JULIUS CAESAR DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Questions About Power
What kind of leader is Julius Caesar? The conspirators say he's a tyrant headed for absolute power. Is there
evidence in the play to support this? Is Caesar really a threat to the Roman Republic? Why or why not?
Are the conspirators justified in their assassination of a political leader?
Why does Brutus join the conspirators? Is it simply a matter of saving Rome from Caesar's supposed tyranny,
or does Brutus have something else to gain?
Does the play ever portray an ideal leader?
Questions About Fate and Free Will
1. Why does Caesar dismiss Calphurnia's interpretation of her ominous dream?
2. Is Cassius right when he claims that men are "masters of their fate"? Is there evidence in the play to suggest
that, for example, Caesar's fate could have been avoided?
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Questions About Friendship
Make a list with two columns. In the first column, list Caesar's friends. In the second column, list the
conspirators against Caesar. Do any of the names appear in both columns? If so, explain why.
Why does Brutus join the assassination plot against his friend Caesar? Is Brutus's betrayal of Caesar justified?
Is Cassius a true friend to Brutus? Why or why not?
Why does Antony call Brutus the "noblest Roman of them all" (5.5.1) even after the men have fought a civil war
against each other? Is Antony being genuine?
Questions About Gender
1. Why does Caesar ignore Calphurnia's advice to stay home? Would or could things have turned out differently if
Caesar had taken advice from a woman?
2. What kind of roles do Portia and Calphurnia play in Julius Caesar? Are they central to the action of the play?
Why or why not?
Questions About Manipulation
1. Is Cassius responsible for manipulating Brutus to join the conspiracy? Why or why not?
2. When Casca first tells us about the mob coming to watch Caesar at the festival of Lupercal, he characterizes it
as a group of idiots that would cheer if Caesar had stabbed their mothers. What is it about Caesar that makes
the crowds treat him like such a rock star?
Questions About Pride
1. What's the difference between arrogance and a healthy amount of confidence? Is arrogance something we
look for in a leader because anything less would make him seem unsure and incapable?
2. Is Caesar actually arrogant? Doesn't he have a right to be, given that he's still remembered as one of the most
powerful leaders of all time? How much of his historical fame is the result of his assassination?
3. Does Antony really believe the things he says about himself being a less able orator than Brutus? Is his
humility ever real, or is it just a veiled arrogance, made worse because it is influenced by the presence of a
public audience?
4. Is humility considered noble in the play? Does anyone get rewarded for it?
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Questions About Principles
What is the relationship between honor and pride? Cassius thinks Rome's honor is hurt by Caesar's growing
power, but does he really just resent being ruled by a man he sees as no better than himself?
Brutus asks the people to believe him based on his honor – that he wouldn't ever willingly harm Rome. Does
the people's esteem of Brutus count for anything, especially when we know they're so easily swayed?
Why does Brutus initially hang back from joining the conspiracy? Is he afraid, or does he think this covert deed
will somehow tarnish his honor, no matter how noble its purpose?
Over Brutus's body, Antony claims Brutus was the only honorable member of the conspiracy because he had
no envy towards Caesar. Is this true?