Julius Caesar Unit
Mrs. Dobson-Efpatridis
Act II, i
Notes
The storm presently occurring in Rome is symbolic of the storm raging within
Brutus. He shows us he has made his decision to side with the conspirators and
attempts to justify his choice by giving his reasons for doing so.
The final plans for the assassination of Caesar are discussed and arranged.
Portia, Brutus’ wife, enters the scene. She urges him to share with her what is
troubling him. She knows nothing of the plot against Caesar but is bothered by his anxious look
and begs him not to keep secrets. Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Ligarius who
pledges his loyalty to Brutus.
The two men leave together for Caesar’s house.
This scene shows not only the noble and honourable side of Brutus, but also the domestic side of Brutus
through his treatment of his servants and his personal relationship with his wife.
We clearly see the internal struggle Brutus is experiencing as well as the first of three serious mistakes
that he makes in his involvement with the conspirators.
Study Notes
Think about Brutus’ soliloquy:
A.
Purpose of Brutus’ soliloquy - pg. 57-59 - ll. 10-34
i)
Explain the reasons Brutus gives for joining the conspirators
ii)
Explain the line of reasoning that Brutus uses to convince himself to join the
group. What makes him sound so sincere?
iii)
Identify and explain the simile (ll. 31-34)
iv)
According to Brutus, what are Caesar’s weaknesses?
v)
What does he receive from Lucius?
B.
Brutus’ soliloquy - pg. 61 - ll. 61-9
i)
Identify and explain the simile
ii)
Paraphrase this speech. Explain clearly what it reveals about the character’s feelings.
iii)
ll. 77-85 What is Brutus’ attitude toward the conspirators?
Mrs. Dobson-Efpatridis
Act II, i
C.
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
D.
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
E.
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
ll. 114-140 Why does Brutus not want to swear an oath with the conspirators?
What does this reveal about his character?
ll. 141-152 List and explain the arguments FOR and AGAINST having Cicero
involved in the conspiracy.
ll. 155-183 List and explain the arguments FOR and AGAINST killing Antony.
What does these two decisions reveal about Brutus’ character?
ll. 186-9 What does Brutus suggest Antony will do after Caesar’s death?
Based on what we know about the two characters, do you think Brutus is correct?
Is he making a fatal mistake letting him live? Explain!
Why does Cassius fear Antony? ll. 183-4
“Brutus’ concept of honour even shows when he talks of killing Caesar.” Explain
by referring to ll. 162 ff.
Where do the conspirators plan to kill Caesar? ll. 196-201
What does Brutus mean when he says, “Let not our looks put on our purposes,”
(l.225).
What further insights are we given into Brutus’ character during the
Portia/Brutus scene? (ll.234-309)
According to Portia, what are 5 examples of odd behaviour that Brutus has been
demonstrating. (238-256)
How does Brutus explain his behaviour?
How does Portia explain it? (259-277)
What does she demand of him?
What is the purpose of Ligarius’ part at the end of this scene?
Creative Task
Compose a short text to Brutus expressing your feelings about his decisions to: i) join the conspiracy and
the reasons he decides to join, ii) not include Cicero in his plan, and iii) let Antony live.
Consider the noble man he is supposed to be, conflict of interest, and possible consequences of his
actions.
Julius Caesar Unit
Mrs. Dobson-Efpatridis
Act II, ii - Notes
This scene opens with an example of foreshadowing as Caesar states that Calpurnia cries out in her sleep:
“Help ho! they murder Caesar!” (l.3)
She had a dream that Caesar’s statue was spurting blood and many Romans
were celebrating his death.
Caesar shows his superstitious nature by sending Lucius, his servant, to order a sacrifice to be performed
by a group of augurers (priests)
Calpurnia tells of more “horrid sights” (ll. 16-):
a lioness giving birth in the streets
warring cries from the heavens
ghosts shrieking
sightings of the walking dead
blood falling on the Capitol
At first, Caesar is not easily swayed to take “these signs” seriously. He states he does not fear death; it is
just a part of life. Then after Calpurnia’s pleading, Caesar is finally convinced to stay home since he
considers these unnatural events to be warnings (omens).
However, two things happen to change his mind - both having to do with his excessive pride,
arrogance and overwhelming self-confidence!!
1. The servant returns and tells Caesar the beast the priest sacrificed had no heart. Caesar interprets this
to mean that he will look like a coward if he does not go, but the true meaning is that a beast without
a heart is DEAD!!
2. Decius Brutus manages to cleverly re-interpret Calpurnia’s dream and uses flattery to convince him to
go to the Capitol. This appeals to Caesar’s ego and pride He also states that the people planned to
crown Caesar King fully knowing that he is to be assassinated.
Caesar does not see himself as other men and this in fact blinds him to the fact that he is like other
men; vulnerable.
FATE as a theme develops in this scene:
1. Caesar - ll.26-7 “What can be avoided whose end is purposed by the mighty gods?”
2. Calpurnia - l. 31 “The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.”
DRAMATIC IRONY
ll.10
“The things that threaten’d me n’er look’d but on my back.”
Caesar is unaware that he is really speaking the truth!! But we are!!
Act II, iii - Notes
Artemidorus plans to warn Caesar about the plot to kill him. He writes a letter naming the conspirators.
This brief scene heighten the tension and creates suspense. Will the conspiracy be carried out?
The theme of FATE is once again present:
ll. 14-5
“If thou read this, O Caesar, thou mayst live;
If not, the Fates with traitors do contrive.
Act II, iv - Notes
This scene develops the final rising action of the play: Will Caesar become King?
Portia senses the conspiracy that Brutus is not only involved in but now leading. She knows of Brutus’
secret. She sends her servant to the Senate house to find out what is happening.
The Soothsayer enters the scene to warn Caesar again that he is in danger.
All previous events point to an answer:
omens
sacrifice
dreams
Soothsayer’s warnings
predictions
sightings
Supernatural acts
letter
Act II ii-iv
1. Identify two supernatural occurrences which Calpurnia interprets as a threat to Caesar’s
safety.
2. Who convinces Caesar to stay home from the Capitol? Why?
3. Why is Calpurnia’s statement l.49 II, ii, “Your wisdom is consumed in confidence” accurate and
valid?
4. Explain the meaning of “Cowards die many times before their deaths:/The valiant never taste of death
but once.”
5. Who convinces Caesar to go to the Capitol? How?
6. What weakness in Caesar allows him to be convinced to go to the Senate?
7. What is the name of the learned man who writes a warning letter to Caesar?
8. Who is the servant that Portia sends to the Senate?
9. At what time does the Soothsayer arrive to meet Caesar in the streets?
10. What is the dramatic purpose of Scenes 3&4?