Act II - Scene I Quiz — The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

What metaphor does Brutus use to justify killing Caesar before he gains power?

• A wolf in sheep's clothing
• A serpent's egg that must be killed in the shell
• A weed that must be pulled by the root
• A storm gathering on the horizon

Why does Brutus refuse to include Cicero in the conspiracy?

• Cicero is too old and frail to participate
• Cicero is a known supporter of Caesar
• Cicero will never follow anything that other men begin
• Cicero cannot be trusted to keep a secret

What reason does Brutus give for refusing to let the conspirators swear an oath?

• An oath would leave written evidence of the conspiracy
• Oaths are for priests, cowards, and deceitful men — not honorable Romans
• Swearing an oath is against Roman religious law
• Cassius has already broken oaths in the past

How does Portia prove her constancy to Brutus?

• She reveals she has overheard the conspirators' plans
• She swears an oath on her father Cato's grave
• She shows a voluntary wound she gave herself in the thigh
• She threatens to go to Caesar and warn him

Which conspirator volunteers to ensure Caesar comes to the Capitol?

• Cassius
• Casca
• Decius
• Metellus Cimber

What does Brutus mean when he says the conspirators should be "sacrificers, but not butchers"?

• They should use poison rather than violence
• They should kill Caesar quickly and painlessly
• They should frame the assassination as a noble, ritual act for Rome's good
• They should sacrifice an animal to the gods before acting

What does Brutus compare his inner turmoil to during his soliloquy?

• A ship tossed on stormy seas
• A little kingdom suffering an insurrection
• A fire burning out of control
• A patient suffering from a fatal illness

Which of these events actually happened in this chapter?

In the line "Not Erebus itself were dim enough / To hide thee from prevention," what does "Erebus" refer to?

• A Roman temple
• A deep, dark region of the underworld in Greek mythology
• A type of eclipse
• A mountain range in northern Italy

When Brutus says the conspirators should not "palter," what does he mean?

• They should not hesitate or delay
• They should not equivocate or break their word
• They should not argue among themselves
• They should not flee the city

What does "cautelous" mean in Brutus's speech about oaths?

• Brave and valiant
• Crafty and deceitful
• Elderly and wise
• Fearful and timid

What is Caius Ligarius's reaction when Brutus hints at the conspiracy?

• He asks for time to consider the plan
• He refuses to participate due to his illness
• He throws off his sickness and pledges to follow Brutus anywhere
• He demands to know full details before committing