JULIUS CAESAR ACT V, SCENE 5, Page 198, 200 & 202
[Page
setting is according to ICSE Evergreen Book.]
Paraphrase
[Enter
Brutus, Dardanius, Clitus, Strato, and Volumnius.]
English: Brutus enters with Dardanius, Clitus, Strato and Volumnius.
Hindi: ब्रूटस डारडेनियस, क्लाइटस, स्ट्रेटो और वोलुम्नियस के साथ प्रवेश करता है।
Brutus – Come, poor remains of friends, rest on this rock.
English: Come, my few surviving friends, sit and rest on this rock.
Hindi: आओ, मेरे बचे हुए मित्रो, इस चट्टान पर बैठकर विश्राम करो।
Clitus – Statilius showed the torchlight, but, my lord,
English: My lord, Statilius gave the torch signal,
Hindi: मेरे स्वामी, स्टेटिलियस ने मशाल का संकेत दिया,
He came not back. He is or ta'en or slain.
English: but he did not return; he is either captured or killed.
Hindi: पर वह लौटकर नहीं आया; वह या तो पकड़ा गया है या मारा गया है।
Brutus – Sit thee down, Clitus. Slaying is the word;
English: Sit down, Clitus. Killing is the correct word.
Hindi: बैठो, क्लाइटस। हत्या ही सही शब्द है।
It is a deed in fashion. Hark thee, Clitus.
English: It is now a common act; listen to me, Clitus.
Hindi: यह अब प्रचलन में आ चुका है; मेरी बात सुनो, क्लाइटस।
[Brutus whispers to Clitus.]
English: Brutus speaks softly to Clitus.
Hindi: ब्रूटस क्लाइटस से धीरे से बात करता है।
Clitus – What, I, my lord? No, not for all the world!
English: What, me, my lord? No, never for anything in the world!
Hindi: क्या मैं, मेरे स्वामी? नहीं, संसार की किसी भी कीमत पर नहीं!
Brutus – Peace then. No words.
English: Then be silent. Say no more.
Hindi: तब चुप रहो। और कुछ मत कहो।
Clitus – I'll rather kill myself.
English: I would rather kill myself.
Hindi: मैं स्वयं को मार लेना अधिक उचित समझूँगा।
Brutus – Hark thee, Dardanius!
English: Listen to me, Dardanius!
Hindi: मेरी बात सुनो, डारडेनियस!
[Brutus whispers to Dardanius.]
English: Brutus speaks softly to Dardanius.
Hindi: ब्रूटस डारडेनियस से धीरे से बात करता है।
Dardanius – Shall I do such a deed?
English: Shall I perform such an act?
Hindi: क्या मैं ऐसा कर्म करूँ?
Clitus – O Dardanius!
English: O Dardanius!
Hindi: ओ डारडेनियस!
Dardanius – O Clitus!
English: O Clitus!
Hindi: ओ क्लाइटस!
Clitus – What ill request did Brutus make to thee?
English: What evil request did Brutus make of you?
Hindi: ब्रूटस ने तुमसे कौन-सा अनुचित अनुरोध किया?
Dardanius – To kill him, Clitus. Look, he meditates.
English: To kill him, Clitus. Look, he is deeply thinking.
Hindi: उसे मारने का, क्लाइटस। देखो, वह गंभीर विचार में डूबा है।
Clitus – Now is that noble vessel full of grief,
English: Now that noble person is full of sorrow,
Hindi: अब वह महान पुरुष शोक से भर गया है,
That it runs over even at his eyes.
English: so much that it overflows through his eyes as tears.
Hindi: इतना कि उसका शोक आँसुओं के रूप में आँखों से बह रहा है।
Brutus – Come hither, good Volumnius, list a word.
English: Come here, good Volumnius, listen to me.
Hindi: यहाँ आओ, भले वोलुम्नियस, मेरी बात सुनो।
Volumnius – What says my lord?
English: What does my lord say?
Hindi: मेरे स्वामी क्या कहते हैं?
Brutus – Why, this, Volumnius:
English: This is what I wish to say, Volumnius:
Hindi: मैं यह कहना चाहता हूँ, वोलुम्नियस:
The ghost of Caesar hath appeared to me
English: Caesar’s ghost has appeared before me
Hindi: सीज़र का भूत मुझे दिखाई दिया है
Two several times by night — at Sardis once,
English: twice at night—once at Sardis,
Hindi: रात में दो बार—एक बार सार्डिस में,
And, this last night, here in Philippi fields.
English: and last night here on the fields of Philippi.
Hindi: और पिछली रात यहीं फिलिप्पी के मैदान में।
I know my hour is come.
English: I know that my time has arrived.
Hindi: मैं जानता हूँ कि मेरा समय आ गया है।
Volumnius – Not so, my lord.
English: That is not so, my lord.
Hindi: ऐसा नहीं है, मेरे स्वामी।
Brutus – Nay, I am sure it is, Volumnius.
English: No, I am certain it is so, Volumnius.
Hindi: नहीं, मुझे पूरा विश्वास है, वोलुम्नियस।
Thou seest the world, Volumnius, how it goes.
English: You see, Volumnius, how events are turning.
Hindi: तुम देख रहे हो, वोलुम्नियस, संसार किस दिशा में जा रहा है।
Our enemies have beat us to the pit.
English: Our enemies have completely defeated us.
Hindi: हमारे शत्रुओं ने हमें पूरी तरह पराजित कर दिया है।
[Low trumpets.]
English: Soft trumpet sounds are heard.
Hindi: धीमी तुरहियों की आवाज़ सुनाई देती है।
It is more worthy to leap in ourselves
English: It is more honourable to kill ourselves
Hindi: स्वयं मृत्यु को अपनाना अधिक सम्मानजनक है
Than tarry till they push us.
English: than to wait until they force us to it.
Hindi: बजाय इसके कि हम तब तक प्रतीक्षा करें जब तक वे हमें मजबूर करें।
Good Volumnius,
English: Dear Volumnius,
Hindi: प्रिय वोलुम्नियस,
Thou know'st that we two went to school together.
English: You know that we studied together in our youth.
Hindi: तुम जानते हो कि हम दोनों साथ-साथ विद्यालय गए थे।
Even for that our love of old, I prithee
English: For the sake of our old friendship, I beg you
Hindi: हमारी पुरानी मित्रता के कारण, मैं तुमसे विनती करता हूँ
Hold thou my sword-hilts whilst I run on it.
English: hold my sword while I fall upon it.
Hindi: मेरी तलवार की मूठ पकड़ो जब मैं उस पर गिरूँ।
Volumnius – That's not an office for a friend, my lord.
English: That is not a duty a friend can perform, my lord.
Hindi: यह किसी मित्र का कर्तव्य नहीं है, मेरे स्वामी।
[Trumpets continue.]
English: The sound of trumpets continues.
Hindi: तुरहियों की आवाज़ जारी रहती है।
Clitus – Fly, fly, my lord, there is no tarrying here.
English: Flee, my lord; there is no time to stay here.
Hindi: भागिए, मेरे स्वामी; यहाँ रुकने का समय नहीं है।
Brutus – Farewell to you; and you; and you, Volumnius.
English: Farewell to you all, and to you too, Volumnius.
Hindi: तुम सबको विदा, और तुम्हें भी, वोलुम्नियस।
Strato, thou hast been all this while asleep;
English: Strato, you have been asleep all this time;
Hindi: स्ट्रेटो, तुम इतने समय से सो रहे थे;
Farewell to thee too, Strato. — Countrymen,
English: farewell to you as well, Strato—countrymen,
Hindi: तुम्हें भी विदा, स्ट्रेटो—हे देशवासियो,
My heart doth joy that yet in all my life
English: my heart is glad that in all my life
Hindi: मेरा हृदय प्रसन्न है कि अपने पूरे जीवन में
I found no man but he was true to me.
English: I found no man who was unfaithful to me.
Hindi: मुझे कोई भी व्यक्ति अविश्वासी नहीं मिला।
I shall have glory by this losing day,
English: I shall gain honour even through this defeat,
Hindi: इस पराजय के दिन भी मुझे यश प्राप्त होगा,
More than Octavius and Mark Antony
English: more than Octavius and Mark Antony
Hindi: ऑक्टेवियस और मार्क एंटनी से अधिक,
By this vile conquest shall attain unto.
English: will gain through this shameful victory.
Hindi: जो इस नीच विजय से प्राप्त करेंगे।
So fare you well at once, for Brutus' tongue
English: So farewell to you all, for Brutus’s speech
Hindi: इसलिए तुम सबको एक साथ विदा, क्योंकि ब्रूटस की वाणी
Hath almost ended his life's history.
English: has almost finished telling his life’s story.
Hindi: उसके जीवन की कथा लगभग समाप्त कर चुकी है।
Night hangs upon mine eyes; my bones would rest,
English: Darkness covers my eyes; my body longs for rest,
Hindi: मेरी आँखों पर अंधकार छा रहा है; मेरी देह विश्राम चाहती है,
That have but laboured to attain this hour.
English: which has worked only to reach this moment.
Hindi: जिसने केवल इस घड़ी तक पहुँचने के लिए परिश्रम किया है।
Alarum. Cry within, 'Fly, fly, fly!’
English: A battle alarm sounds; voices cry “Fly, fly!”
Hindi: युद्ध का संकेत बजता है; भीतर से “भागो, भागो” की आवाज़ आती है।
Clitus – Fly, my lord, fly!
English: Escape, my lord, escape!
Hindi: भागिए, मेरे स्वामी, भागिए!
Brutus – Hence! I will follow.
English: Go away; I will follow you.
Hindi: जाओ; मैं पीछे आऊँगा।
[Exit Clitus, Dardanius, and Volumnius.]
English: Clitus, Dardanius and Volumnius leave.
Hindi: क्लाइटस, डारडेनियस और वोलुम्नियस चले जाते हैं।
I prithee, Strato, stay thou by thy lord.
English: I beg you, Strato, stay with your master.
Hindi: मैं तुमसे विनती करता हूँ, स्ट्रेटो, अपने स्वामी के साथ रहो।
Thou art a fellow of a good respect;
English: You are a man of honourable character.
Hindi: तुम सम्माननीय स्वभाव वाले व्यक्ति हो।
Thy life hath had some smatch of honour in it.
English: Your life has shown some sense of honour.
Hindi: तुम्हारे जीवन में सम्मान की झलक रही है।
Hold then my sword, and turn away thy face,
English: Hold my sword and turn your face away,
Hindi: मेरी तलवार पकड़ो और अपना चेहरा फेर लो,
While I do run upon it. Wilt thou, Strato?
English: while I fall upon it. Will you do this, Strato?
Hindi: जब मैं उस पर गिरूँ। क्या तुम ऐसा करोगे, स्ट्रेटो?
Strato – Give me your hand first. Fare you well, my lord.
English: Give me your hand first. Farewell, my lord.
Hindi: पहले अपना हाथ दीजिए। विदा होइए, मेरे स्वामी।
Brutus – Farewell, good Strato. — [Runs onto his sword]
English: Farewell, good Strato—he falls upon his sword.
Hindi: विदा, भले स्ट्रेटो—वह तलवार पर गिर जाता है।
Caesar, now be still:
English: Caesar, now rest in peace.
Hindi: हे सीज़र, अब शांत हो जाओ।
I killed not thee with half so good a will. [Dies]
English: I did not kill you with even half this willingness.
Hindi: मैंने तुम्हें इतनी इच्छा से नहीं मारा था।
Alarum. Retreat. [Enter Octavius, Antony, Messala, Lucilius, and the army.]
English: Battle alarm sounds; retreat is ordered. Octavius, Antony, Messala,
Lucilius and soldiers enter.
Hindi: युद्ध का संकेत बजता है; पीछे हटने का आदेश होता है। ऑक्टेवियस, एंटनी, मेसाला, ल्यूसीलियस और सेना प्रवेश करते हैं।
Octavius – [Indicating Strato] What man is that?
English: Who is that man?
Hindi: वह व्यक्ति कौन है?
Messala – My master's man. Strato, where is thy master?
English: He is my master’s servant. Strato, where is your master?
Hindi: वह मेरे स्वामी का सेवक है। स्ट्रेटो, तुम्हारा स्वामी कहाँ है?
Strato – Free from the bondage you are in, Messala;
English: He is free from the slavery you are in, Messala;
Hindi: वह उस बंधन से मुक्त है जिसमें तुम हो, मेसाला;
The conquerors can but make a fire of him.
English: Conquerors can do nothing more to him now.
Hindi: विजेता अब उसका कुछ भी नहीं बिगाड़ सकते।
For Brutus only overcame himself,
English: For Brutus defeated only himself,
Hindi: क्योंकि ब्रूटस ने केवल स्वयं को पराजित किया,
And no man else hath honour by his death.
English: and no other man gains honour by his death.
Hindi: और उसकी मृत्यु से किसी अन्य को सम्मान नहीं मिला।
Lucilius – So Brutus should be found. I thank thee, Brutus,
English: This is how Brutus should be found. I thank you, Brutus,
Hindi: ब्रूटस ऐसा ही पाया जाना चाहिए था। मैं तुम्हें धन्यवाद देता हूँ, ब्रूटस,
That thou hast proved Lucilius' saying true.
English: for proving Lucilius’s words true.
Hindi: कि तुमने ल्यूसीलियस की बात को सत्य सिद्ध किया।
Octavius – All that served Brutus, I will entertain them.
English: I will take into my service all who served Brutus.
Hindi: जिन्होंने ब्रूटस की सेवा की, मैं उन सबको अपने यहाँ रखूँगा।
Fellow, wilt thou bestow thy time with me?
English: Friend, will you serve me?
Hindi: मित्र, क्या तुम मेरी सेवा करोगे?
Strato – Ay, if Messala will prefer me to you.
English: Yes, if Messala recommends me to you.
Hindi: हाँ, यदि मेसाला मेरी सिफारिश करे।
Octavius – Do so, good Messala.
English: Do so, good Messala.
Hindi: ऐसा करो, भले मेसाला।
Messala – How died my master, Strato?
English: How did my master die, Strato?
Hindi: मेरा स्वामी कैसे मरा, स्ट्रेटो?
Strato – I held the sword and he did run on it.
English: I held the sword and he fell upon it.
Hindi: मैंने तलवार पकड़ी और वह उस पर गिर गया।
Messala – Octavius, then take him to follow thee,
English: Octavius, take him into your service,
Hindi: ऑक्टेवियस, इसे अपनी सेवा में रख लो,
That did the latest service to my master.
English: for he performed the last service to my master.
Hindi: क्योंकि इसने मेरे स्वामी की अंतिम सेवा की।
Antony – This was the noblest Roman of them all.
English: This was the noblest of all Romans.
Hindi: यह सभी रोमनों में सबसे महान था।
All the conspirators save only he
English: All the conspirators except him
Hindi: सभी षड्यंत्रकारी उसके सिवा
Did that they did in envy of great Caesar.
English: acted out of jealousy of great Caesar.
Hindi: महान सीज़र से ईर्ष्या के कारण कार्य करते थे।
He only, in a general honest thought
English: He alone acted with honest intention
Hindi: केवल उसी ने निष्कलंक भावना से
And common good to all, made one of them.
English: and for the common good of all.
Hindi: और सबके कल्याण के लिए उस कार्य में भाग लिया।
His life was gentle, and the elements
English: His life was noble, and the natural qualities
Hindi: उसका जीवन कोमल था, और उसके स्वभाव के गुण
So mix'd in him that Nature might stand up
English: were so well balanced in him that Nature could rise
Hindi: उसमें इतने संतुलित थे कि प्रकृति स्वयं खड़ी होकर
And say to all the world 'This was a man!'
English: and say to the world, “This was a true man.”
Hindi: संसार से कह सके—“यह वास्तव में एक महान पुरुष था।”
Octavius – According to his virtue let us use him,
English: Let us treat him according to his virtue,
Hindi: उसकी सद्गुणों के अनुसार हम उसका सम्मान करें,
With all respect and rites of burial.
English: with full respect and funeral rites.
Hindi: पूर्ण सम्मान और अंतिम संस्कार के साथ।
Within my tent his bones tonight shall lie,
English: His body shall rest in my tent tonight,
Hindi: आज रात उसका शरीर मेरे शिविर में रखा जाएगा,
Most like a soldier, ordered honourably.
English: like a soldier, arranged with honour.
Hindi: एक सैनिक की तरह, सम्मानपूर्वक।
So call the field to rest, and let's away,
English: Order the battlefield to rest, and let us leave,
Hindi: युद्धक्षेत्र को विश्राम का आदेश दो और चलो,
To part the glories of this happy day.
English: to distribute the honours of this victorious day.
Hindi: इस विजय के दिन के यश को बाँटने के लिए।
[Exit.]
English: All exit.
Hindi: सभी मंच से चले जाते हैं।
Glossary
Remains
– Survivors / बचे हुए लोग
Rest on this rock – Sit and relax / इस चट्टान पर बैठो
Torchlight – Light of a torch / मशाल की रोशनी
Ta’en – Captured / बंदी बनाया गया
Slain – Killed / मारा गया
Sit thee down – Sit down / बैठ
जाओ
Deed – Act / कर्म
In fashion – Common practice / प्रचलन में
Hark thee – Listen carefully / ध्यान से
सुनो
Whispers – Speaks softly / धीमे
स्वर में बोलता है
Ill request – Evil demand / अनुचित अनुरोध
Meditates – Thinks deeply / गंभीर विचार करता
है
Vessel – Person (body metaphor) / व्यक्ति (शरीर)
Grief – Sorrow / शोक
Runs over – Overflows / उमड़ पड़ता है
List a word – Listen to a word / एक बात सुनो
Ghost – Spirit / भूत, आत्मा
Appeared – Showed itself / प्रकट हुआ
Several – Different / अलग-अलग
Philippi fields – Battlefield of Philippi / फिलिप्पी का मैदान
Hour is come – Time has arrived / समय आ गया है
Beat us to the pit – Defeated us completely / पूरी तरह हरा दिया
Leap in ourselves – Kill ourselves / आत्महत्या करना
Tarry – Delay / रुकना
Prithee – I request you / मैं
तुमसे विनती करता हूँ
Sword-hilts – Handle of sword / तलवार की मूठ
Office – Duty / कर्तव्य
Tarrying – Staying / ठहरना
Joy – Happiness / प्रसन्नता
True – Loyal / वफादार
Glory – Honour / यश
Vile – Base, shameful / घृणित
Attain unto – Achieve / प्राप्त करना
Fare you well – Goodbye / विदा
Life’s history – Life story / जीवन
की कथा
Hangs upon mine eyes – Eyes grow heavy / आँखों पर नींद छा रही है
Bones would rest – Body desires rest / शरीर विश्राम चाहता है
Alarum – Battle signal / युद्ध का संकेत
Hence – Go away / हटो
Fellow of good respect – Honourable man / सम्माननीय व्यक्ति
Smatch – Small trace / हल्की झलक
Turn away thy face – Look away / मुँह फेर लो
Run upon it – Fall on the sword / तलवार पर गिरना
Bondage – Slavery / बंधन
Conquerors – Victors / विजेता
Overcame himself – Defeated his own life / स्वयं को जीत लिया
Entertain – Employ / सेवा में रखना
Bestow thy time – Serve / सेवा
करना
Prefer – Recommend / सिफारिश करना
Latest service – Last duty / अंतिम सेवा
Noblest – Most honourable / सबसे
महान
Envy – Jealousy / ईर्ष्या
General honest thought – Pure intention / निष्कलंक भावना
Elements – Natural qualities / प्राकृतिक गुण
Mix’d – Combined / मिश्रित
Virtue – Moral goodness / सद्गुण
Rites of burial – Funeral rituals / अंतिम संस्कार
Ordered honourably – Arranged with honour / सम्मानपूर्वक व्यवस्था
Part the glories – Share honours / यश बाँटना
English
Summary
Act
V, Scene 5 is the tragic conclusion of the play. Brutus appears with his few
remaining loyal friends. He learns that Statilius has not returned and assumes
he is either captured or killed. Brutus is deeply troubled and asks his friends
one by one to help him end his life, but all refuse out of loyalty and honour.
Brutus
speaks of Caesar’s ghost appearing to him and accepts that his time has come.
He believes it is more honourable to die by his own hand than to be captured by
his enemies. After bidding farewell to his friends, he asks Strato to hold his
sword while he runs upon it and kills himself.
Antony
and Octavius arrive later and praise Brutus as the noblest Roman of all. Antony
declares that Brutus alone acted for the good of Rome and not out of envy.
Octavius orders that Brutus be given an honourable burial. The play ends with
Brutus’s moral victory and tragic greatness.
हिन्दी सारांश
अंक 5, दृश्य 5 नाटक का अत्यंत करुण अंत प्रस्तुत करता है। ब्रूटस अपने कुछ बचे हुए वफादार मित्रों के साथ प्रवेश करता है। उसे ज्ञात होता है कि स्टेटिलियस वापस नहीं लौटा है और संभवतः मारा गया या बंदी बना लिया गया है। ब्रूटस अपने जीवन का अंत करने के लिए अपने साथियों से सहायता माँगता है, परंतु सभी इसे अस्वीकार कर देते हैं।
ब्रूटस सीज़र के भूत के दर्शन का उल्लेख करता है और मान लेता है कि उसका समय आ गया है। वह समझता है कि शत्रुओं के हाथों पकड़े जाने से बेहतर है स्वयं मृत्यु को अपनाना। वह अपने मित्रों से विदा लेकर स्ट्रेटो से तलवार पकड़वाता है और उस पर गिरकर आत्महत्या कर लेता है।
बाद में एंटनी और ऑक्टेवियस आते हैं। एंटनी ब्रूटस को सभी रोमनों में सबसे महान घोषित करता है और कहता है कि उसने ईर्ष्या से नहीं बल्कि जनकल्याण के लिए कार्य किया था। ऑक्टेवियस उसके सम्मानजनक अंतिम संस्कार का आदेश देता है। नाटक ब्रूटस की नैतिक विजय और महान त्रासदी के साथ समाप्त होता है।
MCQs
1.
Who
enter with Brutus at the beginning of Scene 5?
A. Antony and Octavius
B. Cassius and Titinius
C. Dardanius, Clitus, Strato, Volumnius
D. Lucilius and Messala
Answer: C. Dardanius, Clitus, Strato, Volumnius
2.
Where
does Brutus ask his friends to rest?
A. In a tent
B. On the ground
C. On a rock
D. Under a tree
Answer: C. On a rock
3.
Who
showed the torchlight signal?
A. Lucilius
B. Statilius
C. Messala
D. Dardanius
Answer: B. Statilius
4.
Why
is Statilius assumed dead or captured?
A. He was wounded
B. He fled
C. He did not return
D. He surrendered
Answer: C. He did not return
5.
Brutus
says “Slaying is the word” because killing has become what?
A. Unlawful
B. Shameful
C. Rare
D. Fashionable
Answer: D. Fashionable
6.
Whom
does Brutus first ask to help kill him?
A. Strato
B. Volumnius
C. Clitus
D. Dardanius
Answer: C. Clitus
7.
How
does Clitus respond?
A. He agrees
B. He hesitates
C. He refuses
D. He escapes
Answer: C. He refuses
8.
What
does Clitus say he would rather do?
A. Run away
B. Kill himself
C. Fight Antony
D. Betray Brutus
Answer: B. Kill himself
9.
Whom
does Brutus next whisper to?
A. Strato
B. Volumnius
C. Lucilius
D. Dardanius
Answer: D. Dardanius
10.
What
request does Brutus make to Dardanius?
A. To flee
B. To fight
C. To kill him
D. To fetch help
Answer: C. To kill him
11.
Who
describes Brutus as a “noble vessel full of grief”?
A. Volumnius
B. Clitus
C. Dardanius
D. Strato
Answer: B. Clitus
12.
Who
does Brutus call next to listen to him?
A. Strato
B. Clitus
C. Volumnius
D. Lucilius
Answer: C. Volumnius
13.
What
supernatural event does Brutus mention?
A. A dream
B. A vision
C. Caesar’s ghost
D. A prophecy
Answer: C. Caesar’s ghost
14.
Where
did Caesar’s ghost appear first?
A. Rome
B. Philippi
C. Sardis
D. Athens
Answer: C. Sardis
15.
According
to Brutus, what has come?
A. Victory
B. His hour
C. Peace
D. Revenge
Answer: B. His hour
16.
What
does Brutus say about their enemies?
A. They fled
B. They surrendered
C. They beat them to the pit
D. They retreated
Answer: C. They beat them to the pit
17.
Brutus
believes it is more worthy to do what?
A. Be captured
B. Fight on
C. Surrender
D. Kill himself
Answer: D. Kill himself
18.
Why
does Brutus appeal to Volumnius?
A. Fear
B. Friendship
C. Power
D. Reward
Answer: B. Friendship
19.
Why
does Volumnius refuse Brutus?
A. Fear of death
B. Loyalty to Antony
C. It is not a friend’s duty
D. He is wounded
Answer: C. It is not a friend’s duty
20.
Who
urges Brutus to flee?
A. Strato
B. Clitus
C. Volumnius
D. Messala
Answer: B. Clitus
21.
What
does Brutus say about his followers?
A. They betrayed him
B. They were fearful
C. All were true to him
D. They deserted him
Answer: C. All were true to him
22.
Who
finally agrees to help Brutus die?
A. Volumnius
B. Clitus
C. Dardanius
D. Strato
Answer: D. Strato
23.
How
does Brutus die?
A. Is stabbed
B. Is poisoned
C. Runs on his sword
D. Is captured
Answer: C. Runs on his sword
24.
Who
calls Brutus “the noblest Roman of them all”?
A. Octavius
B. Messala
C. Antony
D. Lucilius
Answer: C. Antony
25.
According
to Antony, why did Brutus join the conspiracy?
A. Ambition
B. Fear
C. Envy
D. Common good
Answer: D. Common good
26.
What
burial does Octavius order for Brutus?
A. Secret
B. Hastily done
C. Dishonourable
D. Honourable
Answer: D. Honourable
27.
Where
will Brutus’s body lie that night?
A. Battlefield
B. Rome
C. Octavius’ tent
D. Senate
Answer: C. Octavius’ tent
28. What is ordered at
the end of the play?
A. Celebration
B. Retreat
C. Rest for the field
D. Another attack
Answer: C. Rest for the field
Who
Said To Whom Questions
1.
“Come, poor remains of friends, rest on this rock.”
Who said this to whom?
Brutus said this to his surviving companions.
2.
“Statilius showed the torchlight, but, my lord, / He
came not back.”
Who said this to whom?
Clitus said this to Brutus.
3.
“Sit thee down, Clitus. Slaying is the word; / It is a
deed in fashion.”
Who said this to whom?
Brutus said this to Clitus.
4.
“What, I, my lord? No, not for all the world!”
Who said this to whom?
Clitus said this to Brutus.
5.
“Peace then. No words.”
Who said this to whom?
Brutus said this to Clitus.
6.
“I’ll rather kill myself.”
Who said this to whom?
Clitus said this to Brutus.
7.
“Shall I do such a deed?”
Who said this to whom?
Dardanius said this to Brutus.
8.
“What ill request did Brutus make to thee?”
Who said this to whom?
Clitus said this to Dardanius.
9.
“To kill him, Clitus. Look, he meditates.”
Who said this to whom?
Dardanius said this to Clitus.
10.
“Now is that noble vessel full of grief, / That it
runs over even at his eyes.”
Who said this to whom?
Clitus said this about Brutus to Dardanius.
11.
“Come hither, good Volumnius, list a word.”
Who said this to whom?
Brutus said this to Volumnius.
12.
“The ghost of Caesar hath appeared to me.”
Who said this to whom?
Brutus said this to Volumnius.
13.
“Not so, my lord.”
Who said this to whom?
Volumnius said this to Brutus.
14.
“Hold thou my sword-hilts whilst I run on it.”
Who said this to whom?
Brutus said this to Volumnius.
15.
“That’s not an office for a friend, my lord.”
Who said this to whom?
Volumnius said this to Brutus.
16.
“Fly, fly, my lord, there is no tarrying here.”
Who said this to whom?
Clitus said this to Brutus.
17.
“I prithee, Strato, stay thou by thy lord.”
Who said this to whom?
Brutus said this to Strato.
18.
“Give me your hand first. Fare you well, my lord.”
Who said this to whom?
Strato said this to Brutus.
19.
“What man is that?”
Who said this to whom?
Octavius said this to his companions, referring to Strato.
20.
“This was the noblest Roman of them all.”
Who said this to whom?
Antony said this to Octavius and the assembled Romans about Brutus.
ONE-MARK
QUESTIONS
1.
Who
enter with Brutus at the beginning of Scene 5?
Ans: Dardanius, Clitus, Strato and Volumnius enter with Brutus.
2.
Where
does Brutus ask his friends to sit?
Ans: Brutus asks his friends to sit upon a rock.
3.
Who
had been sent to observe the enemy earlier?
Ans: Statilius had been sent to observe the enemy.
4.
What
signal was Statilius supposed to give?
Ans: Statilius was supposed to give a torchlight signal.
5.
What
conclusion does Brutus draw about Statilius?
Ans: Brutus concludes that Statilius is either taken or slain.
6.
What
does Brutus say killing has become?
Ans: Brutus says killing has become fashionable.
7.
Whom
does Brutus first ask to kill him?
Ans: Brutus first asks Clitus to kill him.
8.
How
does Clitus respond to Brutus’s request?
Ans: Clitus refuses to kill Brutus.
9.
What
does Clitus say he would rather do than kill Brutus?
Ans: Clitus says he would rather kill himself.
10. To whom does
Brutus whisper next?
Ans: Brutus whispers next to Dardanius.
11. What request does
Brutus make to Dardanius?
Ans: Brutus asks Dardanius to kill him.
12. How does Dardanius
react to Brutus’s request?
Ans: Dardanius silently withdraws without agreeing.
13. Who calls Brutus a
“noble vessel full of grief”?
Ans: Clitus calls Brutus a noble vessel full of grief.
14. Whom does Brutus
next call to listen to him?
Ans: Brutus next calls Volumnius.
15. What supernatural
event does Brutus mention?
Ans: Brutus mentions the appearance of Caesar’s ghost.
16. Where did Caesar’s
ghost first appear to Brutus?
Ans: Caesar’s ghost first appeared to Brutus at Sardis.
17. Where did the
ghost promise to meet Brutus again?
Ans: The ghost promised to meet Brutus again at Philippi.
18. What does Brutus
say “is come”?
Ans: Brutus says his hour is come.
19. What does Brutus
say about the enemy’s victory?
Ans: Brutus says the enemy has beaten them to the pit.
20. What does Brutus
think is more worthy than capture?
Ans: Brutus thinks it is more worthy to kill himself than be captured.
21. On what ground
does Brutus appeal to Volumnius?
Ans: Brutus appeals to Volumnius on the ground of friendship.
22. Why does Volumnius
refuse Brutus?
Ans: Volumnius refuses because it is not a friend’s duty to do such a deed.
23. Who urges Brutus
to flee?
Ans: Clitus urges Brutus to flee.
24. What does Brutus
say about his followers?
Ans: Brutus says all his followers were true to him.
25. Who finally agrees
to help Brutus?
Ans: Strato finally agrees to help Brutus.
26. How does Strato
help Brutus die?
Ans: Strato holds the sword while Brutus runs upon it.
27. What does Brutus
ask Strato to report?
Ans: Brutus asks Strato to report that he died by his own hand.
28. Who discovers
Brutus’s dead body?
Ans: Antony and Octavius discover Brutus’s dead body.
29. Who calls Brutus
“the noblest Roman of them all”?
Ans: Antony calls Brutus the noblest Roman of them all.
30. Why does Antony
say Brutus joined the conspiracy?
Ans: Antony says Brutus joined the conspiracy for the common good of Rome.
31. What burial does
Octavius order for Brutus?
Ans: Octavius orders an honourable burial for Brutus.
32. Where is Brutus’s
body to be placed?
Ans: Brutus’s body is to be placed in Octavius’s tent.
33. What final order
is given at the end of the play?
Ans: The final order given is to rest for the night.
TWO-MARK QUESTIONS
1.
Why
does Brutus call his companions “poor remains of friends”?
Ans: Brutus uses this phrase to express that most of his loyal supporters are
dead or scattered after the defeat, and only a few faithful friends remain with
him in his final moments.
2.
What
report does Clitus give about Statilius?
Ans: Clitus reports that Statilius showed the agreed torchlight signal to
indicate safety, but failed to return, leading Brutus to believe that he has
either been captured by the enemy or killed.
3.
Explain
the meaning of Brutus’s words: “Slaying is the word; it is a deed in fashion.”
Ans: Brutus means that killing has become common and unavoidable in the brutal
circumstances of war, where violence is now accepted as normal behaviour rather
than a moral crime.
4.
Why
does Clitus refuse to kill Brutus?
Ans: Clitus refuses because his loyalty and moral conscience prevent him from
killing his noble master, even though he is devoted to Brutus and willing to
sacrifice his own life.
5.
How
does Dardanius react to Brutus’s request for death?
Ans: Dardanius reacts with shock and fear, withdrawing silently because he
lacks the courage and moral strength to commit such a grave act against his
respected leader.
6.
Explain
Clitus’s metaphor describing Brutus as a “noble vessel full of grief.”
Ans: Clitus compares Brutus to an overflowing vessel, suggesting that his
sorrow is so intense that it spills out through tears, revealing his deep
emotional suffering and inner torment.
7.
What
does Brutus reveal about Caesar’s ghost, and what does it signify?
Ans: Brutus reveals that Caesar’s ghost appeared to him twice, once at Sardis
and again at Philippi, which he interprets as a supernatural sign that his
death is near.
8.
Why
does Brutus believe suicide is more honourable than capture?
Ans: Brutus believes that taking his own life preserves his dignity and honour,
while being captured alive would subject him to shame and humiliation at the
hands of his enemies.
9.
Why
does Volumnius refuse to assist Brutus in dying?
Ans: Volumnius refuses because he believes that helping a friend commit suicide
violates moral duty and friendship, even though he deeply respects and cares
for Brutus.
10. What does Brutus
say about his followers before his death?
Ans: Brutus proudly states that throughout his life he never found any follower
unfaithful, expressing satisfaction that he inspired loyalty and honesty among
all who served him.
11. Why does Brutus
choose Strato to help him die?
Ans: Brutus chooses Strato because he considers him honourable and dependable,
and Strato agrees calmly, understanding Brutus’s desire to die with dignity.
12. Explain the
significance of Brutus’s final words about Caesar.
Ans: Brutus admits that he now dies with greater willingness than he killed
Caesar, revealing remorse and suggesting that Caesar’s murder troubled his
conscience deeply.
13. How does Strato
describe Brutus’s death to Messala?
Ans: Strato explains that Brutus was not defeated by enemies but overcame
himself, emphasizing that his death was voluntary and honourable.
14. Why does Antony
call Brutus “the noblest Roman of them all”?
Ans: Antony praises Brutus because he alone joined the conspiracy out of
genuine concern for Rome’s welfare, unlike others who acted out of envy toward
Caesar.
15. What funeral
honour does Octavius grant Brutus?
Ans: Octavius orders that Brutus be buried with full military honour, placing
his body in his tent and ensuring respectful rites worthy of a noble soldier.
THREE-MARK QUESTIONS
1.
Describe
Brutus’s mental state at the beginning of Act V, Scene 5.
Ans: Brutus appears weary, defeated, and deeply reflective. He recognises that
most of his followers are gone and senses that his end is near. His calm
acceptance of fate and concern for honour reveal inner resignation rather than
fear.
2.
What
role does Statilius’s failure play in this scene?
Ans: Statilius’s failure to return after giving the torchlight signal confirms
Brutus’s belief that defeat is complete. It removes hope of escape and
strengthens Brutus’s resolve to choose death over capture.
3.
Explain
the meaning of Brutus’s statement, “Slaying is the word; it is a deed in
fashion.”
Ans: Brutus suggests that killing has become routine in war and no longer
carries moral shock. The line reflects his disillusionment with violence and
the moral decay brought by civil conflict.
4.
How
do Clitus and Dardanius respond to Brutus’s request, and what does this show?
Ans: Both refuse to kill Brutus, reacting with horror and emotional distress.
Their responses show loyalty, moral conflict, and deep respect for Brutus,
proving that true friendship resists dishonourable acts.
5.
Analyse
Clitus’s metaphor of Brutus as a “noble vessel full of grief.”
Ans: The metaphor presents Brutus as dignified yet overwhelmed by sorrow. His
grief is so intense that it overflows through tears, emphasizing his humanity
and emotional suffering beneath his stoic exterior.
6.
What
importance does Caesar’s ghost hold in this scene?
Ans: Caesar’s ghost serves as a supernatural symbol of fate and guilt. Its
repeated appearance convinces Brutus that his death is inevitable, reinforcing
the theme of destiny governing human actions.
7.
Why
does Brutus believe suicide is preferable to capture?
Ans: Brutus believes suicide preserves honour and prevents humiliation by
enemies. To him, dying freely upholds Roman dignity, whereas capture would mean
disgrace and loss of moral authority.
8.
Why
does Volumnius refuse Brutus’s request despite their friendship?
Ans: Volumnius believes assisting in suicide violates moral duty and
friendship. His refusal highlights the ethical limits of loyalty and contrasts
with Strato’s acceptance.
9.
Explain
Brutus’s farewell speech to his companions.
Ans: Brutus bids farewell calmly, expressing pride that all his followers were
faithful. His speech reflects peace of mind, gratitude, and confidence that
history will judge him honourably despite defeat.
10. Why does Brutus
choose Strato, and how is the act performed?
Ans: Brutus chooses Strato because he is honourable and willing. Strato holds
the sword while Brutus runs upon it, allowing Brutus to die by his own will,
maintaining dignity.
11. Explain the
significance of Brutus’s last words about Caesar.
Ans: Brutus admits he dies more willingly now than he killed Caesar, suggesting
remorse and unresolved guilt. The line reveals inner conflict and the moral
burden of Caesar’s assassination.
12. How does Strato
describe Brutus’s death to Messala, and why is it important?
Ans: Strato states that Brutus overcame himself and was not defeated by others.
This preserves Brutus’s honour and reinforces the idea that his death was a
conscious, noble choice.
13. Analyse Antony’s
judgment of Brutus after his death.
Ans: Antony calls Brutus the noblest Roman, stating he acted for the common
good, unlike other conspirators. This tribute elevates Brutus morally and
reshapes the audience’s final impression of him.
14. What role does
Octavius play in concluding the tragedy?
Ans: Octavius orders an honourable burial for Brutus and commands rest,
symbolising restored order. His actions close the cycle of conflict and mark
the transition to political stability.
15. Explain the
dramatic significance of ending the play with respect for Brutus.
Ans: Ending with honour and praise transforms Brutus from traitor to tragic
hero. It reinforces themes of honour, moral complexity, and the cost of
political idealism.
Reference To Contexts
Extract 1
Brutus – Come, poor
remains of friends, rest on this rock.
Clitus – Statilius showed the torchlight, but, my lord,
He came not back. He is or ta'en or slain.
Brutus – Sit thee down, Clitus. Slaying is the word;
It is a deed in fashion. Hark thee, Clitus.
(a) Who speaks “Come, poor remains of
friends”? (1 mark)
Brutus speaks the line “Come, poor remains of friends.”
(b) What did Statilius show but not return from? (1 mark)
Statilius showed the torchlight from the enemy camp but did not return from
there.
(c) What does Brutus call “a deed in fashion”? (1 mark)
Brutus calls slaying, or killing, “a deed in fashion.”
(d) Why does Clitus say Statilius “came not back”? (2 marks)
Clitus believes Statilius did not return because he has either been captured by
the enemy or killed during the fighting.
(e) Explain Brutus’s command “Sit thee down, Clitus.” (2 marks)
Brutus asks Clitus to sit and calm himself, showing control and authority even
in the face of danger and loss.
(f) Identify the poetic device in “He is or ta’en or slain” and explain its
effect. (3 marks)
The line uses alliteration and asyndeton; the repeated sounds and lack of
conjunctions create a sharp, hurried rhythm that reflects violence and
uncertainty.
(g) Give the synonym of “slaying” here; how does it reflect Brutus’s
mindset? (3 marks)
The synonym is killing; it shows Brutus’s stoic acceptance of death as
common and unavoidable in war.
Extract 2
[Brutus whispers to Clitus.]
Clitus – What, I, my lord? No, not for all the world!
Brutus – Peace then. No words.
Clitus – I’ll rather kill myself.
Brutus – Hark thee, Dardanius!
[Brutus whispers to Dardanius.]
Dardanius – Shall I do such a deed?
(a) To whom does Brutus first whisper? (1
mark)
Brutus first whispers to Clitus.
(b) What does Clitus refuse “for all the world”? (1 mark)
Clitus refuses to kill Brutus.
(c) Who responds “Shall I do such a deed?” (1 mark)
Dardanius responds with the question.
(d) What is implied in Brutus’s whispers to his friends? (2 marks)
Brutus is asking his friends to help him die by killing him or holding the
sword.
(e) Why does Clitus say “I’ll rather kill myself”? (2 marks)
Clitus says this because he considers killing Brutus a grave sin and would
rather die himself than commit it.
(f) What figure of speech is in “No, not for all the world!”? Justify. (3
marks)
It is hyperbole, as Clitus exaggerates his refusal to emphasize his absolute
moral opposition.
(g) Antonym of “peace” in Brutus’s line; explain the friends’ loyalty. (3
marks)
The antonym is violence or turmoil; despite danger and turmoil,
the friends remain loyal and refuse to harm Brutus.
Extract 3
Dardanius – To kill him,
Clitus. Look, he meditates.
Clitus – Now is that noble vessel full of grief,
That it runs over even at his eyes.
Brutus – Come hither, good Volumnius, list a word.
(a) What “ill request” did Brutus make to
Dardanius? (1 mark)
Brutus requested Dardanius to kill him.
(b) What does Clitus call Brutus metaphorically? (1 mark)
Clitus calls Brutus a noble vessel.
(c) Whom does Brutus call next with “list a word”? (1 mark)
Brutus calls Volumnius.
(d) Explain “he meditates” in Dardanius’s line. (2 marks)
It means Brutus is deeply thinking about suicide and his approaching death.
(e) What does “runs over even at his eyes” signify? (2 marks)
It signifies that Brutus’s grief overflows in the form of tears.
(f) Identify the metaphor in “noble vessel full of grief” and analyse. (3
marks)
Brutus is compared to a vessel filled with sorrow, showing his inner nobility
and overwhelming emotional pain.
(g) Synonym of “meditates”; how does it show Brutus’s resolve? (3 marks)
The synonym is contemplates; it shows Brutus’s calm and determined
resolve to end his life.
Extract 4
Brutus – Why, this,
Volumnius:
The ghost of Caesar hath appeared to me
Two several times by night — at Sardis once,
And, this last night, here in Philippi fields.
I know my hour is come.
Volumnius – Not so, my
lord.
(a) What supernatural vision does Brutus
describe? (1 mark)
Brutus describes the appearance of Caesar’s ghost.
(b) Name the two places where Caesar’s ghost appeared. (1 mark)
The ghost appeared at Sardis and at Philippi.
(c) What does Brutus say “is come”? (1 mark)
Brutus says his hour of death is come.
(d) Why does Volumnius disagree with Brutus? (2 marks)
Volumnius believes the ghost does not necessarily predict Brutus’s death and
tries to give him hope.
(e) Explain “two several times by night.” (2 marks)
It means the ghost appeared twice on two different nights.
(f) What poetic device is in “at Sardis once, / And, this last night”?
Explain. (3 marks)
The device is repetition with contrast, emphasizing the repeated and ominous
nature of the ghost’s appearances.
(g) Antonym of “appeared” here; why is this pivotal for Brutus? (3 marks)
The antonym is vanished; the repeated appearances convince Brutus that
fate has sealed his end.
Extract 5
Brutus – It is more
worthy to leap in ourselves
Than tarry till they push us. Good Volumnius,
Thou know’st that we two went to school together.
Even for that our love of old, I prithee
Hold thou my sword-hilts whilst I run on it.
Volumnius – That’s not an office for a friend, my lord.
(a) What does Brutus ask Volumnius to
hold? (1 mark)
Brutus asks Volumnius to hold his sword-hilts.
(b) What shared history does Brutus mention? (1 mark)
He mentions that they went to school together.
(c) How does Volumnius refuse Brutus’s request? (1 mark)
He says it is not the duty of a friend to do such an act.
(d) Explain the metaphor “leap in ourselves / Than tarry till they push us.”
(2 marks)
It means choosing an honourable death willingly is better than waiting to be
killed by enemies.
(e) Why does Brutus appeal to “our love of old”? (2 marks)
He appeals to their past friendship to emotionally persuade Volumnius.
(f) Identify alliteration in this extract and its effect. (3 marks)
Alliteration appears in “tarry till” and “worthy…while,” adding emphasis and
firmness to Brutus’s resolve.
(g) Synonym of “worthy”; how does it highlight Brutus’s philosophy? (3
marks)
The synonym is honourable; it highlights Brutus’s belief that honour is
greater than life.
Extract 6
Brutus – Hold then my
sword, and turn away thy face,
While I do run upon it. Wilt thou, Strato?
Strato – Give me your hand first. Fare you well, my lord.
Brutus – Farewell, good Strato. — [Runs onto his sword]
Caesar, now be still:
I killed not thee with half so good a will.
(a) Who agrees to hold Brutus’s sword? (1
mark)
Strato agrees to hold Brutus’s sword.
(b) What does Strato ask for first? (1 mark)
Strato asks Brutus for his hand.
(c) To whom does Brutus speak his last words? (1 mark)
Brutus speaks his last words to Caesar.
(d) Explain “turn away thy face” in context. (2 marks)
Brutus asks Strato to look away so he need not witness the painful act.
(e) What does “Caesar, now be still” signify? (2 marks)
It signifies that Caesar’s spirit can now rest because Brutus is about to die.
(f) What is the irony in “I killed not thee with half so good a will”? (3
marks)
The irony is that Brutus claims he dies more willingly now than he killed
Caesar, though Caesar’s murder was done for Rome.
(g) Give antonym of “still”; analyse Brutus’s final tone. (3 marks)
The antonym is restless; Brutus’s calm tone shows acceptance, dignity,
and moral peace at death.
Extract 7
Antony – This was the
noblest Roman of them all.
All the conspirators save only he
Did that they did in envy of great Caesar.
He only, in a general honest thought
And common good to all, made one of them.
His life was gentle, and the elements—
(a) Who calls Brutus “the noblest Roman of
them all”? (1 mark)
Antony calls Brutus the noblest Roman.
(b) What motive does Antony attribute to other conspirators? (1 mark)
He attributes envy as their motive.
(c) What was Brutus’s motive according to Antony? (1 mark)
Brutus acted for the common good of Rome.
(d) Explain “save only he” in Antony’s speech. (2 marks)
It means all conspirators except Brutus acted dishonourably.
(e) What does “general honest thought” mean? (2 marks)
It means sincere concern for the welfare of all Romans.
(f) Identify antithesis in “envy of great Caesar” vs. “common good”; explain.
(3 marks)
The antithesis contrasts selfish envy with selfless public welfare, elevating
Brutus morally.
(g) Synonym of “gentle” for Brutus’s life; why does Antony eulogize him? (3
marks)
The synonym is noble; Antony eulogizes Brutus to honour his integrity,
purity of motive, and moral greatness.
