Julius Caesar, Act 2, Scene 1 summary
Act 2, Scene 1 of 18 · 12 min to read the scene
In Act 2, Scene 1, Brutus decides Caesar must die to prevent possible tyranny and joins the conspirators, rejecting an oath and the proposed killing of Mark Antony. The group arranges to bring Caesar to the Capitol, while Portia presses Brutus to share his secret and Caius Ligarius agrees to follow his lead.
What happens
- Brutus reasons that Caesar’s possible abuse of royal power justifies killing him, and a letter urges Brutus to act for Rome.
- Cassius brings the conspirators, and Brutus rejects an oath, including Cicero, and killing Mark Antony.
- The conspirators arrange to collect Caesar by eight, and Decius promises to overcome any reluctance through flattery.
- Portia demands to know Brutus’s troubles and reveals her self-inflicted thigh wound as proof that she can keep secrets.
- Brutus promises Portia an explanation, then receives Caius Ligarius, who commits himself without knowing the task.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Julius Caesar, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Starten Sie 90 Tage kostenlosNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
In this scene
What to notice
Brutus acknowledges that Caesar’s present conduct does not justify their case. His argument instead depends on what greater power might make Caesar become.
Quick check
Why does Brutus oppose killing Mark Antony?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Julius Caesar, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Starten Sie 90 Tage kostenlosNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
