Julius Caesar, Act 1, Scene 2 summary

What happens

1. Caesar arranges for Antony to touch Calphurnia during the sacred race, then dismisses the Soothsayer’s warning about March 15.
2. Cassius praises Brutus and attacks Caesar’s claim to greatness through stories of his physical weakness.
3. Brutus admits he opposes kingship and agrees to consider Cassius’s arguments without committing himself.
4. Caesar identifies Cassius as dangerous, despite Antony’s reassurance that he means well.
5. Casca reports three refusals of a crown, Caesar’s collapse, and the silencing of Marullus and Flavius.
6. After Brutus leaves, Cassius plans letters in different hands that appear to express citizens’ support for Brutus.

In this scene

What to notice

Cassius makes submission a matter of human choice rather than fate. This supports his effort to make Brutus challenge Caesar’s dominance.

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