Definitions
1. augment – Line 31
Definition: Make (something) greater by adding to it.
Part of Speech: Fashion it thus: that what he is augmented, would run to these and these extremities.
2. spurn
Definition: An Incentive
Part of Speech: What need we any spur but our own cause to prick us to redress. Line 134
3. imminent
definition: About to happen
part of speech: Couldn’t find it – Read Act 2 three times.
4. insurrection
definition: A Violent uprising against an authority or government
part of speech: Couldn’t find it – Read Act 2 three times.
Literary Terms
Irony
Dramatic Irony
A situation in which the audience has more knowledge of the going-ons then the character does.
“Is he alone?” “No sir, there are more with him.” – Line 75 – 76 Act 2, Scene 1
Situational Irony
A situation in which an outcome is significantly different than what was expected.
“Mark Antony shall say I am not well, and for thy humor I will stay at home” Line 59 – 60
“How foolish your fears seem now, Calphurnia. I am ashamed I did yield them. Get me my robe,
for I will go.” – Line 110 – 113
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Verbal Irony
A situation in which speakers say the opposite of what they mean.
“That welcome wrongs.” Line 142, Act 2, Scene 1
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2. anachronism: an act of attributing a custom, event, or object to a period to which it does not belong.
example: “What is ‘t o’clock?” – Line 120, Act 2, Scene 2
3. personification: The attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman.
example: “Heavens themselves” Line 32, Act 2, Scene 2
4. aside: a remark or passage by a character in a play that is intended to be heard by the audience but
unheard by the other characters in the play.
example: “That every like is not the same, O Caesar, the heart of Brutus yearns to think upon it.”
Line 136 – 137, Act 2, Scene 2
Study Questions
Act 1, Scene 1
1. On what date does the Act II take place?
It takes place on March 14th – 15th. Line 1 & Line 98 – 99 Act 2, Scene 2
2. What does Brutus say is the only reason he will rebel against Caesar?
Brutus says the only reason he will rebel against Caesar is so he isn’t crowned.
Line 10 – 13 Act 2, Scene 1
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3. What does the note thrown in Brutus’ window say? What does it mean? Who actually
wrote the note?
The note says “Brutus, thou sleep’st. Awake, and see thyself! Shall Rome, etc. Speak,
strike, redress! It actually means that such instigations have actually been dropped where
he’d taken them up, and asked “shall Rome stand under one man’s awe” and that he was
entreated to “speak, strike and redress” Caesar, like his ancestors did to the Tarquin.
Cassius actually wrote the note. Line 48 – 61
4. Who is Lucius? Why can’t he identify the conspirators?
Lucius is Brutus’ servant. He can’t identify the conspirators because they’re covering
their faces with cloaks. Line 79 – 83
5. Who doesn’t allow the conspirators to swear an oath? Why?
Brutus doesn’t allow the conspirators to swear an oath. He does this because he feels like
they’re doing good, and won’t need any oath besides honesty. Line 125 - 151
6. Who does Cassius suggest the conspirators assassinate in addition to Caesar? Why
does Brutus argue against this plan?
Cassius suggests also assassinating Mark Antony. Brutus argues against it, saying it will
make their course seem too bloody.
7. Who is Portia? What does she do to herself to get Brutus to trust her? What does
Brutus promise her?
Portia is Brutus’ wife. To get Brutus to trust her, she stabs herself. Brutus
promises her that he will tell her his secrets. Line 314 – 330
Act 2, Scene 2
1. What do the priests, or augurers, advise Caesar to do?
The priests tell Caesar that he shouldn’t go to the Senate that day. Line 41
2. What does Calphurnia dream about?
Calphurnia dreams about a statue of Caesar spouting blood, with many Romans bathing
their hands in it. Line 81 – 84
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3. Who persuades Caesar to go to the Senate house? How?
Decius persuades Caesar to go to the Senate house. He does this by telling him that the
Senate might change their minds about crowning him, and telling him that Calphurnia’s
dream was a good Omen.
Act 2, Scene 3
1. What is the purpose of Artemidorus’ letter?
The purpose of Artemidorus’ letter is to warn Caesar of the assassins. Line 1 – 10
Act 2, Scene 4
1. What is wrong with Portia?
She is nervous because she knows of the conspirator’s plans to kill
Caesar, and is waiting to hear of their success.
2. What does Portia ask Lucius to do?
Portia asks Lucius to run to the Senate house and back, and then tell her
of Caesar’s condition.