In the third person.
Question
Whom does Caesar arrogantly call a 'cur' in the senate-house?
Answer
Metellus Cimber.
Question
How does Caesar respond to Artemidorus when he is intercepted with a scroll on the way to the senate?
Answer
He claims "What touches us ourselves shall be last served."
Question
What phrase is used by Cassius to describe Caesar's dominating presence in the world?
Answer
He "bestrides it like a Colossus."
Question
How does Caesar's spirit influence the second half of the play?
Answer
It exercises influence over the Roman world even after his death.
Question
What philosophy does Brutus follow, characterised by absolute detachment and duty?
Answer
Stoicism.
Question
What is Brutus's primary motivation for joining the conspiracy against Caesar?
Answer
Devotion to republican principles and the welfare of his country.
Question
How does Shakespeare humanise Brutus's character regarding his domestic life?
Answer
Through his kind and loving treatment of his servant Lucius and his wife Portia.
Question
What 'diseased' chain of reasoning leads Brutus to conclude Caesar must be killed?
Answer
The belief that sovereignty might change Caesar's nature into that of a tyrant.
Question
Why is Brutus described as an 'incorrigible idealist'?
Answer
He is noble and patriotic but lacks the worldly wisdom needed for statesmanship.
Question
Whom does Brutus refuse to kill alongside Caesar, viewing him as a 'mere limb'?
Answer
Mark Antony.
Question
What error in judgement does Brutus make regarding Caesar's funeral?
Answer
He gives Antony permission to speak at the funeral.
Question
Who counsels delay in joining battle at Philippi, only to be over-ruled by Brutus?
Answer
Cassius.
Question
What is the primary role of Caius Cassius in relation to Brutus's character?
Answer
He is a foil to Brutus.
Question
How does Caesar describe the physical appearance of Cassius?
Answer
As lean, gaunt, and hungry.
Question
What personal feeling drives Cassius to organise the conspiracy against Caesar?
Answer
Jealousy of Caesar's growing popularity and power.
Question
Which doctrine does Cassius follow that supposedly frees him from superstition?
Answer
The doctrine of Epicurus.
Question
In what way is Cassius 'unscrupulous' when it comes to funding the war effort?
Answer
He does not hesitate to raise money through extortion and bribery.
Question
Why does Cassius suggest the conspirators should bind themselves with an oath?
Answer
To ensure they are firmly committed to their purpose.
Question
What does Brutus call Cassius at the end of the play?
Answer
"The last of all the Romans."
Question
How does Mark Antony mask his hostility toward the conspirators initially?
Answer
He hides it beneath his natural emotion for the death of his friend.
Question
How does Antony treat Lepidus once they are in power?
Answer
As a "willing 'ass'" to be used for his own purpose and then discarded.
Question
What is the defining characteristic of Antony's funeral oration?
Answer
It appeals to the crowd's emotions rather than their reason.
Question
To what does Antony compare his manipulation of the mob?
Answer
Playing upon an instrument like a musician.
Question
What specific emotion does Antony appeal to in his final strike against the conspirators?
Answer
The crowd's hatred of ingratitude.
Question
Why does Brutus conclude that the 'philosopher' led the ruin of the 'statesman'?
Answer
Because his idealism and lack of practical wisdom led to the conspirators' downfall.
Question
What does Caesar's response to Calpurnia's evil dreams reveal about his character?
Answer
He is inconsistent, yielding to her entreaties after initially refusing.
Question
In the contrast between their marriages, what does Brutus share with Portia that Caesar does not with Calpurnia?
Answer
His innermost thoughts.
Question
What is the 'foul breath' Caesar could not endure a reference to?
Answer
The applause of the crowd when he was offered the crown.
Question
How does Cassius convince Brutus to join the conspiracy?
Answer
By pointing out Caesar's physical weaknesses and appealing to republicanism.
Question
What does the text suggest is the 'dread of tyranny' in Brutus's nature?
Answer
A deep-rooted hatred of monarchy.
Question
Which character is described as 'worldly-wise and shrewd'?
Answer
Caius Cassius.
Question
What makes Antony 'unprincipled' in his conduct during the crisis?
Answer
His selfishness and heartlessness in preparing the lists of those to be killed.
Question
How does Antony maintain suspense regarding Caesar's will during his speech?
Answer
He refuses to read it until he has worked the crowd into an 'insatiable eagerness.'
Question
What phrase heralded Caesar's fall according to the storm scenes?
Answer
A "strange impatience of the heavens."
Question
What term does the text use to describe Brutus's commitment to republican principles?
Answer
Incorrigible idealism.
Question
How does Cassius view Antony's nature in contrast to Brutus?
Answer
He recognizes Antony's hidden abilities and danger, while Brutus sees a frivolous youth.
Question
What is the 'serious handicap' for Caesar as a leader?
Answer
His deafness in one ear.
Question
What is Caesar's response to the petitions of his well-wishers and the soothsayer?
Answer
He ignores their warnings.
Question
Which character is noted for spending his time in reading, observation, and reflection?
Answer
Caius Cassius.
Question
What does Antony do with the mob that forces Brutus and Cassius to flee Rome?
Answer
He maddens them with half-revealed facts and partly explained arguments.
Question
What does Brutus's Stoic nature lead him to value above all else?
Answer
Duty and the welfare of his country.
Question
What character is described as 'prompt and Roman-like' in his resolution?
Answer
Caius Cassius.