Name ________________________________ Date: _____________

JC _ Act I
Scene 1

1. Puns and word play are a popular part of Shakespeare’s plays. Explain the punning and word play in which the cobbler engages.

2. How do the Tribunes, Marullus and Flavius, react to this word play?

3. Why do the Tribunes chase the commoners away, and with what did Marullus rebuke them?

4. What do they suggest the commoners do?

5. Why do Marullus and Flavius seem to fear Caesar?

Scene 2

1. What does Caesar say to Anthony in front of everyone? What does it say about Caesar? What does Anthony’s response say about him?

2. What is the Soothsayer’s warning to Caesar? What does it mean?

3. When they are alone, of what does Cassius accuse Brutus? What is Brutus’ response?

4. What point is Cassius making when he asks Brutus if he can see his own face? What does he say he will do?

5. What fear of Brutus’ does Cassius discover?

6. How does Brutus explain to Cassius what he means by this fear?

7. According to Cassius, what happened when Caesar and Cassius went swimming in the Tiber? What is the point of this story?

8. Why does Cassius refer to Caesar as a ‘sick girl”? How would you describe Cassius at this point?

9. What does Cassius say about fate, free will, and being “underlings”?

10. After delaying an answer, what is Brutus’ conclusion about his own feelings on freedom?

11. When Caesar, Anthony, and the others enter the scene, what does Caesar say to Anthony about Cassius? What is Anthony’s response?

12. What does Caesar’s response about fear show about him?

13. According to Casca, what did Anthony offer Caesar three times? What was Caesar’s response each time and how did they differ?

14. What two physical aliments of Caesar are mentioned in this scene?

15. In response to the “falling sickness”, what is the meaning of Cassius’ sarcasm?

16. What happened to Marullus and Flavius? Why?

17. What action will Cassius take to get Brutus to join the conspirators?

18. After Brutus leaves, how is Cassius brutally honest with himself?

Scene 3

1. What is Cassius’ interpretation of the night’s strange events?

2. On whom does Cassius blame Caesar’s great power?

3. Why does Casca say he is no “fleeing tell-tale”?

4. Why is it important to the conspirators to have Brutus come in with them?