Edwin Hinojosa January 16, 2012 Julius Caesar Seminar Questions

English 2 Period 5th

1. Do you agree with Caesar when he says that Cassius thinks too much? Defend your answer. -I do agree with Caesar because Cassius according to Caesar he does not do anything for fun and that his heart is never at ease. This shows me that Cassius is very unstable and dangerous. (1.2.195-210) 2. Why does Brutus not want the conspirators to swear an oath of allegiance? What does this say about him? -Brutus does not want the conspirators to swear their allegiance because he thinks that they should think what they are doing is for the right reasons. This says that Brutus is a very honest man and that his reasons are very honest. (2.1.114-140) 3. How does Caesars response to Calpurnias fears add credence to Brutus and Cassius fears about Caesar? - Caesars response shifted Brutus and Cassius moods from friendly to threatening after they visit Caesar. (2.2.124-129) 4. What is the significance of Caesars north star speech at the Capitol? How does this speech make you feel about Caesar and the conspirators? -It shows how Caesar is constant like the North Star and that establishes some rule. The speech made me think greater of Caesar because it shows him put his foot down. It also made me think of the conspirators as people that do not take anything into consideration. Despite what Caesar said they proceeded with the plan and killed Caesar. (3.1.58-74) 5. What is ironic about the third plebians cry of Let him be Caesar? -I find it ironic because this man is still against Brutus cause even though he gave his explanation and a great majority agreed with him. (3.2.52)

Edwin Hinojosa January 16, 2012

English 2 Period 5th

6. How does Shakespeare portray the common man in the play? How does this portrayal make you feel about the actions of the conspirators? -I think that Shakespeare portrayed the common man as a simple minded person because they listen to the noblemen and believe anything they say. This makes me feel that the conspirators kind of took advantage of them. 7. How does Shakespeare portray the nobleman in the play? How does this make you feel about them and why? -Shakespeare portrayed the noblemen as people that are willing to think for themselves and also he gave them a lot of drama between them. This made me feel that the noblemen in the play feel that they are superior to the rest of the people because in a way they are. 8. In every disagreement between the two, Brutus never gave in to Cassius; he must always have his way. What does this say about Brutus? Why does Cassius always yield? -This says that Brutus is more of a leader than Cassius. I think that Cassius yields because he knows that Brutus has become the leader of the conspirators. 9. Compare Portia and Calpurnia. From your comparison, do you think Shakespeares characterization of the two women was flattering or disparaging? - I think that Calpurnia is more assertive than Portia throughout the story on everything. I really did not notice Portia in most of the story. I find the characterization of the two to be more flattering than disparaging because the women ultimately want to help their husbands. 10. Outline the steps that Cassius takes to convince Brutus to join the conspiracy. Do you think Brutus would have joined had he realized how Cassius manipulated him? What does this say about Brutus that Cassiuss plan was successful? What does it say about Cassius that he use such steps to attract Brutus?

Edwin Hinojosa January 16, 2012 -I think that Brutus would not have joined because I feel that he does not want to be

English 2 Period 5th

manipulated even though he agreed with the cause. I think that Brutus is a very smart man, but Cassius managed to trick him any way. This says that Cassius has some manipulating ways and they must be good to successfully trick Brutus. 11. Compare and Contrast Brutus and Caesar. Are they similar or different? - Brutus and Caesar are very different people. Brutus tricks people into believing him and I find that Caesar is honest and a noble man. Brutus might be honest to himself and his reasons, but he will do what he has to do in order to get what he wants. Caesar was honest to his people, but all he got out of his situation was betrayal. 12. Compare and contrast Brutus and Cassius reasons for joining the conspiracy. - I think that they had similar reasons for joining the conspiracy. They both were wary of Caesars power and how fast he was obtaining this power. They both did not want to live in a Rome where Caesar would bring rule to.