Edwin Hinojosa English 2January 16, 2012 Period 5th

Julius Caesar Seminar Questions

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 Caesar’s response to Calpurnia’s fears add credence to Brutus’ and Cassius’ fears

about Caesar?

- Caesar’s response shifted Brutus’ and Cassius’ moods from friendly to threatening after they

visit Caesar. (2.2.124-129)

4. What is the significance of Caesar’s “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 plebian’s 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 English 2January 16, 2012 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 Shakespeare’s

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 Cassius’s plan was successful? What does it say about Cassius that he use such

steps to attract Brutus?

Edwin Hinojosa English 2January 16, 2012 Period 5th

-I think that Brutus would not have joined because I feel that he does not want to be

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

Caesar’s 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.