Julius Caesar Reading Questions Act IV V PDF

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Reading assignment related to Caesar, Grade 10 Honors English...

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The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Act IV & V Reading Questions

Act IV, Scene i: 1. After the conspirators abscond, who rules Rome? Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus 2. The three men meet in a house in Rome; they have a list of names. Why are certain names marked? What does it show about the three men? The list of names marks their enemies and those who will die. The three men are against the conspirators, and want to meet one act of violence with another as a form of revenge for Caesar. 3. Lepidus and Antony agree to the death of whom? Publius 4. When Lepidus leaves to get Caesar’s will, what do Octavius and Antony discuss? They discuss whether or not Lepidus is fit for being one of three men in control of Rome’s lands in Europe, Asia, and Africa. 5. How does Antony describe Lepidus? Use the quote. What does this conversation reveal about Antony and Octavius? Antony describes him, saying “He must be taught, and trained, and bid go forth: a barrenspirited fellow; one that feeds on objects, arts and limitations…” (40-42). Lepidus is an “unmeritable man” (15). They also say that the only reason they included him in their triumvirate is to make him a scapegoat for the unpopular things they plan to do. This shows that they are manipulative and cruel like the conspirators. 6. How does Antony propose to change Caesar’s will? He wants to give less money to the people Act IV, Scene ii and iii: 7. Who asked Cassius to come to the camp? Why? Brutus, to talk about their disagreements. 8. Why have the two men been quarreling? Cassius has a cold and distant attitude, which is upsetting Brutus. 9. When they meet, Brutus is angry with Cassius. Why? Why is Cassius angry with Brutus? Brutus has taken note of Cassius’ new detached attitude. Cassius believes Brutus has wronged him by condemning Lucius for taking bribes. 10. Is Brutus guilty of getting money by vile means? Explain. Why can’t Brutus see this? Yes; he uses ill-gotten money. Brutus says he does not get money by immoral means, but this is ironic, because he asks Cassius for money, which he obtained by bribery. 11. Cassius finally gives in. Why?

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Act IV & V Reading Questions

Cassius apologized after Brutus softens and apologizes too. 12. Upon what future plan of action do the two men agree? Whose plan is it? Brutus proposes they meet in Philippi to confront the opposing army. 13. Why did Cassius object? He says they should let Antony’s forces advance and exhaust themselves. 14. Why does Brutus think they should go to Philippi? Is Brutus wrong again? Brutus thinks that Antony’s forces will pick up new recruits along the way. He thinks that the time is right for them to strike. He could be correct, as Cassius accepts this plan. 15. What do we learn about Portia in this act? Portia kills herself by swallowing a hot stone and choking on it. 16. Why doesn’t Brutus show any grief as he tells Cassius of this? He is a Stoic and tries to suppress his grief and forget about her death. 17. The ghost of Caesar appears to Brutus late at night in his tent. How does he react to the ghost? What did Caesar’s ghost tell Brutus? Brutus is startled at first. The ghost tells him they will meet again at Philippi. Act V, Scenes i and ii: 1. What is Brutus contemplating if the Battle of Philippi goes against him and Cassius? How is such a decision contrary to the philosophy of the Stoics? Brutus contemplates suicide, but tells Cassius that people should endure their troubles instead of killing themselves, the way Cato did for example. The Stoic philosophy does not believe in suicide. 2. Describe Cassius and Brutus’ last leave-taking of each other on this day of the battle? Choose and cite two quotes that show each other’s attitudes. The two men part on good terms. Brutus says that just in case, they should say a final and meaningful goodbye: “and whether we shall meet again I know not. Therefore our everlasting farewell take” (130-131). Cassius says “If we do not meet again, we’ll smile indeed; If not, ‘tis true this parting was well made” (136-137). 3. Why did the four men - Octavius, Antony, Brutus and Cassius - meet before the battle? What does this meeting suggest about loyalty to Rome? The opposing sides experience a confrontation, as both armies meet. The leaders exchange insults. This shows that they are impetuous and self-involved, and stoop so low as to fight verbally. Act V, Scene iii: The battle has been in progress for some time. 4. Why is Cassius angry as this scene begins? Who is responsible for this? Give details.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Act IV & V Reading Questions

Cassius retreats, losing the battle to Antony. It is Brutus’ fault, as apparently he “gave the word too early” (5), and soldiers started looting instead of fighting. 5. Where does Cassius send his friend, Titinius? To see if the troops are friends or enemies 6. Pindarus, a slave of Cassius’, reports to Cassius from the vantage point of a small hill Titinius’ progress toward these troops. What mistake does he report to Cassius? Present the details. He mistakenly reports Titinius was captured. He says worriedly, “Titinius is enclosed round about with horsemen that make to him on the spur. Yet he spurs on. Now they are almost on him. Now, Titinius! Now some light. O, he lights too! He’s ta’en” (30-35). 7. When Cassius thinks his friend has been captured, what does he do? He has Pindarus stab him. 8. When Titinius returns and finds Cassius dead, what does he do? He puts his laurel wreath of victory on Cassius’ head and then kills himself. 9. What irony is shown in this scene of Cassius’ death? Cassius had himself stabbed by a close associate and friend; a servant. 10. Why did Pindarus flee so swiftly when Cassius granted him his freedom? He is freed and no longer needs to serve Cassius. 11. How do these deaths affect Brutus? Brutus decides that they should try their luck in a second fight. Act V, Scene iv: 12. Does Brutus give up? Not until he is defeated a second time. 13. What does Brutus ask some of his men to do for him? Do they? He asks three men to kill him, but they do not. 14. Who finally helps Brutus “play the Roman fool?” Present details. Strato. Before allowing Brutus to run into his sword he says, “fare you well, my lord” (55). 15. Brutus tells his friends before he died, that in all his life he had found “no man but he was true to me.” Explain if this is true. If the quote is in regards to Strato, it is because Strato did not manipulate him or cause him grief. Even allowing Brutus to run into his sword was done with honor and respect. 16. Show how Antony is being sincere when he says of Brutus, “here was the noblest Roman of them all.” Explain.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Act IV & V Reading Questions

Antony says that the conspirators only wanted to kill Caesar out of envy and personal hatred. Brutus only did so for “general honest thought and common good” (78-79) for the Roman people. That is why he was the noblest; because he kept the subjects of Rome in his best interests. 17. What do Octavius’ last remarks tell us about him? What is Shakespeare implying with Octavius’ dominant position? Explain the irony. Octavius gives orders like a leader and confidently proposes a plan of action. The “happy day” (88) in his ending couplet imply he is going to be victorious in the future. The irony is that he is still able to find something uplifting to say even after a death. He also does not yet know he will eventually be fighting against Antony....