The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Part 2: Causal…

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What is the best definition of character motivation?

A

It is the reason for a character’s thoughts, feelings, and actions.

B

It is what the reader learns about the character’s life or history prior to the story’s beginning.

C

It is the movement of the plot from scene to scene.

D

It is the resolution of a conflict and the conclusion of the story.

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Read the excerpt from act 2, scene 1, of Julius Caesar.[BRUTUS.] Let us be sacrificers, but not butchers, Caius.We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar,And in the spirit of men there is no blood.O, that we then could come by Caesar’s spirit,And not dismember Caesar!Why is this passage an example of verbal irony?

A

Brutus wants to stand up to the spirit of Caesar.

B

Brutus is the one the priests call on to offer sacrifices to the gods.

C

Brutus says he does not want to be seen as a butcher, but that is what the Romans will remember after he stabs his friend.

D

Brutus and Caius do not believe in spirits or in the gods.

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Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 3, of Julius Caesar.CASSIUS. And why should Caesar be a tyrant then?Poor man, I know he would not be a wolfBut that he sees the Romans are but sheep.Why is this excerpt an example of verbal irony?

A

Cassius speaks of the Romans as sheep, but he believes they are strong independent thinkers.

B

Cassius portrays Caesar as a cruel-hearted tyrant, and at the same time says he pitties Caesar because Caesar can’t help himself.

C

Cassius believes himself to be innocent, and only the audience knows that he is like a scheming wolf.

D

Cassius wishes that he could be a cruel leader like Caesar.

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A form of irony that is understood by the audience but not by the characters in a play is

A

understandable irony.

B

situational irony.

C

dramatic irony.

D

verbal irony.

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Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 3, of Julius Caesar.[CASSIUS.] Now know you, Casca, I have moved alreadySome certain of the noblest-minded RomansTo undergo with me an enterpriseOf honourable dangerous consequence.And I do know by this, they stay for meIn Pompey’s Porch. For now this fearful nightThere is no stir or walking in the streets;And the complexion of the elementIn favour’s like the work we have in hand,Most bloody, fiery, and most terrible.

A

causes the conspirators to move up their plan

B

makes Cassius more confident about what he has in mind

C

provides time to mourn Pompey’s death

D

prevents anyone from attending the planned meeting

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What is the best definition of character motivation?

A

It is the reason for a character’s thoughts, feelings, and actions.

B

It is what the reader learns about the character’s life or history prior to the story’s beginning.

C

It is the movement of the plot from scene to scene.

D

It is the resolution of a conflict and the conclusion of the story.

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Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 3, of Julius Caesar.[CASSIUS.] Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius.Therein, ye gods, you make the weak most strong;Therein, ye gods, you tyrants do defeat.Nor stony tower, nor walls of beaten brass,Nor airless dungeon, nor strong links of iron,Can be retentive to the strength of spirit;But life, being weary of these worldly bars,Never lacks power to dismiss itself.If I know this, know all the world besides,That part of tyranny that I do bearI can shake off at pleasure.[Thunder still]CASCA. So can I.So every bondman in his own hand bearsThe power to cancel his captivity.

A

Casca thinks that Cassius is trying to become king.

B

Casca says that Cassius is being disloyal to Caesar.

C

Casca says that he will also fight Caesar's rise to power.

D

Casca thinks that Caesar will make a better ruler than Cassius.

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Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 3, of Julius Caesar.CASSIUS. And why should Caesar be a tyrant then?Poor man, I know he would not be a wolfBut that he sees the Romans are but sheep.Why is this excerpt an example of verbal irony?

A

Cassius speaks of the Romans as sheep, but he believes they are strong independent thinkers.

B

Cassius portrays Caesar as a cruel-hearted tyrant, and at the same time says he pitties Caesar because Caesar can’t help himself.

C

Cassius believes himself to be innocent, and only the audience knows that he is like a scheming wolf.

D

Cassius wishes that he could be a cruel leader like Caesar.

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How does Cinna's request to get Brutus involved affect Cassius? Select two options.

A

Cinna's request makes Cassius reconsider including Brutus.

B

Cinna's request makes Cassius ask him to take an incriminating letter to Brutus.

C

Cinna's request makes Cassius trust him to return to Pompey's Theatre and meet Cassius there.

D

Cinna's request makes Cassius seek out new and more loyal consipirators.

E

Cinna's request makes Cassius weigh the events of the night and postpone his planned meeting.

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Read the excerpt from act 2, scene 1, of Julius Caesar.[BRUTUS.] And for Mark Antony, think not of him,For he can do no more than Caesar’s armWhen Caesar’s head is off.How does this example of dramatic irony affect the audience?

A

It makes Brutus seem honorable.

B

It heightens suspense because Mark Antony is dangerous.

C

It makes Cassius look weak and indecisive.

D

It heightens suspense because Brutus is dangerous.

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What types of irony are used in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar? Select three options.

A

situational irony

B

developmental irony

C

dramatic irony

D

verbal irony

E

conflicting irony

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Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 3, of Julius Caesar.[CASSIUS.] Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius.Therein, ye gods, you make the weak most strong;Therein, ye gods, you tyrants do defeat.Nor stony tower, nor walls of beaten brass,Nor airless dungeon, nor strong links of iron,Can be retentive to the strength of spirit;But life, being weary of these worldly bars,Never lacks power to dismiss itself.If I know this, know all the world besides,That part of tyranny that I do bearI can shake off at pleasure.[Thunder still]CASCA. So can I.So every bondman in his own hand bearsThe power to cancel his captivity.

A

Casca thinks that Cassius is trying to become king.

B

Casca says that Cassius is being disloyal to Caesar.

C

Casca says that he will also fight Caesar's rise to power.

D

Casca thinks that Caesar will make a better ruler than Cassius.

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Which statement best describes a cause-and-effect relationship in a play?

A

One action is a cause, which leads to another action that is the effect of the first action.

B

One action has similarities to another action, but they are not exactly the same.

C

One action is a solution, which leads to identifying the problem.

D

One action is an effect, which leads to another action that is the cause of the first action.

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Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 3, of Julius Caesar.[CASSIUS.] Now know you, Casca, I have moved alreadySome certain of the noblest-minded RomansTo undergo with me an enterpriseOf honourable dangerous consequence.And I do know by this, they stay for meIn Pompey’s Porch. For now this fearful nightThere is no stir or walking in the streets;And the complexion of the elementIn favour’s like the work we have in hand,Most bloody, fiery, and most terrible.

A

causes the conspirators to move up their plan

B

makes Cassius more confident about what he has in mind

C

provides time to mourn Pompey’s death

D

prevents anyone from attending the planned meeting

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Why do authors use causal relationships in plays? Select three options.

A

to create mystery and tension

B

to introduce the setting

C

to propel the plot forward

D

to develop rising action

E

to introduce the main character

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Read the excerpt from act 2, scene 1, of Julius Caesar.[BRUTUS.] Let us be sacrificers, but not butchers, Caius.We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar,And in the spirit of men there is no blood.O, that we then could come by Caesar’s spirit,And not dismember Caesar!Why is this passage an example of verbal irony?

A

Brutus wants to stand up to the spirit of Caesar.

B

Brutus is the one the priests call on to offer sacrifices to the gods.

C

Brutus says he does not want to be seen as a butcher, but that is what the Romans will remember after he stabs his friend.

D

Brutus and Caius do not believe in spirits or in the gods.

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What is ironic about discussing whether or not to include Cicero in the conspiracy? Select two options.

A

Casca firmly reverses his position about including Cicero, as if he hadn’t been the one to suggest it in the first place.

B

Metellus thinks having gray hair is a sign of weakness and poor decision-making, but they also have gray hair.

C

Casca thinks he is making important decisions when Brutus is really the one leading the way.

D

Brutus believes Cicero should be included as one of the conspirators while Cassius disagrees.

E

Cassius agrees with Metellus that Cicero, but Casca’s wise argument sways their opinions.

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