Friday, 19 September 2025

JULIUS CAESAR – ACT IV, SCENE III, PART TWO, GLOSSARY, PARAPHRASE, QUESTION & ANSWERS

 

JULIUS CAESAR – ACT IV, SCENE III, PART TWO

Extract:- Cassius: O Brutus! Brutus: What’s the matter? …………Brutus: Bending their expedition towards Philippi.

1. Glossary

1. rash humour       impulsive temper or mood

2. inherit(ed) from my mother   Cassius means his bad temper comes from his mother.

3. over-earnest       too serious or too intense

4. chides      scolds or reproaches.

5. grudge      disagreement, quarrel.

6. ’tis not meet       it is not proper or suitable.

7. Nothing but death shall stay me       only death can stop me.

8. quarrelling generals     the two commanders (Brutus and Cassius) are fighting.

9. For shame!         expression meaning “you should be ashamed.”

10. Love and be friends   make peace with one another.

11. cynic rhyme     Cassius calls the Poet a Cynic (philosopher) and mocks his verses.

12. sirrah      a contemptuous address to a man of lower status.

13. jigging fools     silly, dancing jesters (Brutus’ insult to poets).

14. bear with him   put up with him, tolerate.

15. humour (Brutus: “I’ll know his humour”)          his mood or character.

16. prepare to lodge their companies   arrange for the soldiers to camp.

17. bowl of wine    customary drink to pledge reconciliation.

18. sick of many griefs    overwhelmed by many sorrows.

19. of your philosophy you make no use        you’re not practising the Stoic (patient/tolerant) philosophy you profess.

20. Portia is dead   Brutus’ wife has killed herself.

21. swallow’d fire  literally swallowed hot coals; the ancient method of suicide.

22. ye immortal gods!      exclamation of shock or prayer to gods.

23. bury all unkindness    put all quarrels aside.

24. noble pledge    a toast of friendship.

25. taper       a candle or lamp.

26. call in question our necessities       discuss our needs and strategy.

27. bending their expedition      directing their military campaign.

28. toward Philippi heading for Philippi (in Macedonia), the site of the coming battle.

2. Paraphrase

Cassius: O Brutus!

Brutus: What’s wrong? Why are you upset? Don’t you have enough love for me to be patient when my bad temper — which I inherited from my mother — makes me forget myself?

 

Cassius: Haven’t you enough affection to tolerate my moods?

Brutus: Yes, Cassius. And from now on, whenever you get too intense with me, I’ll imagine it’s your mother scolding me and I’ll leave you alone.

Poet (from within): Let me go in and see the generals. They’re having a dispute; it’s not proper for them to be alone.

Lucilius (within): You can’t come in to them.

Poet (within): Only death will stop me!

(Enter Poet, followed by Lucilius, Titinius and Lucius.)

Cassius: What now? What’s the matter?

Poet: Shame on you, generals! What are you doing? Love each other and be friends, as two such men should be. I’m older than you and I know better.

Cassius (laughing): Ha! What awful poetry this cynic makes!

Brutus: Get out, sirrah — you saucy fellow!

Cassius: Bear with him, Brutus; that’s just his way.

Brutus: I’ll tolerate him when he knows his place. What business do fools like this have in a war camp? Out!

Cassius: Go, go, be gone.

(Exit Poet.)

Brutus: Lucilius and Titinius, tell the commanders to prepare to camp their soldiers here tonight. And come back with Messala.

(Exeunt Lucilius and Titinius.)

Brutus: Lucius, bring a bowl of wine!

(Exit Lucius.)

Cassius: I didn’t think you could get so angry.

Brutus: O Cassius, I’m overwhelmed with many sorrows.

Cassius: You’re not making use of your philosophy if you can’t bear them.

Brutus: No man bears sorrow better. Portia — my wife — is dead.

Cassius: Dead?

Brutus: She’s gone.

Cassius: How?

Brutus: Impatient of my absence, and worried that young Octavius and Mark Antony were becoming so powerful, she fell into despair. While her attendants were away, she swallowed fire — hot coals — and killed herself.

Cassius: And died that way?

Brutus: Yes.

Cassius: O immortal gods!

(Enter Lucius with wine.)

Brutus: Speak no more of her. Give me a bowl of wine. In this drink, Cassius, I bury all my unkindness.

Cassius: My heart thirsts for this noble pledge. Fill the cup, Lucius; I can’t drink too much of Brutus’ friendship.

(Exit Lucius.)

(Re-enter Titinius with Messala.)

Brutus: Welcome, good Messala. Let’s sit close by this candle and discuss what we need to do.

Cassius: Portia — you’re really gone?

Brutus: No more talk of that, please. Messala, I’ve received letters that young Octavius and Mark Antony are marching their army toward Philippi.

3. 30 One-Mark Questions

Q1. Who are the two generals quarrelling in this scene?

Ans. Brutus and Cassius.

Q2. From whom does Cassius say he inherited his rash temper?

Ans. From his mother.

Q3. What does Brutus compare Cassius’s over-earnestness to?

Ans. To being scolded by Cassius’s mother.

Q4. Who wants to enter and stop the quarrel between the generals?

Ans. A Poet.

Q5. Who tries to stop the Poet from entering?

Ans. Lucilius.

Q6. What does the Poet say will be the only thing to stop him from entering?

Ans. Death.

Q7. What does the Poet urge Brutus and Cassius to do?

Ans. To love each other and be friends.

Q8. How does Cassius describe the Poet’s verse?

Ans. “How vilely doth this cynic rhyme!”

Q9. What word does Brutus use to dismiss the Poet rudely?

Ans. “Sirrah” – meaning a low fellow.

Q10. Who asks Brutus to bear with the Poet because it is his fashion?

Ans. Cassius.

Q11. What does Brutus call the Poet – “jigging __”?

Ans. “jigging fools.”

Q12. Whom does Brutus instruct to tell the commanders to camp their soldiers for the night?

Ans. Lucilius and Titinius.

Q13. Who is asked to bring Messala to Brutus and Cassius?

Ans. Lucilius and Titinius.

Q14. What does Brutus ask Lucius to bring after the quarrel ends?

Ans. A bowl of wine.

Q15. How does Cassius react to Brutus’s anger?

Ans. He says he didn’t think Brutus could be so angry.

Q16. With what words does Brutus express his sorrow?

Ans. “O Cassius, I am sick of many griefs.”

Q17. What philosophy does Cassius refer to when he says Brutus makes no use of it?

Ans. Stoic philosophy (bearing sorrows patiently).

Q18. Who is Portia in the play?

Ans. Brutus’s wife.

Q19. What news about Portia shocks Cassius?

Ans. That she is dead.

Q20. Why did Portia kill herself according to Brutus?

Ans. She was impatient of his absence and distressed by the growing power of Octavius and Antony.

Q21. How does Portia commit suicide?

Ans. She swallows fire (hot coals).

Q22. What is Cassius’s immediate reaction to Portia’s death?

Ans. “O ye immortal gods!”

Q23. What does Brutus ask Cassius to do after telling of Portia’s death?

Ans. Speak no more of her and bring wine.

Q24. What symbolic act do Brutus and Cassius perform with wine?

Ans. They bury all unkindness and pledge friendship.

Q25. What does Cassius call Brutus’s pledge?

Ans. “That noble pledge.”

Q26. Who re-enters with Messala after the reconciliation?

Ans. Titinius.

Q27. Around what do Brutus, Cassius, Titinius and Messala sit to discuss plans?

Ans. A taper (candle).

Q28. What place are Octavius and Antony marching towards according to Messala’s letters?

Ans. Philippi.

Q29. Whom does Brutus welcome warmly just before planning strategy?

Ans. Messala.

Q30. What overall tone replaces the earlier quarrel by the end of the passage?

Ans. Reconciliation and planning for battle.

4. 40 MCQs with Answers

Q1. Who are the two generals quarrelling in this scene?

A) Caesar and Cassius

B) Brutus and Cassius

C) Antony and Octavius

D) Brutus and Antony

Answer: B) Brutus and Cassius

Q2. Cassius claims his bad temper comes from his __.

A) father

B) teacher

C) mother

D) friend

Answer: C) mother

Q3. What does Brutus say he will imagine Cassius’s anger as?

A) A joke

B) His mother scolding

C) A soldier shouting

D) A poet rhyming

Answer: B) His mother scolding

Q4. Who wants to enter and stop the generals’ quarrel?

A) Lucius

B) A Poet

C) Messala

D) Titinius

Answer: B) A Poet

Q5. Who tries to keep the Poet from entering?

A) Lucilius

B) Brutus

C) Cassius

D) Messala

Answer: A) Lucilius

Q6. “Nothing but death shall stay me” is said by:

A) Cassius

B) Messala

C) Poet

D) Titinius

Answer: C) Poet

Q7. The Poet urges the generals to:

A) Fight harder

B) Drink wine

C) Love each other and be friends

D) Leave the camp

Answer: C) Love each other and be friends

Q8. Cassius laughs and calls the Poet’s verse:

A) Sweet melody

B) Vile cynic rhyme

C) Noble pledge

D) Stoic philosophy

Answer: B) Vile cynic rhyme

Q9. What insult does Brutus use for the Poet?

A) Foolish bard

B) Sirrah

C) Liar

D) Thief

Answer: B) Sirrah

Q10. Who says, “Bear with him, Brutus; ’tis his fashion”?

A) Messala

B) Titinius

C) Cassius

D) Lucilius

Answer: C) Cassius

Q11. Brutus calls the Poet “jigging __.”

A) clowns

B) fools

C) soldiers

D) slaves

Answer: B) fools

Q12. Who is asked to tell the commanders to camp for the night?

A) Titinius and Lucilius

B) Messala and Lucius

C) Cassius and Brutus

D) Lucius and the Poet

Answer: A) Titinius and Lucilius

Q13. Who must bring Messala to the generals?

A) The Poet

B) Cassius

C) Titinius and Lucilius

D) Lucius

Answer: C) Titinius and Lucilius

Q14. What does Brutus call for after the quarrel?

A) Wine

B) Food

C) Scrolls

D) Weapons

Answer: A) Wine

Q15. Cassius says he didn’t think Brutus could be so __.

A) happy

B) cowardly

C) angry

D) gentle

Answer: C) angry

Q16. Brutus laments, “I am sick of many __.”

A) enemies

B) griefs

C) wounds

D) soldiers

Answer: B) griefs

Q17. Cassius criticises Brutus for not using his __.

A) army

B) money

C) philosophy

D) family

Answer: C) philosophy

Q18. Brutus’s wife’s name is:

A) Calpurnia

B) Cleopatra

C) Portia

D) Octavia

Answer: C) Portia

Q19. Portia’s death shocks which character?

A) Brutus

B) Cassius

C) Antony

D) Messala

Answer: B) Cassius

Q20. Why did Portia kill herself?

A) She was accused of treason

B) She was tired of life

C) She feared Antony’s power and missed Brutus

D) She was poisoned by Cassius

Answer: C) She feared Antony’s power and missed Brutus

Q21. How does Portia commit suicide?

A) Hanging

B) Poison

C) Swallowing fire

D) Drowning

Answer: C) Swallowing fire

Q22. “O ye immortal gods!” is exclaimed by:

A) Messala

B) Brutus

C) Cassius

D) The Poet

Answer: C) Cassius

Q23. After hearing of Portia’s death, Brutus asks for:

A) A horse

B) A bowl of wine

C) A sword

D) A message

Answer: B) A bowl of wine

Q24. Brutus says he will “bury all __.”

A) treasures

B) soldiers

C) unkindness

D) scrolls

Answer: C) unkindness

Q25. Cassius calls Brutus’s pledge a __.

A) noble pledge

B) fool’s oath

C) Stoic vow

D) mighty promise

Answer: A) noble pledge

Q26. Who re-enters with Messala?

A) Lucilius

B) The Poet

C) Titinius

D) Lucius

Answer: C) Titinius

Q27. Around what do the men sit to discuss plans?

A) A table

B) A fire

C) A taper

D) A throne

Answer: C) A taper

Q28. The letters Brutus receives say Antony and Octavius are moving toward:

A) Rome

B) Sardis

C) Philippi

D) Athens

Answer: C) Philippi

Q29. Whom does Brutus welcome before planning strategy?

A) Antony

B) Messala

C) Lucius

D) The Poet

Answer: B) Messala

Q30. Cassius’s heart is “thirsty” for what?

A) Battle

B) Power

C) Brutus’s friendship

D) Money

Answer: C) Brutus’s friendship

Q31. “Bear with him … ’tis his fashion” shows Cassius’s:

A) Hatred of the Poet

B) Tolerance of the Poet

C) Love for Brutus

D) Dislike of Messala

Answer: B) Tolerance of the Poet

Q32. “Sirrah” is used by Brutus to address the Poet with:

A) Affection

B) Respect

C) Contempt

D) Curiosity

Answer: C) Contempt

Q33. Brutus calls the Poet a “jigging fool” because:

A) He dances in the camp

B) He sings songs

C) He writes foolish rhymes

D) He steals from soldiers

Answer: C) He writes foolish rhymes

Q34. Brutus and Cassius reconcile by sharing:

A) A meal

B) A handshake

C) Wine

D) A letter

Answer: C) Wine

Q35. The setting of this quarrel is in:

A) Rome

B) Sardis camp

C) Senate House

D) Philippi

Answer: B) Sardis camp

Q36. Who brings the bowl of wine to Brutus?

A) Titinius

B) Lucius

C) Messala

D) Cassius

Answer: B) Lucius

Q37. The “noble pledge” symbolises:

A) Death

B) War

C) Friendship

D) Victory

Answer: C) Friendship

Q38. Cassius’s comment on his “mother’s humour” reveals:

A) Family pride

B) Inherited temper

C) Political cunning

D) Weakness

Answer: B) Inherited temper

Q39. What is the dramatic purpose of the Poet’s entrance?

A) To bring a message

B) Comic relief and reconciliation

C) To spy on the generals

D) To deliver a prophecy

Answer: B) Comic relief and reconciliation

Q40. By the end of the extract, the mood changes from:

A) Friendship to quarrel

B) War to peace

C) Quarrel to reconciliation

D) Joy to sorrow

Answer: C) Quarrel to reconciliation

5. RTC BASED QUESTIONS

Extract 1

CASSIUS: O Brutus!

BRUTUS: What’s the matter?

CASSIUS: Have not you love enough to bear with me,

When that rash humour which my mother gave me

Makes me forgetful?

Q1. Who is speaking to whom in this extract?

Ans. Cassius is speaking to Brutus.

Q2. What “rash humour” is Cassius talking about?

Ans. He means his quick temper and impulsive nature which he says he inherited from his mother.

Q3. What had just happened before this line?

Ans. Brutus and Cassius were quarrelling bitterly about Brutus condemning Lucius Pella and about bribes.

Q4. How does Brutus respond to Cassius’s request to “bear with” him?

Ans. Brutus agrees to tolerate Cassius’s over-earnestness and says he will think of it as a mother scolding him.

Q5. What does this extract reveal about Cassius’s character?

Ans. It shows Cassius can be remorseful and seeks reconciliation, admitting his own faults.

Extract 2

BRUTUS: Yes, Cassius, and from henceforth,

When you are over-earnest with your Brutus,

He’ll think your mother chides, and leave you so.

Q1. What does Brutus mean by “think your mother chides”?

Ans. He means he will imagine Cassius as a scolding mother and not take his anger personally.

Q2. What mood of Brutus is shown here?

Ans. Brutus is calming down and ready to reconcile.

Q3. Why were Brutus and Cassius quarrelling?

Ans. Brutus accused Cassius of taking bribes and protecting corrupt officials like Lucius Pella.

Q4. What does this line suggest about Brutus’s temperament?

Ans. It shows Brutus’s patience, self-control and willingness to forgive.

Q5. How does this line help resolve the quarrel?

Ans. It introduces humour and softens tension, allowing both to move toward peace.

Extract 3

POET: For shame, you generals! What do you mean?

Love, and be friends, as two such men should be.

Q1. Who enters at this moment?

Ans. A Poet enters, followed by Lucilius, Titinius and Lucius.

Q2. What does the poet urge Brutus and Cassius to do?

Ans. He urges them to stop quarrelling, love each other and be friends.

Q3. Why does the poet interfere in military matters?

Ans. He feels it is shameful for two generals to quarrel and wants to reconcile them.

Q4. How does Brutus respond to the poet?

Ans. Brutus calls him a “saucy fellow” and drives him away, saying war has no place for jesters.

Q5. What is Cassius’s attitude toward the poet?

Ans. Cassius laughs and excuses the poet’s behaviour, saying it is his “fashion.”

Extract 4

BRUTUS: Get you hence, sirrah; saucy fellow, hence!

CASSIUS: Bear with him, Brutus; ’tis his fashion.

Q1. Who is being driven away?

Ans. The poet who entered to stop their quarrel.

Q2. Why does Brutus call him a “saucy fellow”?

Ans. Because Brutus feels it is impertinent for a poet to intrude in generals’ private matters.

Q3. What does Cassius’s reply show about him?

Ans. Cassius is tolerant and finds the poet amusing rather than offensive.

Q4. What theme does this scene highlight?

Ans. It highlights the contrast between military seriousness and artistic meddling.

Q5. How does Shakespeare use the poet’s entrance dramatically?

Ans. As comic relief, easing tension after the intense quarrel.

Extract 5

BRUTUS: O Cassius, I am sick of many griefs.

CASSIUS: Of your philosophy you make no use,

If you give place to accidental evils.

Q1. What griefs trouble Brutus here?

Ans. He is troubled by the death of his wife Portia and the growing power of Antony and Octavius.

Q2. What does Cassius mean by “philosophy”?

Ans. He means Brutus’s Stoic philosophy which teaches endurance of pain and misfortune.

Q3. How does Brutus reply to this accusation?

Ans. Brutus says no man bears sorrow better than he does.

Q4. What theme appears here?

Ans. The theme of stoicism and endurance under personal loss.

Q5. How does this lead to a revelation?

Ans. It leads Brutus to reveal Portia’s death to Cassius.

Extract 6

CASSIUS: Ha! Portia!

BRUTUS: She is dead.

Q1. Who is Portia?

Ans. Portia is Brutus’s wife.

Q2. How does Cassius react to the news?

Ans. Cassius is shocked and deeply grieved, crying “Ha! Portia!”

Q3. Why did Portia die?

Ans. She killed herself by swallowing hot coals because she was anxious and grief-stricken at Brutus’s absence and the rise of Antony and Octavius.

Q4. What does this show about Portia’s character?

Ans. It shows her intense loyalty and emotional vulnerability.

Q5. How does this event affect Brutus?

Ans. He suppresses his grief and behaves stoically, burying “all unkindness” in wine with Cassius.

Extract 7

BRUTUS: Impatient of my absence,

And grief that young Octavius with Mark Antony

Have made themselves so strong, …

… swallow’d fire.

Q1. What is Brutus explaining here?

Ans. He is explaining to Cassius the cause of Portia’s death.

Q2. What does “swallow’d fire” mean?

Ans. It refers to Portia committing suicide by swallowing burning coals.

Q3. What political situation adds to Portia’s despair?

Ans. Antony and Octavius becoming powerful after Caesar’s death.

Q4. How does this speech reveal Brutus’s feelings?

Ans. It shows his controlled sorrow and matter-of-fact delivery, true to Stoic ideals.

Q5. What theme does Shakespeare illustrate here?

Ans. The personal cost of political actions and the tragedy of private loss.

Extract 8

CASSIUS: O ye immortal gods!

Q1. What prompts Cassius to exclaim this?

Ans. The shocking news that Portia has died by suicide.

Q2. How does this exclamation contrast with Brutus’s reaction?

Ans. Cassius reacts emotionally, while Brutus stays calm and restrained.

Q3. What does this reveal about Cassius’s nature?

Ans. He is more emotional and less stoic than Brutus.

Q4. What effect does Portia’s death have on their friendship?

Ans. It softens their quarrel and brings sympathy and reconciliation.

Q5. What Roman value is reflected in calling upon “immortal gods”?

Ans. The Roman belief in divine witnesses to human suffering and appeals to fate.

Extract 9

BRUTUS: Speak no more of her. Give me a bowl of wine:

In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius.

Q1. Why does Brutus ask Cassius to stop speaking of Portia?

Ans. He wants to control his grief and move on to military matters.

Q2. What does “bury all unkindness” mean?

Ans. It means ending their quarrel and reconciling fully.

Q3. How does wine function symbolically here?

Ans. As a drink of unity and pledge of renewed friendship.

Q4. What theme does this illustrate?

Ans. Friendship and reconciliation after conflict.

Q5. What does this tell us about Brutus’s leadership?

Ans. He prioritises unity among commanders despite personal grief.

Extract 10

CASSIUS: Fill, Lucius, till the wine o’erswell the cup;

I cannot drink too much of Brutus’ love.

Q1. What does Cassius mean by “cannot drink too much”?

Ans. He means he cannot have too much of Brutus’s friendship and affection.

Q2. How does this line show Cassius’s mood now?

Ans. It shows he is reconciled and joyful.

Q3. Who is Lucius here?

Ans. Brutus’s young servant and musician.

Q4. What is the dramatic function of this moment?

Ans. It marks a complete shift from anger to warmth between the two generals.

Q5. How does this reflect Roman camaraderie?

Ans. Sharing wine was a traditional act of loyalty and friendship.

Extract 11

BRUTUS: Now sit we close about this taper here,

And call in question our necessities.

Q1. What does Brutus mean by “call in question our necessities”?

Ans. He wants to discuss their military needs and strategy.

Q2. Who is present at this point?

Ans. Brutus, Cassius, Titinius and Messala.

Q3. Why around a taper?

Ans. The taper (candle) gives light at night; it sets an intimate, strategic mood.

Q4. How does this transition function in the scene?

Ans. It shifts focus from personal conflict to planning war.

Q5. What does this show about Brutus’s priorities?

Ans. He quickly returns to duty and leadership.

Extract 12

MESSALA: That young Octavius and Mark Antony

Bending their expedition toward Philippi.

Q1. What news does Messala bring?

Ans. He informs them that Octavius and Antony are marching toward Philippi.

Q2. Why is this significant?

Ans. It signals the approaching decisive battle between the conspirators and Caesar’s avengers.

Q3. How does this news affect the planning?

Ans. It forces Brutus and Cassius to decide whether to march to Philippi or wait.

Q4. What does “expedition” mean here?

Ans. Military campaign or march.

Q5. What theme emerges again?

Ans. Fate versus free will in war strategy.

Extract 13

CASSIUS: Portia, art thou gone?

BRUTUS: No more, I pray you.

Q1. Why does Cassius ask this again?

Ans. He is still in shock and disbelief at Portia’s death.

Q2. Why does Brutus cut him short?

Ans. He does not want to dwell on his grief and lose focus on military matters.

Q3. How does this show their differing natures?

Ans. Cassius is emotionally expressive, Brutus stoic and disciplined.

Q4. What does this dialogue reveal about their friendship?

Ans. Despite differences, they care deeply for each other.

Q5. What dramatic effect does it have?

Ans. It keeps the scene moving from private sorrow to public duty.

Extract 14

BRUTUS: No man bears sorrow better.

Q1. Who says this and to whom?

Ans. Brutus says it to Cassius.

Q2. What is Brutus asserting?

Ans. He is claiming his own strength in enduring grief (Stoic philosophy).

Q3. How does this fit his character throughout the play?

Ans. Brutus consistently suppresses personal emotion for the public good.

Q4. How is this line ironic in hindsight?

Ans. Brutus will later commit suicide at Philippi, showing his own limits.

Q5. What theme does this highlight?

Ans. Human struggle between ideal philosophy and real suffering.

Extract 15

CASSIUS: My heart is thirsty for that noble pledge.

Q1. What is the “noble pledge”?

Ans. It is the cup of wine symbolising reconciliation and renewed friendship with Brutus.

Q2. How does Cassius describe his feelings metaphorically?

Ans. He says his heart is “thirsty,” comparing emotional need to physical thirst.

Q3. How does this end the quarrel?

Ans. By drinking together, they seal their peace and unity.

Q4. What is the dramatic purpose of this moment?

Ans. To show harmony restored before the coming war.

Q5. What larger theme does this echo?

Ans. Loyalty, comradeship, and Roman ideals of honour among allies.

6. 20 “Who Said to Whom” Questions

1. Quote: “O Brutus!”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: Cassius said this to Brutus.

2. Quote: “What’s the matter? Have not you love enough to bear with me, when that rash humour which my mother gave me makes me forgetful?”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: Cassius said this to Brutus.

3. Quote: “Yes, Cassius; and from henceforth, when you are over-earnest with your Brutus, he’ll think your mother chides and leave you so.”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: Brutus said this to Cassius.

4. Quote: “Let me go in to see the generals. There is some grudge between them; ’tis not meet they be alone.”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: The Poet said this to Lucilius (from within).

5. Quote: “You shall not come to them.”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: Lucilius said this to the Poet.

6. Quote: “Nothing but death shall stay me.”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: The Poet said this to Lucilius.

7. Quote: “For shame, you generals! What do you mean? Love, and be friends, as two such men should be; for I have seen more years, I’m sure, than ye.”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: The Poet said this to Brutus and Cassius.

8. Quote: “Ha, ha! how vilely doth this cynic rhyme!”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: Cassius said this about the Poet (to Brutus).

9. Quote: “Get you hence, sirrah; saucy fellow, hence!”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: Brutus said this to the Poet.

10. Quote: “Bear with him, Brutus; ’tis his fashion.”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: Cassius said this to Brutus (about the Poet).

11. Quote: “I’ll know his humour when he knows his time. What should the wars do with these jigging fools?”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: Brutus said this to Cassius.

12. Quote: “Away, away, away, be gone.”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: Cassius said this to the Poet.

13. Quote: “Bid the commanders prepare to lodge their companies to-night here.”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: Brutus said this to Lucilius and Titinius.

14. Quote: “And come yourselves, and bring Messala with you immediately to us.”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: Cassius said this to Lucilius and Titinius.

15. Quote: “Lucius, a bowl of wine!”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: Brutus said this to Lucius.

16. Quote: “O Cassius, I am sick of many griefs.”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: Brutus said this to Cassius.

17. Quote: “Of your philosophy you make no use, if you give place to accidental evils.”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: Cassius said this to Brutus.

18. Quote: “Portia is dead.”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: Brutus said this to Cassius.

19. Quote: “Impatient of my absence, and grief that young Octavius with Mark Antony have made themselves so strong … and her attendants absent, swallow’d fire.”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: Brutus said this to Cassius (explaining Portia’s death).

20. Quote: “Speak no more of her. Give me a bowl of wine. In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius.”

Q: Who said this to whom?

A: Brutus said this to Cassius.

7. 10 Two-Mark Questions

Q1. Why are Brutus and Cassius quarrelling at the start of the scene?

Ans. Brutus accuses Cassius of protecting Lucius Pella, who took bribes. Brutus believes Cassius himself has been accepting bribes, which betrays the ideals of Caesar’s assassination. This clash over integrity leads to a bitter exchange of accusations and marks the lowest point in their friendship.

Q2. How does Cassius explain his sudden anger?

Ans. Cassius admits he has a “rash humour” inherited from his mother, meaning a hot temper. He asks Brutus to bear with him when this mood overtakes him. This shows Cassius’s self-awareness and wish to mend their quarrel by acknowledging his own fault openly.

Q3. What is Brutus’s response to Cassius’s self-confession about his temper?

Ans. Brutus says that in future he will imagine Cassius as a mother scolding a child and will leave him alone until he calms down. This gentle humour reduces tension and signals Brutus’s readiness to forgive Cassius, smoothing the path to reconciliation.

Q4. Describe the role of the Poet in this scene.

Ans. The Poet bursts into Brutus’s tent, urging both generals to stop quarrelling and be friends. His intrusion acts as comic relief and also as a moral voice. Though Brutus angrily drives him out, the Poet’s words remind them of their shared cause and brotherhood.

Q5. How does Cassius react differently from Brutus to the Poet’s intrusion?

Ans. Cassius laughs at the Poet and excuses his behaviour, saying it is his “fashion.” Brutus, however, calls the Poet a “saucy fellow” and orders him away. This contrast reveals Cassius’s tolerance and Brutus’s stricter sense of decorum within a military context.

Q6. How does Brutus reveal Portia’s death to Cassius?

Ans. During their calmer talk, Brutus confesses he is “sick of many griefs” and then discloses that Portia, his wife, is dead. He speaks matter-of-factly, describing her suicide by swallowing fire, showing his Stoic restraint even when sharing devastating personal news.

Q7. What reasons does Brutus give for Portia’s suicide?

Ans. Brutus explains that Portia was impatient of his absence and distressed by Antony and Octavius growing strong. Feeling isolated and her attendants away, she swallowed fire. This tragic act shows her despair at both personal separation and political upheaval after Caesar’s assassination.

Q8. How does Cassius react to the news of Portia’s death?

Ans. Cassius is shocked and grieves openly, crying “O ye immortal gods!” His emotional reaction contrasts with Brutus’s composure. This moment deepens their bond because Cassius recognises Brutus’s pain and also softens his own mood after their earlier conflict.

Q9. How do Brutus and Cassius formally end their quarrel?

Ans. Brutus calls for wine, saying he buries “all unkindness” in the cup. Cassius says his heart is thirsty for Brutus’s noble pledge. They drink together, symbolising reconciliation and renewed unity before turning their focus to the looming battle with Antony and Octavius.

Q10. What news does Messala bring about Antony and Octavius?

Ans. Messala reports that Antony and Octavius are moving their forces toward Philippi. This alerts Brutus and Cassius that the decisive confrontation is near. The news shifts the scene from personal issues to military planning and foreshadows the coming battle at Philippi.

8. 10 Three-Mark Questions

Q1. Explain how Brutus and Cassius’s quarrel reflects their contrasting characters.

Ans. Brutus focuses on moral principles and accuses Cassius of corruption, while Cassius, more pragmatic and emotional, reacts with anger and self-defence. Their clash shows the tension between idealism and practicality. Yet, despite the bitterness, both value their friendship. Cassius admits his temper, Brutus uses humour to defuse anger, and together they reconcile—demonstrating Shakespeare’s theme of human frailty within political alliances.

Q2. Analyse the dramatic purpose of the Poet’s entrance in this scene.

Ans. The Poet interrupts the generals at their most heated moment, scolding them like children. This functions as comic relief after a tense quarrel, preventing the play from becoming too heavy. It also mirrors the audience’s own judgment that such leaders should not fight internally. By contrasting the serious military world with a jesting outsider, Shakespeare underscores the need for unity before facing external enemies.

Q3. How does Brutus’s reaction to the Poet show his leadership style?

Ans. Brutus reacts sharply, calling the Poet “sirrah” and ordering him out. He dislikes uninvited interference in military affairs, showing his disciplined and formal style. This response also reveals Brutus’s serious focus on honour and decorum. Compared to Cassius’s tolerant laughter, Brutus appears stricter but also more consistent with Roman Stoic ideals of order and dignity in leadership.

Q4. Discuss the significance of Portia’s death in Brutus’s emotional journey.

Ans. Portia’s suicide strikes at Brutus’s personal life, yet he suppresses his grief to stay on mission. Her death marks the cost of Brutus’s political actions: his wife’s despair and isolation. By revealing it calmly, Brutus demonstrates Stoicism but also foreshadows his own end. Shakespeare uses this to show the heavy sacrifices borne by those who place duty above personal ties.

Q5. How does Shakespeare contrast Brutus’s and Cassius’s reactions to Portia’s death?

Ans. Brutus speaks plainly and quickly changes the subject, embodying his philosophy of self-control. Cassius, by contrast, cries to the gods and cannot hide his shock. This contrast deepens our understanding of their friendship—Brutus the iron-willed idealist, Cassius the passionate realist—and also balances the emotional tone of the scene, making their reconciliation believable and moving.

Q6. What symbolic role does wine play in the reconciliation between Brutus and Cassius?

Ans. Wine acts as a ritual of friendship and forgiveness. When Brutus calls for a bowl to “bury all unkindness,” he signals an official end to their quarrel. Cassius eagerly joins, saying he “cannot drink too much of Brutus’s love.” The shared cup represents unity, loyalty and preparation to face death together in the coming battle, strengthening the tragic pathos.

Q7. How does the scene transition from private conflict to public duty?

Ans. After reconciling, Brutus calls in Titinius and Messala, orders lodging for the troops and discusses military necessities by the taper’s light. This shift marks a return to their roles as generals. Shakespeare structures the scene so personal emotion gives way to strategy, illustrating how public duty dominates private feelings in Roman political life, intensifying the tragic tension.

Q8. Explain how Messala’s news about Antony and Octavius changes the tone of the scene.

Ans. Messala announces Antony and Octavius are marching to Philippi. This jolts the generals back to urgent strategy, replacing grief and camaraderie with military focus. It also foreshadows the decisive confrontation that will seal their fates. The news ends the intimate mood and propels the action forward toward war and ultimately tragedy, linking personal and political threads.

Q9. In what ways does this scene develop the theme of Stoicism?

Ans. Stoicism—enduring pain without complaint—is shown in Brutus’s composure over Portia’s death. Cassius challenges him for not using his philosophy but then admires his restraint. The scene thus dramatizes the Roman ideal of rational self-control. Yet its tension also shows the limits of Stoicism, since both men still quarrel and later face their own suicides at Philippi.

Q10. Why is this quarrel-and-reconciliation scene crucial to the structure of the play?

Ans. Dramatically, it humanises Brutus and Cassius, showing them as fallible friends rather than static conspirators. The quarrel raises doubts about their unity, but the reconciliation reassures the audience before the final battle. It also provides exposition about Portia’s death and enemy movements, while setting the emotional stakes high, making their ultimate defeat at Philippi more tragic and inevitable.

 

 

COURTESY: Meta AI & ChatGPT

Compiled by Dr. Shankar D Mishra

 

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