Julius Caesar: ACT II SCENE 1 - Questions & Answers

I. True/False Questions

1. Brutus decides to join the conspiracy because he has a deep personal hatred for Julius Caesar.

False

2. Cassius believes that Mark Antony is a dangerous plotter and suggests he should be killed alongside Caesar.

True

3. Brutus agrees with the other conspirators that they should include the older senator Cicero in their plans.

False

4. Portia suspects her husband is part of a dangerous plot because he has been acting perfectly normal and sleeping soundly.

False

5. Caius Ligarius is an ailing man who enthusiastically casts aside his sickness when he learns Brutus has an honorable task for him.

True

II. Fill in the Blanks

1. While contemplating Caesar's growing power, Brutus compares him to a serpent's egg, meaning he must be killed in the shell before he can hatch and cause harm.

2. The anonymous letter thrown at Brutus's window urges him to "Speak, strike, redress!"

3. Brutus wishes for the conspirators to be viewed by the public as purgers and healers of the state, rather than common murderers.

4. When Cassius expresses doubt that Caesar will go to the Capitol, Decius promises he can persuade Caesar by using flattery.

5. Portia reminds Brutus that she is a woman of high reputation, being the daughter of the famous Roman, Cato.

III. Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Brutus refuse to let the conspirators swear an oath to their cause?

Brutus believes that the suffering of Rome and the nobility of their cause are strong enough bonds to keep them united. He states that only cowards, priests, and untrustworthy men need to swear oaths to assure their loyalty.

2. Why does Brutus overrule Cassius regarding the assassination of Mark Antony?

Brutus argues that killing Mark Antony would make their course of action seem too bloody and malicious. He believes Antony is merely a "limb of Caesar" who will be completely powerless once Caesar, the head, is removed.

3. How does Portia prove to Brutus that she is strong enough to bear his heavy secret?

To prove her strength and endurance, Portia reveals that she has voluntarily given herself a severe wound in her thigh and has borne the pain with patience, without complaining.

4. What reason does Brutus give for leaving Cicero out of the conspiracy?

Brutus rejects the idea of including Cicero because he claims Cicero is too proud and will never follow any plan or course of action that was initiated by other men.

IV. Longer Answer Questions

1. Describe Brutus's inner conflict and reasoning for turning against Caesar, as revealed in his opening soliloquy in the orchard.

In his soliloquy, Brutus is deeply troubled. He clarifies that he holds no personal grudge against Caesar, but is solely concerned for the general welfare of Rome. He fears that crowning Caesar will give him absolute power, which might corrupt his nature and turn him into a tyrant. Brutus uses the metaphor of an "ambition's ladder" to explain that once a person climbs to the top using humility, they often turn their back on those below who helped them ascend. To prevent this tyranny, Brutus concludes that they must act preemptively and kill Caesar before his power fully develops.

2. Analyze the interaction between Brutus and Portia. What does it reveal about their relationship and Portia's character?

The interaction reveals a marriage built on deep mutual respect, though temporarily strained by Brutus's secret. Portia proves to be highly observant, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. She refuses to accept Brutus's excuse that he is merely physically sick, correctly identifying that he suffers from a "sick offence within his mind." By kneeling before him, referencing her noble lineage, and revealing her self-inflicted wound, she demands to be treated as an equal partner who is worthy of his trust. Her courage and devotion deeply move Brutus, prompting him to pray to the gods to make him worthy of such a noble wife and promising to share his secrets with her.