Julius Caesar, Act: IV, Scene 1
Extract - 1: Antony,
Octavius, Lepidus, seated at a table …………. Octavius- black sentence and
proscription.
1.
Detailed Glossary
Triumvirs: From Latin “tri” (three) + “vir” (man) –
three men holding joint power in Rome. Here Antony, Octavius and Lepidus
First
triumvirate = Caesar, Pompey, Marcus Licinus Crassus
Second
triumvirate = Antony, Octavius, Lepidus
“Seated
at a table” : The three are literally
sitting together, making a list.
“Prick’d”
= marked with a pin/prick on a list — to mark for death
“Consent
you, Lepidus?” “Do you agree, Lepidus?”
“Prick
him down” Mark him for death on the list.
“Upon
condition Publius shall not live” Lepidus
agrees only if Antony’s nephew Publius (Antony’s sister’s son) will also be
killed.
“Look,
with a spot I damn him” Antony says he
marks the man with a dot to condemn him.
“Fetch
the will hither”: Bring Caesar’s will here.
“Determine
how to cut off some charge in legacies”: Decide how to reduce the amount of
money Caesar left to the people in his will. (“Legacies” = bequests.)
“Exit
Lepidus” – Lepidus leaves.
“Slight
unmeritable man” “Slight” = insignificant,
“unmeritable” = undeserving of honour.
“Meet
to be sent on errands”: Fit only to run errands, not govern.
“Threefold
world divided: The Roman Empire divided into three parts among the triumvirs.
“Share
it”: Share the power.
“Proscription” Public posting of names of those
condemned to death or banishment; a Roman practice
“Black
sentence”: Dark, deadly judgment
“Took
his voice”: Took his vote.
Capitol:
The Capitol in Rome, the government centre.
2.
Elaborate Paraphrase of the Passages
Opening
setting
Inside
a house in Rome, Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus are sitting at a table. They are
part of the new Second Triumvirate, the three rulers of Rome after Caesar’s
assassination.
Antony:
“These many men will have to die; their names are marked on our list.”
(Antony
says they have written down who must be executed.)
Octavius:
“Your brother too must die, Lepidus. Do you agree?”
(Octavius
reminds Lepidus that even Lepidus’s brother is on the death list.)
Lepidus:
“Yes, I agree — but only if Publius, your sister’s son, will also be killed.” Mark
Antony.
(Lepidus
consents but makes a condition about Antony’s nephew.)
Antony:
“He shall not live; see, with a dot on the paper I condemn him. But Lepidus, go
to Caesar’s house and bring his will here. We’ll decide how to reduce some of
the money he left to the people.”
(Antony
marks Publius for death and orders Lepidus to fetch Caesar’s will so they can
change it.)
Lepidus:
“Shall I find you here?”/ Will I come back here?
Octavius:
“Yes, here or at the Capitol.” We’ll be here or at the Capitol building.
(Lepidus
leaves.)
Antony
(aside to Octavius): “This is a weak, insignificant man, only good for errands.
Is it proper that he should be one of three rulers of the entire world?”
(Antony
belittles/underestimates Lepidus and questions his worth.)
Octavius:
“You thought him worthy enough to divide the power with us and to let him vote
on who should die.”
(Octavius
reminds Antony that they both allowed Lepidus to share power and help decide
who would be executed.)
In
plain terms:
They’re
making a “hit list.”
They’re
sacrificing even relatives to secure power.
They
plan to misuse Caesar’s will to take money back from the people.
Antony
insults Lepidus behind his back, calling him weak.
Octavius
points out Antony himself accepted Lepidus as partner.
Part
1 – 20 One-Mark Questions
1.
Where does Act IV, Scene I take place?
2.
Name the three men present in this scene.
3.
What political group do Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus form?
4.
What are the three men drawing up at the beginning of the scene?
5.
Whose brother does Lepidus consent to kill?
6.
Who consents to kill his own nephew, Publius?
7.
Whose will do they send Lepidus to fetch?
8.
Why does Antony want Caesar’s will brought?
9.
Who calls Lepidus “a slight, unmeritable man”?
10.
What animal does Antony compare Lepidus to?
11.
Who is described as “but a tried and valiant soldier”?
12.
Whom do Antony and Octavius plan to fight?
13.
Name the two leaders of the opposing army.
14.
“He shall not live; look, with a spot I damn him.” — What does “spot” here
mean?
15.
Who says Lepidus is “fit to be sent on errands”?
16.
“This is a slight, unmeritable man.” — Who is being referred to?
17.
What is Antony’s attitude toward Lepidus in this scene?
18.
Who says, “Let us do so; for we are at the stake”?
19.
What quality of Lepidus does Octavius defend?
20.
What does the scene show about Antony’s character after Caesar’s death?
Answer
Key
1.
In a house in Rome.
2.
Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus.
3.
The Second Triumvirate.
4.
A list of enemies to be killed (proscription list).
5.
Lepidus’s brother.
6.
Antony agrees to the killing of his nephew, Publius.
7.
Caesar’s will.
8.
To examine and possibly reduce the money Caesar left to the people.
9.
Antony.
10.
To his horse (he compares Lepidus to his own horse).
11.
Lepidus.
12.
Brutus and Cassius.
13.
Brutus and Cassius.
14.
A mark or name on the list condemning someone to death.
15.
Antony.
16.
Lepidus.
17.
Contemptuous; he sees him as a tool.
18.
Octavius.
19.
Lepidus’s bravery and experience in battle.
20.
That he is now ruthless and politically manipulative.
Part
2 – 10 “Who says to whom” Questions
1.
“Prick him down, Antony.”
2.
“Your brother too must die.”
3.
“Fetch the will hither.”
4.
“This is a slight, unmeritable man.”
5.
“Octavius, I have seen more days than you.”
6.
“Is it fit the three-fold world divided be?”
7.
“So is my horse, Octavius.”
8.
“You may do your will.”
9.
“Let us do so, for we are at the stake.”
10.
“When they shall see the face of Caesar’s issue.”
Answer
Key
1.
Octavius to Antony.
2. Octavius to Lepidus.
3.
Antony to Lepidus.
4.
Antony to Octavius.
5.
Antony to Octavius.
6.
Antony to Octavius.
7.
Antony to Octavius.
8.
Lepidus to Antony and Octavius.
9.
Octavius to Antony.
10.
Antony to Octavius.
Part
3 – 20 One-Mark Multiple Choice Questions
1.
Where does Act IV, Scene I take place?
a)
The Forum
b)
A tent at Sardis
c)
A house in Rome
d)
The Senate House
2.
Name the three men present in this scene.
a)
Brutus, Cassius, Casca
b)
Antony, Octavius, Lepidus
c)
Antony, Brutus, Octavius
d)
Lepidus, Casca, Cinna
3.
What political group do Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus form?
a)
The Senate
b)
The Plebeians
c)
The Second Triumvirate
d)
The Conspirators
4.
What are they drawing up at the beginning of the scene?
a)
A speech
b)
A map
c)
A list of enemies to be killed
d)
Caesar’s will
5.
Whose brother does Lepidus consent to kill?
a)
His own brother
b)
Antony’s brother
c)
Octavius’s brother
d)
Caesar’s brother
6.
Who consents to kill his own nephew, Publius?
a)
Octavius
b)
Antony
c)
Lepidus
d)
Brutus
7.
Whose will do they send Lepidus to fetch?
a)
Antony’s
b)
Caesar’s
c)
Brutus’s
d)
Cassius’s
8.
Why does Antony want Caesar’s will brought?
a)
To destroy it
b)
To read it aloud to the people
c)
To reduce the people’s inheritance
d)
To store it safely
9.
Who calls Lepidus “a slight, unmeritable man”?
a)
Octavius
b)
Antony
c)
Brutus
d)
Cassius
10.
What animal does Antony compare Lepidus to?
a)
His dog
b)
His horse
c)
A donkey
d)
A lion
11.
Who is described as “but a tried and valiant soldier”?
a)
Lepidus
b)
Antony
c)
Octavius
d)
Brutus
12.
Whom do Antony and Octavius plan to fight?
a)
Brutus and Cassius
b)
Casca and Cinna
c)
The Plebeians
d)
Cicero and Trebonius
13.
Name the two leaders of the opposing army.
a)
Antony and Lepidus
b)
Brutus and Cassius
c)
Caesar and Brutus
d)
Octavius and Brutus
14.
“He shall not live; look, with a spot I damn him.” What does “spot” here mean?
a)
A physical stain
b)
A dot or mark on the list
c)
A battlefield position
d)
A coin
15.
Who says Lepidus is “fit to be sent on errands”?
a)
Octavius
b)
Antony
c)
Brutus
d)
Cassius
16.
“This is a slight, unmeritable man.” Who is being referred to?
a)
Brutus
b)
Cassius
c)
Lepidus
d)
Octavius
17.
What is Antony’s attitude toward Lepidus in this scene?
a)
Respectful and admiring
b)
Fearful and cautious
c)
Contemptuous and dismissive
d)
Kindly and forgiving
18.
Who says, “Let us do so; for we are at the stake”?
a)
Antony
b)
Octavius
c)
Lepidus
d)
Brutus
19.
What quality of Lepidus does Octavius defend?
a)
His wealth
b)
His skill at oratory
c)
His bravery and experience
d)
His family background
20.
What does the scene show about Antony’s character after Caesar’s death?
a)
He is weak and indecisive
b)
He is noble and selfless
c)
He is ruthless and manipulative
d)
He is grief-stricken and passive
Answer
Key
1.
c) A house in Rome
2.
b) Antony, Octavius, Lepidus
3.
c) The Second Triumvirate
4.
c) A list of enemies to be killed
5.
a) His own brother
6.
b) Antony
7.
b) Caesar’s
8.
c) To reduce the people’s inheritance
9.
b) Antony
10.
b) His horse
11.
a) Lepidus
12.
a) Brutus and Cassius
13.
b) Brutus and Cassius
14.
b) A dot or mark on the list
15.
b) Antony
16.
c) Lepidus
17.
c) Contemptuous and dismissive
18.
b) Octavius
19.
c) His bravery and experience
20.
c) He is ruthless and manipulative.
Part
4 - 10 Two-Mark Question-answers
1.
Why are Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus making a list of names?
Ans.
Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus are making a list of names of people they intend
to kill or proscribe, indicating their strategy to eliminate political
opponents and consolidate power.
2.
How does Lepidus show he is loyal to the triumvirs?
Ans. Lepidus shows loyalty by agreeing to the
proscriptions and consenting to the actions planned by Antony and Octavius,
demonstrating his compliance with the triumvirate's decisions.
3.
What does Antony plan to do with Caesar’s will?
Ans. Antony plans to
alter or manage Caesar's will for his own political advantage, indicating his
intent to manipulate circumstances to suit the triumvirs' goals.
4.
Why does Antony call Lepidus “an ass”?
Ans. Antony calls
Lepidus “an ass” to belittle him, showing Antony’s contempt and highlighting
his view of Lepidus as somewhat foolish or inferior in political acumen.
5.
How does Octavius defend Lepidus against Antony’s criticism?
Ans. Octavius defends Lepidus by acknowledging his
role and utility in the triumvirate, suggesting a level of respect or strategic
recognition of Lepidus’s position.
6.
Explain Antony’s comparison of Lepidus to his horse.
Ans. Antony compares
Lepidus to his horse to indicate that Lepidus is manageable and useful like a
beast of burden, underscoring Antony’s perception of Lepidus as controllable
and serving his purposes.
7.
What does this scene reveal about the unity of the triumvirs?
Ans. The scene reveals underlying tensions and
differing attitudes among the triumvirs (Antony, Octavius, Lepidus), suggesting
their alliance is pragmatic and potentially fragile.
8.
Why are Brutus and Cassius considered a threat?
Ans. Brutus and Cassius are considered threats
because they led the conspiracy against Caesar and are rallying opposition
against the triumvirs, representing significant political and military
opposition.
9.
How is Antony’s character different here from in Act III?
Ans. In Act IV, Antony appears more calculating and
ruthless in his political manoeuvring compared to earlier portrayals,
showcasing his pragmatic and ambitious nature more starkly.
10.
What is the dramatic purpose of Act IV, Scene I?
Ans. The dramatic purpose is to illustrate the
ruthless political alliances and strategies of the triumvirs, foreshadowing
further conflict and highlighting the play’s themes of power, ambition, and
betrayal.
Part 5 – 4 Three-Mark Question-answers
1.
Discuss the moral significance of the triumvirs’ willingness to kill even their
relatives.
Ans. The triumvirs'
willingness to kill even their relatives underscores the ruthless pragmatism
that defines their political alliances and ambitions in Shakespeare's Julius
Caesar. This highlights a moral degradation where personal bonds are sacrificed
for political expediency, illustrating the cutthroat nature of power struggles
in ancient Rome. It reflects the theme of political morality vs. personal
loyalty, showcasing how the pursuit of power can lead individuals to compromise
deeply held values and familial ties.
2.
How does Shakespeare use Antony’s treatment of Lepidus to reveal his real
political nature?
Ans.
Shakespeare
portrays Antony’s treatment of Lepidus as dismissive and manipulative,
revealing Antony’s cunning and pragmatic political nature. Antony’s willingness
to use and then potentially discard Lepidus indicates his Machiavellian
approach to politics, where alliances are tactical and loyalty is conditional.
This treatment exposes Antony’s ambition and his view of others as tools for
achieving power, showcasing his ruthless political pragmatism.
3.
Explain how this scene prepares the audience for the coming conflict between
the triumvirs and the conspirators.
Ans.
This
scene prepares the audience for the coming conflict by highlighting the
internal dynamics and power struggles among the triumvirs (Antony, Octavius,
and Lepidus), mirroring the broader tensions with the conspirators. The
ruthlessness and political manoeuvring exhibited among the triumvirs foreshadow
the intense conflicts and betrayals that will characterize their dealings with
opponents like Brutus and Cassius. It sets a tone of political instability and
violence, priming the audience for escalating confrontations.
4.
Compare Octavius’s attitude to Lepidus with Antony’s; what does this show about
both men?
Ans.
Octavius
appears more calculating and perhaps more reserved in his dealings with Lepidus
compared to Antony’s overt manipulation. Antony’s attitude shows him as openly
pragmatic and somewhat contemptuous towards Lepidus, indicating his dominant
role in the triumvirate. Octavius’s stance suggests a more measured approach,
possibly hinting at his strategic caution. This contrast highlights Antony’s
assertive and somewhat ruthless nature versus Octavius’s potentially more
calculated ambition, reflecting different facets of their characters and
political styles.
Extract - 2: Antony:
Octavius, I have seen……………..Octavius: Millions of mischiefs
1.
DETAILED GLOSSARY
I
have seen more days:- I am older / more experienced
Lay
these honours on this man:- Give titles and responsibilities to Lepidus
Divers
slanderous loads:- Various unpopular or
criticized duties
Bear
them as the ass bears gold:- Carry them like a donkey carries gold—heavy burden
but no benefit
Groan
and sweat under the business:- Suffer while doing the work
Either
led or driven, as we point the way:- Led or forced, as we direct him
Treasure
where we will:- Bring the burden wherever
we want
Turn
him off, like the empty ass :- Dismiss him
when no longer needed
Shake
his ears, and graze in commons:- Go off idly to feed in a public field (no
importance)
Tried
and valiant soldier:- Proven brave soldier
Store
of provender:- Plenty of food (for a horse)
Creature
that I teach:- An animal I train
Wind,
stop, run directly on:- Turn, stop, run straight ahead—commands to a horse
His
corporal motion govern'd by my spirit:- His physical actions controlled by my
will
In
some taste:- In some way
Barren-spirited:-
Empty-minded / lacking initiative
Abjects,
orts and imitations:- Low people, leftovers, and copies—he depends on inferior
things
Staled
by other men:- Worn out / made old by others
Property:-
A tool, something used rather than respected
Levied
powers:- Raised armies
Make
head:- Organize forces / take action
Stretch’d:-
Extended to the utmost
Covert
matters:- Secret matters
Disclosed:-
Revealed
Open
perils:- Obvious dangers
At
the stake:- Tied up like a bear baited at a stake—
Bay’d
about:- surrounded and attacked
Millions
of mischiefs Countless treacheries
or dangerous plans
2.
ELABORATE PARAPHRASE
ANTONY:
Octavius,
I’m older than you and have seen more of the world. Even though we give Lepidus
high titles, we’re really only putting our own unpopular burdens onto him.
He’ll carry them like a donkey carries gold—working hard but getting no
benefit. We’ll direct him where we want, and when he’s brought our treasure to
the place we need, we’ll unload him and dismiss him, just like you’d dismiss a
donkey after it’s done its work, leaving him to shake his ears and graze in a
public pasture.
OCTAVIUS:
You
may think of him as you like, but he’s a proven and brave soldier.
ANTONY:
So
is my horse, Octavius. Because of that I give it plenty of food. It’s an animal
I train to turn, to stop, to run straight forward, with its body controlled by
my will. In some ways Lepidus is just like that: he must be trained, commanded,
and sent on errands. He’s an empty-minded fellow who depends on inferior scraps
and second-hand ideas, worn-out things other men have thrown away. Don’t even
speak of him except as a tool. Now, Octavius, listen carefully: Brutus and
Cassius are raising armies, and we must immediately raise our own. We should
combine our alliance, strengthen our friendships, stretch our resources, figure
out how best to handle secret matters, and deal with open dangers safely. Let’s
sit in council right away.
OCTAVIUS:
Yes,
let’s do that. We’re like an animal tied at the stake, surrounded by many
enemies. Some people who smile at us, I fear, are secretly plotting millions of
evils. [They exit.]
3.
20 ONE-MARK QUESTIONS
1.
Who does Antony compare to an ass (donkey)?
- Lepidus.
2.
What does Antony mean by “divers slanderous loads”?
- Antony refers to various slanderous
accusations or burdens.
3.
What happens to Lepidus after he brings their treasure?
- Lepidus is likely to be marginalized or
discarded, as indicated by Antony’s dismissive attitude.
4.
Whom does Octavius call a “tried and valiant soldier”?
- Lepidus.
5.
Which animal does Antony compare Lepidus to in his reply?
- A horse.
6.
What does “provender” mean in Antony’s speech?
- Provender means food for animals,
indicating Lepidus is fed like a beast.
7.
What actions does Antony say he teaches his horse?
- Antony teaches his horse to stop, turn,
and bound.
8.
What does “his corporal motion govern’d by my spirit” mean?
- It means the horse’s physical movements
are controlled by Antony’s will.
9.
What is meant by “barren-spirited fellow”?
- A person lacking in spirit or
intellectual capacity, referring to Lepidus.
10.
Name two things Lepidus feeds on, according to Antony.
- Provender (food for animals) and praise.
11.
Who are “levying powers” in this scene?
- Forces or armies being raised, likely
referring to those of Brutus and Cassius.
12.
What does Antony propose they must “straight make head” for?
- They must immediately move against or
address their enemies.
13.
What does Antony want to do with their alliance?
- Antony wants to strengthen or utilize
their alliance for political/military goals.
14.
What are “covert matters”?
- Secret or hidden matters.
15.
How should “open perils” be answered, according to Antony?
- Open perils should be met with open
actions or responses.
16.
Where does Antony propose they go immediately?
- To Caesar’s house.
17.
In what situation does Octavius compare themselves to a stake?
- When surrounded by enemies, like a stake
bay’d by dogs.
18.
What does “bay’d about” mean in Octavius’s speech?
-
Surrounded or cornered, like an animal hunted by dogs.
19.
What does Octavius fear about “some that smile”?
- Octavius fears hidden dangers from those
who appear friendly.
20.
Who exits together at the end of the scene?
- Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus.
4.
20 ONE-MARK MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (MCQs)
1.
Antony says he has seen more days than
a)
Brutus
b)
Octavius
c)
Cassius
d)
Lepidus
Answer:
b) Octavius
2.
Antony and Octavius lay “honours” on
a)
Brutus
b)
Cassius
c)
Lepidus
d)
Caesar
Answer:
c) Lepidus
3.
Antony compares Lepidus to
a)
A lion
b)
A horse
c)
An ass (donkey)
d)
A soldier
Answer:
c) An ass (donkey)
4.
What does Antony intend to do after Lepidus carries their burden?
a)
Reward him
b)
Turn him off
c)
Make him king
d)
Execute him
Answer:
b) Turn him off
5.
Octavius calls Lepidus
a)
Useless
b)
A tried and valiant soldier
c)
A coward
d)
An enemy
Answer:
b) A tried and valiant soldier
6.
Antony compares Lepidus to his
a)
Servant
b)
Horse
c)
Dog
d)
Hawk
Answer:
b) Horse
7.
“Provender” refers to
a)
Armour
b)
Weapons
c)
Food for animals
d)
Gold
Answer:
c) Food for animals
8.
Which of the following is NOT an action Antony teaches his horse?
a)
To fly
b)
To wind
c)
To stop
d)
To run directly on
Answer:
a) To fly
9.
“His corporal motion govern’d by my spirit” means
a)
Antony controls his physical actions
b)
He controls Antony
c)
His spirit is free
d)
He fights bravely
Answer:
a) Antony controls his physical actions
10.
Antony calls Lepidus “barren-spirited,” meaning
a)
Without children
b)
Lacking initiative
c)
Full of energy
d)
Rich in ideas
Answer:
b) Lacking initiative
11.
Lepidus feeds on “abjects, orts and”
a)
Victories
b)
Imitations
c)
Dreams
d)
Flowers
Answer:
b) Imitations
12.
“Levied powers” refers to
a)
Raised armies
b)
New laws
c)
Secret plans
d)
Political speeches
Answer:
a) Raised armies
13.
“Make head” means
a)
Go ahead
b)
Take command
c)
Organize forces
d)
Kill the enemy
Answer:
c) Organize forces
14.
Antony wants their alliance to be
a)
Combined
b)
Broken
c)
Secret
d)
Abandoned
Answer:
a) Combined
15.
“Covert matters” means
a)
Public announcements
b)
Open dangers
c)
Secret matters
d)
Military exercises
Answer:
c) Secret matters
16.
Antony says open perils should be
a)
Ignored
b)
Answered safely
c)
Hidden
d)
Delayed
Answer:
b) Answered safely
17.
Where does Antony propose to go immediately?
a)
The battlefield
b)
Caesar’s house
c)
Sit in council
d)
The Senate
Answer:
c) Sit in council
18.
Octavius says they are “at the stake,” meaning
a)
At a feast
b)
At risk
c)
At the market
d)
At Caesar’s funeral
Answer:
b) At risk
19.
“Bay’d about” means
a)
Surrounded by barking attackers
b)
Escaping enemies
c)
Invited to a festival
d)
Triumphant
Answer:
a) Surrounded by barking attackers
20.
Octavius fears that some who smile
a)
Are truly happy
b)
Plan millions of mischiefs
c)
Will fight for them
d)
Are spies of Lepidus
Answer:
b) Plan millions of mischiefs
5.
TEN “WHO SAYS TO WHOM” QUESTIONS
No. Line (short form) Who says it? To whom?
1 “Octavius, I have seen more days than
you.” Antony Octavius
2 “He shall but bear them as the ass bears
gold.” Antony Octavius
3 “Then take we down his load, and turn
him off.” Antony Octavius
4 “But he’s a tried and valiant soldier.” Octavius Antony
5 “So is my horse, Octavius.” Antony Octavius
6 “It is a creature that I teach to wind,
to stop…” Antony Octavius
7 “In some taste is Lepidus but so.” Antony Octavius
8 “Brutus and Cassius are levying powers.” Antony Octavius
9 “Let us presently go sit in council.” Antony Octavius
10 “We are at the stake, and bay’d about with
many enemies.”
Octavius Antony
6.
TEN TWO-MARK QUESTIONS
1.
Explain why Antony calls Lepidus “the ass bearing gold.”
- Antony likens Lepidus to a donkey
carrying gold, implying Lepidus bears burdens and responsibilities without
truly benefiting from or controlling the wealth or power, highlighting his
subordinate and utilitarian role.
2.
What does Antony intend to do once Lepidus has served his purpose?
- Antony plans to discard Lepidus,
metaphorically "turning him off" like a used beast of burden,
indicating his intent to remove Lepidus from power once he's no longer useful.
3.
Why does Octavius defend Lepidus?
- Octavius defends Lepidus, acknowledging
him as a proven and valiant soldier, suggesting Octavius sees value in
Lepidus's military contributions and possibly respects his position.
4.
How does Antony compare Lepidus to his horse?
- Antony parallels Lepidus with his horse,
both being manageable and needing direction; he trains and controls his horse,
similarly viewing Lepidus as controllable and serving his purposes.
5.
What does “barren-spirited” suggest about Lepidus’s character?
- The term reflects Lepidus is seen by
Antony as lacking originality, initiative, or strong leadership qualities,
indicating Antony’s somewhat dismissive view of Lepidus’s abilities.
6.
Why are Brutus and Cassius significant in this scene?
- Brutus and Cassius are significant
threats as they lead opposing armies against the triumvirs; their actions
prompt Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus to strategize and consolidate power.
7.
What is the purpose of “combining their alliance” according to Antony?
- Antony sees combining their alliance as
crucial to strengthen their position, secure mutual support, and pool resources
to counter threats from enemies like Brutus and Cassius.
8.
How does Antony plan to handle covert and open dangers?
- Antony suggests addressing covert matters
discreetly in council and meeting open perils with direct, appropriate
responses, indicating a strategic approach to different types of threats.
9.
Explain Octavius’s metaphor “we are at the stake.”
- Octavius compares themselves to an animal
tied to a stake, beset by dangers ("bay'd about"), highlighting their
vulnerable position surrounded by enemies and emphasizing urgency.
10.
Why does Octavius mistrust “some that smile”?
- Octavius is wary of those who appear
friendly ("smile") but may harbour hidden malice, fearing deceit and
multiple potential harms from seemingly amicable opponents.
7.
FOUR THREE-MARK QUESTIONS
1. Discuss Antony’s attitude toward Lepidus in this passage.
Antony speaks about Lepidus with open contempt, describing him as weak, unimaginative and unfit for real leadership. He regards Lepidus merely as a convenient figurehead to shoulder responsibilities, likening him to a beast of burden. Antony’s comments reveal not only his arrogance but also his manipulative nature: he uses Lepidus for practical needs but with no respect. This shows the political ruthlessness of Antony and how he measures allies purely by their usefulness to his power.
2. Explain how Shakespeare uses animal imagery to convey Antony’s views.
Shakespeare employs vivid animal imagery to dramatize Antony’s scorn for Lepidus. Antony compares Lepidus to a donkey and also likens him to his own horse, suggesting he needs constant training and direction. This imagery presents Lepidus as obedient and burden-bearing rather than independent or powerful. Once the load is lifted, Antony implies, such a creature can be discarded. Shakespeare’s choice of animals emphasizes Antony’s belief that Lepidus lacks initiative and leadership qualities, serving only as a tool.
3. Why do Antony and Octavius plan to “sit in council” immediately?
Antony and Octavius decide to “sit in council” at once because they have learned Brutus and Cassius are gathering armies against them. Recognising the urgency, they must coordinate plans, unite their supporters, and make strategic decisions both privately and publicly. This move shows their awareness of political danger, their determination to maintain power, and their ability to act swiftly. By holding a council, they prepare to confront threats proactively rather than waiting passively for events to unfold.
4. Analyse Octavius’s closing lines and what they reveal about his character.
Octavius’s final lines use the image of being “at the stake,” like an animal tied for baiting, to express his sense of being surrounded by potential enemies. He warns Antony that smiling faces may hide treachery, showing he is alert to political dangers. This imagery reveals Octavius as more cautious and perceptive than he initially appears. It also hints at his growing independence and emerging ruthlessness, qualities that will make him a formidable leader later in the play.
COURTESY:
Meta AI & ChatGPT
Compiled
by Dr. Shankar D Mishra
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