Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
According to Brutus's soliloquy at the start of Act 2, Scene 1, what is his only reason for contemplating Caesar's death?
Answer
The general welfare and good of Rome.
Question
Brutus compares the potential danger of crowning Caesar to what creature brought forth by a 'bright day'?
Answer
An adder (poisonous snake).
Question
In the context of the play, what does the term 'general' refer to when Brutus says 'But for the general'?
Answer
The public good or the welfare of the Roman people.
Question
What is Brutus's primary concern regarding Caesar being crowned?
Answer
How the attainment of power might change Caesar's nature.
Question
According to Brutus, when does the 'abuse of greatness' occur?
Answer
When a leader separates remorse (kindness/mercy) from power.
Question
What metaphor does Brutus use to describe how 'young ambition' uses humility to rise in status?
Answer
A ladder.
Question
Once an ambitious person reaches the 'upmost round' of their ladder, how do they treat those below them according to Brutus?
Answer
They turn their back on the ladder and scorn the 'base degrees' by which they ascended.
Question
Brutus argues that since Caesar's current character is not the problem, he must be viewed as a _____ egg.
Answer
Serpent's
Question
What does Brutus suggest should be done to Caesar while he is still like a 'serpent's egg'?
Answer
He should be killed 'in the shell' before his power becomes mischievous.
Question
Term: Taper
Answer
Definition: A candle.
Question
Where does Brutus ask Lucius to place a lighted candle?
Answer
In his study (or 'closet').
Question
What object does Lucius find in the study while looking for a flint?
Answer
A sealed paper (letter).
Question
What specific date does Brutus ask Lucius to check in the calendar?
Answer
The Ides of March (March $15^{th}$).
Question
Brutus describes the interval between the 'first motion' and the 'acting of a dreadful thing' as being like a _____.
Answer
Phantasma or a hideous dream.
Question
In Brutus's metaphor, the state of man during a conspiracy is compared to a small kingdom suffering an _____.
Answer
Insurrection (or revolt).
Question
Who is the first conspirator to be named as arriving at Brutus's door?
Answer
Cassius.
Question
How does Lucius describe the appearance of the men who come to visit Brutus in the night?
Answer
Their hats are pulled down over their ears and their faces are buried in their cloaks.
Question
Brutus addresses 'Conspiracy' and asks where it will find a cavern dark enough to hide its 'monstrous visage' during what time of day?
Answer
During the day (when evils are most free).
Question
Instead of a cave, what does Brutus suggest the conspiracy should use to hide its true purpose?
Answer
Smiles and affability (courtesy).
Question
Term: Erebus
Answer
Definition: A region of the underworld; hell.
Question
List four of the conspirators who accompany Cassius to Brutus's house.
Answer
Casca, Decius Brutus, Cinna, Metellus Cimber, and Trebonius.
Question
Why does Cassius claim that every 'noble Roman' bears a high opinion of Brutus?
Answer
To honour Brutus and encourage him to lead the conspiracy.
Question
What do Decius, Casca, and Cinna argue about while Brutus and Cassius whisper?
Answer
The exact direction where the sun will rise.
Question
According to Casca, why is the sun currently rising towards the south?
Answer
Because it is still the youthful season of the year (early spring).
Question
Why does Brutus refuse to 'swear our resolution' with an oath?
Answer
He believes the suffering of the people and the honesty of their cause should be sufficient motivation.
Question
Brutus argues that only 'priests, and cowards, and men _____' need oaths.
Answer
Cautelous (deceiving).
Question
According to Brutus, what is the 'virtue of our enterprise'?
Answer
The fact that it is a performance of duty by noble Romans that needs no external bond.
Question
Which historical figure does Cassius suggest they 'sound' (invite) to join the conspiracy because he will 'stand very strong with us'?
Answer
Cicero.
Question
What is Metellus Cimber's reason for wanting Cicero in the conspiracy?
Answer
His 'silver hairs' (age) will bring the project 'good opinion' and gravity.
Question
Why does Brutus reject the inclusion of Cicero?
Answer
He states that Cicero 'will never follow any thing that other men begin'.
Question
Who first suggests that Mark Antony should be killed alongside Caesar?
Answer
Cassius.
Question
Why does Cassius believe Mark Antony should be killed?
Answer
He fears Antony is a 'shrewd contriver' who could use his resources to annoy (injure) the conspirators.
Question
Brutus argues that their course will seem 'too bloody' if they kill Antony, comparing Caesar to the head and Antony to what?
Answer
A limb (specifically, 'but a limb of Caesar').
Question
Complete the quote by Brutus: 'Let us be sacrificers, but not _____, Caius.'
Answer
Butchers
Question
How does Brutus suggest they should 'carve' Caesar?
Answer
As a 'dish fit for the gods'.
Question
What contrast does Brutus make regarding how they should treat Caesar's body versus the 'carcase' of an animal?
Answer
They should not hew him as a 'carcase fit for hounds'.
Question
Why does Brutus believe Antony is not a threat after Caesar's death?
Answer
He thinks Antony can do no more than 'Caesar's arm when Caesar's head is off'.
Question
Trebonius claims that Antony will 'live, and laugh at this hereafter'. Why does he think Antony is harmless?
Answer
Because he believes Antony is merely a man of 'sports, to wildness, and much company'.
Question
At what time does the clock strike during the conspirators' meeting?
Answer
Three o'clock.
Question
Why is Cassius doubtful that Caesar will come to the Capitol on the Ides of March?
Answer
Caesar has become superstitious lately, influenced by 'fantasy, of dreams and ceremonies'.
Question
Which conspirator promises to persuade Caesar to come to the Capitol despite his superstitions?
Answer
Decius Brutus.
Question
According to Decius, how can Caesar be 'betray'd' or captured?
Answer
With flattery (specifically by telling him how much he hates flatterers).
Question
At what time do the conspirators agree to meet Caesar at his house?
Answer
By the eighth hour (8 AM).
Question
Who is Caius Ligarius, and why does Metellus mention him?
Answer
He is a man who 'bears Caesar hard' (hates him) because Caesar rebuked him for speaking well of Pompey.
Question
Brutus tells the conspirators to 'bear it as our Roman actors do'. What does this mean?
Answer
They should hide their true intentions behind a fresh and cheerful appearance.
Question
What is Portia's relation to Brutus?
Answer
She is his wife.
Question
Why is Portia concerned about Brutus's health and behaviour at the start of their conversation?
Answer
He rose from bed early, was moody at supper, and refused to tell her what was troubling him.
Question
Brutus tells Portia he is 'not well in health'. How does Portia respond to this excuse?
Answer
She argues that if he were truly sick, he would not be walking in the damp morning air with unfastened clothing.
Question
Portia asks Brutus if she is only allowed to 'dwell but in the suburbs of your good pleasure'. What does this mean?
Answer
She is asking if she is only on the fringes of his life, like a mistress or 'harlot', rather than his wife.
Question
Who was Portia's father, and why does she mention him to Brutus?
Answer
Cato; she mentions him to prove her strength of character and lineage.
Question
What physical 'strong proof' of her constancy does Portia show Brutus?
Answer
A voluntary wound she gave herself in the thigh.
Question
How does Brutus react to Portia's proof of loyalty?
Answer
He asks the gods to make him 'worthy of this noble wife'.
Question
Who arrives at Brutus's door after Portia leaves?
Answer
Caius Ligarius.
Question
Ligarius arrives wearing a 'kerchief'. What does this signify in the context of the scene?
Answer
It signifies that he is currently sick or ill.
Question
What does Ligarius do when Brutus tells him about an 'exploit worthy the name of honour'?
Answer
He 'discards' his sickness and vows to follow Brutus blindly.
Question
Brutus tells Ligarius they are going to do a piece of work that will 'make sick men whole'. What is Ligarius's witty reply?
Answer
He asks if there are not some whole (healthy) men that they must make sick.
Question
Term: Spurn at him
Answer
Definition: To disdainfully reject or strike at him.
Question
Term: Augmented
Answer
Definition: Increased or further developed.
Question
Term: Flint
Answer
Definition: A stone used to strike a light or spark.
Question
Term: Exhalations
Answer
Definition: Meteors or streaks of light in the sky.