Julius Caesar Act 1, Scene 2

Julius Caesar Act 1, Scene 2

1. Characters

   • Caesar
   • Brutus
   • Antony
   • Potia
   • Decius
   • Cicero
   • Cassius
     • Tries to steer Brutus away from Caesar
   • Soothsayer
     • Advises Caesar that March will be a dangerous day
   • Casca

2. Plot

   • Background
     • Caesar ordered Antony to hit Calphurnia to make her fertile. A soothsayer tells Caesar to be aware of the ideas of March
       • As Cassius and Brutus discuss government matters, Brutus says he is at war with himself. Cassius is surprised that Brutus does not blindly love Caesar
         • Cassius says that every noble Roman except Caesar see Brutus' worth
           • Brutus doesn't want Caesar to be king. He values honour and the good of people more than death. Cassius says that they are just as good as Caesar.
             • Cassius says he saved Casesar from drowning and in Spain Casesar was sick and may have a disease
               • Cassius thinks Brutus can move people and gain supports just like Caesar---"start a spirit"
                 • Appeals to ethics- Brutus' ancestor founded the republic an kicked out the dictator
                   • Brutus feels he must uphold family legacy
                 • Mark Antony offers Caesar the crown 3 times, and he refuses each time
                   • The commoners screamed in happiness
                   • Caesar pulled open his robe and offered them to cut his throat
                     • Caesar fainted again, and the people still forgave him
                       • Marullus and Flavius got punished for pulling scared off statues
                         • Cassius says he will throw all different letters into Caesar's window saying they want Brutus to be king and that Caesar is too ambitious
                     • He claimed that he only acted this way because of his sickness
               • Appeals to Brutus' love of the people. These weaknesses would make him a bad ruler.