Julius Caesar
Sample Test Questions
ACT ONE
1. Write two adjectives that describe each of
these men:
• Cassius
• Brutus
• Casca
• Antony
• Caesar
Discuss: Write at least 2
complete sentences per question
1. Discuss how the tribunes spoke to the commoners in
Act I, Scene I.
2. What did the commoners say about Caesar in Act I,
Scene I?
3. Do you think it is important that Brutus be part of the
conspiracy? Why or why not?
4. Do you think Cassius will be successful in winning
over Brutus to his secret plan?
5. Do any of the characters in Act One remind you of
each other? Explain your answer and give direct
examples.
Discussion Questions: Metaphor
Act One, Scene I, Flavius compares Julius
Caesar to a high-soaring bird, and in
Scene 2, Cassius compares him to a wolf
and a lion. What do you think these
metaphors suggest about Julius Caesar’s
personality and behavior? Explain
Analysis:
• Compare and contrast Caesar to a modernday political or military leader.
CAESAR
MODERN LEADER
ACT II
At this point, do you believe there is
just cause to kill Caesar?
Group Discussion:
1. Whom do you side with at this point, Caesar or the
conspirators? Why
2. Do Brutus and Cassius have different motives for
wanting to kill Caesar? Explain.
3. What is your opinion of the plot against Caesar?
Do the plotters have enough evidence to back up
their claims? Do their plans seem justified?
Explain.
Discussions Continue:
1. Who is the true leader of the conspirators?
Support your opinion with facts from the
play.
2. Do you think that Caesar has any
suspicion that there is a plot to kill him?
Explain your answer and what it says
about Caesar as a ruler.
Literary Concept: Figurative
Language
• What do you think is the most
striking example of figurative
language used in Act Two? What
is the meaning of the example you
chose?
Compare and Contrast:
• Compare and contrast Brutus and Portia’s
relationship with a modern-day political
leader and his or her spouse.
• Compare and contrast Caesar and
Calpurnia’s relationship with a modern-day
political leader and his or her spouse.
ACT III: Characters-Write two
descriptive words to signify the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Brutus
Lucias
Portia
Cassius
Metellus
Decius
Trebonius
Caius
ACT III
• Did you find ACT 3 exciting and
suspenseful? Why or why not?
• What do the conspirators believe they have
accomplished by killing Caesar? Do you
agree? Explain.
• Why do you think the citizens are so easily
swayed from one side to the other.
Act III: Commoners Reactions
Consider:
• their response directly after the
killing
• their reaction to Brutus’ speech
• their reaction to Anthony’s speech
Act III: Discussion Continued
What views about friendship do you
think Shakespeare might be conveying
in this act?
Consider:
• the friendship of Brutus and Cassius
• the friendship of Anthony and Caesar
Exam Questions:
• What evidence does Antony use during his
speech to persuade the Roman citizens to
support his opinion of both Caesar and the
conspirators? Has Antony presented the
evidence fairly? Explain and provide at
least two direct quotes.
ACT IV:
• Think about the two groups preparing for
war. Which side would you rather be on?
Write at least two sentences explaining your
reasons.
• Do the Romans seem better or worse off
under the triumvirate than they were under
Julius Caesar?
• Has Mark Antony changed since Act 3?
Give examples-compare and contrast.
Act IV – Continued:
• Many readers think that Cassius becomes a
more likeable character than Brutus by Act
4-Scene 3. Do you agree or disagree?
Support your answer with facts from the
scene.
• Compare and contrast your opinion of
Brutus in Act one with your view of him
now. Has your opinion changed?