The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare: Act 3.1 Flashcard Example #12257

ANTONY:
Thou art the ruins of the noblest man
That ever lived in the tide of times.
Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!

Mark Antony speaks these lines in an aside after asking Brutus for permission to speak at Caesar’s funeral. How do Mark Antony’s statements relate to the plot of the play?

BRUTUS:
I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, Caesar,
Desiring thee that Publius Cimber may
Have an immediate freedom of repeal.

CAESAR:
What, Brutus?

Explain the foreshadowing of this excerpt.

BRUTUS:
What said Popillius Laena?

CASSIUS:
He wished today our enterprise might thrive.
I fear our purpose is discovered.

BRUTUS:
Look how he makes to Caesar. Mark him.

CASSIUS:
Casca, be sudden, for we fear prevention.—
Brutus, what shall be done? If this be known,
Cassius or Caesar never shall turn back,
For I will slay myself.

BRUTUS:
Cassius, be constant.
Popillius Laena speaks not of our purposes,
For look, he smiles, and Caeser doth not change.

CASSIUS:
Trebonius knows his time, for look you, Brutus,
He draws Mark Antony out of the way.

DECIUS:
Where is Metullus Cimber? . . .

BRUTUS:
He is addressed1. Press near, and second him.

CINNA:
Casca, you are the first that rears your hand

1.already with Caesar

In these lines from act 3.1, the conspirators are preparing to carry out their assassination plot. How does the dialogue between these characters reflect their emotions?

–It is a disgrace for the Roman Republic because Caesar was such a good leader.
–It is a sacrifice for the good of Brutus because now he and Cassius can take control of the Roman Republic.
–It is a sacrifice for the Roman Republic because now Mark Antony can take control.
–It is a sacrifice for the good of the Roman Republic because it eliminates a tyrant.

CAESAR:
I could be well moved if I were as you.
If I could pray to move, prayers would move me.
But I am constant as a Northern Star,
Of whose true fixed and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament . . . .
So in the world: ’tis furnished well with men,
And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive;
Yet in the number I do know but one
That unassailable holds on his rank,
Unshaked of motion; and that I am he . . . .

How does Caesar’s description of himself support or conflict with his past behaviors with other characters?

–They held military positions but were not in the Senate.
–They were all helped and promoted by Caesar.
–They were not in the military or the Senate.
–They worked hard and had no interaction with Caesar to help promote them.

Fearful: they hide in their homes.
Joyful: the streets burst into celebration.
Appreciative: the crowd immediately appoints Brutus as the new leader.
Vengeful: the crowd immediately attacks the conspirators.

–Cassius
–Casca
–Trebonius
–Brutus

–the tension between Caesar and Cassius
–the tension between Artemidorus and the soothsayer
–the tension between Calpurnia and Artemidorus
–the tension between the soothsayer and Calpurnia

–Julius Caesar is assassinated.
–Rome is left without a leader.
–The Roman people are frightened by the conspirators’ actions.
–Julius Caesar is crowned the dictator.

CAESAR:
I could be well moved if I were as you.
If I could pray to move, prayers would move me.
But I am constant as the Northern Star,
Of whose true fixed and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament . . . .
So in the world: ’tis furnished well with men,
And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive;
Yet in the number I do know but one
That unassailable holds on his rank,
Unshaked of motion; and that I am he . . . .

How does Shakespeare’s use of the specific simile “I am constant as the Northern Star” support the statements he makes in the rest of his speech?

—Caesar says that he’s constant like the Northern Star but that he can change his mind depending on what other men say or do.
—Caesar says that he is never set like the Northern Star, but instead, he likes to change his mind and actions just like other men do.
—Caesar says that he’s as constant as the Northern Star set in the sky, and he talks about the ways he differs from other men by being constant.
—Caesar says that he’s not set like the Northern Star, and he talks about the ways he is like other men by being constant.

The crowd’s reaction to the conspirator’s actions
Mark Antony’s request to speak at Caesar’s funeral

How do these events contribute to the plot of the play?

—The conspirators are not supported by the crowd or Mark Antony, which will cause further problems to be resolved.
—Mark Antony wants to help the conspirators calm the Roman crowd, which will resolve the conflicts of the play.
—Brutus requests that Mark Antony speak at the funeral, which will resolve the conflicts of the play.
—Brutus and Mark Antony agree to bury Caesar without a funeral, which will cause more problems to be resolved.

—Brutus
—Cassius
—Octavius
—Antony

—hatred
—mutual distrust
—friendship
—struggle for power

BRUTUS:
Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him,

How does this line, which defends Brutus’ actions, relate to the rest of the play?

—Brutus’ dislike for Caesar combined with Caesar’s quest for power is the reason for Caesar’s assassination, which Brutus stated in act 2.
—Brutus’ love for Caesar could not override the necessity of Caesar’s death, which Brutus has stated since act 2.
—Brutus loved Caesar, but he killed him anyway and for no real reason.
—Brutus was jealous of Caesar and killed him in order to take over as leader of Rome.

—Cassius’ desire for fame and Brutus’ patriotism for Rome is the central conflict of the play and reflects the theme of publicity.
—Caesar’s increasing power and the conspirators’ fear of tyranny is the central conflict of the play and reflects the theme of ambition.
—Calpurnia and Caesar’s marriage is the central conflict of the play and reflects the theme of misconception.
—Portia and Brutus’ marriage is the central theme of the play and reflects the theme of honor.