This close-reading quiz covers all scenes of act V in William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar.

About This Quiz

Our Owl Eyes quizzes have been designed to provide students with more than a simple review of the text. Each multiple choice question corresponds to a particular selection from the text, promoting opportunities for developing and testing close-reading, critical-thinking, and literary-analysis skills. Each quiz contains the following components:

• A series of multiple choice questions with accompanying text
• Several short answer questions for extended, written answers
• A comprehensive answer key for both sections

In completing these quizzes, students will be able to demonstrate their ability to close read, think critically, and comprehend general and nuanced elements of the text.

Excerpt From This Quiz

Read these passages from act V, scene I of Julius Caesar, and then answer the question that follows each passage. Refer to the passage in answering the question. Circle the correct answer to each question.

1. ANTONY: Octavius, lead your battle softly on,
   Upon the left hand of the even field.
   OCTAVIUS: Upon the right hand I, keep thou the left.
   ANTONY: Why do you cross me in this exigent? (20)
   OCTAVIUS: I do not cross you, but I will do so.

What does the passage indicate about Antony and Octavius’s relationship?

A. They agree on military strategy.
B. Octavius challenges Antony’s leadership on the battlefield.
C. Antony successfully imposes his will on Octavius.
D. They have become enemies on the battlefield.

2. BRUTUS: Words before blows. Is it so, countrymen?
   OCTAVIUS: Not that we love words better, as you do.
   BRUTUS: Good words are better than bad strokes, Octavius. (30)

What is Brutus’s tone in his exchange with Octavius?

A. Angry
B. Resentful
C. Conciliatory
D. Threatening