World Literature (H)
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Summative Assessment Study Guide
Background
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
What types of works did Shakespeare write?
Shakespeare lived, wrote, and performed in what country?
What did Shakespeare rely upon to establish the setting of his plays?
Along with Pompey and Crassus, Julius Caesar was a member of a coalition known as what?
What is an iamb?
What is iambic pentameter?
What is blank verse?
Define a tragedy. Why makes Julius Caesar a tragedy?
What is the setting of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar?
Act I
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
How does the use of pun drive the introduction of the play?
Why is the cobbler an important character?
What is a soothsayer?
What is Caesar told to beware?
Caesar clearly gives his thoughts about Cassius. What does he say?
What punishment ultimately befalls Marullus and Flavius?
What is the difference between the views of Caesar held by Cassius and Brutus?
When Cicero responds to Casca’s description of these “strange happenings,” he agrees that they
are odd but indicates what?
18. What is Cassius planning to do to convince Brutus to join them in their enterprise?
Act II
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
Why does Cassius want Brutus to join the conspiracy?
Whom does Cassius want to kill in addition to Caesar?
What is Brutus’s most overwhelming internal conflict?
Why doesn’t Brutus want to take an oath?
Describe Calpurnia’s dream.
What arguments does Decius use to change Caesar’s mind about going to the Capitol?
What does Artemidorus plan to do?
Act III
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
What are Caesar’s dying words and what feelings do they express?
How do the Roman people respond to Brutus?
Why does Brutus claim the conspirators killed Caesar?
What does Brutus say at the end of his speech?
What words does Antony consistently use to refer to the conspirators?
In his funeral oration, how does Antony show that the conspirators were not honorable men?
What do Anthony’s speeches in Act III reveal about his character?
How does Marc Antony move the people to mutiny?
What is the significance of the scene featuring Cinna the Poet?
Act IV
35.
36.
37.
38.
Why is Cassius angry when Lucius Pella is punished for taking bribes?
In his argument with Cassius, what does Brutus accuses Cassius of?
What happens to Portia?
What does the conflict between Brutus and Cassius suggest about their ability to face their
upcoming challenges?
39. Summarize the argument in which Brutus urges Cassius to be honest.
Act V
40. How might you best describe the meeting between Brutus, Cassius, Antony, and Octavius before
battle?
41. What do Brutus and Cassius say to each other before they depart for battle?
42. What is Cassius’ fatal mistake?
43. What is a good argument against Cassius’ being described as the noble hero who is brought low
through his own fault?
44. According to Brutus, when is it okay to take one’s own life?
45. How does Brutus knows his “hour is come” to die?
46. What is the climax of the play?
47. Give an argument for why Brutus is the tragic hero of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar?
48. What happens in the resolution of the play,
49. Identify at least four recurring motifs in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.
50. Identify at least four recurring contrast in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.
51. Identify the main theme in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar?
Section II: True/False – if the statement is true, write true. If the statement is false, write false and
correct the sentence so that it becomes true.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
As he was composing the play, Shakespeare drew on source material from Plutarch.
The Roman people despise Caesar and want him overthrown.
The Romans often sacrificed animals and had their entrails examined.
Lightening was believed to portend doom.
Portia intentionally wounds herself on the thigh.
Pompey is the third member of the triumvirate that rules Rome after Caesar’s death.
Cinna the poet is killed for writing bad verse.
The members of the second triumvirate compile a list of men who deserve to die.
Antony considers Lepidus an unworthy man and doesn’t trust him.
Antony has Portia murdered.
Cassius is visited by Caesar’s ghost.
The manner of the suicides by both Brutus and Cassisus reflect the character.
Section III: Quote Identification
Review important quotes from the following characters:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Brutus
Caesar
Calpurnia
Cassius
Cicero
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Decius
Lepidus
Marc Antony
Octavius
Portia