The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act III - Scene I Rome. Before the Capitol, the Senate Sitting Above quiz

Questions and answers

1. 1

   Question 1. Who strikes the first blow against Caesar?

   • Brutus
   • Cassius
   • Correct answer: Casca
   • Decius

   Casca strikes first, crying 'Speak, hands, for me!' The other conspirators then join in, with Brutus delivering the final blow.

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2. 2

   Question 2. What does Caesar compare himself to when refusing to pardon Publius Cimber?

   • The sun at its zenith
   • Correct answer: The northern star
   • An immovable mountain
   • The Roman eagle

   Caesar declares he is 'constant as the northern star,' claiming to be the one fixed and immovable point among all men, just as Polaris is the one unmoving star in the sky.

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3. 3

   Question 3. Why does Cassius panic when Popilius Lena speaks to them?

   • Popilius threatens to report them to Caesar
   • Correct answer: Popilius wishes their 'enterprise' may thrive, suggesting he knows their plan
   • Popilius demands to join the conspiracy
   • Popilius announces that Caesar has extra guards

   Popilius says 'I wish your enterprise today may thrive,' which Cassius interprets as knowledge of the assassination plot. He fears their purpose is discovered and threatens to kill himself rather than be captured.

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4. 4

   Question 4. What does Antony call Caesar in his soliloquy using a hunting metaphor?

   • A noble lion
   • Correct answer: A brave hart
   • A wounded falcon
   • A trapped fox

   Antony calls Caesar a 'brave hart' (deer), saying 'Here wast thou bay'd, brave hart, / Here didst thou fall, and here thy hunters stand.' The word 'hart' also puns on 'heart,' connecting Caesar to the heart of the world.

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5. 5

   Question 5. Who warns Brutus not to let Antony speak at Caesar's funeral?

   • Metellus Cimber
   • Decius
   • Casca
   • Correct answer: Cassius

   Cassius warns Brutus in an aside: 'You know not what you do. Do not consent / That Antony speak in his funeral,' fearing Antony's rhetorical power over the crowd.

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6. 6

   Question 6. What role does Trebonius play in the assassination?

   • He strikes the first blow
   • He guards the Senate doors
   • Correct answer: He draws Mark Antony away from the scene
   • He delivers the petition about Publius Cimber

   Trebonius's specific task is to draw Mark Antony out of the way so he cannot interfere with or prevent Caesar's assassination. He exits with Antony before the attack begins.

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7. 7

   Question 7. What does Antony prophesy will happen to Italy after Caesar's death?

   • A golden age of republican government
   • Correct answer: Domestic fury, fierce civil strife, and widespread destruction
   • An invasion by foreign enemies
   • The immediate crowning of Octavius as emperor

   In his soliloquy, Antony prophesies 'Domestic fury and fierce civil strife / Shall cumber all the parts of Italy; / Blood and destruction shall be so in use' — foreshadowing the civil wars that follow.

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8. 8

   Question 8. What news does the servant bring at the end of the scene?

   • The Roman mob is rioting
   • Correct answer: Octavius Caesar is approaching Rome
   • Brutus has been named dictator
   • The Senate has condemned the conspirators

   A servant of Octavius reports that his master 'lies tonight within seven leagues of Rome.' Antony tells the servant that Rome is too dangerous for Octavius yet and to report back on how the people respond to his funeral oration.

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9. 9

   Question 9. Which of these events actually happened in this chapter?

   • Did Caesar read Artemidorus's letter warning him about the conspiracy?

     Didn't happen

     Caesar refused to read Artemidorus's letter. When Artemidorus urged him to read it instantly because it 'touches Caesar nearer,' Caesar replied, 'What touches us ourself shall be last served,' prioritizing public business over personal matters.

   • Did Antony witness the actual assassination of Caesar?

     Didn't happen

     Antony was not present during the assassination. Trebonius deliberately drew Antony away from the scene beforehand. When Trebonius returns, he reports that Antony 'fled to his house amazed.'

   • Did Brutus agree to let Antony speak at Caesar's funeral?

     Happened

     Despite Cassius's strong objection ('You know not what you do'), Brutus granted Antony permission to speak at the funeral, stipulating only that Antony must not blame the conspirators and must speak after Brutus himself.

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10. 10

    Question 10. What does 'puissant' mean in the line 'Most high, most mighty, and most puissant Caesar'?

    • Wealthy and generous
    • Correct answer: Powerful and mighty
    • Merciful and just
    • Ancient and wise

    'Puissant' is a formal, French-derived adjective meaning powerful or mighty. Metellus uses it as part of his elaborate flattery of Caesar before presenting his petition.

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11. 11

    Question 11. What does 'bootless' mean when Caesar asks 'Doth not Brutus bootless kneel?'

    • Without shoes, as a sign of humility
    • Bravely and with determination
    • Correct answer: Uselessly or in vain
    • Secretly and with hidden intent

    'Bootless' means futile or useless. Caesar is triumphantly pointing out that even Brutus kneels in vain — nothing will change his decree about Publius Cimber's banishment.

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12. 12

    Question 12. What does 'carrion' mean in 'With carrion men, groaning for burial'?

    • Heroic warriors fallen in battle
    • Correct answer: Decaying dead flesh; rotting remains
    • Prisoners of war awaiting execution
    • Exiled citizens seeking return

    'Carrion' refers to the decaying flesh of dead creatures. Antony uses it to paint a horrific vision of unburied dead littering Italy after the civil wars he prophesies will follow Caesar's assassination.

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