Julius Caesar ACT II Study Guide Questions Essay

1. Through the analogy of a ladder, how does Brutus explain what happens when someone gains power? 2. To what does Brutus compare Caesar? wherefore does Brutus feel that he must kill Caesar immediately?3. What day is it? Why is this significant?4. Brutus explains that he has non been able to sleep. How does he explain what happens to a mans conscience between the acting of a dreadful thing / And the prototypal motion?5. How are Cassius and Brutus related?6. Why does Brutus insist that the men do not need an oath?7. Why do the men wishing Cicero on their side at first? Why do they transform their minds?8. Who does Cassius want to murder in addition to Caesar?9. What is Brutuss response to this opinion?10. How does Decius plan to get Caesar to come to the Capitol?11. What has Portia noticed about Brutuss juvenile behavior?12. What reasons does Portia give to insist that Brutus reveal his feelings to her?13. What does Portia do to prove her effectiveness to Brutus? What is your reaction to this act? BONUS An misdating is when an author unknowingly or purposefully inserts something from a different period of time into his or her writing. Shakespeare uses an anachronism in this scene. See if you can find it. Why do you say Shakespeare might have used this anachronism?Scene Two1. Why has Calpurnia been unable to sleep? About what omens does Calpurnia tell Caesar? 2. Why does Caesar insist on leaving the house?3. On what evidence do the priests (augerers) recommend that Caesar not leave the house? 4. How does Decius convince Caesar to leave?5. Caesar instructs his men to keep shut out to him. What is the irony?Scene Three1. Artemidorus reads from a letter at the theme of this scene. Who wrote the letter and what does Artemidorus plan to do with it?