Julius Caesar Act II Questions
Act II, Scene 1
1. What reason does Brutus give in his soliloquy for killing Caesar?
2. What do the letters addressed to Brutus say?
3. Why can’t Lucius identify the men with Cassius?
4. Why does Brutus oppose the idea of swearing an oath?
5. Why does Brutus object to Cicero joining the conspiracy?
6. Why does Brutus oppose killing Mark Antony?
7. How does Decius plan to get Caesar to the Capitol?
8. What advice does Brutus give the conspirators as they leave his house?
9. Why does Portia think she is strong enough to share in Brutus’ plans?
10) How does Portia prove she is worthy to hear the plans of her husband, Brutus?
11). How does Caius Ligarius prove his high regard for Brutus?
Act II, Scene 2
1. Why is Caesar concerned when the scene begins?
2. What is Calphurnia’s request of Caesar?
4. What was the result of the sacrifice performed by the augurers?
4. What reasons does Caesar give Decius for staying home?
5. What was Calphurnia’s dream?
6. How does Decius use flattery to get Caesar to change his mind?
7. How does Decius interpret Calphurnia’s dream?
8. What does Trebonius say when Caesar tells him to stay by?
9. What is the irony in Caesar’s last lines in the scene?
Act II, Scenes 3 and 4
1. How does Shakespeare add the element of suspense in these two short scenes?
2. What is Artemidorus’ warning?
3. What does Artemidorus mean when he says, “Security gives way to conspiracy”? (Sc.
3, 7–8)
4. How does he plan to give Caesar his letter?
5. Why doesn’t Lucius carry out Portia’s request?
6. What does Portia mean in her aside, “O constancy, be strong upon my side; / Set a
huge mountain ‘tween my heart and tongue. / I have a man’s mind but a woman’s
might. / How hard it is for women to keep counsel!” (Sc. 4, 7–10)?
7. What does she tell Lucius to do?
8. What does the soothsayer tell Portia he plans to do?
9. What is Portia’s wish for Brutus?
10. How does Portia try to cover up being overheard by Lucius?