Julius Caesar Act I

In the following passage from Act I, refer to lines 67 and 68 and text aid 22. Then, choose the date that tells when this conversation takes place.

Flavius. Go you down that way toward the Capitol;

65 This way will I. Disrobe the images,

If you do find them decked with ceremonies. 21

Marullus. May we do so?

You know it is the feast of Lupercal. 22

Flavius. It is no matter; let no images

70 Be hung with Caesar's trophies … .

21 Disrobe the images … decked with ceremonies: Strip the statues … covered with decorations.

22 feast of Lupercal: ancient Roman festival celebrated on February 15

• February 5th

• February 15th

• March 15th

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What is the purpose of Act I scene i, when the tribunes (nobles) are speaking with the commoners?

• It provides comic relief and exposition

• It provides conflict and the tragic flaw

• It provides comic relief and resolution

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According to the following passage and text aids from Act I, scene ii, what is the meaning of saying that Caesar is “like a Colossus”?

Cassius: Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world

Like a Colossus,⁴⁵ and we petty men

Walk under his huge legs and peep about

To find ourselves dishonorable⁴⁶ graves.

45. Colossus: gigantic statue of Apollo, a god of Greek and Roman mythology, which was set at the entrance to the harbor of Rhodes and was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

46. dishonorable: shameful (because they will not be of free men)

• Cassius is suggesting that Caesar believes he is powerful like a god.

• Cassius is suggesting that a statue be made of Caesar.

• Cassius is comparing Caesar’s power to a statue and a god.

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Read the following lines and text aids from Cassius' speech to Brutus in Act I, Scene ii. According to Cassius, who is to blame for Caesar's rise to power?

The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, ⁴⁷

But in ourselves, that we are underlings. ⁴⁸

47. stars: Destinies. The stars were thought to control people's lives.

48. underlings: inferior people

• It is the fault of Romans, like Brutus and Cassius

• No one is at fault. It is destiny.

• It is the fault of Caesar for being power-hungry.

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In Act I scene i, why do Flavius and Marullus try to stop the commoners from celebrating?

• They are annoyed that the commoners mixed up the dates of the Feast of the Lupercal.

• They are angry that the commoners are celebrating Caesar's defeat of Pompey.

• They were ordered by Caesar to stop the celebration.

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At the beginning of Act I, Scene ii, what warning does the soothsayer give?

• Caesar should beware a date in February

• Caesar should beware Cassius and the other conspirators

• Caesar should beware a date in March

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According to Casca, how did Caesar react when he was offered the crown?

• He accepted the crown reluctantly because he did not want to be king.

• He refused the crown three times even though he wanted to take it.

• He refused the crown once but decided to take it because the crowd was cheering for them.

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In Act I, how does Cassius attempt to persuade Brutus to support his cause? CHECK ALL THAT APPLY.

• He offers to give Brutus support for a law he wants to pass.

• He speaks highly of Caesar and his heroic acts.

• He plans to forge letters as Roman citizens and throw them through Brutus' window.

• He flatters Brutus by speaking highly of the respect Roman citizens have for Brutus.

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What internal conflict does Brutus face?

• Caesar is his friend, but he does not think he should be king.

• Brutus wants to be king, but he does not want to upstage Caesar.

• Cassius wants Brutus to become king, but Brutus does not think he would be a good king.

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How does Caesar feel about Cassius?

• Cassius is his most loyal advisor and Caesar trusts him more than anyone else.

• Caesar distrusts Cassius because he believes Cassius is too hungry for power.

• Caesar distrusts Cassius because he betrayed Caesar years ago when they were swimming in the river.

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