top of page

JULIUS CAESAR
 

In the bustling streets of Rome, a lively assembly of commoners has gathered to commemorate the Feast of the Lupercal and the triumphant homecoming of Julius Caesar following his victory over Pompey's sons. However, their jubilant celebration draws the ire of two tribunes, Marullus and Flavius, who reprimand the crowd for their excessive adulation of Caesar and for treating the occasion as a festive holiday. With a sense of guilt, the crowd disperses, and Marullus and Flavius leave to deface the statues erected in honour of Caesar.

Top of Form

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

William Shakespeare

The scene opens on a street in Rome with Flavius and Marullus reprimanding commoners for being out on a workday, demanding to know their professions. Flavius scolds a cobbler for not being in his shop and leading men around the streets. The cobbler defends himself, claiming to be celebrating Caesar's triumph. Marullus questions why they should rejoice, reminding them of Pompey's greatness and the ingratitude of celebrating Caesar's victory. He urges the commoners to return home and pray for forgiveness for their ingratitude. Flavius dismisses the commoners and instructs Marullus to help disrobe images celebrating Caesar's triumph, despite it being the Feast of Lupercal. They agree to do so, as Flavius vows to prevent Caesar from becoming too powerful. They exit, leaving the commoners to ponder their actions.

Introduction to the Characters of Julius Caesar

Introduction to the Characters of Julius Caesar

​

William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar is a tragedy that delves into themes of power, loyalty, ambition, and betrayal. The play's characters are intricately crafted to reflect the complexities of human motives and the tumultuous political environment of ancient Rome. At the heart of the play is the moral conflict between personal allegiance and public duty, embodied by its central characters.

​

The titular character, Julius Caesar, dominates the narrative even after his death, as his ambition and leadership spark both adoration and fear. He is a powerful figure whose rise to prominence ultimately leads to his assassination by those who believe his ambition threatens the Republic.

​

Marcus Brutus, a senator and Caesar’s close friend, emerges as the tragic hero of the play. Torn between his love for Caesar and his loyalty to Rome, Brutus represents the internal struggle between personal morality and civic responsibility. His nobility and idealism contrast sharply with Cassius, the conspiracy's mastermind. Cassius, driven by envy and political ambition, manipulates others to achieve his goals but also displays genuine loyalty to Brutus.

​

Caesar's loyal ally, Mark Antony demonstrates his cunning and charisma on the opposing side. His funeral speech, a masterclass in rhetoric, significantly shifts public opinion and sets the stage for the conflict between the conspirators and Caesar's supporters, which includes Octavius Caesar, Caesar's adopted heir, who rises to power with calculated determination.

​

The play also features strong female characters, such as Portia, Brutus’ devoted wife, and Calpurnia, Caesar’s superstitious wife, who warn their husbands of impending danger. Though sidelined in a male-dominated world, their voices add emotional depth and foreshadow the tragedy that unfolds.

The supporting cast, including conspirators like Casca and Decius Brutus, and minor figures like the Soothsayer and Cinna the Poet, contribute to the tension and themes of the play, reflecting the chaos and unpredictability of political ambition.

​

Through its diverse and richly layered characters, Julius Caesar explores the fragility of power, the complexity of human relationships, and the inevitable consequences of betrayal and ambition. Each character plays a pivotal role in driving the plot and highlighting the timeless themes of Shakespeare’s work.

Timeline of Events in Act 1 of Julius Caesar

Scene 1: The Tribunes Rebuke the Commoners

  1. Celebration in Rome:

    • Roman citizens gather in the streets to celebrate Caesar’s recent victory over Pompey’s sons.

  2. Intervention by Tribunes:

    • Tribunes Flavius and Marullus confront the commoners, scolding them for celebrating Caesar’s triumph.

    • They accuse the crowd of being fickle, contrasting their current loyalty to Caesar with their former support for Pompey.

  3. Actions Against Caesar:

    • Flavius and Marullus decide to strip the statues of Caesar of any decorations.

    • They hope to curb Caesar’s growing power and pride by discouraging public adoration.

Key Themes:

  • Loyalty and Betrayal

  • Public vs. Private Self

​

Scene 2: The Feast of Lupercal and the Warning of the Soothsayer

  1. Public Festivities:

    • Caesar, along with his wife Calpurnia, Mark Antony, Brutus, and other important figures, participates in the Feast of Lupercal.

    • Antony prepares to run in the race, a traditional event of the festival, as Caesar instructs him to touch Calpurnia to cure her barrenness.

  2. The Soothsayer’s Warning:

    • A soothsayer warns Caesar to “Beware the Ides of March.”

    • Caesar dismisses the warning, ignoring its ominous tone and calling the soothsayer a dreamer.

  3. Cassius’ Manipulation of Brutus:

    • Cassius engages Brutus in conversation, expressing concern about Caesar’s rising power and dominance.

    • Cassius flatters Brutus, appealing to his sense of honor and planting seeds of doubt about Caesar’s ambition.

  4. Brutus’ Internal Conflict:

    • Brutus reveals his unease with Caesar’s growing influence but is hesitant to act against him.

  5. Caesar and Antony Discuss Cassius:

    • Caesar expresses suspicion of Cassius, describing him as someone who “thinks too much” and is dangerous.

    • Antony reassures Caesar that Cassius is harmless.

  6. Cassius’ Plan:

    • Cassius decides to forge letters from Roman citizens to persuade Brutus that the people want him to act against Caesar.

Key Themes:

  • Ambition and Power

  • Manipulation and Deception

​

Scene 3: Omens and Portents of Danger

  1. A Stormy Night:

    • A violent storm rages in Rome, symbolizing turmoil and unrest.

  2. Casca’s Report of Omens:

    • Casca recounts several strange occurrences:

      • A slave’s hand on fire but unburned.

      • A lion roaming the Capitol without attacking anyone.

      • An owl hooting during the daytime.

    • These omens suggest that unnatural events reflect impending chaos in Rome.

  3. Cassius’ Recruitment of Casca:

    • Cassius meets Casca and persuades him to join the conspiracy against Caesar.

    • He frames Caesar’s rise as a threat to the Republic and personal freedoms.

  4. Letters for Brutus:

    • Cassius instructs Cinna to deliver forged letters to Brutus, further convincing him that Rome’s citizens oppose Caesar.

  5. Plans for Conspiracy:

    • The conspirators agree to meet at Brutus’ house the following night to finalize their plans.

Key Themes:

  • Fate vs. Free Will

  • Omens and Superstition

Summary of Act 1

  • Scene 1: The tribunes rebuke the commoners for celebrating Caesar’s victory, showing early opposition to his rise.

  • Scene 2: Caesar is warned to beware the Ides of March, while Cassius begins manipulating Brutus into joining the conspiracy.

  • Scene 3: Ominous signs fill the night as Cassius recruits Casca and solidifies his plan to involve Brutus in the plot against Caesar.

How to Use This Timeline for Exam Preparation

  1. Focus on Themes: Link events to themes such as ambition, loyalty, and fate.

  2. Character Actions: Analyze how characters like Cassius, Brutus, and Caesar develop in this act.

  3. Memorize Key Quotes: For example:

    • “He doth bestride the narrow world like a Colossus.” – Cassius

    • “Beware the Ides of March.” – Soothsayer

    • “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.” – Cassius

A richly detailed digital painting depicting a bustling Roman forum on a rainy day. The s

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Act 1 Scene 1

1. Who are the characters present in the scene?

  • Flavius, Marullus, and certain commoners are present in the scene.

2. Where does the scene take place?

  • The scene takes place on a street in Rome.

3. What are Flavius and Marullus's attitudes towards the commoners?

  • Flavius and Marullus are disdainful and reprimanding towards the commoners.

4. Why do Flavius and Marullus reprimand the commoners?

  • Flavius and Marullus reprimand the commoners for being out on the streets and not working on a laboring day, and for celebrating Caesar's triumph.

5. What profession does the first commoner, a carpenter, claim to have?

  • The carpenter claims to be a carpenter by profession.

6. What does Marullus question about the carpenter's attire?

  • Marullus questions why the carpenter is not wearing his leather apron and rule, which are typical attire for a carpenter.

7. How does the second commoner, a cobbler, describe his profession?

  • The cobbler describes his profession as a mender of bad soles, referring to shoes.

8. How does the cobbler justify being out on the streets instead of in his shop?

  • The cobbler justifies being out on the streets by stating that he wants to wear out people's shoes to get more work for himself.

9. Why does Marullus express disbelief about the cobbler's profession?

  • Marullus expresses disbelief about the cobbler's profession because he finds it hard to believe that cobbling shoes could justify being out on the streets instead of working.

10. How does the cobbler respond when Marullus asks what he means by "mend me"?

  • The cobbler responds humorously by saying that he can mend Marullus if he is "out" (in a bad mood), but adds that he can cobble shoes.

11. What tools does the cobbler mention using in his work?

  • The cobbler mentions using an awl in his work as a cobbler.

12. Why does Flavius question why the cobbler isn't in his shop?

  • Flavius questions why the cobbler isn't in his shop because he finds it suspicious that the cobbler is out on the streets instead of working.

13. What reason does the cobbler give for leading men around the streets?

  • The cobbler gives the reason that he leads men around the streets to wear out their shoes and get more work for himself.

14. How do Flavius and Marullus react to the commoners' excuses?

  • Flavius and Marullus react sceptically to the commoners' excuses, finding them inadequate and disrespectful.

15. What does Marullus remind the commoners about Caesar's past actions?

  • Marullus reminds the commoners about how they used to celebrate Pompey's triumphs in the past, but now they celebrate Caesar's, despite Caesar's betrayal of Pompey.

16. Why does Marullus urge the commoners to go home and pray?

  • Marullus urges the commoners to go home and pray to the gods to intermit the plague of Caesar's ingratitude.

17. What does Flavius instruct the commoners to do after they leave?

  • Flavius instructs the commoners to gather at the Tiber banks and weep their tears into the channel until the lowest stream kisses the most exalted shores.

18. Why do Flavius and Marullus want to disrobe the images celebrating Caesar?

  • Flavius and Marullus want to disrobe the images celebrating Caesar to diminish his glorification and prevent him from gaining too much power.

19. What event are the commoners celebrating, despite Flavius and Marullus's warnings?

  • The commoners are celebrating Caesar's triumph, despite Flavius and Marullus's warnings about his betrayal of Pompey.

20. How does Flavius plan to prevent Caesar from gaining too much power?

  • Flavius plans to prevent Caesar from gaining too much power by driving away the commoners from the streets and removing the images celebrating Caesar's triumph.

JULIUS CAESAR
Image by Craig Zdanowicz

JULIUS CAESAR, 
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FROM ACT 1

Here are some context questions for each scene in Act 1 of "Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, separated accordingly. These questions can help you understand the key points and dynamics of each scene in Act 1 of "Julius Caesar".

Here are the context questions for each scene in Act 1 of "Julius Caesar," separated accordingly:

Act 1, Scene 3

  1. What strange and ominous events are described by Casca?

  2. What do these strange occurrences signify to Casca and Cicero?

  3. How does Cassius interpret the storm and the other unnatural events?

  4. What is Cassius’s plan to overthrow Caesar?

  5. What role does Cinna play in the conspiracy?

Act 1, Scene 2

  1. What does the Soothsayer say to Caesar?

  2. How does Caesar react to the Soothsayer’s warning?

  3. What is the relationship between Brutus and Cassius as depicted in this scene?

  4. What internal conflict does Brutus reveal to Cassius?

  5. What physical ailment of Caesar's is mentioned by Casca?

  6. How does Cassius plan to further persuade Brutus to join the conspiracy?

Act 1, Scene 1

  1. What are Flavius and Marullus doing at the beginning of the scene?

  2. Why are the commoners not at work?

  3. How do Flavius and Marullus feel about Caesar?

  4. What do Flavius and Marullus decide to do at the end of the scene?

Answers

Act 1, Scene 1

  1. What are Flavius and Marullus doing at the beginning of the scene?

    • They are scolding the commoners for celebrating Caesar’s victory over Pompey.

  2. Why are the commoners not at work?

    • They are taking a holiday to celebrate Caesar’s triumph.

  3. How do Flavius and Marullus feel about Caesar?

    • They are wary of Caesar’s growing power and popularity.

  4. What do Flavius and Marullus decide to do at the end of the scene?

    • They plan to remove decorations celebrating Caesar and disperse the crowds.

Act 1, Scene 2

  1. What does the Soothsayer say to Caesar?

    • "Beware the Ides of March."

  2. How does Caesar react to the Soothsayer’s warning?

    • He dismisses it as the ramblings of a dreamer.

  3. What is the relationship between Brutus and Cassius as depicted in this scene?

    • Cassius tries to persuade Brutus to join a conspiracy against Caesar, appealing to Brutus’s sense of honour and patriotism.

  4. What internal conflict does Brutus reveal to Cassius?

    • Brutus admits he is troubled by Caesar’s potential rise to absolute power.

  5. What physical ailment of Caesar's is mentioned by Casca?

    • Caesar's epilepsy (the "falling sickness").

  6. How does Cassius plan to further persuade Brutus to join the conspiracy?

    • By throwing forged letters through Brutus’s window, suggesting that the Roman people support him.

Act 1, Scene 3

  1. What strange and ominous events are described by Casca?

    • A slave’s hand burning without harm, a lion in the Capitol, men on fire walking up and down the streets, and an owl hooting during the day.

  2. What do these strange occurrences signify to Casca and Cicero?

    • They see them as bad omens indicating that something dreadful is about to happen in Rome.

  3. How does Cassius interpret the storm and the other unnatural events?

    • He views them as signs that the gods are warning Rome about Caesar’s tyranny.

  4. What is Cassius’s plan to overthrow Caesar?

    • He plans to gather more conspirators and win Brutus over to their cause, leveraging Brutus’s influence and reputation.

  5. What role does Cinna play in the conspiracy?

    • He is tasked with delivering the forged letters to Brutus to further convince him to join the conspiracy.

A photo of Cicero, an older man with a thoughtful expression, in a white toga praetexta, h

Timeline of Events in Act 2 of Julius Caesar

Scene 1: Brutus’ Soliloquy and the Conspirators’ Plan

  1. Brutus’ Inner Conflict:

    • Brutus debates whether Caesar’s ambition justifies his assassination. He decides Caesar must die to prevent tyranny, comparing him to a serpent’s egg that must be crushed before it hatches.

  2. Arrival of the Conspirators:

    • Cassius, Casca, Decius, Cinna, Metellus Cimber, and Trebonius visit Brutus’ house to finalize their plans.

  3. The Oath:

    • Cassius suggests swearing an oath, but Brutus rejects it, believing their cause is noble enough to bind them.

  4. Killing Antony Rejected:

    • Cassius proposes killing Mark Antony, but Brutus opposes this, stating that Antony poses no threat without Caesar.

  5. The Plan Finalized:

    • Decius volunteers to ensure Caesar goes to the Capitol by manipulating him with flattery.

  6. Portia’s Concern:

    • After the conspirators leave, Portia confronts Brutus about his strange behavior and secrecy. She demands to share his burden as his wife, but Brutus promises to tell her later.

​

​

Scene 2: Caesar’s Superstition and Decius’ Persuasion

  1. Calpurnia’s Dream:

    • Calpurnia recounts a dream where Caesar’s statue spouts blood, and Romans bathe their hands in it. She pleads with him to stay home.

  2. Caesar’s Initial Reluctance:

    • Caesar agrees to heed Calpurnia’s warning and declares he will not go to the Capitol.

  3. Decius’ Flattery:

    • Decius arrives and interprets Calpurnia’s dream as a positive omen, suggesting that Caesar’s blood will revitalize Rome.

    • He appeals to Caesar’s pride, claiming the Senate may think Caesar is afraid if he does not attend.

  4. Caesar’s Decision:

    • Caesar, swayed by Decius’ flattery, decides to go to the Senate.

​

​

Scene 3: Artemidorus’ Letter

  1. Artemidorus Writes a Warning:

    • Artemidorus, a Roman teacher, writes a letter warning Caesar about the conspiracy.

    • He plans to deliver it to Caesar personally on his way to the Capitol.

​

​

Scene 4: Portia’s Anxiety

  1. Portia’s Unease:

    • Portia, aware of the plot, grows anxious about Brutus’ safety.

  2. The Soothsayer’s Warning:

    • A soothsayer passes by, intending to warn Caesar again. Portia asks him about his intentions, but he does not reveal much.

  3. Portia’s Despair:

    • Portia sends her servant, Lucius, to the Senate to gather information about Brutus and Caesar. Her anxiety reflects her loyalty and the personal stakes of the conspiracy.

Summary of Act 2

  • Scene 4: Portia struggles with anxiety about the conspiracy.

  • Scene 1: Brutus joins the conspiracy and solidifies its plans.

  • Scene 2: Caesar initially hesitates but is persuaded to attend the Senate.

  • Scene 3: Artemidorus prepares to warn Caesar.

Explore the depths of the English language and unearth its treasures with PAUL ACADEMY. © 2024 PAUL ACADEMY. All rights reserved.

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
bottom of page