NOTES

Title Julius Caesar Act I: Scene 3

Topic Conspiracy Against Caesar
Questions / Main Ideas / Notes / Answers / Definitions /
Vocabulary Examples / Sentences
Cassius suggests that the strange
occurrences in the sky, such as thunder and
What does Cassius imply about the
lightning, are signs of a monstrous state of
unnatural events in the sky?
affairs, indicating that something terrible is
about to happen.
Cassius refers to Caesar, implying that
Who does Cassius refer to when he although he is not physically stronger than
mentions a man like the dreadful night? them, he has grown in power and influence,
making him a source of fear.
Casca informs Cassius that the senators
What does Casca reveal about the plan to establish Caesar as a king, intending
senators' intentions regarding Caesar? for him to wear his crown everywhere
except in Italy.
Cassius expresses that the current state of
subjugation and suffering under Caesar's
What does Cassius mean by 'our yoke
potential rule makes them appear weak and
and sufferance show us womanish'?
submissive, akin to women in a patriarchal
society.
Cassius believes that Caesar would not be a
How does Cassius view Caesar's
tyrant if the Romans were not so passive
potential tyranny?
and submissive, likening them to sheep.
Cassius compares the Romans to sheep,
What metaphor does Cassius use to suggesting that they are easily led and
describe the Roman people? manipulated, which allows Caesar to act as
a wolf.
Cassius implies that great power or change
What does Cassius mean by 'Those that often starts from small, seemingly
with haste will make a mighty fire begin insignificant actions or individuals,
it with weak straws'? highlighting the potential for rebellion
against Caesar.
Cassius asserts that he has the power to
What does Cassius mean by 'the part of
free himself from the tyranny he currently
tyranny that I do bear I can shake off at
endures, suggesting that individuals have
pleasure'?
the ability to resist oppression.
Casca echoes Cassius's sentiment, stating
What does Casca mean when he says
that every enslaved person has the power to
'So every bondman in his own hand
free themselves from bondage, emphasizing
bears the power to cancel his captivity'?
personal agency.
 Cassius instructs Cinna to deliver letters to
What does Cassius plan to do to
Brutus, strategically placed to influence him
persuade Brutus to join their cause?
to join their conspiracy against Caesar.
Cassius believes that they have already won
What does Cassius mean by 'three parts over a significant portion of Brutus's
of him is ours already'? support, indicating that he is close to being
persuaded to join their conspiracy.
Casca describes the night as fearful and
How does Casca describe the night they
strange, indicating that it reflects the
are in?
turmoil and uncertainty in Rome.
What does Cassius mean by 'the
Cassius suggests that the ominous weather
complexion of the element in favour's
mirrors the violent and dangerous nature of
like the work we have in hand, most
their conspiracy against Caesar.
bloody, fiery, and most terrible'?
Cinna expresses his fear about the strange
What does Cinna express about the
sights they have witnessed, indicating a
night?
sense of foreboding.
Pompey's porch serves as a meeting place
What is the significance of Pompey's for the conspirators, symbolizing a
porch in this scene? gathering point for those opposing Caesar's
potential rule.
What does Cassius mean by 'I am arm'd. And dangers Cassius indicates that he is prepared for the dangers that
are to me indifferent'? may come with their conspiracy, showing his resolve and
determination.

What does the phrase 'O grief, where hast thou led This phrase reflects Cassius's internal conflict and sorrow
me?' signify? over the state of Rome and the actions he feels compelled to
take against Caesar.

What does Casca mean by 'Indeed, they say the Casca is relaying rumors that the senators are planning to
senators tomorrow mean to establish Caesar as a crown Caesar, which heightens the tension and urgency of
king'? their conspiracy.

What does the term 'bondman' refer to in this The term 'bondman' refers to a slave or someone in
context? captivity, highlighting the themes of freedom and oppression
in the play.

What does Cassius's reference to 'stony tower, nor Cassius implies that no physical barriers can contain a
walls of beaten brass' imply? determined spirit, emphasizing the power of will over
physical constraints.

What does Cassius mean by 'Nor airless dungeon, nor He suggests that even the strongest forms of imprisonment
strong links of iron'? cannot hold back a strong spirit, indicating the theme of
personal freedom.

What does the phrase 'life, being weary of these This phrase suggests that life has the inherent power to
worldly bars, never lacks power to dismiss itself' escape from oppression, hinting at the theme of rebellion.
suggest?
What does Cassius's plan to 'set this up with wax upon This plan signifies the conspirators' intention to manipulate
old Brutus' statue' signify? public opinion and sway Brutus to their side by appealing to
his sense of honor.

What does Cassius mean by 'I will get involved as Cassius expresses his commitment to the conspiracy,
much as the boldest of all does'? indicating that he will take action as boldly as the most
courageous among them.

What does the phrase 'the senators tomorrow mean This phrase reveals the tension and fear surrounding
to establish Caesar as a king' reveal about the political Caesar's potential rise to absolute power, which is a central
climate? conflict in the play.

What does Cassius's statement 'Alas for these times' This statement reflects Cassius's lament over the current
imply? state of Rome and the perceived weakness of its people.

What does the term 'thews and limbs' refer to? The term refers to the physical strength and capabilities of
the Roman people, contrasting their current state of
submission.

What does Cassius mean by 'What trash is Rome'? Cassius expresses disdain for the current state of Rome,
suggesting that it has become worthless and corrupt under
Caesar's influence.

What does Casca mean by 'I could name a man to Casca indicates that he can identify someone who embodies
you'? the fear and turmoil of the current political climate, hinting
at Caesar.

What does the phrase 'the senators tomorrow mean This phrase suggests a looming change in governance that
to establish Caesar as a king' suggest about the future could lead to tyranny, highlighting the stakes of the
of Rome? conspirators' actions.

What does Cassius's reference to 'Cinna' signify? Cinna is introduced as an ally in the conspiracy, indicating
the growing network of conspirators against Caesar.

What does the phrase 'I am glad on 't' indicate about Cinna expresses relief and approval of the plans being made,
Cinna's feelings? showing his commitment to the conspiracy.

What does Cassius mean by 'I have mov'd already Cassius indicates that he has already recruited some of the
some certain of the noblest-minded Romans'? most honorable Romans to join their conspiracy,
emphasizing the seriousness of their intentions.

What does the phrase 'the complexion of the element This phrase suggests that the ominous weather reflects the
in favour's like the work we have in hand' suggest? dangerous and bloody nature of their conspiracy, creating a
parallel between nature and their actions.

What does Cassius's statement 'I know where I will This statement implies Cassius's determination to take
wear this dagger' imply? action against Caesar, symbolizing his readiness to commit
violence for their cause.
What does the phrase 'the part of tyranny that I do This reveals Cassius's strong will and belief in personal
bear I can shake off at pleasure' reveal about Cassius's agency, indicating that he refuses to accept oppression
character? passively.

What does Casca's statement 'You speak to Casca, and Casca asserts his loyalty and seriousness about their cause,
to such a man that is no fleering tell-tale' indicate? indicating that he is not one to betray their plans.

What does Cassius's plan to 'repair to Pompey's porch' This signifies the conspirators' intention to gather and
signify? strategize their next steps against Caesar, indicating their
organized approach.

What does the phrase 'I will hie, and so bestow these This indicates that Cinna is tasked with delivering important
papers as you bade me' indicate about Cinna's role? messages to further their conspiracy, highlighting his active
participation.

What does the phrase 'the man entire upon the next This suggests that Brutus is a key target for the conspirators,
encounter, yields him ours' suggest about Brutus? as they believe he will ultimately join their cause if
approached correctly.

Summary: This scene depicts the ominous atmosphere of a stormy night, reflecting the turmoil in
Rome. Cassius and Casca discuss the unnatural events occurring and their implications for Caesar's
rise to power. They express their fears and frustrations about the current state of governance,