Study Questions
1. Why is Brutus concerned about Lucilius’ account of his meeting with Cassius?

2. Why does Brutus tell Cassius to come into his tent?

3. Why is Cassius angry with Brutus?

4. Why is Brutus angry with Cassius?

5. Why does Brutus say he is not afraid of Cassius’ threats?

6. What is the advice given to Cassius and Brutus by the poet?

7. What is the news from Rome?

8. What are Brutus’ and Cassius’ battle plans?

9. What reasons does Brutus give for his plan?

10. What does the ghost of Caesar tell Brutus?

Answers
1. It reaffirms Brutus’ feelings that Cassius’ friendship seems to be cooling down.

2. He doesn’t want their troops to see them fighting.

3. Brutus disregarded letters Cassius wrote in defense of Lucius Pella, who was accused of taking bribes.

4. Brutus sent to Cassius for money to pay his soldiers and his request was denied.

5. Brutus says he is so honest that Cassius’ threats mean nothing and pass him by like the idle wind.

6. He tells them to “Love and be friends as two such men should be.” (Sc. 3, 150)

7. Between 70 and 100 senators, including Cicero, have been killed by Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus. Portia committed suicide by swallowing fire.

8. Brutus wants to march their armies from Sardis to Philippi and meet the enemy there. Cassius wants to remain where they are and have the enemy come to them.

9. He says the Sardians are not friendly. Their armies are at peak strength, and if they delay they will weaken. He says the opportunity to act is at hand, and if they do not take it, they will miss their chance for success.

10. The ghost says it is Brutus’ evil spirit, and that it will see Brutus again at Philippi.