Act I Scene 2

Caesar, accompanied by Antony, Calpurnia, Portia, Decius, Cicero, Brutus, Cassius, Casca, and a
Soothsayer, walks into a public plaza. A crowd of people follows him, while Flavius and Murellus
follow after him. Clad in festive attire for the feast day, Antony gets ready for a ceremonial run
through the city. Roman superstition states that the touch of a ceremonial runner will heal
barrenness, so Caesar begs him to touch Calpurnia, his wife, while he runs. Antony concurs, saying
that anything Caesar says will undoubtedly come to pass.
From the crowd of people, the Soothsayer screams out to Caesar, warning him to beware of the
Ides of March. (The term "ides" refers to the thirteenth day of the remaining months in the old
Roman calendar and the fifteenth day of March, May, July, and October.) Caesar stops, asks for the
man to go forward, and the Soothsayer repeats himself. In the end, Caesar brushes off the warning,
and the procession moves on. Only Cassius and Brutus stay. Why hasn't Brutus been like himself
recently, Cassius queries. In response, Brutus says he has remained silent because he has been
troubled by contradictory ideas. However, he reassures Cassius that despite his internal conflict, he
won't allow it to tarnish his friendships.
Brutus and Cassius talk to together. When Cassius questions as to whether Brutus can see his own
face, Brutus says that he is unable to. Cassius goes on to say that Brutus cannot see what
everyone else sees, which is that he is highly respected. Cassius offers to act as Brutus's human
mirror, pointing out that no mirror could ever truly show Brutus how deserving he is of himself and
let him see himself in fresh light.
When Brutus hears shouts, he expresses his concern that people wants to install Caesar as king.
Brutus responds that he would prefer Caesar not to take the role when Cassius questions. In
addition, Brutus says that he loves honor even more than he dread dying, and that he loves Caesar.
"I was born as free as Caesar, so were you. / We have fed as well, and we can both / Endure the
winter's cold as he," Cassius responds, expressing his own reluctance to bow down in reverence
before someone he does not see as his superior. On a breezy day, Cassius and Caesar were
standing by the Tiber River when Caesar challenged him to swim a certain distance. Caesar started
to feel weak and urged Cassius to save him as they raced through the sea. It took Cassius to pull
him out of the water. Cassius also describes a time that Caesar suffered a seizure and a fever while
in Spain. The idea that a guy with such a weak constitution might be leading the civilized world
astounded Cassius.
Cassius goes on, "Cassius and Brutus creep about under Caesar's legs, and he stands like a
Colossus over the world." He informs Brutus that their subordinate condition is not a result of fate,
but rather of their own inaction. He wonders why the names "Caesar" and "Brutus" are more well-
known than one another although they sound similar when uttered aloud and imply that the two
individuals ought to be in positions of comparable authority. When one man can tower over the
entire people, he wonders what kind of age they live in. In response, Brutus says he will think about
what Cassius said. He agrees that in these strange times, he would prefer not to be a citizen of
Rome, even though he is not open to being convinced any more.
Caesar and his train return in the meanwhile. When Caesar notices Cassius, he tells Antony that
Cassius seems like an overly critical man. He goes on to say that these kinds of people are
dangerous. Caesar tells Antony not to worry, but he says he would rather stay away from Cassius
because he reads too much and doesn't appreciate plays or music. Men like Cassius are never
comfortable when someone stronger than them is in a position of authority. Due to his deafness in
his left ear, Caesar begs Antony to come to his right side and share his thoughts about Cassius.
Caesar and his train soon leave.
Casca is pulled aside by Brutus and Cassius to inquire about the events during the procession.
According to Casca, Caesar turned down Antony's three attempts to offer him the throne. Caesar
threw himself to the ground in a fit while the audience applauded him. Caesar may have "the falling
sickness," as Brutus refers to epilepsy in Elizabethan times. Casca observes that despite Caesar
having his seizure in front of the audience, the people continued to show their love for him,
suggesting that the incident did not appear to have any impact on Caesar's power. Casca goes on
to explain that although Cicero was a wonderful orator, he was incomprehensible to him because "it
was Greek to me" (I.ii.278). He ends by stating that Flavius and Murellus lost their jobs as
government employees because they had taken the embellishments off of Caesar's sculptures.
Brutus then leaves, followed by Casca.
Now that he is alone himself, Cassius expresses his belief that Brutus is noble but also expresses
hope that Brutus's noble nature may yet be tempered. He asks rhetorically, "For who so firm that
cannot be seduced?". He makes the decision to fake letters from Roman residents endorsing Brutus
and expressing their apprehension about Caesar's rise to power; that evening, he would toss the
letters into Brutus's home.
IN SIMPLEST WORDS
In Act I Scene 2, Caesar and his entourage, including Antony, Calpurnia, Portia, Decius,
Cicero, Brutus, Cassius, Casca, and a Soothsayer, enter a public plaza. Caesar asks Antony
to touch his wife Calpurnia while he runs, as it is believed to help them have children. The
Soothsayer warns Caesar to be careful on the Ides of March, but Caesar ignores the warning.
Cassius and Brutus stay behind, and Cassius questions why Brutus has been acting
differently. Brutus explains that he has been troubled by conflicting thoughts but assures
Cassius that it won't affect their friendship.
Brutus becomes worried when he hears people shouting, fearing they want to make Caesar
king. Cassius asks if Brutus wants Caesar to be king, and Brutus says no. He values honor
more than his fear of death and loves Caesar. Cassius tells a story about saving Caesar from
drowning and mentions a time when Caesar had a seizure in Spain. Cassius questions how
someone with such a weak body can lead the world. He believes that he and Brutus are
equal to Caesar and wonders why Caesar's name is more famous. Brutus agrees to consider
what Cassius said and expresses his discontent with the current state of Rome.
Meanwhile, Caesar returns with his group and comments to Antony that Cassius seems
critical and dangerous. Caesar dislikes being around Cassius because he reads too much
and doesn't enjoy entertainment. Caesar asks Antony to stand on his right side so they can
discuss Cassius privately. Casca then recounts to Brutus and Cassius how Caesar rejected
Antony's attempts to make him king during the procession. Caesar even had a seizure, but it
didn't seem to affect his power or popularity. Casca also mentions that Flavius and Murellus
lost their jobs for removing decorations from Caesar's statues.
After Casca leaves, Cassius talks to himself and hopes to influence Brutus. He plans to write
fake letters from Romans who support Brutus and are concerned about Caesar's power.
Cassius intends to throw these letters into Brutus's house later that evening.
1. What evidence does the text provide to support the claim that Caesar ignores the warning
from the Soothsayer?
A) Caesar returns with his group and tells Antony that Cassius seems critical and dangerous.
B) Brutus explains that he's troubled by conflicting thoughts but assures Cassius that it won't affect
their friendship.
C) Caesar asks Antony to stay on his right side because he can't hear well from his left ear.
D) Cassius hopes to convince Brutus to join their cause.
2. According to the text, why does Cassius want to write fake letters from Romans who
support Brutus?
A) To warn Brutus about the growing power of Caesar.
B) To convince Brutus to join their cause.
C) To show Caesar's weakness.
D) To make Caesar king.
3. What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Caesar and his entourage prepare for a ceremony where Antony will run through the city and
touch people to help them have babies.
B) Brutus expresses concern about people wanting to make Caesar king and Cassius questions
Caesar's ability to lead.
C) Caesar returns with his group and tells Antony that Cassius seems critical and dangerous.
D) Cassius plans to write fake letters from Romans who support Brutus.
4. Why does Cassius want to create fake letters from Roman citizens supporting Brutus?
A) To warn Brutus about the growing power of Caesar.
B) To convince Brutus to join their cause.
C) To show Caesar's weakness.
D) To make Caesar king.
5. What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Caesar and his entourage prepare for a ceremony where Antony will run through the city and
touch people to help them have babies.
B) Brutus expresses concern about people wanting to make Caesar king and Cassius questions
Caesar's ability to lead.
C) Caesar returns with his group and tells Antony that Cassius seems critical and dangerous.
D) Cassius plans to write fake letters from Romans who support Brutus.
6. According to the text, why does Brutus value honor more than the fear of dying?
A) Because he loves Caesar.
B) Because he believes in the power of Rome.
C) Because he fears the consequences of betraying his friends.
D) Because he values his reputation and integrity.
7. What evidence does the text provide to suggest that Caesar dismisses the warning from
the Soothsayer?
A) Caesar returns with his group and tells Antony that Cassius seems critical and dangerous.
B) Brutus explains that he's troubled by conflicting thoughts but assures Cassius that it won't affect
their friendship.
C) Caesar asks Antony to stay on his right side because he can't hear well from his left ear.
D) Cassius hopes to convince Brutus to join their cause.
8. Why does Cassius believe that Caesar is not fit to lead?
A) Because Caesar challenged Cassius to swim and needed to be saved.
B) Because Caesar had a seizure and fever while in Spain.
C) Because Caesar doesn't appreciate plays or music.
D) Because Cassius believes that Caesar is weak and unable to endure hardships.
9. What is the significance of Caesar asking Antony to touch his wife, Calpurnia, while he
runs?
A) It is a Roman superstition that the touch of a ceremonial runner can cure barrenness.
B) Caesar wants to show off his power and authority to the crowd.
C) Antony has healing powers that can cure any illness.
D) Calpurnia is sick and needs healing.
10. According to Cassius, why does he believe that Brutus is unaware of his own true
nature?
A) Because Brutus is too humble to see his own worth.
B) Because Brutus is easily influenced by others.
C) Because Brutus is blind and cannot physically see himself.
D) Because Brutus is too self-absorbed to care about his true nature.
11. Why does Brutus become worried when he hears shouts from the crowd?
A) He is concerned that people want to make Caesar king.
B) He is afraid for his own safety.
C) He is worried about the well-being of the crowd.
D) He is anxious about the upcoming ceremony.
12. According to Cassius, why does he question the kind of age they live in?
A) Because one man can dominate an entire population.
B) Because Caesar and Brutus have similar names.
C) Because Cassius and Brutus are not famous enough.
D) Because Cassius and Brutus are not taking action.
13. What evidence does the text provide to suggest that Caesar dismisses the warning from
the Soothsayer?
A) Caesar returns with his group and tells Antony that Cassius seems critical and dangerous.
B) Brutus explains that he's troubled by conflicting thoughts but assures Cassius that it won't affect
their friendship.
C) Caesar asks Antony to stay on his right side because he can't hear well from his left ear.
D) Cassius hopes to convince Brutus to join their cause.
14. According to Cassius, why does he believe that people can be tempted?
A) Because everyone has weaknesses and desires.
B) Because people are easily influenced by others.
C) Because people are naturally curious and seek power.
D) Because no one is truly strong enough to resist temptation.
15. What evidence does the text provide to suggest that Caesar dismisses the warning from
the Soothsayer?
A) Caesar returns with his group and tells Antony that Cassius seems critical and dangerous.
B) Brutus explains that he's troubled by conflicting thoughts but assures Cassius that it won't affect
their friendship.
C) Caesar asks Antony to stay on his right side because he can't hear well from his left ear.
D) Cassius hopes to convince Brutus to join their cause.
16. Why does Cassius believe that Caesar is not fit to lead?
A) Because Caesar challenged Cassius to swim and needed to be saved.
B) Because Caesar had a seizure and fever while in Spain.
C) Because Caesar doesn't appreciate plays or music.
D) Because Cassius believes that Caesar is weak and unable to endure hardships.
17. What is the significance of Caesar asking Antony to touch his wife, Calpurnia, while he
runs?
A) It is a Roman superstition that the touch of a ceremonial runner can cure barrenness.
B) Caesar wants to show off his power and authority to the crowd.
C) Antony has healing powers that can cure any illness.
D) Calpurnia is sick and needs healing.
18. According to Cassius, why does he question the kind of age they live in?
A) Because one man can dominate an entire population.
B) Because Caesar and Brutus have similar names.
C) Because Cassius and Brutus are not famous enough.
D) Because Cassius and Brutus are not taking action.
19. According to the text, why does Cassius plan to create fake letters from Roman citizens
supporting Brutus?
A) To warn Brutus about the growing power of Caesar.
B) To convince Brutus to join their cause.
C) To show Caesar's weakness.
D) To make Caesar king.
20. What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Caesar and his entourage return after a ceremony where Antony will run through the city and
touch people to help them have babies.
B) Brutus expresses concern about people wanting to make Caesar king and Cassius questions
Caesar's ability to lead.
C) Caesar challenges Cassius to swim and needs to be saved by him.
D) Cassius plans to write fake letters from Romans who support Brutus.
21. Why does Cassius want to create fake letters from Roman citizens supporting Brutus?
A) To warn Brutus about the growing power of Caesar.
B) To convince Brutus to join their cause.
C) To show Caesar's weakness.
D) To make Caesar king.
22. What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Caesar and his entourage return after a ceremony where Antony will run through the city and
touch people to help them have babies.
B) Brutus expresses concern about people wanting to make Caesar king and Cassius questions
Caesar's ability to lead.
C) Caesar challenges Cassius to swim and needs to be saved by him.
D) Cassius plans to write fake letters from Romans who support Brutus.
23. According to the text, why does Brutus value honor more than the fear of dying?
A) Because he loves Caesar.
B) Because he believes in the power of Rome.
C) Because he fears the consequences of betraying his friends.
D) Because he values his reputation and integrity.
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
1. Who warns Caesar to be careful on the Ides of March?
2. Why does Brutus express concern when he hears people shouting?
3. What does Cassius plan to do in order to convince Brutus to join their cause?
4. Who does Brutus value more than his fear of death?
5. Why does Caesar dislike being around Cassius?
6. What happened to Flavius and Murellus for removing decorations from Caesar's statues?
7. What does Cassius question about Caesar's ability to lead the world?
8. What troubles Brutus when Cassius asks him why he has been acting differently?
9. What does Brutus value more than his fear of death?
10. Why does Caesar ask Antony to touch his wife Calpurnia while he runs?
11. Who stayed behind with Cassius when Caesar and his entourage entered the public plaza?
12. What did Casca mention about Flavius and Murellus?
13. What does Cassius believe about himself and Brutus in relation to Caesar?