THE TRAGEDY OF JULIUS CAESAR
ACT III
Scene 1
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Explain how Shakespeare uses dramatic irony in the beginning of this scene.
How does Caesar’s response to Artemidorus compare to his behavior in the previous acts?
What does Cassius’s reaction to Popilius indicate about his personality?
What traits does Caesar exhibit in his answer to Metellus’ fawning attitude?
Metellus makes a request of Caesar; explain the request.
What does Caesar compare himself to and what does this show about his character?
How do the conspirators differ in their immediate reactions to Caesar’s murder?
Interpret Brutus’ remark, “So are we Caesar’s friends, that have abridg’d his time of
fearing death.” Is this remark straightforward, ironic, or a rationalization?
Mark Antony offers to follow Brutus if Brutus will explain why Caesar was killed. What
character traits of Brutus prompt him to accept this offer?
In Antony’s first long speech that begins, “O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?” what is
revealed from the style and content of the speech.
Describe the feelings Brutus expresses toward Antony. Do the other conspirators share these
feelings?
How does Antony’s comparison of Caesar to a deer characterize his death?
Interpret Brutus’ statement that begins, “Or else were this a savage spectacle.”
What is Cassius’ objection to Antony’s speaking at Caesar’s funeral?
Summarize the compromise that Brutus proposes when Cassius objects to Antony speaking
at Caesar’s funeral.
Everyone leaves, and Antony gives a soliloquy. Summarize Antony’s feelings as they are
revealed in this speech.
Why does Antony want Octavius’ servant to wait a while before returning to his master?
Scene 2
18. Explain the difference between prose and blank verse.
19. Identify the tone of Brutus’ speech to the people.
20. What effect does the repeated use of the word “honor” have on Brutus’ speech?
21. At the end of Brutus’ speech, he asks, “Who is here so vile that will not love his country?”
What is he implying? Is this a valid conclusion?
22. How do the people react to Brutus’ speech? Why do you think they react in this way?
23. When Brutus begins to speak again (“Good countrymen, let me depart alone . . .”), what is
different about his speech this time?
24. Describe the effect of blank verse on Antony’s speech.
25. How does Antony praise Caesar in his speech?
26. Shakespeare employs a stylistic device in his speech. Identify the device, then identify the
specific words that create this device, and lastly, explain the effect of this device on his
speech.
27. What character traits are evident in the plebeians?
28. How does Antony treat the common people? Is it effective? Why?
29. Describe the techniques Antony uses to gain the support of the people.
30. In the lines beginning, “Our Caesar’s vesture wounded? . . . marr’d as you see with
traitors.” identify the figure of speech used. Interpret this figure of speech.
31. According to Antony, why was Brutus’ “the unkindest cut of all”?
32. What is ironic about Antony’s statements that begin with “. . . Good friends, sweet friends,
let me not stir you up” and ending with “. . . The stones of Rome to rise in mutiny”? What
purpose is he making these statements?
33. Identify the sound device contained in the lines above. What is the effect in the speech?
34. Antony then employs a metaphor; identify the two things being compared.
35. What effect does Antony’s reading of the will have on the people?
36. “Now let it work. Mischief, thou are afoot, Take thou what course thou wilt!”
Discuss the character traits that are revealed in Antony.
Scene 3
37. What happens to Cinna? What literary device is represented?