Julius Caesar Act 2
Literary Notes
Act Two, Scene One
• In Act 2, scene one, lines 10-34 Brutus has a
soliloquy that explains his affection and friendship
for Caesar as well as his desire to be rid of him for
the good of Rome.
• In this same scene lines 32-24 create a metaphor
that compares Caesar to an unhatched snake—he’s
not dangerous now, but he will be soon.
• Lines 45-58 creates a soliloquy that discusses
Brutus’ power to take action against Caesar.
• Lines 61-69 creates a soliloquy that examines
Brutus’ friendship with, and desire to be rid of,
Caesar.
Act Two, Scene One
• Lines 77-85 create a soliloquy that examines the
question of whether killing Caesar is morally
correct.
• Lines 79-85 create personification that gives the
conspiracy a human face.
• Lines 101-104 create imagery (words used to
create pictures) that indicates the time of day.
• Lines 191-192b is an anachronism because
there were no clocks in Ancient Rome.
Act Two, Scene Two
• In Act 2, scene two, line 19 there is an example
of alliteration (using the same beginning sounds
in several words—fierce, fiery warriors fight.
• Lines 30-31 is an example of foreshadowing as
Calphurnia says “the heavens themselves blaze
forth the death of princes, which is what will
happen to Caesar.
• Lines 124-125 and lines 128-129 are examples
of asides (when the character speaks directly to
the audience) that remind the audience of the
conspiracy.
Act Two, Scene Three
• Act 2, scene 3, lines 1-14 is a soliloquy
that creates suspense by making it clear
that Caesar’s fate hinges on Artemedorius’
warning.