Act 1, Scene 2 Summary and Analysis
Summary
On another Roman street, thronged by commoners and senators, Caesar asks his wife, Calpurnia, to stand directly in the way of Mark Antony, who is set to begin the traditional footrace to the Coliseum as part of Lupercal festivities. Since it is believed that a childless, or “barren,” woman will become fertile on being touched by the winner of the race, Caesar instructs Anthony to touch Calpurnia during the race, to which Antony responds:
When Caesar says “do this,” it is perform'd.
A soothsayer calls out to Caesar from the crowd and asks him to “beware the ides of March.” Cesar dismisses the soothsayer as a “dreamer.” As the procession, including Caesar and Antony, leave for the Coliseum, Cassius and Brutus linger behind. Cassius tells Brutus that he has lately noted a new coldness in his manner. Brutus responds that his melancholy is not directed at Cassius but toward himself, as he has been “vexed” recently by thoughts which he dares not share with others.
Cassius hints that he understands and shares Brutus’s “vexations.” Their conversation is interrupted with shouts and a sudden blaring of trumpets from the Coliseum. Brutus says he “fears” the people have chosen Caesar for their king. Cassius says if Brutus fears Caesar’s kingship, he must be opposed to it, to which Brutus replies that even though he loves his friend Caesar, he would not want him to be crowned emperor. Encouraged by Brutus’s ambivalence toward Caesar’s growing power, Cassius goes on to build a case for Caesar’s ordinariness. He recalls Caesar’s physical weakness and his proneness to “fits,” or epilepsy, and wonders aloud why such a feeble man should stride through Rome like “a Colossus.” Brutus tells Cassius that he can understand the subtext of his conversation but wants to discuss it further only at “a time / Both meet to hear and answer such high things.”
Cesar and his retinue pass the stage with Casca. Brutus notes the “angry spot” on Caesar’s brow and how subdued his train appears. Cassius plucks Casca’s sleeve, indicating that he should stay back. Noticing Cassius, Cesar tells Antony he is wary of Cassius’s “lean and hungry look” and sullen disposition and does not want the man around. Cesar exits with his retinue. Casca explains to Brutus and Cassius the reason behind Caesar’s apparent displeasure: he was offered the Crown of Rome thrice and refused it thrice, “every time gentler than the others.”
Angered by the crowd’s cheering of his refusal, Caesar “swooned” and suffered an epileptic fit. Casca also informs them that Marullus and Flavius have been executed for dishonoring Caesar's statues. Casca exits, agreeing to dine with Cassius later that evening. Cassius and Brutus agree to meet the next day to discuss the new developments. After Brutus departs, Cassius reveals his plan of forging several letters from the public denouncing Caesar and leaving the letters on Brutus’s doorstep in order to influence Brutus against Caesar.
Analysis
In Scene 2, the motif of warnings and omens comes to life with the soothsayer’s famous admonition to Caesar to “beware the ides of March.” This ominous warning introduces the play’s preoccupation with fate and foreshadows Caesar’s eventual downfall. Caesar’s casual dismissal of the soothsayer’s warning also sets up his character as proud and somewhat dismissive of threats, contrasting with the conspirators’ heightened awareness of omens and signs.
This scene explores the theme of perception, where characters choose how to interpret warnings and portents according to their own biases—a theme Cicero will highlight later when he suggests that men interpret signs “in their own fashion.” This scene also explores the dangers of centralized power, subtly resonating with fears in Elizabethan England about the rise of absolute monarchy and the perceived need to contain an increasingly powerful ruler.
Expert Q&A
What stories does Cassius tell Brutus about Caesar in Act 1, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar?
In act 1, scene 2 of Julius Caesar, Cassius recounts two stories involving Caesar, one in which Caesar nearly drowned while attempting to swim the Tiber and the other involving his illness in Spain. The point of these accounts is to stress Caesar's moments of physical infirmity, which, to Cassius at least, contrast strikingly with his current political supremacy and reputation.
What four rhetorical devices does Cassius use to win over Brutus in Julius Caesar, Act 1, Scene 2?
Cassius uses four rhetorical devices to win over Brutus in Act 1, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar: ad hominem attacks, figurative language, appeals, and rhetorical questions. He attacks Caesar’s character, uses allusions and similes, appeals to Brutus’s sense of honor, and poses rhetorical questions to challenge Caesar’s superiority. These strategies effectively persuade Brutus to oppose Caesar.
What does Brutus mean by being "at war with himself" in Julius Caesar, Act 1, Scene 2?
Brutus describes himself as "at war with himself" to express his internal conflict and turmoil. He assures Cassius that his troubled demeanor is due to personal struggles, not a lack of affection for his friends. Brutus is deeply concerned about the possibility of Caesar becoming king, which conflicts with his love for Caesar and his sense of duty to Rome. This inner conflict makes him vulnerable to Cassius's manipulation, setting the stage for his involvement in the conspiracy against Caesar.
Does Shakespeare's use of "fat" and "lean" in Act 1, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar constitute a literary device?
No, Shakespeare's use of "fat" and "lean" in Act 1, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar does not constitute a literary device. He borrows this characterization directly from Plutarch's Life of Julius Caesar. Cassius is depicted as lean and hungry-looking, which aligns with his miserly and dangerous nature, contrasting with Caesar's preference for "fat," content men.
What rhetorical strategies and audience appeals does Cassius use to persuade Brutus to take Caesar's place in Act 1, Scene 2?
"I know that virtue to be in you. . . . The torrent roar'd and we did buffet it."
Cassius uses several rhetorical strategies to persuade Brutus, including personal attacks on Caesar, emotional appeals, and rhetorical questions. He discredits Caesar by recounting incidents that portray him as weak, such as needing rescue during a swim and being incapacitated by illness. Cassius flatters Brutus, comparing him favorably to Caesar to manipulate his emotions. He also poses rhetorical questions to make Brutus question Caesar's supposed superiority, aiming to plant doubt about Caesar's fitness to lead.
What did Caesar do after refusing the crown for the third time in Julius Caesar, act 1, scene 2?
After Caesar refused the crown for the third time, he dramatically offered his throat to be cut, which increased the crowd's cheers. The emotional strain led to Caesar having an epileptic seizure in the marketplace. This incident highlighted the strong popular support for Caesar, as he apologized for his "infirmity" upon regaining consciousness. Cassius used Caesar's seizure to make a rhetorical point about how Caesar's rise affected them negatively.
How is Caesar portrayed as pompous and self-assured in act 1, scene 2 of Julius Caesar?
In Act 1, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar, Caesar is portrayed as pompous and self-assured through his interactions with others. He commands Antony and Calpurnia, indicating his assumed authority. His dismissive response to the Soothsayer's warning to "Beware the Ides of March" further highlights his arrogance and overconfidence. This attitude, coupled with others' deference to him, underscores his dictatorial demeanor, inappropriate for a republic, suggesting his tragic flaw of hubris.
What are four quotes from Act I, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar that reveal the traits of Brutus and Cassius?
In Act 1, Scene 2 of Julius Caesar, Brutus and Cassius display their distinct traits through dialogue. Brutus admits he lacks Antony's spirit, prioritizing honor over life, revealing his noble but stolid nature. Cassius acknowledges Brutus's virtue but notes his manipulability, suggesting Brutus's vanity and lesser self-awareness. These quotes highlight Brutus's bravery and commitment to Rome's welfare, contrasting with Cassius's cunning and insight into Brutus's weaknesses.
Casca's report about Caesar in Act 1, Scene 2 of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
In Act 1, Scene 2 of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Casca reports on Caesar's public refusal of the crown offered by Antony. He describes how Caesar declined it three times, each time with increasing reluctance, and how the crowd cheered. Casca also notes Caesar's eventual fainting fit, illustrating both his ambition and his calculated display of humility to the Roman people.
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