Question

Act 2
Scene 1
1. Why does Brutus decide to join the conspiracy against Caesar?

2. What is Brutus's initial reluctance to kill Caesar?

3. Why does Brutus object to including Cicero in the conspiracy?

4. What is Brutus's position on killing Mark Antony?

5. What arguments does Brutus use to persuade the conspirators not to take an oath?

Scene 2
What is Calpurnia's dream, and how does she interpret it?
How does Decius interpret Calpurnia's dream?
What arguments does Decius use to convince Caesar to go to the Capitol?
What do the conspirators plan to do at the Capitol?
Scene 3
What does ArtemidorusLinks to an external site. plan to do, and why?
Scene 4
Why is PortiaLinks to an external site. so upset and worried about Brutus?
What does Portia ask Lucius to do?
What information does the SoothsayerLinks to an external site. tell Portia?

Answer 1

Certainly! Here's a summary and analysis of **Act 2** of *Julius Caesar*, addressing your questions by scene.

### Scene 1

1. **Brutus's Decision to Join the Conspiracy**: Brutus decides to join the conspiracy against Caesar because he believes that Caesar's ambition could threaten the Republic. He values the welfare of Rome over personal loyalty and feels compelled to act for the greater good.

2. **Brutus's Initial Reluctance to Kill Caesar**: Brutus initially hesitates to kill Caesar because he loves Caesar and does not possess personal animosity toward him. His struggle is rooted in the conflict between personal affection for a friend and his sense of duty to protect Rome from tyranny.

3. **Brutus's Objection to Including Cicero**: Brutus objects to including Cicero in the conspiracy because he believes that Cicero's tendency to act independently may lead to complications. Brutus feels that the conspiracy should be united around a common purpose and not be influenced by differing philosophies.

4. **Brutus's Position on Killing Mark Antony**: Brutus opposes the idea of killing Mark Antony, arguing that it would be unnecessary and brutal. He stresses that the assassination should focus solely on Caesar, as their objective is to liberate Rome from tyranny rather than engage in further bloodshed.

5. **Arguments Against Taking an Oath**: Brutus argues that the conspirators should not take an oath to guarantee their commitment to the cause, as their shared conviction and honor should suffice. He believes that if their cause is just, they shouldn’t feel the need for an oath, as they would act out of loyalty to Rome.

### Scene 2

1. **Calpurnia's Dream**: Calpurnia dreams of Caesar's statue spouting blood, interpreted as a bad omen signifying danger for Caesar. She believes it foreshadows harm to him and urges him to stay home.

2. **Decius's Interpretation of Calpurnia's Dream**: Decius reinterprets Calpurnia's dream, claiming that it signifies that Caesar will provide life and strength to Rome and that the blood symbolizes revitalization rather than death.

3. **Decius's Arguments to Convince Caesar**: Decius uses flattery, suggesting that the Senate plans to crown Caesar and that they will interpret his absence as a sign of cowardice. He plays on Caesar’s ambition and desire for power to convince him to go to the Capitol.

4. **Conspirators' Plan at the Capitol**: The conspirators plan to gather at the Capitol to assassinate Caesar. They believe this act will prevent him from becoming a tyrant and will save the Republic.

### Scene 3

1. **Artemidorus's Plan**: Artemidorus intends to give a warning letter to Caesar as he enters the Capitol, revealing the names of the conspirators and informing him of the plot against his life. He hopes to save Caesar from imminent danger.

### Scene 4

1. **Portia's Worry Over Brutus**: Portia is deeply worried about Brutus's well-being; she senses that he is troubled and feels that he is hiding something from her. Her anxiety reflects her awareness of the gravity of the situation regarding the conspiracy.

2. **Portia's Request to Lucius**: Portia asks Lucius to go to the Capitol and observe what is happening there, so she can receive news about Brutus and understand his circumstances better.

3. **Soothsayer's Information to Portia**: The Soothsayer informs Portia that he fears for Caesar's safety, echoing his previous warnings and asserting that the foreboding signs he has discerned indicate peril.

This overview captures the themes of loyalty, honor, and the tension between personal relationships and political duty that permeate *Julius Caesar*. Let me know if you need further elaboration or analysis!