Critical Summary: Act III, Scene I of Julius Caesar

This crucial scene in Julius Caesar begins at the Senate House where a conspiracy against Caesar reaches its climax. The senators, including Brutus and Cassius, plot Caesar's assassination under the guise of protecting the Roman Republic from his perceived ambition and potential tyranny.

As the scene opens, Caesar enters with confidence, brushing aside warnings about impending danger. He declares his belief that death is inevitable, stating that "the valiant never taste of death but once," displaying his disregard for the prophecies and omens that have been warning him.

The Assassination

Caesar's arrogance and refusal to heed the warnings make him vulnerable to the conspirators. The senators, pretending to petition him for the return of Publius Cimber from exile, surround Caesar. When Caesar refuses the plea, the conspirators take their opportunity to strike. They stab Caesar repeatedly, with Brutus delivering the final blow. Caesar, seeing Brutus among the attackers, utters the famous line, "Et tu, Brute?"—a heart-wrenching expression of his sense of betrayal.

The Justification of the Assassination

Following Caesar’s assassination, the conspirators try to justify their actions as a necessary sacrifice for the freedom of Rome. Brutus urges his fellow conspirators to bathe their hands in Caesar’s blood as a symbol of their deed, claiming they acted not out of personal malice but for the common good of the Republic.

Mark Antony’s Entry

Antony, Caesar’s loyal friend, enters the Senate shortly after the assassination. He is visibly shaken but remains calm, first ensuring his own safety by flattering the conspirators and offering his friendship to them. Cassius is suspicious of Antony's intentions, but Brutus reassures him and agrees to allow Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral, hoping Antony’s eulogy will help win over the public to their cause.

Antony’s private reaction is starkly different. Left alone with Caesar's body, he mourns his friend deeply and vows revenge against the conspirators. His speech, while subtle, foreshadows the chaos and civil war that will soon erupt in Rome as a result of this violent act.

Analysis

Themes of Power and Betrayal

This scene represents the culmination of the theme of betrayal that runs through the play. Brutus, torn between his loyalty to Caesar and his love for the Roman Republic, ultimately chooses the Republic, but at a heavy emotional cost. Caesar’s last words—"Et tu, Brute?"—highlight the personal nature of the betrayal, especially from someone Caesar regarded as a close friend.

Caesar’s Hubris

Caesar’s arrogance in ignoring the warnings about his death underscores the classical theme of hubris. His belief in his own invincibility and his dismissal of the omens reflect his tragic flaw. His pride leads to his downfall, making him a victim of the conspirators' manipulation.

Mark Antony’s Role

Antony’s entrance marks a turning point in the scene. While he outwardly shows submission to the conspirators, inwardly, he harbours a deep desire for vengeance. Antony is depicted as a shrewd and calculating figure, setting the stage for his famous funeral oration, which will ignite the masses against Brutus and Cassius.

Justification of Tyrannicide

Brutus and the other conspirators attempt to frame their actions as an honorable defense of the Republic, but the scene raises questions about the ethics of political violence. Brutus' idealism clashes with the brutal reality of murder, and while he seeks to rationalize the assassination as necessary for the greater good, it becomes evident that this act will not bring the stability he desires.

This scene is a turning point in Julius Caesar as it sets the stage for the ensuing chaos and conflict in Rome, leading to the ultimate downfall of Brutus and the other conspirators.

5. Answer the following questions by selecting the correct options.

 1.  does Caesar sound when he says, "Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace to-

 night"?

a) worried

b) angry

c) joyous

d) frightened

2. Caesar's reference to the senators as 'graybeards' shows his _____________

 a) confidence

 b) cowardice

 c) arrogance

 d) ambition

3. Decius Brutus changes Caesar's mind about going to the Senate by appealing to

 his _____________________

a) ambition

b) vanity

 c) greed

d) generosity

 4. Select the option that correctly displays the offer that Cassius makes to Antony after

 Caesar's assassination.

a) The conspirators would like to be friends with him

 b) He may take Caesar's body to the pulpit and speak to the crowd praising Caesar for his achievements

c) His recommendations will be as strong as that of the conspirators while distributing the powers and benefits to friends

d) He may join the conspiracy against Caesar

5. Why does Cassius try to stop Brutus from letting Antony speak at Caesar's funeral? He knows that

 a) the Roman mob loves Caesar and Antony

 b) Brutus is not a good orator

 c) they should not have killed Caesar

 d) Antony is a good orator who can sway the mob

 6. What prophecy does Antony make over Caesar's dead body?

 a) Romans will see Caesar's ghost roaming on the streets

 b)  Rome will experience fierce civil war in which many people will die

 c) Rome will be ruled by Ate

 d)  Roman women will smile at the death of Caesar

7. After listening to Brutus' speech, the Third Citizen says 'Let him be Caesar'. This clearly

 shows he __________________

 a) has not understood Brutus' reason for killing Caesar

 b) loved Caesar more than he loves Brutus

 c) loves Brutus more than he loved Caesar

 d) thinks Brutus killed Caesar to assume power.

8. Identify Antony's tone when he calls the conspirators, 'honourable men'.

 a) admiring

 b) flattering

 c) angry

 d) mocking

9. Antony's reference to Caesar's conquest of the Nervii is to

 a) remind the mob of Caesar's greatness as a warrior

 b) make the mob feel afraid of being attacked by the war-like race

 c) make the crowd weep for Caesar who died at war

 d) stop and collect his emotions as he is feeling very upset

I0. Antony remarked :

 Mischief, thou art afoot,

 Take thou what course thou wilt!.

 What does this show him to be?

a) a ruthless manipulator

 b) an honourable man

 c) a loyal friend

 d) a tactful man

Answers

Here are the correct answers to the multiple-choice questions:

1. How does Caesar sound when he says, "Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace tonight"?

   • a) worried

2. Caesar's reference to the senators as 'graybeards' shows his _____________.

   • c) arrogance

3. Decius Brutus changes Caesar's mind about going to the Senate by appealing to his _____________________.

   • b) vanity

4. Select the option that correctly displays the offer that Cassius makes to Antony after Caesar's assassination.

   • c) His recommendations will be as strong as that of the conspirators while distributing the powers and benefits to friends

5. Why does Cassius try to stop Brutus from letting Antony speak at Caesar's funeral? He knows that

   • d) Antony is a good orator who can sway the mob

6. What prophecy does Antony make over Caesar's dead body?

   • b) Rome will experience fierce civil war in which many people will die

7. After listening to Brutus' speech, the Third Citizen says 'Let him be Caesar'. This clearly shows he __________________.

   • a) has not understood Brutus' reason for killing Caesar

8. Identify Antony's tone when he calls the conspirators, 'honourable men'.

   • d) mocking

9. Antony's reference to Caesar's conquest of the Nervii is to

   • a) remind the mob of Caesar's greatness as a warrior

10. Antony remarked: "Mischief, thou art afoot, Take thou what course thou wilt!" What does this show him to be?

    • a) a ruthless manipulator

6. Answer the following questions briefly.

 a) How do the heavens 'blaze forth' the death of Julius Caesar?

 b) What does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar of?

c) Why does Calpurnia say Caesar's 'wisdom is consumed in confidence'? What does she mean?

d) What does Calpurnia dream about Caesar? How does Decius Brutus interpret the dream?

e) What are the arguments put forward by Decius Brutus to convince Caesar to go to the Capitol?

f) Why is Decius more successful than Calpurnia in persuading Caesar?

g) What is the petition put before Caesar by the conspirators? How does Caesar respond to it?

h) Who says "Et tu Brute"? When are these words spoken? Why?

i) In the moments following Caesar's death what do the conspirators proclaim to justify Caesar's death?

j) Seeing the body of Caesar, Antony is overcome by grief. What does he say about Caesar?

k) Whom does Antony call 'the choice and master spirits of this age"? Why?

l) How do Brutus and Cassius respond to Antony's speech?

m) Why does Cassius object to allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral? How does Brutus overcome this objection?

n) What are the conditions imposed by the conspirators before allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral?

o) When he is left alone with the body of Caesar, what does Antony call Brutus and the others?

p) What prediction does Antony make regarding the future events in Rome?

q) What reasons does Brutus give for murdering Caesar?

r) Who says, "Let him be Caesar"? What light does this throw on the speaker?

s) Why is Antony's speech more effective?

t) What is the fate of Brutus and Cassius, at the end of the scene?

Answers

Here are brief answers to the questions based on "Julius Caesar":

a) How do the heavens 'blaze forth' the death of Julius Caesar?

The heavens 'blaze forth' the death of Julius Caesar through unnatural occurrences like thunderstorms, lightning, and strange signs, symbolizing that the gods are showing displeasure and foretelling his death.

b) What does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar of?

Calpurnia tries to convince Caesar to stay home and not go to the Senate because she has seen bad omens, including a dream that she interprets as a warning of danger to his life.

c) Why does Calpurnia say Caesar's 'wisdom is consumed in confidence'? What does she mean?

Calpurnia means that Caesar is so overconfident in his power and invincibility that he is ignoring the wisdom and caution that he should have in light of the ominous signs.

d) What does Calpurnia dream about Caesar? How does Decius Brutus interpret the dream?

Calpurnia dreams of Caesar's statue spouting blood, with Romans bathing their hands in it. Decius Brutus interprets this dream as a symbol of Caesar's strength and influence, suggesting that Rome will draw life and strength from Caesar's leadership.

e) What are the arguments put forward by Decius Brutus to convince Caesar to go to the Capitol?

Decius Brutus argues that the Senate might change its mind about offering Caesar the crown if he stays home due to fear, that they may mock him for listening to a woman's dream, and that the dream itself is a misinterpreted positive omen.

f) Why is Decius more successful than Calpurnia in persuading Caesar?

Decius appeals to Caesar's vanity and ambition by suggesting that the Senate will perceive him as cowardly if he stays home, which convinces Caesar more effectively than Calpurnia's emotional pleas.

g) What is the petition put before Caesar by the conspirators? How does Caesar respond to it?

The conspirators present a petition to Caesar to pardon Metellus Cimber's banished brother. Caesar responds firmly, refusing to change his decision, stating that he is as constant as the northern star.

h) Who says "Et tu, Brute"? When are these words spoken? Why?

Caesar says "Et tu, Brute?" when Brutus, whom he trusted, also stabs him during the assassination. These words express his shock and betrayal.

i) In the moments following Caesar's death, what do the conspirators proclaim to justify Caesar's death?

The conspirators proclaim that Caesar’s death was necessary for the freedom of Rome, stating that his ambition would have made him a tyrant.

j) Seeing the body of Caesar, Antony is overcome by grief. What does he say about Caesar?

Antony expresses deep sorrow and admiration for Caesar, saying that he was a mighty and noble man whose death is a tragic loss for Rome.

k) Whom does Antony call 'the choice and master spirits of this age'? Why?

Antony sarcastically calls the conspirators "the choice and master spirits of this age" because they had successfully executed such a significant and heinous act of betrayal.

l) How do Brutus and Cassius respond to Antony's speech?

Brutus naively believes that Antony's speech will not sway the crowd, while Cassius is suspicious of Antony’s intentions but trusts Brutus’ decision.

m) Why does Cassius object to allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral? How does Brutus overcome this objection?

Cassius fears that Antony will turn the crowd against them, but Brutus overcomes this by setting conditions for Antony’s speech, believing that he can control the narrative by speaking first.

n) What are the conditions imposed by the conspirators before allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral?

Antony must not blame the conspirators in his speech, he must acknowledge that he speaks with their permission, and he will only speak after Brutus has addressed the crowd.

o) When he is left alone with the body of Caesar, what does Antony call Brutus and the others?

When alone, Antony calls Brutus and the other conspirators "butchers" and vows to avenge Caesar's death.

p) What prediction does Antony make regarding the future events in Rome?

Antony predicts that Rome will descend into chaos and civil war, and that Caesar’s death will be avenged with widespread violence and suffering.

q) What reasons does Brutus give for murdering Caesar?

Brutus claims he killed Caesar because he feared Caesar’s ambition would lead to tyranny, and he acted for the good of Rome to prevent the people from becoming slaves.

r) Who says, "Let him be Caesar"? What light does this throw on the speaker?

The Third Citizen says, "Let him be Caesar," revealing that he has misunderstood Brutus’ intentions, thinking that Brutus killed Caesar to take power himself.

s) Why is Antony's speech more effective?

Antony’s speech is more effective because he uses emotional appeal, sarcasm, and reverse psychology to manipulate the crowd, stirring their anger against the conspirators without directly blaming them.

t) What is the fate of Brutus and Cassius, at the end of the scene?

Brutus and Cassius are forced to flee Rome as the crowd, incited by Antony’s speech, turns against them, seeking revenge for Caesar’s murder.

10. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

 1. CAESAR Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once.

 Of all the wonders that I yet have heard. It seems to me most strange that men should fear;

 Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come.

a)     Choose the option that is relevant to [A] Assertion and [R] Reason.

[A] A brave person dies only once.

[R] A brave person faces any difficult situation or challenges.

A. Both [A] and [R] are true and [R] is the correct explanation of [A].

B. Both [A] and [R] are true and [R] is not the correct explanation of [A].

C. [A] is true but [R] is false.

D. [A] is false but [R] is true.

b) The strangest thing that Caesar ponders is why____________________

A. cowardly people die again and again

B. brave people die only once

C. men are afraid of death

D. death is inevitable

Answers

Here are the answers to the extract questions from Julius Caesar:

1. CAESAR

   
   

   Cowards die many times before their deaths;

   
   

   The valiant never taste of death but once.

   
   

   Of all the wonders that I yet have heard.

   
   

   It seems to me most strange that men should fear;

   
   

   Seeing that death, a necessary end,

   
   

   Will come when it will come.

   
   

a) Choose the option that is relevant to [A] Assertion and [R] Reason.

[A] A brave person dies only once.

[R] A brave person faces any difficult situation or challenges.

• A. Both [A] and [R] are true and [R] is the correct explanation of [A].

  
  

  This option is correct because both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains why a brave person dies only once—they face challenges without fear.

b) The strangest thing that Caesar ponders is why

• C. men are afraid of death

  Caesar finds it strange that men fear death, as it is inevitable and natural.

c) What fears has the listener expressed?

The listener, Calpurnia, has expressed fears about bad omens and portents, believing that something terrible, like Caesar's death, is about to happen. She is anxious about his safety and urges him to stay home.

d) What is the basis for the fears expressed?

The basis for Calpurnia’s fears is the series of unnatural occurrences and her disturbing dream, where she sees Caesar’s statue spouting blood, which she interprets as a warning of imminent danger to Caesar’s life.

e) Why has death been called a 'necessary' end?

Death is called a 'necessary' end because it is an unavoidable, natural conclusion of life. It is something that every person must face, regardless of fear or avoidance. Caesar emphasizes that it will come when it is destined to, so there is no point in fearing it.

c) What fears has the listener expressed?

d) What is the basis for the fears expressed?

e) Why has death been called a 'necessary' end?

Answers

c) What fears has the listener expressed?

The listener, Calpurnia, has expressed fears that Caesar’s life is in danger. She is deeply troubled by the bad omens and supernatural occurrences that have been reported throughout the city, such as a lioness giving birth in the streets, graves opening, and soldiers fighting in the sky. Her fears are heightened by a prophetic dream where she envisions Caesar's statue spouting blood, which she interprets as a sign of his impending death.

d) What is the basis for the fears expressed?

The basis for Calpurnia's fears is primarily her unsettling dream, which she believes to be a warning from the gods. In the dream, she sees Caesar's statue pouring blood, and Roman citizens happily dipping their hands in it. Additionally, she is influenced by the strange and ominous events happening in Rome, which seem to signal a disruption in the natural order and foreshadow a tragedy.

e) Why has death been called a 'necessary' end?

Death is called a 'necessary' end because it is an inevitable part of life. Caesar argues that all people must eventually die, and since it cannot be avoided, there is no reason to live in fear of it. He views death as a natural and predetermined conclusion to life, something that will happen when the time comes, regardless of one's fears or attempts to evade it.

2. But here's a parchment with the seal of Caesar;

 I found it in his closet, 'tis his will:

 Let but the commons hear this testament—

 Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read—

 And they would go and kiss dead Caesar's wounds

a) select the option that appropriately fills the blank.

 parchment: ______________ : will: testament

A. dry land

B. front area

C. pulp

D. paper

b) Antony says he doesn't mean to read the will because

 A. he feels it is confidential.

 B. he finds the contents inappropriate.

 C. the Romans will grieve for Caesar's death.

 D. the Romans will kiss Caesar.

c) What are the contents of Caesar's will that he is referring to?

d) Why does the speaker read Caesar's will to the citizens?

e) Identify the option that this the technique used by Antony in the given extract.

 A. reverse psychology

 B. rhetoric

 C. dramatic contrast

 D. persuasion

 f) Choose the option that lists the emotion of the citizens after listening to the 'will'.

 1. aggressive

 2. nervous

 3. enraged

 4. berserk

 5. powerful

Answers

Here are the answers for the given questions:

a) Select the option that appropriately fills the blank.

parchment: ______________ : will: testament

D. paper

(The comparison here refers to parchment being an older form of paper, just as a will is another term for a testament.)

b) Antony says he doesn't mean to read the will because

C. the Romans will grieve for Caesar's death.

(Antony uses this statement as a rhetorical device, implying that the reading of the will would incite strong emotions and actions from the crowd.)

c) What are the contents of Caesar's will that he is referring to?

The contents of Caesar's will include generous gifts to the Roman citizens. Caesar bequeaths his private gardens, walkways, and orchards to the people of Rome, along with a sum of seventy-five drachmas to each Roman citizen. These bequests demonstrate Caesar’s love for his people and his concern for their well-being, inciting further admiration from the crowd.

d) Why does the speaker read Caesar's will to the citizens?

Antony reads Caesar’s will to stir the emotions of the crowd and turn them against the conspirators. By revealing Caesar's generosity, Antony incites the citizens to feel sympathy for Caesar and anger toward those who murdered him, ultimately manipulating them into seeking vengeance for Caesar's death.

e) Identify the option that fits the technique used by Antony in the given extract.

A. reverse psychology

(Antony pretends that he does not want to read the will, knowing that this will make the citizens even more eager to hear it, and in turn, lead to an emotional response.)

f) Choose the option that lists the emotion of the citizens after listening to the 'will'.

3. enraged

4. berserk

(The citizens become enraged and go berserk after hearing how generous Caesar had been in his will, prompting them to riot against the conspirators.)

11. Questions for Further Study:

a) Why was the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar hatched?

The conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar was hatched primarily because the conspirators, especially Cassius, feared Caesar's growing power and influence. They believed that once he became emperor, he would become a tyrant and threaten the Roman Republic by abolishing the democratic governance system. The conspirators convinced themselves and Brutus that killing Caesar was the only way to save Rome from tyranny.

b) Was Caesar really ambitious? Find evidence from the play to support your answer.

There is evidence to both support and refute Caesar’s ambition. Brutus, who is manipulated by Cassius, believes Caesar’s ambition is dangerous, as seen in his speech where he argues that Caesar's rise to power would have harmed Rome. However, Antony in his funeral speech counters this by pointing out that Caesar refused the crown three times, suggesting that he was not overly ambitious. The ambiguity of his ambition remains a central theme in the play.

c) What was Cassius' motive for murdering Julius Caesar?

Cassius’ motive for murdering Julius Caesar was largely driven by jealousy and personal envy of Caesar’s power and influence. He felt overshadowed by Caesar and resented the way the Roman citizens adored him. Cassius also feared that Caesar would become a dictator and suppress the freedoms of the people, though his personal motives are emphasized more than genuine concerns for Rome.

d) Why was it essential for the conspirators to include Brutus in the conspiracy?

It was essential to include Brutus in the conspiracy because of his noble reputation among the Roman people. Brutus was highly respected for his integrity and honor, and his involvement would lend legitimacy to the assassination. The conspirators believed that if Brutus, who was known for his moral character, supported the murder, the people would be more likely to accept it as an act for the greater good rather than a power grab.

e) What were the mistakes made by Brutus that led to the failure of the conspiracy?

Brutus made several critical mistakes that led to the failure of the conspiracy. First, he underestimated the public reaction to Caesar's death, believing they would support the murder as an act of patriotism. Second, he allowed Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral, giving him the opportunity to sway the crowd against the conspirators. Additionally, his overly idealistic approach and lack of pragmatism weakened the conspirators' position, leading to their eventual downfall.

f) Comment on Caesar's friendship with Antony.

Caesar’s friendship with Antony was one of mutual loyalty and trust. Antony admired and respected Caesar deeply, viewing him as both a mentor and a leader. Caesar, in turn, trusted Antony and relied on him for support, as evidenced by Antony's grief and determination to avenge Caesar’s death. Their close bond is highlighted by Antony’s unwavering commitment to defend Caesar’s honor after his assassination.

g) Write a brief character sketch of Antony.

Antony is portrayed as a shrewd, persuasive, and loyal character in "Julius Caesar." Initially seen as a supporter of Caesar, Antony proves himself to be a master manipulator and skilled orator after Caesar’s assassination. His funeral speech, in which he cleverly turns the crowd against the conspirators, reveals his intelligence and political acumen. Despite his outward loyalty to Caesar, Antony is also pragmatic and willing to make alliances when it suits his interests. At the same time, he genuinely grieves for Caesar, showing his depth of loyalty and friendship.

h) What is the role of Julius Caesar's ghost in the play, Julius Caesar?

The ghost of Julius Caesar plays an important role in symbolizing guilt and foretelling doom. Caesar’s ghost appears to Brutus before the final battle at Philippi, telling him that they will meet again. The ghost represents Brutus' internal conflict and guilt for betraying his friend and foreshadows Brutus’ defeat and death. The appearance of the ghost also serves to remind the audience of Caesar’s lasting influence, even after his death.

i) Why does Antony call Brutus 'the noblest Roman of them all'?

Antony calls Brutus "the noblest Roman of them all" because, unlike the other conspirators, Brutus acted not out of envy or personal gain, but out of what he believed was the best interest of Rome. While Antony despised the other conspirators, he respected Brutus for his honorable motives. Brutus genuinely believed that by killing Caesar, he was saving the Roman Republic from tyranny.

j) How do Brutus and Cassius meet their end?

Both Brutus and Cassius meet their end through suicide. Cassius, mistakenly believing that his army has been defeated and that his friend Titinius has been captured, orders his servant to kill him. Brutus, after realizing that they are losing the battle, chooses to take his own life rather than be captured. He runs onto his sword, held by his servant Strato, and dies believing that he has done the right thing for Rome.

12. A Newspaper Report on Julius Caesar's Assassination:

Headline: Tragedy Strikes in the Senate: Julius Caesar Assassinated!

Report: Rome, March 15, 44 B.C. – In an unprecedented act of treachery, Julius Caesar, the most powerful figure in Roman politics, was brutally assassinated yesterday inside the Senate. The shocking event unfolded as Caesar was surrounded by a group of conspirators, led by Cassius and Brutus, two prominent senators. According to eyewitness accounts, the assassins, armed with daggers, stabbed Caesar multiple times.

In a heart-wrenching moment, Caesar is reported to have looked towards Brutus, his close friend and confidant, and uttered the fateful words, "Et tu, Brute?" before succumbing to his injuries. The assassins claim that they acted to preserve the Roman Republic, fearing that Caesar's growing power threatened its very foundation. However, chaos erupted soon after the assassination, with the citizens of Rome in disbelief and grief.

Antony, Caesar’s trusted ally, expressed deep sorrow over his friend’s death and hinted at possible consequences for those involved. The future of Rome now hangs in the balance, with uncertainty clouding the political landscape as the city mourns the loss of its leader.

13. Activity

Stage a press conference that takes place shortly after Caesar's death. The "reporters" should have their questions written down ahead of time to ask the students who play the roles of Brutus, Antony and Cassius. These questions should focus on the key events in the play, as well as the characters' intentions.

Answer

Activity 13: Press Conference on Julius Caesar’s Assassination

Setting:

A press conference is being held shortly after the assassination of Julius Caesar. Reporters (students) are assembled to question Brutus, Antony, and Cassius, who have agreed to speak about the tragic event. Each reporter will ask one question to either Brutus, Antony, or Cassius, based on their character’s role in the assassination and key events in the play. The students playing the roles of Brutus, Antony, and Cassius will answer these questions, staying in character to reflect their intentions and motivations.

Sample Questions for Reporters:

Questions for Brutus:

1. Reporter 1:

   
   

   "Brutus, you were known to be one of Caesar’s closest friends. Why did you feel it necessary to betray him and be part of the assassination plot?"

   
   

2. Reporter 2:

   
   

   "Brutus, many say you acted for the greater good of Rome. Do you believe the Roman citizens will understand and support your actions?"

   
   

3. Reporter 3:

   
   

   "Brutus, you allowed Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral despite the objections of Cassius. Do you now regret that decision, given how the crowd reacted?"

   
   

4. Reporter 4:

   
   

   "Do you believe that Rome is safer now without Caesar, or do you think his death will lead to further unrest?"

Questions for Antony:

1. Reporter 5:

   
   

   "Antony, you delivered a powerful speech at Caesar’s funeral. What were your true intentions when you called the conspirators 'honourable men'?"

   
   

2. Reporter 6:

   
   

   "Antony, you were visibly shaken by Caesar’s death. How will you avenge Caesar, and what is your plan moving forward to ensure justice?"

   
   

3. Reporter 7:

   
   

   "Antony, do you believe Brutus was acting out of genuine concern for Rome, or was he motivated by something else?"

   
   

4. Reporter 8:

   
   

   "How do you plan to deal with the civil unrest that has erupted in Rome following Caesar’s assassination?"

Questions for Cassius:

1. Reporter 9:

   
   

   "Cassius, you were one of the main architects of the conspiracy. What was your primary motive for orchestrating Caesar’s murder?"

   
   

2. Reporter 10:

   
   

   "Cassius, you’ve been accused of manipulating Brutus to join the conspiracy. Do you feel any remorse for involving him in this act?"

   
   

3. Reporter 11:

   
   

   "Many Romans see you as jealous of Caesar’s power. How do you respond to those claims?"

   
   

4. Reporter 12:

   
   

   "Do you believe that the assassination of Caesar was necessary for the preservation of the Republic, or do you fear it could lead to greater conflict?"

Instructions for Students:

• Reporters should prepare and rehearse their questions ahead of time, focusing on the events in the play and each character’s motives and decisions.

• Brutus, Antony, and Cassius should carefully consider their characters’ motivations, speaking confidently about why they acted as they did and justifying their decisions during the press conference.

This activity will help students engage with the play on a deeper level, thinking critically about the characters’ motivations, the consequences of their actions, and how they might respond to public scrutiny after such a monumental event.