Julius Caesar ACT 4 Review

Which character is not a part of the "New Triumvirate"?

• Mark Antony

• Ledpidus

• Octavius Caesar

• Casca

Answer explanation

After Julius Caesar's death, Mark Antony takes control of Rome with Octavius Caesar (Julius Caesar's nephew) and Ledpidus (a Roman military commander). Together they formed the Second Triumvirate, a group of three holding power, in 43 BC.

(The First Triumvirate formed by Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus in 60 BC)

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ACT 4

Which two people do the Triumvirate agree to mark for death in ACT 4, Scene 1?

• Publius, Lepidus' brother

• Mark Antony's nephew

• Cicero

• Portia, Marcus Brutus' wife

Answer explanation

Mark Antony and Octavius seem to pressure Lepidus into consenting to kill his brother, Publius, however, Lepidus counters: he'll agree if Mark Antony agrees to have his sister's son killed. Mark Antony's flippant reaction shows us that he is truly a dishonorable man; He has no attachment to even his own blood.

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ACT 4

Where are Marcus Brutus and Cassius camped out with their armies?

• Phillipi

• Sardis

• Venice

• Alexandria

Answer explanation

Sardis is located east of Rome/Italy in, what is now, modern-day Turkey.

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ACT 4

What dishonorable act does Brutus accuse Cassius of committing?

• Hiring foreign soldiers

• Accepting bribes

• Selling military supplies

• Stealing from the locals

Answer explanation

In ACT 4, Scene 3, Cassius initiates an argument in Brutus' tent. He claims he wrote Brutus to pardon the actions of a friend accused of taking bribes and Brutus ignored Cassius' request. Brutus then chastises Cassius for dishonoring himself by accepting bribes. This incident merely sparks the clash that has been brewing between the two since Brutus joined the Conspirators.

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ACT 4

After their argument is resolved, Brutus reveals to Cassius that he is burdened by grief. For whom does he grieve?

• Julius Caesar

• Cinna the Poet

• Portia

• Rome

Answer explanation

Brutus has heard rumors that Portia is dead. Later in Scene 3, Messala, an advisor, confirms that the rumors are true.

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ACT 4

How did Portia die?

• The mob burnt down Brutus' house with her in it

• The Triumvirate captured and executed her

• She poisoned herself

• She swallowed fire

Answer explanation

In the play, Brutus states that Portia swallowed fire. In translation, Portia swallowed red, hot coals, scorching her insides. It is symbolic of the strength that Portia proclaimed to possess in ACT 2. Her death is an excruciatingly painful way to die. It is not "cowardly" like poison, and it is not "traditional/honorable" like falling on your sword.

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ACT 4

During the night, who appears to Brutus in his tent at Sardis?

• A strange, dancing man

• The Ghost of Julius Caesar

• The Ghost of Portia

• An ethereal owl

Answer explanation

It is ambiguous whether Brutus dreamt of the spirit or not, but it is a sign nonetheless. In both ways, the ghost represents the guilt Brutus is feeling for murdering the man he likened to a father, Julius Caesar.

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ACT 4

Where does the Ghost say Brutus will see him again?

• Philippi

• At midnight

• Rome

• In his dreams

Answer explanation

The Ghost only says essentially two things to Brutus: "Thy evil spirit, Brutus" & "Thou shalt see me at Philippi". Brutus and Cassius march to face Mark Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus at Philippi. Brutus now fears that he may face his death there.

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ACT 4