Definitions
1. Barren Definition
Bleak and Lifeless - Line 10, Scene 2
2. Countenance Definition
Support - Line 44, Scene 2
3. Infirmity Definition
Physical or Mental disability - Line 282, Scene 2
4. Portentous Definition
Of or like a Portent - Line 31, Scene 3
Literary Terms
1. For a Tragedy, there must be a flaw (tragic flaw) in the Character, who must murder
some(one)(thing), undergo catharsis, and then die. That's quite the tragedy.
2. Blank Verse - A Verse without rhyme, especially in Iambic Pentameter.
Cassius is an example of a Character who speaks in Blank Verse.
3. Prose - Written or spoken language in its ordinary form.
Brutus is an example of a Character who speaks in Prose.
4. Iambic Meter
An Iambic Meter is a Meter, that, like the name states, uses only Iambs.
Couldn't Find One
5. Iambic Pentameter - A Meter in Poetry consisting of 5 Iambs
A man of such a feeble temper should - Line 136, Act 1, Scene 2
6. Conflict - A serious disagreement or argument.
7. A figure of speech, comparing one thing to another.
As loud as an Elephant, As fast as a Cheetah
8. Metaphor -A figure of speech, in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action,
which is not literally applicable.
Shall I compare Thee to a summer's day?
9. Solioquy - an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers,
especially by a character in a play.
When Brutus is making sense to himself his reasons for the assassination of Caesar.
10. Pun - A joke exploiting the different possible meanings of words.
Which gives men stomach to digest his words with better appetite. Line 313 - 314 Act 1, Scene 2
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Study Questions
Act 1, Scene 1
1. On what date does the opening scene take place? What holiday is it?
The scene takes place on March 13th. The Holiday is Lupercal. Line 72
2. What is a tribune? Why does the tribune Marullus criticize the mob?
One who pays tribute. Marullus criticizes the mob because they’re paying tribute to
Caesar, opposed to Pompey.
3. What do Flavius and Marullus plan to do when the scene ends?
They plan to take down any symbols of Caesar’s victory. Line 74
Act 1, Scene 2
1. Who is Calpurnia? What is wrong with her? What does Caesar ask Antony to do to
help her?
Calphurnia is Caesar’s wife. She is Sterile. Caesar asks Antony to touch her.
2. What does the soothsayer tell Caesar? Which literary technique is this an example
of?
The soothsayer tells Caesar to “Beware the ides of March”. A Prophecy? Line 21
3. What is a soothsayer? What is Caesar’s reaction to the soothsayer?
A Soothsayer is one who can supposedly see the future. Caesar doesn’t take him
seriously. Line 29
4. How did Cassius save Caesar’s life, according to Cassius?
Cassius claims he saved Caesar from drowning. Line 118
5. Caesar says if he feared anyone, it would be whom?
Caesar said if he feared anyone, it would be Cassius. Line 221
6. Who offers Caesar the crown? How many times?
Mark Antony offers Caesar the crown three times. Line 253
7. What kind of disorder does Caesar have? What is the ancient Roman term for it?
Caesar has epilepsy. The Ancient Roman term is “The Falling Sickness”. Line 265
8. What happens to Marullus and Flavius?
Caesar has them killed for speaking ill of him. Line 295 – 297
9. Who are the conspirators?
Cassius, at this point, is the only conspirator. Line 327 – 328
10. Why is Cassius going to write letters to Brutus?
Cassius intends to write letters to Brutus to make it look like the Citizens of Rome
hold him in greater opinion than Caesar. Line 328 – 332
11. Who agrees to deliver Cassius’ letters?
Cinna agrees to deliver the letters. Line 147 – 148 Act 1, Scene 3
Act 1, Scene 3
1. What are some of the night’s strange occurrences?
Some of the strange occurrences are: A Slave who doesn’t care that his hand is
on fire, a harmless Lion in the Capitol, Men on fire, walking through the street,
and an Owl in the Marketplace at midday. Line 15 - 26
2. To whom does Cassius compare the night of unnatural events?
Caesar compares the night of unnatural events to Caesar. Line 82
3. What does Cassius say he will do if Caesar is crowned?
Cassius says he will kill himself if Caesar is crowned. Line 92
4. Why do the conspirators want Brutus on their side?
The conspirators want Brutus on their side because he is a friend of Caesar’s.
Line 145 - 146