Extract: Brutus – Lucius! Enter Lucius My gown, Exit Lucius …………..Varro Claudius – It shall be done, my lord. Exeunt
1.
Glossary
1.
My gown – Brutus asks Lucius to bring his cloak or robe.
2.
Good repose – Peaceful rest or good sleep.
3.
Ill beginning of the night – A bad or unpleasant start to the evening.
4.
Division ’tween our souls – Quarrel or disagreement between close friends.
5.
Knave (Poor knave) – Servant or boy (used affectionately here).
6.
O’er-watch’d – Over-watched; tired from staying awake too long.
7.
Call Claudius and some other of my men – Brutus instructs Lucius to summon two
of his attendants.
8.
Lie in my tent and sleep – Brutus invites Varro and Claudius to sleep in his
tent, ready if called.
9.
Stand and watch your pleasure – To stay awake and be ready to attend to
Brutus’s needs.
10.
Otherwise bethink – Change my mind later.
11.
Thy instrument – Lucius’s musical instrument (probably a lute).
12.
A strain or two – A few notes or a short piece of music.
13.
Young bloods – Young people who naturally seek rest or sleep.
14.
Leaden mace (of sleep) – Heavy club; Shakespeare personifies sleep as striking
Lucius with a leaden mace.
15.
Gentle knave – Affectionate way of saying “good boy” or “faithful servant.”
16.
Turn’d down – Folded the page corner in the book to mark his place.
17.
How ill this taper burns – The candle burns dimly and flickers, often an omen
of supernatural presence.
18.
Apparition – Ghostly or supernatural figure.
19.
Art thou anything? – Are you real? Do you have substance?
20.
Some god, some angel, or some devil – Brutus wonders if the spirit is divine or
demonic.
21.
Makest my blood cold and my hair to stare – Makes my blood run cold and hair
stand on end (from fear).
22.
Thy evil spirit, Brutus – The ghost identifies itself as Brutus’s evil spirit
(the Ghost of Caesar).
23.
Thou shalt see me at Philippi – Prediction that Brutus will meet the ghost
again at the battle of Philippi.
24.
I have taken heart – Brutus regains courage after the ghost disappears.
25.
Dre false (strings) – The strings of Lucius’s instrument have slipped out of
tune.
26.
Think he still is at his instrument – Brutus notes Lucius is dreaming of
playing music.
27.
Didst thou dream? – Brutus asks Lucius if he had a nightmare.
28.
Sirrah – Address to a servant or boy (commanding but not insulting).
29.
Commend me to my brother Cassius – Send my greetings to Cassius.
30.
Bid him set on his powers betimes before – Tell him to move his army early
(betimes = early).
31.
We will follow – We will follow Cassius’s army later.
2.
Paraphrase
BRUTUS:
Lucius!
(Lucius
enters.)
Bring
my gown.
(Lucius
exits, then Brutus speaks to the generals as they leave.)
Farewell,
good Messala.
Good
night, Titinius. Noble, noble Cassius.
CASSIUS:
Oh,
my dear brother!
Good
night, and may you have peaceful rest.
This
evening began badly between us —
may
such division never come between our souls again!
BRUTUS:
Everything
is fine.
CASSIUS:
Good
night, my lord.
BRUTUS:
Good
night, good brother.
TITINIUS
& MESSALA:
Good
night, Lord Brutus.
BRUTUS:
Farewell,
everyone.
(All
exit except Brutus. Lucius re-enters with the gown.)
Give
me the gown. Where is your instrument?
LUCIUS:
It’s
here in the tent.
BRUTUS:
You’re
speaking sleepily, aren’t you? Poor boy, I don’t blame you —
you’ve
been awake too long.
Call
Claudius and some other of my men.
I’ll
have them sleep on cushions in my tent.
LUCIUS:
Varro
and Claudius!
(Enter
Varro and Claudius.)
VARRO:
Did
you call, my lord?
BRUTUS:
Yes,
gentlemen, please lie in my tent and sleep.
I
might need to wake you now and then
to
send messages to my brother Cassius.
VARRO:
As
you wish, we’ll stand and wait on you.
BRUTUS:
No,
don’t stay awake. Lie down, good sirs.
Look,
Lucius — here’s the book I was searching for;
I
had put it in the pocket of my gown.
(Varro
and Claudius lie down.)
LUCIUS:
I
was sure you hadn’t given it to me.
BRUTUS:
Forgive
me, good boy, I forget a lot lately.
Can
you keep your heavy eyes open a little while
and
play a tune or two on your instrument?
LUCIUS:
Yes,
my lord, if it pleases you.
BRUTUS:
It
does, my boy.
I
trouble you too much, but you’re willing.
LUCIUS:
It’s
my duty.
BRUTUS:
I
shouldn’t press your duty beyond your strength;
I
know young people need their rest.
LUCIUS:
I’ve
already slept a little, my lord.
BRUTUS:
Good
— and you’ll sleep again soon.
I
won’t keep you long.
If
I survive this war, I’ll be good to you.
(Music
plays softly.
This
is a sleepy tune.
Oh,
murderous sleep,
do
you lay your heavy club even on my boy
who’s
playing you music?
Gentle
boy, good night.
I
won’t wake you;
if
you nod, you’ll break your instrument —
I’ll
take it from you. Good boy, good night.
Now,
let me see — is the page marked where I left off reading?
Yes,
here it is, I think.
(The
Ghost of Caesar enters.)
How
dimly this candle burns!
Ha!
Who’s coming here?
Maybe
it’s just my weak eyes
shaping
this horrible figure.
It
comes closer!
What
are you? Some god? Some angel? Some devil?
You
make my blood run cold and my hair stand on end.
Speak!
What are you?
GHOST:
I’m
your evil spirit, Brutus.
BRUTUS:
Why
have you come?
GHOST:
To
tell you you’ll see me at Philippi.
BRUTUS:
Then
I’ll see you again?
GHOST:
Yes,
at Philippi.
BRUTUS:
All
right, then I’ll see you at Philippi.
(The
Ghost exits.)
Now
my courage returns — you vanish.
Evil
spirit, I’d have talked more with you.
Boy,
Lucius! Varro! Claudius! Sirs, wake up! Claudius!
LUCIUS:
(My
instrument’s strings are out of tune.)
BRUTUS:
He’s
dreaming he’s still at his instrument.
Lucius,
wake up!
LUCIUS:
My
lord?
BRUTUS:
Did
you dream you cried out just now?
LUCIUS:
My
lord, I don’t know that I did cry.
BRUTUS:
Yes,
you did. Did you see anything?
LUCIUS:
Nothing,
my lord.
BRUTUS:
Go
back to sleep, Lucius.
Sirrah
Claudius! Fellow, awake!
VARRO:
My
lord?
CLAUDIUS:
My
lord?
BRUTUS:
Why
did you cry out in your sleep?
VARRO
& CLAUDIUS:
Did
we, my lord?
BRUTUS:
Yes.
Did you see anything?
VARRO:
No,
my lord, I saw nothing.
CLAUDIUS:
Nor
I, my lord.
BRUTUS:
Go
and give my greetings to my brother Cassius.
Tell
him to get his troops moving early in the morning,
and
we’ll follow.
VARRO
& CLAUDIUS:
It
shall be done, my lord.
(They
exit.)
3.
30 One-Mark Questions with Answers
1.
Q: Whom does Brutus call at the start of the scene?
A:
Lucius.
2.
Q: What item does Brutus ask Lucius to bring?
A:
His gown.
3.
Q: Who says “O my dear brother!”?
A:
Cassius.
4.
Q: What does Cassius wish Brutus at night?
A:
Good night and peaceful repose.
5.
Q: Who says “Everything is well”?
A:
Brutus.
6.
Q: Who are the two men Brutus asks to sleep in his tent?
A:
Varro and Claudius.
7.
Q: Where is Lucius’ musical instrument kept?
A:
In the tent.
8.
Q: Why does Brutus say Lucius speaks drowsily?
A:
Because Lucius is overtired and sleepy.
9.
Q: What does Brutus hand Lucius to call his men?
A:
An order to call Claudius and another man.
10.
Q: Who does Varro call when entering the tent?
A:
“Calls my lord?
11.
Q: What task may Brutus ask Varro and Claudius to do during the night?
A:
Carry messages to Cassius.
12.
Q: What book does Brutus find?
A:
The book he had placed in the pocket of his gown.
13.
Q: Why does Brutus not blame Lucius for being sleepy?
A:
Because Lucius has been over-watched (awake too long).
14.
Q: What does Brutus ask Lucius to do with his instrument?
A:
Play a tune or two.
15.
Q: How does Lucius respond when asked to play?
A:
“Ay, my lord, an’t please you.”
16.
Q: What does Brutus promise Lucius if he survives?
A:
To be good to him.
17.
Q: What does Brutus call sleep in the passage?
A:
“O murderous slumber.”
18.
Q: What heavy object does Brutus say sleep lays on his boy?
A:
A “leaden mace.”
19.
Q: Who appears as Brutus is reading?
A:
The Ghost of Caesar.
20.
Q: How does Brutus first react to the ghost?
A:
Thinks it’s his weak eyes creating an apparition.
21.
Q: How does the ghost identify itself?
A:
“Thy evil spirit, Brutus.”
22.
Q: Where does the ghost say Brutus will see him again?
A:
At Philippi.
23.
Q: Does the ghost stay for a long conversation?
A:
No, it vanishes quickly
24.
Q: What physical effect does the ghost have on Brutus?
A:
Makes his blood cold and hair stand on end.
25.
Q: What does Brutus do after the ghost leaves?
A:
Wakes Lucius, Varro and Claudius.
26.
Q: What does Brutus ask Lucius about his dream?
A:
If he cried out or saw anything.
27.
Q: What do Varro and Claudius answer about seeing anything?
A:
Both saw nothing.
28.
Q: What order does Brutus give Varro and Claudius for Cassius?
A:
Tell Cassius to start his troops early; Brutus will follow.
29.
Q: Where does Brutus tell his men they will see Cassius’ forces?
A:
At Philippi (through the ghost’s prophecy).
30.
Q: How does Brutus dismiss Varro and Claudius finally?
A:
“It shall be done, my lord” — they exit with his message
4.
40 multiple-choice questions about Julius Caesar:
1.
Who brings Brutus’ gown?
A)
Cassius
B)
Titinius
C)
Lucius
D)
Varro
Answer:
C) Lucius
2.
Cassius and Brutus reconcile and exchange:
A)
Swords
B)
Farewells
C)
Gifts
D)
Prisoners
Answer:
B) Farewells
3.
“Noble, noble Cassius” is spoken by:
A)
Messala
B)
Titinius
C)
Brutus
D)
Caesar
Answer:
C) Brutus
4.
Whom does Brutus ask to call Claudius?
A)
Cassius
B)
Lucius
C)
Titinius
D)
Messala
Answer:
B) Lucius
5.
Varro and Claudius are ordered to:
A)
Guard the tent
B)
Sleep inside the tent
C)
Fight intruders
D)
Read the book
Answer:
B) Sleep inside the tent
6.
Brutus finds his book:
A)
On the table
B)
In the pocket of his gown
C)
With Lucius
D)
Under the cushion
Answer:
B) In the pocket of his gown
7.
Brutus blames Lucius for being drowsy:
A)
True
B)
False
Answer:
B) False
8.
Lucius’ instrument is used for:
A)
Battle signals
B)
Entertainment/music
C)
Prayers
D)
Secret codes
Answer:
B) Entertainment/music
9.
Brutus calls sleep:
A)
Sweet rest
B)
Murderous slumber
C)
Angelic rest
D)
Gentle night
Answer:
B) Murderous slumber
10.
“Leaden mace” in Brutus’ speech refers to:
A)
A weapon of war
B)
Heavy sleep
C)
The ghost
D)
A musical instrument
Answer:
B) Heavy sleep
11.
The ghost appears when:
A)
Cassius enters
B)
Brutus is reading alone
C)
The soldiers sing
D)
Caesar’s army attacks
Answer:
B) Brutus is reading alone
12.
The ghost claims to be:
A)
Caesar reborn
B)
Brutus’ evil spirit
C)
A messenger from Cassius
D)
An angel
Answer:
B) Brutus’ evil spirit
13.
The ghost tells Brutus they will meet at:
A)
Rome
B)
Sardis
C)
Philippi
D)
Athens
Answer:
C) Philippi
14.
Brutus’ immediate reaction to the ghost:
A)
Runs away
B)
Draws his sword
C)
Questions it in fear
D)
Calls Lucius loudly
Answer:
C) Questions it in fear
15.
What physical reaction does Brutus describe?
A)
Burning face
B)
Hair standing on end
C)
Trembling hands
D)
Heavy breathing
Answer:
B) Hair standing on end
16.
Who is asleep when the ghost appears?
A)
Lucius, Varro, Claudius
B)
Cassius
C)
Messala
D)
Titinius
Answer:
A) Lucius, Varro, Claudius
17.
Brutus wakes Lucius to ask:
A)
If he tuned the instrument
B)
If he dreamed or cried out
C)
For water
D)
To fetch Cassius
Answer:
B) If he dreamed or cried out
18.
Lucius claims he saw:
A)
A dream of Caesar
B)
Nothing
C)
A shadow
D)
A bright light
Answer:
B) Nothing
19.
Brutus asks Varro and Claudius:
A)
To guard the entrance
B)
Why they cried out in their sleep
C)
To tune Lucius’ instrument
D)
To prepare weapons
Answer:
B) Why they cried out in their sleep
20.
Varro and Claudius both answer:
A)
“Yes, we saw the ghost.”
B)
“No, we saw nothing.”
C)
“We were awake.”
D)
“We ran outside.”
Answer:
B) “No, we saw nothing.”
21.
What message does Brutus send to Cassius?
A)
Retreat at once
B)
Attack at dawn
C)
Hide the troops
D)
Wait for him in Rome
Answer:
B) Attack at dawn
22.
The mood in the tent is mostly:
A)
Celebratory
B)
Sleepy and tense
C)
Chaotic
D)
Joyful
Answer:
B) Sleepy and tense
23.
Lucius’ duty as a servant includes:
A)
Spying
B)
Playing music
C)
Leading troops
D)
Carrying weapons
Answer:
B) Playing music
24.
Brutus promises Lucius if he lives:
A)
Freedom
B)
Rewards
C)
A place in the army
D)
Nothing
Answer:
B) Rewards
25.
Why does Brutus not wake Lucius when he sleeps?
A)
He is tired
B)
He doesn’t want to disturb the boy
C)
He is asleep too
D)
Lucius is not important
Answer:
B) He doesn’t want to disturb the boy
26.
The ghost vanishes after:
A)
Brutus attacks it
B)
Speaking of Philippi
C)
Lucius wakes up
D)
The tent collapses
Answer:
B) Speaking of Philippi
27.
Whom does Brutus call “gentle knave”?
A)
Cassius
B)
Lucius
C)
Varro
D)
Claudius
Answer:
B) Lucius
28.
Who first speaks to the ghost?
A)
Lucius
B)
Brutus
C)
Cassius
D)
Varro
Answer:
B) Brutus
29.
What is the book Brutus reads?
A)
A history book
B)
His notes or philosophical text
C)
A book on warfare
D)
A novel
Answer:
B) His notes or philosophical text
30.
Brutus says young bloods look for:
A)
Time of rest
B)
Adventure
C)
Battle
D)
Fame
Answer:
A) Time of rest
31.
Brutus orders Varro and Claudius to lie down rather than:
A)
Eat
B)
Stand watch
C)
Talk to Lucius
D)
Leave the tent
Answer:
B) Stand watch
32.
The ghost’s appearance foreshadows:
A)
Brutus’ victory
B)
Brutus’ defeat/death
C)
Cassius’ betrayal
D)
A natural disaster
Answer:
B) Brutus’ defeat/death
33.
The tone of Cassius’ “O my dear brother” is:
A)
Angry
B)
Affectionate
C)
Formal
D)
Sarcastic
Answer:
B) Affectionate
34.
The “taper” Brutus refers to is:
A)
A sword
B)
A candle
C)
A star
D)
A signal fire
Answer:
B) A candle
35.
Who suggests they will “stand and watch” if Brutus wishes?
A)
Brutus
B)
Varro
C)
Cassius
D)
Lucius
Answer:
B) Varro
36.
How does Brutus describe his own memory?
A)
Much forgetful
B)
Very sharp
C)
Average
D)
Excellent
Answer:
A) Much forgetful
37.
What does Brutus fear the apparition might be?
A)
A god, angel or devil
B)
A friend
C)
A family member
D)
A soldier
Answer:
A) A god, angel or devil
38.
Who exits last with Brutus’ order to Cassius?
A)
Lucius
B)
Varro and Claudius
C)
Cassius
D)
Brutus himself
Answer:
B) Varro and Claudius
39.
Brutus shows leadership by:
A)
Planning to move at dawn
B)
Giving speeches
C)
Making alliances
D)
Issuing commands
Answer:
A) Planning to move at dawn
40.
The entire scene mainly shows Brutus’:
A)
Military prowess
B)
Sense of duty and inner turmoil
C)
Friendship with Cassius
D)
Leadership skills
Answer:
B) Sense of duty and inner turmoil
5.
RTC 1
>
CASSIUS: “O my dear brother!
Good
night, and good repose.
This
was an ill beginning of the night;
Never
come such division ‘tween our souls!
Let
it not, Brutus.”
Q1.
Who speaks these lines and to whom?
A1.
Cassius speaks them to Brutus.
Q2.
What “ill beginning” is Cassius referring to?
A2.
Their earlier quarrel in Brutus’ tent.
Q3.
What does Cassius wish for their relationship?
A3.
That no division or disagreement should come between them again.
Q4.
What mood does this extract convey?
A4.
Reconciliation, affection and regret.
Q5.
Why does Cassius call Brutus “brother”?
A5.
It shows closeness, unity and friendship among the conspirators.
RTC
2
>
BRUTUS: “Give me the gown. Where is thy instrument?”
LUCIUS:
“Here in the tent.”
BRUTUS:
“What, thou speak’st drowsily?
Poor
knave, I blame thee not, thou art o’er-watch’d.”
Q1.
Who is “thou” in this extract?
A1.
Lucius, Brutus’ servant.
Q2.
What does Brutus ask for first?
A2.
His gown.
Q3.
What is Lucius’ physical state here?
A3.
He is sleepy and overtired.
Q4.
What does “o’er-watch’d” mean?
A4.
Kept awake too long / lacking sleep.
Q5.
What quality of Brutus is shown here?
A5.
His kindness and concern for his servant.
RTC
3
>
BRUTUS: “I pray you, sirs, lie in my tent and sleep;
It
may be I shall raise you by and by
On
business to my brother Cassius.”
Q1.
Who are the “sirs” addressed here?
A1.
Varro and Claudius.
Q2.
What does Brutus request them to do?
A2.
Sleep in his tent.
Q3.
Why might Brutus need them later in the night?
A3.
To send messages to Cassius.
Q4.
What does “by and by” mean?
A4.
Soon / shortly.
Q5.
What does this show about Brutus’ leadership?
A5.
He plans ahead but cares for his men’s rest.
RTC
4
>
BRUTUS: “Canst thou hold up thy heavy eyes awhile,
And
touch thy instrument a strain or two?”
LUCIUS:
“Ay, my lord, an’t please you.”
Q1.
What is Brutus asking Lucius to do?
A1.
Stay awake and play a tune on his instrument.
Q2.
How does Lucius respond?
A2.
He agrees politely.
Q3.
What does “heavy eyes” signify here?
A3.
Sleepiness or drowsiness.
Q4.
What does “touch thy instrument” mean?
A4.
Play music on it.
Q5.
What mood is created by this dialogue?
A5.
Quiet, tired, intimate atmosphere before the ghost appears.
RTC
5
>
BRUTUS: “This is a sleepy tune. O murderous slumber,
Lay’st
thou thy leaden mace upon my boy
That
plays thee music? Gentle knave, good night.”
Q1.
What does Brutus call sleep?
A1.
Murderous slumber.
Q2.
What image does “leaden mace” convey?
A2.
Heavy blow of sleep making one unconscious.
Q3.
Who is “my boy” here?
A3.
Lucius.
Q4.
Why does Brutus not wake Lucius?
A4.
He feels compassion for his tired servant.
Q5.
What does this show about Brutus’ character?
A5.
His tenderness and humanity even in tense times.
RTC
6
>
BRUTUS: “How ill this taper burns! Ha! Who comes here?
I
think it is the weakness of mine eyes
That
shapes this monstrous apparition.”
Q1.
What is the “taper”?
A1.
A candle.
Q2.
Who is about to appear?
A2.
The Ghost of Caesar.
Q3.
What does “monstrous apparition” mean?
A3.
A frightening ghostly figure.
Q4.
What does Brutus first think is wrong?
A4.
His weak eyesight creating illusions.
Q5.
What atmosphere is created here?
A5.
Fear, suspense, supernatural tension.
RTC
7
>
GHOST: “Thy evil spirit, Brutus.”
BRUTUS:
“Why comest thou?”
GHOST:
“To tell thee thou shalt see me at Philippi.”
Q1.
Who is the ghost?
A1.
The Ghost of Julius Caesar.
Q2.
How does the ghost identify itself?
A2.
As Brutus’ evil spirit.
Q3.
Where does the ghost say they’ll meet again?
A3.
At Philippi.
Q4.
What effect do these words have on Brutus?
A4.
He is startled but regains courage.
Q5.
What does this prophecy foreshadow?
A5.
Brutus’ downfall at Philippi.
RTC
8
>
BRUTUS: “Boy, Lucius! Varro! Claudius! Sirs, awake! Claudius!
…Didst
thou dream, Lucius, that thou so criedst out?”
>
BRUTUS: “Why did you so cry out, sirs, in your sleep?
Did
you see any thing?”
VARRO
& CLAUDIUS: “No, my lord, we saw nothing.”
Q1.
Who are “sirs” here?
A1.
Varro and Claudius.
Q2.
Why does Brutus question them?
A2.
He heard them cry out and wants to know why.
Q3.
What is their answer?
A3.
They did not see anything.
Q4.
What had just happened in the tent before this?
A4.
The ghost of Caesar appeared to Brutus.
Q5.
What does this reveal about the ghost’s visibility?
A5.
It was only seen by Brutus, not by others.
RTC
10
>
BRUTUS: “Go and commend me to my brother Cassius,
Tell
him set on his powers betimes before,
And
we will follow.”
Q1.
Who is asked to carry this message?
A1.
Varro and Claudius.
Q2.
Who is called Brutus’ “brother”?
A2.
Cassius.
Q3.
What does “set on his powers” mean?
A3.
Start his army/troops early.
Q4.
Where are the armies to march?
A4.
Toward Philippi.
Q5.
What does this order show about Brutus’ leadership?
A5.
He takes quick decisions and coordinates with Cassius.
6.
20 Two-Mark Questions
Q1.
Why does Brutus call Lucius at the beginning of the scene?
Ans.
Brutus calls Lucius to bring his gown as he prepares for the night after
Cassius, Messala and Titinius have left. This small action sets up the quiet,
personal atmosphere of the tent scene, contrasting the earlier heated quarrel
between Brutus and Cassius.
Q2.
What does Cassius mean by “This was an ill beginning of the night”?
Ans.
Cassius refers to the bitter quarrel between himself and Brutus earlier in the
tent. It was an “ill beginning” because such discord between leaders could
weaken their unity before the coming battle. His words express regret and a
wish for reconciliation.
Q3.
Why does Brutus forgive Lucius for being sleepy?
Ans.
Brutus sees that Lucius is “o’er-watch’d” — exhausted from serving him late at
night. Instead of scolding, Brutus shows his humane and considerate nature,
acknowledging that Lucius is only a boy who has been dutiful and patient.
Q4.
Why does Brutus call Varro and Claudius to his tent?
Ans.
Brutus wants Varro and Claudius to sleep in his tent so he can easily wake them
to carry messages to Cassius during the night. This shows his careful
preparation for the coming day and his concern for coordination.
Q5.
How does Brutus show compassion for his servants?
Ans.
He urges them to lie down and sleep rather than keep watch, and he refrains
from waking Lucius once the boy nods off. He even takes Lucius’ instrument away
gently to avoid breaking it. This highlights Brutus’ moral decency.
Q6.
Why does Brutus ask Lucius to play music?
Ans.
Brutus wants to soothe his mind and pass time before sleeping or reading. The
soft music helps create a calm, reflective atmosphere. It also shows his
reliance on Lucius’ loyalty and the bond between master and servant.
Q7.
How does Shakespeare show Brutus’ forgetfulness?
Ans.
Brutus keeps misplacing things—first the book in his gown’s pocket, then he
forgets whether he gave it to Lucius. This absent-mindedness reflects his
mental strain and preoccupation with the upcoming battle and his own moral
dilemmas.
Q8.
What is meant by “leaden mace” in Brutus’ speech?
Ans.
Brutus imagines sleep as a murderer striking Lucius with a heavy club (“leaden
mace”). This metaphor emphasizes how overpowering drowsiness can be, even for
someone trying to stay awake, and adds a poetic texture to the scene.
Q9.
How does Brutus react when the Ghost first appears?
Ans.
Brutus is startled and disbelieving. He thinks it might be the weakness of his
eyes or imagination creating a “monstrous apparition.” Yet he summons courage
to address it directly, showing both fear and composure under stress.
Q10.
How does the Ghost identify itself to Brutus?
Ans.
It calls itself “Thy evil spirit, Brutus.” This means it is Caesar’s ghost or
at least Brutus’ guilty conscience taking Caesar’s form. The ghost’s words
confirm a supernatural or psychological reckoning awaiting Brutus.
Q11.
What message does the Ghost give Brutus?
Ans.
The Ghost tells Brutus: “Thou shalt see me at Philippi.” This prophecy
foreshadows Brutus’ doom at the forthcoming battle, adding suspense and a sense
of fate to the play’s action.
Q12.
Why does Brutus wake Lucius, Varro and Claudius after the Ghost vanishes?
Ans.
He wants to check whether they saw or heard the ghost or cried out in their
sleep. This shows Brutus is unsettled and needs reassurance, but it also proves
only he experienced the vision.
Q13.
What do Varro and Claudius report when asked about their dreams?
Ans.
They say they saw nothing and did not knowingly cry out. Their answer
reinforces the idea that the ghost was visible only to Brutus and may symbolize
his private guilt or destiny.
Q14.
How does the ghost scene foreshadow Brutus’ fate?
Ans.
The ghost predicts their next meeting at Philippi — the site of Brutus’ defeat
and suicide. By announcing this, Shakespeare signals the inevitable tragic
outcome, echoing classical ideas of prophecy and fate.
Q15.
Why does Brutus call Lucius “gentle knave”?
Ans.
“Knave” here is affectionate, not insulting. Brutus calls Lucius “gentle knave”
to show kindness to the boy who loyally serves him despite fatigue. It
emphasizes their personal bond.
Q16.
What does the candle (“taper”) symbolize during the ghost scene?
Ans.
The flickering candle symbolizes Brutus’ uncertain mental state and foreshadows
his approaching death. The dim light also heightens the eerie atmosphere,
making the ghost’s arrival more dramatic.
Q17.
Why does Brutus order Cassius to “set on his powers betimes”?
Ans.
Brutus wants Cassius to start his army early at Philippi. This instruction
shows Brutus taking the initiative and trying to control timing to gain
advantage over Antony and Octavius.
Q18.
How does Brutus reassure Lucius about his future?
Ans.
He promises that if he survives the war he “will be good” to Lucius, hinting at
rewards or better treatment. This paternal tone shows Brutus’ care for the boy.
Q19.
What does the ghost scene reveal about Brutus’ conscience?
Ans.
The ghost may represent his inner guilt over Caesar’s murder. Confronted by the
“evil spirit,” Brutus faces his own moral reckoning and the inevitability of
punishment or defeat.
Q20.
How is the atmosphere of the tent different before and after the Ghost’s
appearance?
Ans.
Before the ghost, the atmosphere is calm, sleepy and domestic. After the ghost,
it becomes tense, supernatural and foreboding, reflecting Brutus’ mental shift
from routine to impending doom.
7.
10 Three-Mark Questions
Q1.
Describe the mood of reconciliation between Brutus and Cassius at the start of
the scene.
Ans.
After their quarrel, Cassius calls Brutus “my dear brother” and wishes him
“good repose.” This emotional exchange contrasts with their earlier hostility
and shows the conspirators’ deep bond despite disagreements. Shakespeare places
this reconciliation right before the ghost scene to highlight Brutus’ isolation
and impending fate. It also reinforces the theme of loyalty among equals in
crisis.
Q2.
How does Shakespeare portray Brutus’ treatment of his servants in this scene?
Ans.
Brutus treats Lucius, Varro and Claudius with kindness. He tells them to sleep
instead of keeping watch, apologizes for forgetting, and praises Lucius’
loyalty. He gently removes the instrument from Lucius to avoid breaking it and
promises future rewards. This paternal, humane behaviour contrasts with the
grim political world outside, humanizing Brutus before his tragic downfall.
Q3.
Explain the significance of Lucius’ music and drowsiness.
Ans.
Lucius’ music sets a soft, domestic tone unlike the battlefield tension
elsewhere. His drowsiness emphasizes normal human limits and Brutus’ own
exhaustion. The lull of music also makes the sudden ghostly appearance more
dramatic. Shakespeare uses Lucius to show Brutus as a compassionate master and
to foreshadow sleep, dreams and death surrounding Brutus.
Q4.
What is the dramatic importance of the book Brutus reads?
Ans.
The book signifies Brutus’ attempt at rational, philosophical control in the
midst of war. He seeks wisdom or distraction but finds a ghost instead. The act
of reading highlights his introspection, detachment from others and preparation
for death. It also serves as a realistic stage prop to focus attention before
the supernatural interruption.
Q5.
Analyse Brutus’ speech “O murderous slumber… gentle knave, good night.”
Ans.
This speech personifies sleep as a murderer striking Lucius with a leaden mace.
It shows Brutus’ poetic imagination, his tenderness toward Lucius, and his
awareness of human frailty. It also foreshadows the “eternal sleep” (death)
that awaits Brutus himself, linking physical rest with mortality in a subtle
metaphor.
Q6.
Discuss Brutus’ reaction to the Ghost of Caesar.
Ans.
At first Brutus doubts his sight, thinking it a figment of weakness. Yet he
stands his ground and questions the apparition, revealing both fear and
courage. The ghost’s prophecy of Philippi unsettles him but he quickly regains
composure. This shows Brutus’ stoic temperament and readiness to confront
destiny, underscoring his tragic heroism.
Q7.
How does the ghost scene advance the theme of fate versus free will?
Ans.
The ghost’s prophecy “see me at Philippi” suggests fate’s inevitability.
Brutus’ plans and strategies cannot alter this destined meeting. Shakespeare
thus reintroduces the Roman belief in omens and destiny while showing Brutus’
limited control over events. The tension between his tactical orders and the
ghost’s prophecy creates tragic irony.
Q8.
In what ways does the tent scene contrast with the earlier quarrel scene?
Ans.
The quarrel scene is loud, public and political; the tent scene is quiet,
private and psychological. Earlier Brutus and Cassius argue fiercely, here they
reconcile. This contrast allows Shakespeare to shift from external conflict to
inner conflict. It sets up the supernatural visitation and the final stages of
Brutus’ downfall.
Q9.
Explain the importance of Brutus ordering Cassius to “set on his powers
betimes.”
Ans.
This order shows Brutus taking initiative for an early attack at Philippi. It
demonstrates his tactical leadership but also his tragic mistake—choosing to
move before Antony and Octavius are fully ready, which ultimately leads to
their defeat. This moment crystallizes Brutus’ blend of principle and flawed
judgement.
Q10.
How does this scene prepare the audience for Brutus’ death?
Ans.
The ghost’s prophecy, the sleepy domestic tone, Brutus’ compassion for his
servants, and his absent-mindedness all foreshadow his demise. Shakespeare
builds a sense of inevitability: Brutus has tied up his earthly concerns and
now faces supernatural reckoning. This makes his later suicide at Philippi feel
both tragic and expected.
COURTESY:
Meta AI & ChatGPT
Compiled
by Dr. Shankar D Mishra
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