JULIUS CAESAR, ACT IV, SCENE II
Brutus:
Stand, ho!............................ Brutus: comes his army on?
1.
Glossary
Stand,
ho!: A command to halt and stand still
Give
the word: Give the password used to identify friend or foe
At
hand: Nearby; approaching
Greets
me well: Sends friendly greetings
In
his own change: In his own altered mood
or disposition
Ill
officers; Dishonest, disloyal, or incompetent officers
Worthy
cause; Strong reason
Things
done, undone; Wishing certain actions had never been done
At
hand; Close by; soon to arrive
Satisfied:
Convinced, reassured
Full
of regard and honour : Respectful and
noble
Let
me be resolved: Let me be informed or reassured
Courtesy:
Politeness, civility
Respect
enough: Adequate respect but not warmth
Familiar
instances: Signs of intimacy and friendship
Free
and friendly conference: Open and informal conversation
A
hot friend cooling: A once passionate friend becoming distant
Love
begins to sicken and decay: Affection begins to fade
Enforced
ceremony: Forced or formal politeness, not genuine warmth
Plain
and simple faith: Honest and straightforward loyalty
Hollow
men: Insincere, untrustworthy people
Horses
hot at hand: Horses that seem spirited but cannot endure strain
Make
gallant show: Appear brave and promising
Promise
of their mettle: Show outward signs of courage and worth
Bloody
spur: The moment of real trial or hardship
Fall
their crests: Droop their heads, lose courage
Deceitful
jades: Worn-out, untrustworthy horses (metaphor for people)
Sink
in the trial: Fail when truly tested
2.
Paraphrase
Scene:
Outside Brutus’ tent near Sardis. Drum and soldiers enter with Brutus,
Lucilius, Titinius, and Pindarus.
BRUTUS:
Stop! Who’s coming?
LUCILIUS:
Give the password, and halt!
BRUTUS:
What’s the news, Lucilius? Is Cassius near?
LUCILIUS:
He’s close by, and Pindarus has come from him.
BRUTUS:
That’s a good sign. Does your master treat me as a friend, Pindarus? Has
Cassius himself changed, or has he been misrepresented by bad officers? He has
given me some serious reason to regret certain things — to wish some things had
been undone. But if he’s nearby, I’ll soon be satisfied and hear an
explanation.
PINDARUS:
I have no doubt, sir, that my noble master will show himself to be just as he
always has been — full of respect and honour.
BRUTUS:
I don’t doubt that. Lucilius, tell me honestly how he received you.
LUCILIUS:
Politely and respectfully enough — but not with the same warmth, not with the
same friendly gestures or open conversations as before.
BRUTUS:
You’ve described a friend whose warmth is cooling. Remember this always,
Lucilius:
When
affection begins to fade, people start using forced politeness.
There
are no tricks in plain and honest friendship.
But
insincere men — like horses that are fiery at first —
Make
a bold show of spirit and promise of strength.
But
when it comes to enduring the real test,
They
let their heads droop and, like deceitful, worn-out horses,
Collapse
in the trial.
3.
20 One-Mark Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1.
Where does this scene take place?
a)
Rome
b)
Sardis
c)
Philippi
d)
Athens
Answer:
b) Sardis
2.
Who enters with Brutus at the start?
a)
Cassius
b)
Lucilius and soldiers
c)
Antony
d)
Octavius
Answer:
b) Lucilius and soldiers
3.
“Stand, ho!” is a command to:
a)
Sit down
b)
Halt
c)
Attack
d)
Run
Answer:
b) Halt
4.
Who brings greetings from Cassius?
a)
Titinius
b)
Pindarus
c)
Octavius
d)
Cinna
Answer:
b) Pindarus
5.
Brutus suspects Cassius because of:
a)
Ill officers
b)
Caesar’s ghost
c)
Octavius
d)
Calpurnia
Answer:
a) Ill officers
6.
“In his own change” means:
a)
His own tent
b)
His own altered mood
c)
His own victory
d)
His own country
Answer:
b) His own altered mood
7.
Pindarus describes Cassius as:
a)
Dishonourable
b)
Full of honour and regard
c)
Absent
d)
Angry
Answer:
b) Full of honour and regard
8.
Brutus wants Lucilius to tell him:
a)
Cassius’s battle plan
b)
How Cassius received him
c)
Where Antony is
d)
The password
Answer:
b) How Cassius received him
9.
Lucilius says Cassius treated him:
a)
With warmth and friendship as before
b)
Coldly and rudely
c)
With courtesy but less familiarity
d)
With anger
Answer:
c) With courtesy but less familiarity
10.
“A hot friend cooling” means:
a)
Someone getting fever
b)
A passionate friend becoming distant
c)
A friend warming up
d)
A soldier relaxing
Answer:
b) A passionate friend becoming distant
11.
According to Brutus, when love decays, people:
a)
Attack
b)
Become formal
c)
Become kinder
d)
Forget
Answer:
b) Become formal
12.
“Plain and simple faith” refers to:
a)
Complicated loyalty
b)
Honest loyalty
c)
Religious faith
d)
Legal oath
Answer:
b) Honest loyalty
13.
“Hollow men” are:
a)
Soldiers
b)
Empty chariots
c)
Insincere people
d)
Honest friends
Answer:
c) Insincere people
14.
“Horses hot at hand” symbolize:
a)
True warriors
b)
Fiery but unreliable people
c)
Horses in a stable
d)
Enemies of Rome
Answer:
b) Fiery but unreliable people
15.
“Gallant show” means:
a)
Weakness
b)
Impressive appearance
c)
Secret plan
d)
Sudden attack
Answer:
b) Impressive appearance
16.
“Promise of their mettle” means:
a)
Display of courage
b)
Writing a promise
c)
Making a treaty
d)
Losing hope
Answer:
a) Display of courage
17.
“Bloody spur” signifies:
a)
Friendly gesture
b)
Real test of courage
c)
A red feather
d)
A Roman law
Answer:
b) Real test of courage
18.
“Fall their crests” means:
a)
Bow their heads in defeat
b)
Gain strength
c)
Attack bravely
d)
Wave flags
Answer:
a) Bow their heads in defeat
19.
“Deceitful jades” refers to:
a)
Precious stones
b)
Faithful horses
c)
Worn-out unreliable creatures (people)
d)
Cassius’s soldiers
Answer:
c) Worn-out unreliable creatures (people)
20.
This passage mainly reveals:
a)
Brutus’s anger
b)
Brutus’s suspicion of Cassius
c)
Cassius’s victory
d)
Caesar’s ghost
Answer:
b) Brutus’s suspicion of Cassius
4.
20 One-Mark Short Questions (Answers below each)
1.
Who is the first to speak in this scene?
Answer:
Brutus
2.
What does Brutus command with “Stand, ho!”?
Answer:
He orders the soldiers to halt.
3.
Who is Lucilius?
Answer:
A friend and officer loyal to Brutus.
4.
Who is Pindarus?
Answer:
A servant of Cassius.
5.
Where is Cassius at this moment?
Answer:
Near at hand, approaching Brutus’ camp.
6.
Why does Brutus doubt Cassius?
Answer:
Because of a change in Cassius or ill officers around him.
7.
What message does Pindarus bring?
Answer:
Greetings from Cassius.
8.
What does Brutus wish about “things done”?
Answer:
He wishes some actions were undone.
9.
What does Brutus ask Lucilius to tell him?
Answer:
How Cassius received him.
10.
How does Lucilius describe Cassius’s behaviour?
Answer:
Courteous but less friendly than before.
11.
What does Brutus say about “a hot friend cooling”?
Answer:
It’s a sign of friendship fading.
12.
According to Brutus, what do people do when love decays?
Answer:
They use enforced ceremony (forced politeness).
13.
What does Brutus mean by “plain and simple faith”?
Answer:
Genuine honesty and loyalty.
14.
Who are “hollow men”?
Answer:
Insincere, unreliable people.
15.
What metaphor does Brutus use for unreliable men?
Answer:
Horses hot at hand but failing under spur.
16.
What is “the bloody spur”?
Answer:
The real test or challenge.
17.
What happens to deceitful people under trial?
Answer:
They fail and collapse (“fall their crests”).
18.
What quality does Brutus value in friendship?
Answer:
Plain, honest, faithful behaviour.
19.
What literary device dominates Brutus’s speech?
Answer:
Extended metaphor comparing men to horses.
20.
What is the mood of Brutus in this passage?
Answer:
Suspicious, reflective, and disappointed.
5.
Ten Two-Mark Questions
Q1.
Why does Brutus command “Stand, ho!” at the beginning of the scene?
Answer:
Brutus issues “Stand, ho!” to halt the soldiers and challenge whoever
approaches the camp. In a tense wartime situation, passwords and halts were
vital for security. This command shows Brutus’ vigilance and discipline as a
leader who ensures no enemy or spy enters without identification.
Q2.
How does Lucilius describe Cassius’s behaviour toward him?
Answer:
Lucilius says Cassius was courteous and respectful but no longer warm or
intimate as before. This change signals a cooling of friendship. Such formal
politeness contrasts with the earlier open, friendly conference Cassius used to
grant him, alerting Brutus to possible tension.
Q3.
What does Brutus mean by “things done, undone”?
Answer:
Brutus regrets some past actions—probably decisions or alliances—wishing they
were “undone.” This phrase reveals his self-doubt and uneasiness about the
conspiracy’s outcomes and about Cassius’s conduct. It also foreshadows the
growing rift between the two leaders.
Q4.
How does Pindarus defend Cassius’s honour?
Answer:
Pindarus assures Brutus that his master Cassius will appear full of respect and
honour. He tries to soothe Brutus’s doubts, suggesting Cassius still respects
him despite rumours of ill officers or altered moods. This shows Pindarus’s
loyalty and Cassius’s concern for appearances.
Q5.
What warning does Brutus give about “a hot friend cooling”?
Answer:
Brutus notes that when a passionate friend cools, formality replaces genuine
warmth. He warns Lucilius that this is a natural sign of affection fading,
implying that Cassius’s change from openness to ceremony could indicate
weakening loyalty.
Q6.
Explain “plain and simple faith” in Brutus’s speech.
Answer:
“Plain and simple faith” stands for honest, straightforward loyalty without
pretence or ceremony. Brutus values such faith because it signals true
friendship and steadfastness, unlike forced politeness or deceptive enthusiasm
that collapses under pressure.
Q7.
Why does Brutus compare false men to “horses hot at hand”?
Answer:
Brutus likens unreliable men to spirited horses that show energy at first but
fail when truly tested. This metaphor underscores his belief that Cassius’s
current behaviour may be outwardly bold but could collapse in crisis.
Q8. What is “the
bloody spur” according to Brutus?
Answer:
“The bloody spur” symbolizes the moment of real trial, hardship, or danger—like
a rider spurring a horse. In Brutus’s metaphor, it is the ultimate test
revealing whether a person’s courage is genuine or only a show.
Q9.
How does the setting of Brutus’s camp near Sardis contribute to the tension?
Answer:
The remote military camp creates a backdrop of suspense, secrecy, and impending
battle. This environment amplifies Brutus’s suspicions and the need for
passwords and challenges, reflecting the fragile trust between allies and the
high stakes of civil war.
Q10.
What does Brutus’s questioning of Lucilius show about his leadership style?
Answer:
It shows Brutus is cautious, analytical, and values honest feedback. Instead of
accepting Cassius’s greetings blindly, he asks Lucilius for a first-hand
account, revealing his desire to understand his ally’s true feelings and
maintain moral integrity.
6.
Five Three-Mark Questions
Q1.
Discuss the change in Cassius’s behaviour as reported by Lucilius and its
effect on Brutus.
Answer:
Lucilius reports that Cassius greets him with politeness but without the former
warmth or intimacy. This alteration troubles Brutus, who interprets it as a
sign of fading friendship or weakening loyalty. Brutus feels uneasy because
such enforced ceremony contrasts with “plain and simple faith.” This news
deepens his suspicion of Cassius’s motives and leads him to reflect on human
nature, comparing false friends to horses that look spirited but fail under
pressure.
Q2.
Explain Brutus’s metaphor comparing unreliable men to “horses hot at hand.”
Answer:
Brutus’s extended metaphor likens men who display outward courage but lack
endurance to spirited horses. These horses appear impressive but falter when
spurred—the “bloody spur” representing real danger. This comparison underlines
his belief that some allies, perhaps Cassius, may look bold but cannot sustain
true loyalty or bravery in crisis. It also reinforces the scene’s central theme
of testing appearances against reality.
Q3.
How does Shakespeare use the dialogue between Brutus, Lucilius, and Pindarus to
build tension before Cassius’s arrival?
Answer:
The dialogue acts like a military watch: passwords, halts, and guarded
inquiries establish secrecy. Lucilius’s cool report of Cassius’s courtesy hints
at conflict, while Pindarus’s reassurances hint at denial. Brutus’s reflective
speeches deepen suspicion. Together these elements create suspense for the
audience, anticipating a confrontation or at least a heated exchange once
Cassius enters, thereby dramatizing the growing rift within the triumvirate of
conspirators.
Q4.
What qualities of Brutus’s character are revealed in this passage?
Answer:
Brutus appears cautious, principled, and introspective. He values loyalty and
honesty over outward ceremony and scrutinizes Cassius’s behaviour to judge his
sincerity. His metaphors show philosophical thinking, and his insistence on
“plain and simple faith” reveals his moral idealism. Yet his admission of
regret (“things done, undone”) shows vulnerability and self-doubt. This mixture
of idealism and realism adds depth to his leadership.
Q5.
Why is this scene important for understanding the relationship between Brutus
and Cassius?
Answer:
Act IV Scene II marks the first clear sign of friction between Brutus and
Cassius after Caesar’s death. It shows Brutus questioning Cassius’s loyalty and
noticing the cooling of their friendship. This tension foreshadows their open
quarrel in the next scene and highlights how mutual suspicion erodes the unity
of the conspirators. It also demonstrates Shakespeare’s theme that political
alliances without genuine trust are unstable.
Passage:2,
Extract: Lucius: They mean this night in Sardis………………..Brutus: Let Lucius and Titinius
guard our doors.
1.
Glossary
Quarter’d:
Lodged for the night
The
horse in general: All the cavalry
March
gently on: Approach quietly and orderly
Stand,
ho!: Halt immediately!
Speak
the word along: Pass the password down the line
Powers:
Forces / troops
Noble
brother: Cassius calling Brutus “brother” in affection / respect
Done
me wrong: Treated me unjustly
Judge
me, you gods!: Appeal to the gods for judgment
Wrong
a brother: Harm / insult a fellow soldier or friend
Sober
form: Serious appearance / manner
Griefs : Complaints / grievances
Wrangle:
Quarrel/Argue loudly
Bid
them move away: Order them to step aside
Enlarge
your griefs: Explain your grievances in
detail
Audience:
A hearing / time to listen
Commanders
lead their charges off: Officers take their men away from the area
A
little from this ground: Some distance
away from this spot
Let
no man come to our tent: No one may enter until the discussion is finished
Guard
our door: Keep watch outside to prevent intrusion
2.
Paraphrase
Lucilius:
They plan to stay the night in Sardis; most of the army, especially the
cavalry, has come with Cassius.
Brutus:
Listen—he’s arrived. (Sound of marching.) Let’s go forward quietly to meet him.
(Enter
Cassius and his troops.)
Cassius:
Halt! Stand!
Brutus:
Halt! Pass the word down the line.
First
Soldier: Stand!
Second
Soldier: Stand!
Third
Soldier: Stand!
Cassius:
Most noble brother, you’ve done me wrong.
Brutus:
Judge me, you gods! How could I do wrong to my enemies—let alone to a brother?
Cassius:
Brutus, your serious manner hides your wrongs, and when you wrong me, I feel
it. Be satisfied that you have done me an injustice.
Brutus:
Cassius, speak your complaints quietly. I know you well. In front of both our
armies—who should see nothing but unity between us—let us not argue. Order your
men to step aside; then, in my tent, you can tell me in detail your grievances,
and I’ll listen.
Cassius:
Pindarus, tell our commanders to lead their men a little away from here.
Brutus:
Lucilius, do the same. Let no one come to our tent until we’ve finished our
talk. Let Lucius and Titinius guard the door.
(They
exit.)
3.
20 Multiple Choice Questions
1.
Where are Brutus and Cassius meeting?
a)
Athens
b)
Sardis
c)
Philippi
d)
Rome
Answer:
b) Sardis
2.
What does “quarter’d” mean in this passage?
a)
Punished
b)
Lodged for the night
c)
Divided into four
d)
Paid a tax
Answer:
b) Lodged for the night
3.
Who reports that Cassius’ forces have arrived?
a)
Titinius
b)
Lucilius
c)
Pindarus
d)
Lucius
Answer:
b) Lucilius
4.
“The horse in general” refers to:
a)
A single horse
b)
The cavalry
c)
Cassius himself
d)
Brutus’ horse
Answer:
b) The cavalry
5.
Brutus says “March gently on” to mean:
a)
Run quickly
b)
Move quietly and carefully
c)
Attack suddenly
d)
Retreat
Answer:
b) Move quietly and carefully
6.
“Stand, ho!” is a command to:
a)
Sit
b)
Halt
c)
Attack
d)
Speak
Answer:
b) Halt
7.
Cassius accuses Brutus of:
a)
Being late
b)
Doing him wrong
c)
Betraying Caesar
d)
Losing a battle
Answer:
b) Doing him wrong
8.
Brutus appeals to whom to judge him?
a)
Cassius
b)
The army
c)
The gods
d)
Octavius
Answer:
c) The gods
9.
“Griefs” in the passage means:
a)
Sorrows
b)
Complaints
c)
Deaths
d)
Injuries
Answer:
b) Complaints
10.
Brutus wants their argument to be:
a)
Public
b)
Private
c)
Violent
d)
Ignored
Answer:
b) Private
11.
Who is asked to move Cassius’ troops away?
a)
Lucilius
b)
Titinius
c)
Pindarus
d)
Lucius
Answer:
c) Pindarus
12.
Who guards the tent’s door?
a)
Pindarus and Lucilius
b)
Lucius and Titinius
c)
Cassius and Brutus
d)
Octavius and Antony
Answer:
b) Lucius and Titinius
13.
Why does Brutus want the armies separated before talking?
a)
To plan a surprise attack
b)
To avoid public quarrel
c)
To test loyalty
d)
To escape
Answer:
b) To avoid public quarrel
14.
Cassius calls Brutus:
a)
Enemy
b)
Noble brother
c)
Fool
d)
Traitor
Answer:
b) Noble brother
15.
“Speak your griefs softly” means:
a)
Whisper a plan
b)
Tell your complaints quietly
c)
Sing a lament
d)
Recite poetry
Answer:
b) Tell your complaints quietly
16.
Who says, “Judge me, you gods”?
a)
Cassius
b)
Brutus
c)
Lucilius
d)
Octavius
Answer:
b) Brutus
17.
“Enlarge your griefs” means:
a)
Increase sorrow
b)
Explain complaints fully
c)
Make armies bigger
d)
Show sadness
Answer:
b) Explain complaints fully
18.
The setting is near whose tent?
a)
Cassius
b)
Brutus
c)
Octavius
d)
Caesar
Answer:
b) Brutus
19.
The tone between Brutus and Cassius at first is:
a)
Friendly
b)
Accusatory
c)
Joyful
d)
Indifferent
Answer:
b) Accusatory
20.
Why does Shakespeare show soldiers repeating “Stand”?
a)
For comic effect
b)
To show military discipline
c)
To confuse the audience
d)
To show panic
Answer:
b) To show military discipline
4.
20 One-Mark Questions
1.
Where do Cassius’ troops arrive?
Answer:
At Sardis, near Brutus’ camp.
2.
Who informs Brutus about Cassius’ arrival?
Answer:
Lucilius.
3.
What does Brutus ask his soldiers to do when Cassius approaches?
Answer:
March gently on to meet him.
4.
What command does Cassius give on entering?
Answer:
“Stand, ho!”
5.
What is the meaning of “powers” in this context?
Answer:
Military forces/troops.
6.
How does Cassius address Brutus?
Answer:
“Most noble brother.”
7.
What does Cassius accuse Brutus of?
Answer:
Doing him wrong (treating him unjustly).
8.
To whom does Brutus appeal for judgment?
Answer:
The gods.
9.
What does Brutus not want their soldiers to witness?
Answer:
Their quarrel.
10.
Where does Brutus propose to continue the discussion?
Answer:
In his tent.
11.
Who is asked to move Cassius’ troops away?
Answer:
Pindarus.
12.
Who is asked to move Brutus’ troops away?
Answer:
Lucilius.
13.
Who are ordered to guard the door of Brutus’ tent?
Answer:
Lucius and Titinius.
14.
What does “Speak your griefs softly” mean?
Answer:
Tell your complaints quietly.
15.
Why does Brutus say “let us not wrangle”?
Answer:
He wants to avoid quarreling in front of the armies.
16.
“Enlarge your griefs” means what?
Answer:
Explain your complaints in detail.
17.
Who says “Judge me, you gods!”?
Answer:
Brutus.
18.
What does Cassius say about Brutus’ “sober form”?
Answer:
It hides wrongs.
19.
What is the dramatic purpose of soldiers echoing “Stand!”?
Answer:
To show military discipline and tension.
20.
What does “bid them move away” signify?
Answer:
Order the soldiers to step aside to ensure privacy
5.
Ten “Who said to whom?” Questions
1.
“They mean this night in Sardis to be quarter’d.”
Answer:
Lucilius said this to Brutus.
2.
“Hark! He is arrived. March gently on to meet him.”
Answer:
Brutus said this to his soldiers.
3.
“Stand, ho! Halt!”
Answer:
Cassius said this to his soldiers.
4.
“Stand, ho! Speak the word along.”
Answer:
Brutus said this to his soldiers.
5.
“Most noble brother, you have done me wrong.”
Answer:
Cassius said this to Brutus.
6.
“Judge me, you gods! Wrong I mine enemies?”
Answer:
Brutus said this to Cassius.
7.
“Speak your griefs softly.”
Answer:
Brutus said this to Cassius.
8.
“Bid our commanders lead their charges off.”
Answer:
Cassius said this to Pindarus.
9.
“Do you the like; and let no man come to our tent.”
Answer:
Brutus said this to Lucilius.
10.
“Let Lucius and Titinius guard our door.”
Answer:
Brutus said this to Lucilius.
6.
Ten Two-Mark Questions
1.
Why does Brutus say “speak your griefs softly”?
Answer:
Brutus knows Cassius is upset but wants their disagreement to remain private.
In front of the armies, they must appear united to maintain discipline and
morale, so he asks Cassius to keep his complaints quiet until they are inside
the tent.
2.
What does Cassius accuse Brutus of when they first meet?
Answer:
Cassius accuses Brutus of doing him wrong — treating him unjustly despite being
friends and comrades. This sets up the famous quarrel scene where their
personal grievances must be resolved before they can go on to fight Octavius
and Antony.
3.
Why does Brutus want the soldiers to move away before the talk?
Answer:
Brutus believes leadership depends on the army seeing unity between commanders.
If the troops witness quarrelling, morale may collapse. So, he orders his
officers to lead their men away to keep the dispute hidden from public view.
4.
What does “enlarge your griefs” mean in Brutus’ speech?
Answer:
It means “explain your complaints in detail.” Brutus invites Cassius to fully
state his grievances later inside the tent, promising to give him a patient
hearing without the distractions or ears of the soldiers.
5.
How is Cassius’ tone when he meets Brutus?
Answer:
Cassius’ tone is tense and accusatory. He greets Brutus as “noble brother” but
immediately says Brutus has wronged him. Shakespeare shows this tension to
highlight their fraying alliance, even though they must stay united for the
coming battle.
6.
What is the significance of the repeated “Stand!” by the soldiers?
Answer:
The repetition shows the disciplined chain of command. When one officer gives
the order, it is echoed down the line so every soldier hears it. This creates a
realistic sense of a military camp and heightens the scene’s tension.
7.
Why does Cassius call Brutus “most noble brother”?
Answer:
He uses the phrase as a mix of affection and reproach — reminding Brutus of
their bond while accusing him. It underlines the irony: even among allies,
suspicion and resentment can arise, especially under stress of war.
8.
Why is the setting (Sardis camp) important in this scene?
Answer:
The remote military camp shows both men away from Rome, commanding armies in
preparation for battle. The rough, tense setting makes their personal conflict
more dramatic, showing how political alliances strain under wartime pressures.
9.
How does Shakespeare contrast Brutus and Cassius here?
Answer:
Brutus is calm, dignified, and determined to maintain order; Cassius is
emotional, accusatory, and impatient. This contrast dramatizes their differing
temperaments and foreshadows how leadership struggles might weaken the
conspirators’ cause.
10.
Why does Brutus appoint Lucius and Titinius to guard the door?
Answer:
Brutus wants total privacy during the confrontation with Cassius. By stationing
trusted aides at the tent door, he ensures no one overhears their discussion,
symbolizing his desire for controlled order and secrecy.
7.
Five Three-Mark Questions
1.
Explain why Brutus insists on moving the armies apart before discussing
Cassius’ grievances.
Answer:
Brutus is conscious of image and morale. Two generals quarrelling publicly
could demoralize soldiers and weaken command authority. He therefore suggests
they move their troops apart to maintain a façade of unity. Inside his tent,
away from prying eyes, they can discuss grievances openly. This shows Brutus’
self-control, political awareness, and sense of military discipline — qualities
that contrast with Cassius’ more emotional approach.
2.
Discuss the dramatic purpose of starting the scene with military commands like
“Stand, ho!” and “March gently on.”
Answer:
These commands immediately immerse the audience in a military environment. The
call-and-response of soldiers conveys discipline and tension. It also provides
a realistic soundscape of a camp at night, heightening suspense before Cassius
and Brutus meet. Shakespeare uses this to set the tone for conflict: a martial
world where personal grievances threaten to erupt amid looming battle
preparations.
3.
Why does Cassius accuse Brutus of hiding wrongs behind a “sober form”?
Answer:
Cassius feels Brutus’ dignified, calm exterior masks unfairness or arrogance.
He implies Brutus uses his serious demeanor to justify actions that harm
allies. This reflects Cassius’ insecurity and resentment but also hints at
Brutus’ aloof, principled nature. Shakespeare dramatizes how personality
differences—Brutus’ stoic restraint versus Cassius’ volatility—can breed
mistrust even among conspirators united by a common cause.
4.
How does the exchange reveal Brutus’ leadership style compared to Cassius’?
Answer:
Brutus demonstrates composure, respect for procedure, and commitment to unity.
He wants grievances handled privately, promises to listen fully, and maintains
military discipline. Cassius, in contrast, bursts out publicly with
accusations. The scene highlights Brutus as the steadier leader, morally and
strategically aware, while Cassius is more personal and impulsive. This
contrast deepens their characters and foreshadows future tensions in command.
5.
What themes are introduced in this short passage that will shape the rest of
the scene?
Answer:
Themes include leadership and authority, public versus private conflict,
friendship strained by power, and the need for discipline in wartime.
Shakespeare sets up the tension between Brutus’ stoicism and Cassius’
emotionality. This groundwork makes their subsequent quarrel believable and
poignant. It also signals the conspirators’ vulnerability — internal division
threatens their cause just as much as the enemy’s army does.
COURTESY:
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by Dr. Shankar D Mishra
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