Julius Caesar Act Two Study Guide

Scene One

What has Brutus been thinking about that has prevented him from sleeping?

Brutus: "Let’s be ________________, but not ________________, Caius./ We all stand up against the ________________ of __________________,/ And in the _______________ of men there is no _____________________./ O that we then could come by ______________ ______________./ And not _______________ ________________! But, alas,/__________________ must __________________ for it! And gentle friends,/Let’s ___________ him __________________, but not ________________; /Let’s ____________________ him as a __________ fit for the _________,/ Not ___________ him as a ___________ fit for ______________…..We shall be called _________________, not ________________."

Reread Brutus’ speech on p. 805 (lines 162-183). What point is Brutus trying to make? How does he justify what they will do to Caesar?

According to Brutus, why will Antony NOT be a threat?

Why does Cassius think Caesar might not come to the Capitol?

What reason does Brutus give to Portia as cause for his changed behavior?

Describe Portia’s personality. What type of a wife is she?

Scene Two

Where does this scene take place? How is the weather now?

Describe Calpurnia’s state of mind.

According to Calpurnia, what are some unusual sightings that have taken place?

Caesar begins to reconsider going to the Capitol. What excuse does he consider offering?

How did Decius reinterpret the meaning of Calpurnia’s dream from its original meaning?

Caesar requests the men to be near him at all times in the Capitol today. How is this request ironic in light of things to come?

Scene Four

In scene 4, why does Portia send Lucius to the Capitol?

Explain Portia’s conflict.

Portia: "I have a ______________ _________, but a ___________ might./ How __________ it is for _______________ to _________ ________________."

Why does the soothsayer go toward the capitol himself?