Julius Caesar Act 3, Scene I – Part Two page 108 to 114

 

 Julius Caesar, Act 3, Scene I – Part Two

Page 108 to 114 {According to Evergreen Book}

Lines: Brutus: People and senators, be not affrighted; ………………. Brutus: Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him,

Have thus proceeded.

Glossary

1.    affrighted — frightened or terrified — भयभीत / आतंकित

2.    fly not — do not run away — भागो मत

3.    stand still — remain calm and unmoving — स्थिर रहो

4.    ambition’s debt is paid — Caesar’s punishment for ambition has been carried out — महत्वाकांक्षा का दंड चुका दिया गया

5.    pulpit — public speaking platform — वक्तृत्व मंच

6.    confounded — confused, bewildered — भ्रमित / स्तब्ध

7.    mutiny — rebellion or uprising — विद्रोह

8.    stand fast — stand firm — डटे रहो

9.    chance — happen accidentally — संयोगवश होना

10. good cheer — courage or comfort — धैर्य / हिम्मत

11. abide — remain — ठहरना / बने रहना

12. doers — those who committed the act — कर्ता / करने वाले

13. amazed — shocked — आश्चर्यचकित

14. doomsday — Judgment Day — प्रलय दिवस

15. Fates — controllers of destiny — भाग्य देवियाँ

16. pleasures — will or wishes — इच्छा / विधान

17. drawing days out — prolonging life — जीवन बढ़ाना

18. stand upon — depend on — निर्भर होना

19. abridged — shortened — संक्षिप्त / घटाया हुआ

20. stoop — bend down — झुकना

21. bathe — dip — डुबोना

22. besmear — smear — लिप्त करना / पोतना

23. market-place — public square — बाज़ार / जनस्थल

24. accents — languages — भाषाएँ / उच्चारण

25. lofty — noble or grand — उच्च / महान

26. scene — dramatic event — दृश्य / प्रसंग

27. sport — mockery or dramatic performance — खेल / उपहास

28. Pompey’s basis — base of Pompey’s statue — पोंपेई की प्रतिमा का आधार

29. dust — ashes; insignificance — धूल / तुच्छ अवशेष

30. knot — group or band — समूह / गिरोह

31. grace his heels — follow respectfully — आदरपूर्वक पीछे चलना

32. soft — wait quietly — ठहरो

33. master — superior — स्वामी / मालिक

34. bid — commanded — आदेश दिया

35. kneel — bend on knees — घुटनों के बल झुकना

36. prostrate — lying flat in submission — दण्डवत / भूमि पर लेटा हुआ

37. vouchsafe — grant kindly — कृपा करके देना / अनुमति देना

38. resolved — assured — आश्वस्त / निश्चिंत

39. deserved — merited — योग्य होना / पात्र होना

40. fortunes — fate or circumstances — भाग्य / परिस्थितियाँ

41. hazards — dangers — जोखिम / खतरे

42. untrod — untrodden, unexplored — अनछुआ / अज्ञात

43. true faith — loyalty — सच्ची निष्ठा

44. valiant — brave — वीर / साहसी

45. worse — inferior or bad — निकृष्ट / बुरा

46. satisfied — convinced — संतुष्ट / आश्वस्त

47. depart untouch’d — leave unharmed — सुरक्षित प्रस्थान करना

48. misgiving — suspicion — शंका / संदेह

49. shrewdly — sharply or keenly — तीक्ष्णता से

50. to the purpose — relevant — उपयुक्त / सार्थक

51. dost thou — do you (archaic) — क्या तुम

52. spoils — war gains — लूट का माल

53. measure — extent or size — माप / सीमा

54. rank — next in line — क्रम में अगला

55. instrument — weapon or tool — साधन / हथियार

56. bear hard — resent — द्वेष रखना

57. purpled — blood-coloured — रक्तरंजित

58. reek — emit steam or smell — धुआँ देना / भाप निकलना

59. apt — ready or suitable — उपयुक्त / तत्पर

60. mean — method — उपाय / तरीका

61. choice — finest — श्रेष्ठ

62. master spirits — leading men — प्रमुख व्यक्ति

63. appear — seem — प्रतीत होना

64. present — current — वर्तमान

65. general wrong — public injustice — सार्वजनिक अन्याय

66. leaden — dull or heavy like lead — सीसे जैसा भारी / कुंठित

67. malice — hatred — द्वेष

68. temper — disposition — स्वभाव

69. reverence — deep respect — आदर / श्रद्धा

70. disposing — arranging or distributing — वितरण / व्यवस्था

71. dignities — high offices — उच्च पद / सम्मान

72. beside themselves — out of control — आत्मविस्मृत / घबराए हुए

73. appeased — calmed — शांत किया हुआ

74. deliver — explain or present — बताना / प्रस्तुत करना

75. cause — reason — कारण

76. proceeded — acted — कार्य किया

77. senators — members of the Senate — सीनेटर / सभा सदस्य

78. harm — injury — हानि

79. mischief — harm or injury — नुकसान

80. liberty — freedom — स्वतंत्रता

81. bleed — lose blood — रक्त बहाना

82. amazed — stunned — स्तब्ध

83. conquests — victories — विजय

84. triumphs — great victories — विजय उत्सव

85. glories — honours — गौरव

86. intend — plan or mean — अभिप्राय रखना

87. beseech — beg earnestly — विनती करना

88. fulfil — complete — पूर्ण करना

89. cruel — harsh or violent — निर्दयी

90. pitiful — compassionate — दयालु

Summary

After the assassination of Caesar in Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Brutus immediately tries to control the chaos. He asks the people and senators not to be frightened and declares that “ambition’s debt is paid,” meaning Caesar has been punished for his excessive ambition. The conspirators urge Brutus and Cassius to address the public from the pulpit. Brutus reassures Publius that no harm is intended toward any Roman citizen except Caesar. He makes it clear that their act was not personal revenge but a political necessity.

When Trebonius informs them that Antony has fled and that the city is in panic as if it were doomsday, Brutus reflects calmly on fate and death. He believes death is inevitable and that shortening life also shortens the fear of death. Cassius agrees and suggests that by killing Caesar, they have freed him from fear. To symbolize their unity and the righteousness of their cause, the conspirators decide to bathe their hands and swords in Caesar’s blood and publicly proclaim “Peace, freedom, and liberty!” Cassius imagines that this historic act will be remembered and reenacted in future ages. Brutus adds that Caesar, who once ruled gloriously, now lies as dust at the base of Pompey’s statue.

A servant then arrives with a message from Mark Antony. Antony respectfully praises both Caesar and Brutus and asks for permission to come safely and understand the reason for Caesar’s death. Though Cassius is suspicious, Brutus trusts Antony and allows him to come. Antony enters and expresses deep sorrow over Caesar’s death. He speaks humbly and even offers his own life if the conspirators consider him dangerous. Brutus reassures him, saying their hearts are full of pity for Rome and that they acted for the public good, not out of cruelty. Cassius promises Antony a voice in the new government. Brutus concludes by saying that once the frightened crowd is calmed, they will explain the true reason for their actions. The passage highlights themes of honour, ambition, political idealism, and tragic irony.

सारांश

William Shakespeare के नाटक Julius Caesar में सीज़र की हत्या के तुरंत बाद यह दृश्य प्रस्तुत होता है। ब्रूटस लोगों और सीनेटरों को भयभीत न होने के लिए कहता है और घोषणा करता है कि “महत्वाकांक्षा का दंड चुका दिया गया है।” उसका आशय है कि सीज़र की अत्यधिक महत्वाकांक्षा के कारण उसकी हत्या उचित थी। षड्यंत्रकारी ब्रूटस और कैसियस को मंच पर जाकर जनता को संबोधित करने के लिए कहते हैं। ब्रूटस पब्लियस को आश्वासन देता है कि किसी भी रोमन नागरिक को कोई हानि नहीं पहुँचाई जाएगी। उनका उद्देश्य केवल सीज़र को हटाना था, न कि रोम के लोगों को नुकसान पहुँचाना।

ट्रे बोनियस बताता है कि एंटनी भयभीत होकर भाग गया है और नगर में प्रलय जैसी स्थिति है। ब्रूटस मृत्यु के विषय में दार्शनिक विचार व्यक्त करता है। वह कहता है कि मृत्यु निश्चित है; केवल समय अनिश्चित है। कैसियस भी सहमत होता है और कहता है कि सीज़र की मृत्यु ने उसके भय को समाप्त कर दिया। षड्यंत्रकारी अपने हाथ और तलवारें सीज़र के रक्त से रंगने का निर्णय लेते हैं ताकि यह दिखा सकें कि उन्होंने यह कार्य साहसपूर्वक और स्वतंत्रता के लिए किया है। वे “शांति, स्वतंत्रता और मुक्ति” का नारा लगाने की योजना बनाते हैं। कैसियस कल्पना करता है कि यह घटना भविष्य में भी स्मरण की जाएगी। ब्रूटस जोड़ता है कि महान सीज़र अब पोंपेई की प्रतिमा के नीचे धूल के समान पड़ा है।

तभी एंटनी का सेवक संदेश लेकर आता है। एंटनी ब्रूटस और सीज़र दोनों की प्रशंसा करता है और सुरक्षित रूप से मिलने की अनुमति माँगता है। कैसियस को उस पर संदेह है, परंतु ब्रूटस उस पर विश्वास करता है। एंटनी आकर सीज़र की मृत्यु पर गहरा शोक प्रकट करता है और यदि वे चाहें तो स्वयं को भी मार डालने का अवसर देता है। ब्रूटस उसे आश्वस्त करता है कि उनका कार्य रोम के हित में किया गया है। कैसियस उसे नए शासन में स्थान देने का वचन देता है। अंत में ब्रूटस कहता है कि जब जनता शांत हो जाएगी, तब वे अपने कार्य का कारण स्पष्ट करेंगे। यह दृश्य सम्मान, महत्वाकांक्षा, आदर्शवाद और विडंबना जैसे विषयों को उजागर करता है।

PARAPHRASE

BRUTUS
People and senators, be not affrighted;
English: Citizens and senators, do not be frightened.
Hindi: हे नागरिकों और सीनेटरों, भयभीत मत हो।
Fly not; stand still: ambition’s debt is paid.
English: Do not run away; remain calm. Caesar’s ambition has been punished.
Hindi: भागो मत; स्थिर रहो। महत्वाकांक्षा का दंड चुका दिया गया है।
CASCA
Go to the pulpit, Brutus.
English: Brutus, go to the platform and address the people.
Hindi: ब्रूटस, मंच पर जाकर जनता को संबोधित करो।
DECIUS BRUTUS
And Cassius too.
English: And Cassius should also go.
Hindi: और कैसियस भी जाए।
BRUTUS
Where’s Publius?
English: Where is Publius?
Hindi: पब्लियस कहाँ है?
CINNA
Here, quite confounded with this mutiny.
English: He is here, completely confused by this rebellion.
Hindi: वह यहाँ है, इस विद्रोह से अत्यंत भ्रमित।
METELLUS CIMBER
Stand fast together, lest some friend of Caesar’s
English: Stay united, in case one of Caesar’s supporters—
Hindi: एक साथ डटे रहो, कहीं सीज़र का कोई समर्थक—
Should chance—
English: Might happen to attack us—
Hindi: कहीं संयोग से हमला न कर दे—
BRUTUS
Talk not of standing. Publius, good cheer!
English: Do not speak of defending ourselves. Publius, be brave!
Hindi: डटे रहने की बात मत करो। पब्लियस, साहस रखो!
There is no harm intended to your person,
English: No harm is meant for you.
Hindi: तुम्हें कोई हानि पहुँचाने का इरादा नहीं है।
Nor to no Roman else. So tell them, Publius.
English: Nor to any other Roman. Go and tell them this.
Hindi: और किसी भी रोमन को नहीं। जाकर सबको यह बताओ।
CASSIUS
And leave us, Publius; lest that the people,
English: Leave us now, Publius, in case the crowd—
Hindi: अब हमें छोड़ दो, पब्लियस, कहीं जनता—
Rushing on us, should do your age some mischief.
English: Might rush at us and harm you because of your old age.
Hindi: हम पर टूट पड़े और तुम्हारी वृद्धावस्था को हानि पहुँचा दे।
BRUTUS
Do so; and let no man abide this deed
English: Go, and let no one remain here—
Hindi: जाओ, और कोई यहाँ न ठहरे—
But we, the doers.
English: Except us who committed this act.
Hindi: सिवाय हमारे, जिन्होंने यह कार्य किया है।
(Re-enter TREBONIUS)
CASSIUS
Where is Antony?
English: Where is Mark Antony?
Hindi: मार्क एंटनी कहाँ है?
TREBONIUS
Fled to his house, amazed.
English: He has run to his house in shock.
Hindi: वह स्तब्ध होकर अपने घर भाग गया है।
Men, wives, and children stare, cry out, and run,
English: Men, women, and children are staring, shouting, and running—
Hindi: पुरुष, स्त्रियाँ और बच्चे घूर रहे हैं, चिल्ला रहे हैं और भाग रहे हैं—
As it were doomsday.
English: As if it were the end of the world.
Hindi: मानो प्रलय का दिन हो।
BRUTUS
Fates, we will know your pleasures:
English: O destiny, we will accept your will.
Hindi: हे भाग्य देवियों, हम तुम्हारी इच्छा स्वीकार करेंगे।
That we shall die, we know; ’tis but the time,
English: We know we must die; only the time is uncertain.
Hindi: हम जानते हैं कि हमें मरना है; केवल समय अनिश्चित है।
And drawing days out, that men stand upon.
English: People only care about prolonging life.
Hindi: लोग केवल जीवन को लंबा करने को महत्व देते हैं।
CASSIUS
Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life
English: Whoever shortens life by twenty years—
Hindi: जो जीवन के बीस वर्ष घटा देता है—
Cuts off so many years of fearing death.
English: Removes twenty years of fearing death as well.
Hindi: वह उतने ही वर्षों का मृत्यु-भय भी समाप्त कर देता है।
BRUTUS
Grant that, and then is death a benefit.
English: If that is true, then death is a blessing.
Hindi: यदि यह सत्य है, तो मृत्यु एक लाभ है।
So are we Caesar’s friends, that have abridged
English: Thus, we are Caesar’s friends because we have shortened—
Hindi: इस प्रकार हम सीज़र के मित्र हैं क्योंकि हमने—
His time of fearing death.
English: His time of fearing death.
Hindi: उसके मृत्यु-भय के समय को घटा दिया।
Stoop, Romans, stoop,
English: Bend down, Romans, bend down.
Hindi: झुको, हे रोमनों, झुको।
And let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood
English: Let us dip our hands in Caesar’s blood.
Hindi: आओ, अपने हाथ सीज़र के रक्त में डुबोएँ।
Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords:
English: Up to our elbows and smear our swords with it.
Hindi: कोहनियों तक और अपनी तलवारों को उससे लिप्त करें।
Then walk we forth, even to the market-place,
English: Then let us go to the public square.
Hindi: फिर हम सार्वजनिक स्थल की ओर चलें।
And, waving our red weapons o’er our heads,
English: And wave our bloody swords over our heads.
Hindi: और अपनी रक्तरंजित तलवारें सिर के ऊपर लहराएँ।
Let’s all cry ‘Peace, freedom, and liberty!’
English: Let us shout, “Peace, freedom, and liberty!”
Hindi: और पुकारें, “शांति, स्वतंत्रता और स्वतंत्रता!”

CASSIUS
Stoop, then, and wash.
English: Bend down, then, and wash your hands in the blood.
Hindi: तो झुको और अपने हाथ रक्त से धोओ।
How many ages hence
English: How many ages in the future—
Hindi: आने वाले कितने युगों में—
Shall this our lofty scene be acted over,
English: Will this grand event be performed again,
Hindi: यह महान दृश्य फिर से अभिनय किया जाएगा,
In states unborn and accents yet unknown!
English: In countries not yet formed and in languages not yet spoken!
Hindi: उन राज्यों में जो अभी बने नहीं हैं और उन भाषाओं में जो अभी जानी नहीं गई हैं!
BRUTUS
How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport,
English: How many times will Caesar bleed in dramatic performances,
Hindi: कितनी बार नाटकों में सीज़र का रक्त बहेगा,
That now on Pompey’s basis lies along,
English: He who now lies at the base of Pompey’s statue,
Hindi: जो अभी पोंपेई की प्रतिमा के आधार पर पड़ा है,
No worthier than the dust!
English: No more valuable than dust!
Hindi: और धूल से अधिक मूल्यवान नहीं है!
CASSIUS
So oft as that shall be,
English: As often as that happens,
Hindi: जितनी बार ऐसा होगा,
So often shall the knot of us be called
English: So often will our group be called
Hindi: उतनी ही बार हमारा समूह कहलाएगा
The men that gave their country liberty.
English: The men who gave freedom to their country.
Hindi: वे लोग जिन्होंने अपने देश को स्वतंत्रता दी।
DECIUS BRUTUS
What, shall we forth?
English: Shall we go now?
Hindi: क्या अब हम चलें?
CASSIUS
Ay, every man away:
English: Yes, let everyone leave now.
Hindi: हाँ, अब सब चलें।
Brutus shall lead; and we will grace his heels
English: Brutus will lead, and we will follow respectfully behind him
Hindi: ब्रूटस आगे चलेगा और हम आदरपूर्वक उसके पीछे चलेंगे
With the boldest and best hearts of Rome.
English: As the bravest and noblest men of Rome.
Hindi: रोम के सबसे साहसी और श्रेष्ठ पुरुषों के रूप में।
(Enter a Servant)
BRUTUS
Soft! who comes here?
English: Wait! Who is coming here?
Hindi: ठहरो! यहाँ कौन आ रहा है?
A SERVANT
Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel;
English: Brutus, my master ordered me to kneel like this;
Hindi: ब्रूटस, मेरे स्वामी ने मुझे इस प्रकार घुटनों पर झुकने को कहा;
Thus did Mark Antony bid me fall down;
English: Mark Antony told me to bow down like this;
Hindi: मार्क एंटनी ने मुझे इस प्रकार झुकने को कहा;
And, being prostrate, thus he bade me say:
English: And lying flat in submission, he told me to say this:
Hindi: और दण्डवत होकर उसने मुझे यह कहने को कहा:
Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest;
English: Brutus is noble, wise, brave, and honest;
Hindi: ब्रूटस महान, बुद्धिमान, वीर और ईमानदार है;
Caesar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving.
English: Caesar was powerful, courageous, kingly, and loving.
Hindi: सीज़र शक्तिशाली, साहसी, राजसी और स्नेही था।
Say, I love Brutus and I honour him;
English: Say that I love and respect Brutus;
Hindi: कहो कि मैं ब्रूटस से प्रेम करता हूँ और उसका सम्मान करता हूँ;
Say, I fear’d Caesar, honour’d him, and loved him.
English: Say that I feared Caesar, respected him, and loved him.
Hindi: कहो कि मैं सीज़र से भय करता था, उसका सम्मान करता था और उससे प्रेम करता था।
If Brutus will vouchsafe that Antony
English: If Brutus kindly allows that Antony
Hindi: यदि ब्रूटस कृपा करके एंटनी को अनुमति दें
May safely come to him, and be resolved
English: May safely come to him and be assured
Hindi: कि वह सुरक्षित आ सके और आश्वस्त हो सके
How Caesar hath deserved to lie in death,
English: Why Caesar deserved to be killed,
Hindi: कि सीज़र ने मृत्यु का पात्र क्यों पाया,
Mark Antony shall not love Caesar dead
English: Then Mark Antony will not love dead Caesar
Hindi: तब मार्क एंटनी मृत सीज़र से इतना प्रेम नहीं करेगा
So well as Brutus living; but will follow
English: As much as he will love living Brutus; and he will follow
Hindi: जितना वह जीवित ब्रूटस से करेगा; और वह अनुसरण करेगा
The fortunes and affairs of noble Brutus,
English: The fate and leadership of noble Brutus,
Hindi: महान ब्रूटस के भाग्य और कार्यों का,
Through the hazards of this untrod state,
English: Through the dangers of this unknown political situation,
Hindi: इस अज्ञात राजनीतिक परिस्थिति के खतरों के बीच,
With all true faith. So says my master Antony.
English: With complete loyalty. This is what my master Antony says.
Hindi: पूर्ण निष्ठा के साथ। मेरे स्वामी एंटनी ऐसा कहते हैं।
BRUTUS
Thy master is a wise and valiant Roman;
English: Your master is a wise and brave Roman;
Hindi: तुम्हारा स्वामी बुद्धिमान और वीर रोमन है;
I never thought him worse.
English: I never considered him inferior or dishonourable.
Hindi: मैंने उसे कभी निकृष्ट नहीं समझा।
Tell him, so please him come unto this place;
English: Tell him to come here if he wishes;
Hindi: उसे कहो कि यदि वह चाहे तो यहाँ आए;
He shall be satisfied, and, by my honour,
English: He will be satisfied with our explanation, and on my honour,
Hindi: वह आश्वस्त होगा, और मेरी शपथ है,
Depart untouch’d.
English: He will leave unharmed.
Hindi: वह सुरक्षित चला जाएगा।
SERVANT
I’ll fetch him presently.
English: I will bring him immediately.
Hindi: मैं उसे तुरंत लेकर आता हूँ।
(Exit Servant)
BRUTUS
I know that we shall have him well to friend.
English: I am sure we will make him our good friend.
Hindi: मुझे विश्वास है कि वह हमारा अच्छा मित्र बन जाएगा।
CASSIUS
I wish we may: but yet have I a mind
English: I hope so, but I still have a feeling
Hindi: मैं भी ऐसा चाहता हूँ, पर मेरे मन में एक भावना है
That fears him much; and my misgiving still
English: That fears him greatly; and my suspicion
Hindi: जो उससे बहुत डरती है; और मेरा संदेह
Falls shrewdly to the purpose.
English: Often proves to be correct.
Hindi: अक्सर सही सिद्ध होता है।

(Re-enter ANTONY)
BRUTUS
But here comes Antony.
English: But here Antony is coming.
Hindi: परन्तु यहाँ एंटनी आ रहा है।
ANTONY
O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?
English: O great Caesar! Are you lying so low in death?
Hindi: हे महान सीज़र! क्या तुम इस प्रकार नीचे मृत पड़े हो?
Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,
English: Have all your victories, honours, celebrations, and war gains
Hindi: क्या तुम्हारी सारी विजयें, गौरव, विजय-उत्सव और युद्ध-लाभ
Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well.
English: Become reduced to this small body? Farewell.
Hindi: इस छोटे से शरीर तक सिमट गए हैं? विदा हो।
I know not, gentlemen, what you intend,
English: Gentlemen, I do not know what you plan,
Hindi: सज्जनों, मैं नहीं जानता कि आप क्या योजना बना रहे हैं,
Who else must be let blood, who else is rank.
English: Who else is to be killed next.
Hindi: और किसका रक्त बहाया जाएगा, अगला कौन है।
If I myself, there is no hour so fit
English: If it is I, then no time is more suitable
Hindi: यदि मैं ही हूँ, तो इससे उपयुक्त समय कोई नहीं
As Caesar’s death hour, nor no instrument
English: Than this moment of Caesar’s death, nor any weapon
Hindi: सीज़र की मृत्यु की इस घड़ी से, और कोई साधन भी नहीं
Of half that worth as those your swords, made rich
English: As valuable as your swords made glorious
Hindi: आपकी तलवारों जितना मूल्यवान, जो महान बनी हैं
With the most noble blood of all this world.
English: By the noblest blood in the world.
Hindi: इस संसार के सबसे श्रेष्ठ रक्त से।
I do beseech ye, if you bear me hard,
English: I beg you, if you hold anger against me,
Hindi: मैं आपसे विनती करता हूँ, यदि आप मुझसे द्वेष रखते हैं,
Now, whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke,
English: Now, while your bloodstained hands are still steaming,
Hindi: अभी, जब आपके रक्तरंजित हाथ अभी भी धुआँ दे रहे हैं,
Fulfil your pleasure. Live a thousand years,
English: Carry out your wish. Even if I live a thousand years,
Hindi: अपनी इच्छा पूरी कर लीजिए। यदि मैं हजार वर्ष भी जीवित रहूँ,
I shall not find myself so apt to die;
English: I will never find a better time to die;
Hindi: तो भी मुझे मरने का इससे अच्छा अवसर नहीं मिलेगा;
No place will please me so, no mean of death,
English: No place or way of dying would please me more,
Hindi: कोई स्थान या मृत्यु का तरीका मुझे इससे अधिक प्रिय नहीं होगा,
As here by Caesar, and by you cut off,
English: Than here beside Caesar, killed by you,
Hindi: जितना यहाँ सीज़र के पास, आपके द्वारा मारा जाना,
The choice and master spirits of this age.
English: The finest and greatest men of this age.
Hindi: इस युग के श्रेष्ठ और महान पुरुषों के हाथों।
BRUTUS
O Antony, beg not your death of us.
English: Antony, do not ask us to kill you.
Hindi: एंटनी, हमसे अपनी मृत्यु की प्रार्थना मत करो।
Though now we must appear bloody and cruel,
English: Though we may seem violent and cruel now,
Hindi: यद्यपि हम अभी रक्तरंजित और क्रूर दिखाई दे रहे हैं,
As, by our hands and this our present act,
English: Because of our hands and this present deed,
Hindi: अपने हाथों और इस वर्तमान कार्य के कारण,
You see we do; yet see you but our hands,
English: As you can see; but you see only our hands,
Hindi: जैसा तुम देख रहे हो; पर तुम केवल हमारे हाथ देख रहे हो,
And this the bleeding business they have done:
English: And the bloody act they have done;
Hindi: और यह रक्तरंजित कार्य जो उन्होंने किया है;
Our hearts you see not; they are pitiful;
English: You cannot see our hearts; they are full of compassion;
Hindi: तुम हमारे हृदय नहीं देख सकते; वे दया से भरे हैं;
And pity to the general wrong of Rome
English: And pity for the public harm done to Rome
Hindi: और रोम पर हुए सार्वजनिक अन्याय के प्रति दया
Hath done this deed on Caesar.
English: Has caused us to kill Caesar.
Hindi: ने हमें सीज़र की हत्या करने को प्रेरित किया है।
For your part,
English: As for you,
Hindi: जहाँ तक तुम्हारा प्रश्न है,
To you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony;
English: Our swords are harmless toward you, Antony;
Hindi: एंटनी, तुम्हारे लिए हमारी तलवारों की नोक कुंठित है;
Our arms, in strength of malice, and our hearts,
English: Our arms have no hatred, and our hearts
Hindi: हमारे हाथों में कोई द्वेष नहीं, और हमारे हृदय
Of brothers’ temper, do receive you in,
English: With brotherly feeling welcome you,
Hindi: भाईचारे के भाव से तुम्हारा स्वागत करते हैं,
With all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence.
English: With love, goodwill, and respect.
Hindi: प्रेम, सद्भाव और आदर के साथ।
CASSIUS
Your voice shall be as strong as any man’s
English: Your opinion will be as powerful as anyone else’s
Hindi: तुम्हारी आवाज़ किसी भी अन्य व्यक्ति जितनी प्रभावशाली होगी
In the disposing of new dignities.
English: In distributing new positions of power.
Hindi: नए पदों के वितरण में।
BRUTUS
Only be patient till we have appeased
English: Just wait patiently until we have calmed
Hindi: केवल धैर्य रखो जब तक हम शांत न कर लें
The multitude, beside themselves with fear;
English: The crowd that is out of control with fear;
Hindi: उस भीड़ को जो भय से व्याकुल है;
And then we will deliver you the cause,
English: Then we will explain to you the reason
Hindi: तब हम तुम्हें कारण बताएँगे
Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him,
English: Why I, who loved Caesar even when I struck him,
Hindi: कि मैंने, जिसने उसे मारते समय भी उससे प्रेम किया,
Have thus proceeded.
English: Have acted in this way.
Hindi: इस प्रकार कार्य क्यों किया।

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who speaks the line “People and senators, be not affrighted”?
A) Cassius
B) Brutus
C) Casca
D) Antony
Answer: B) Brutus

2. What does Brutus mean by “ambition’s debt is paid”?
A) Caesar’s ambition has been punished by death
B) Caesar’s taxes are cleared
C) Caesar forgave them
D) The people are freed from debts
Answer: A) Caesar’s ambition has been punished by death

3. What does Casca tell Brutus to do after Caesar’s death?
A) Run away
B) Go to the pulpit
C) Hide the body
D) Clean his sword
Answer: B) Go to the pulpit

4. Who says “And Cassius too”?
A) Cinna
B) Decius Brutus
C) Casca
D) Trebonius
Answer: A) Cinna

5. Who is Publius?
A) Caesar’s friend
B) A senator
C) A servant
D) Antony’s cousin
Answer: B) A senator

6. How does Cinna describe Publius?
A) Angry
B) Confused
C) Brave
D) Fearless
Answer: A) Angry

7. What does “mutiny” mean in this context?
A) Political rebellion
B) Military parade
C) Peace meeting
D) Friendly debate
Answer: A) Political rebellion

8. What does Metellus suggest after Caesar’s death?
A) Stand together
B) Flee quickly
C) Call Antony
D) Burn the body
Answer: A) Stand together

9. What does Brutus tell Publius to do?
A) Tell everyone no harm is meant
B) Arrest Antony
C) Hide the conspirators
D) Leave Rome
Answer: A) Tell everyone no harm is meant

10. Why does Cassius ask Publius to leave?
A) He is too old
B) The crowd might hurt him
C) He betrayed them
D) He fears Antony
Answer: B) The crowd might hurt him

11. What does Brutus mean by “let no man abide this deed but we, the doers”?
A) Only conspirators should take responsibility
B) Everyone should celebrate
C) Antony must flee
D) Caesar will rise again
Answer: A) Only conspirators should take responsibility

12. Who re-enters asking about Antony?
A) Trebonius
B) Decius
C) Cinna
D) Casca
Answer: A) Trebonius

13. Where does Trebonius say Antony has gone?
A) To Caesar’s house
B) To his own house
C) To the Senate
D) To Pompey’s statue
Answer: B) To his own house

14. What comparison does Trebonius make to the crowd’s reaction?
A) A market day
B) A wedding
C) Doomsday
D) A festival
Answer: C) Doomsday

15. What does Brutus mean by “Fates, we will know your pleasures”?
A) He submits to destiny
B) He mocks the gods
C) He fears punishment
D) He asks for mercy
Answer: A) He submits to destiny

16. “’Tis but the time, and drawing days out, that men stand upon” means—
A) Men only care about how long they live
B) Time is meaningless
C) Death is imaginary
D) People can control fate
Answer: A) Men only care about how long they live

17. What does Cassius say about shortening life?
A) It avoids the fear of death
B) It’s a sin
C) It’s foolish
D) It brings sorrow
Answer: A) It avoids the fear of death

18. Why does Brutus call death a benefit?
A) It ends fear
B) It brings fame
C) It’s noble
D) It’s painless
Answer: A) It ends fear

19. What symbolic act does Brutus suggest?
A) Bathing hands in Caesar’s blood
B) Burning Caesar’s robe
C) Building a statue
D) Offering prayers
Answer: A) Bathing hands in Caesar’s blood

20. Why do they plan to go to the marketplace?
A) To announce liberty
B) To hide
C) To mourn
D) To crown a king
Answer: A) To announce liberty

21. What words do they plan to shout in the market?
A) Justice for Caesar
B) Peace, freedom, and liberty
C) Rome forever
D) Down with tyranny
Answer: B) Peace, freedom, and liberty

22. What does Cassius predict about the future?
A) Their act will be reenacted
B) Antony will die
C) Rome will fall
D) Caesar’s ghost will return
Answer: A) Their act will be reenacted

23. “States unborn and accents yet unknown” refers to—
A) Future nations and languages
B) Roman provinces
C) Foreign merchants
D) Caesar’s allies
Answer: A) Future nations and languages

24. What does Brutus mean by “Caesar bleed in sport”?
A) Actors will reenact his death
B) Caesar will be revived
C) The gods mock Caesar
D) People will forget Caesar
Answer: A) Actors will reenact his death

25. “Pompey’s basis” refers to—
A) Statue base
B) Senate floor
C) Caesar’s throne
D) Roman temple
Answer: A) Statue base

26. What does “knot of us” mean?
A) The conspirators
B) The soldiers
C) The senators
D) The servants
Answer: A) The conspirators

27. Who will lead the group to the marketplace?
A) Cassius
B) Brutus
C) Casca
D) Antony
Answer: B) Brutus

28. What does “grace his heels” mean?
A) Follow respectfully
B) Praise him loudly
C) Challenge him
D) Wash his feet
Answer: A) Follow respectfully

29. Who enters with a message from Antony?
A) A servant
B) Lepidus
C) Publius
D) Lucius
Answer: A) A servant

30. What gesture does the servant make?
A) Kneels before Brutus
B) Shakes his sword
C) Cries loudly
D) Turns away
Answer: A) Kneels before Brutus

31. What qualities does Antony attribute to Brutus?
A) Noble, wise, valiant, honest
B) Cruel, proud, wicked, false
C) Silent, fearful, weak, sly
D) Mighty, fierce, proud, harsh
Answer: A) Noble, wise, valiant, honest

32. What does Antony call Caesar?
A) Mighty, bold, royal, loving
B) Weak and jealous
C) Ambitious and deceitful
D) Proud but foolish
Answer: A) Mighty, bold, royal, loving

33. What does Antony say he did toward Caesar?
A) Feared, honoured, and loved him
B) Betrayed him
C) Ignored him
D) Fought him
Answer: A) Feared, honoured, and loved him

34. What condition does Antony set for meeting Brutus?
A) He must be safe
B) He must be crowned
C) He must be avenged
D) He must bring Caesar’s body
Answer: A) He must be safe

35. What will Antony do if Brutus allows him to come safely?
A) Follow Brutus faithfully
B) Leave Rome
C) Take revenge
D) Destroy the Senate
Answer: A) Follow Brutus faithfully

36. What does “untrod state” mean?
A) Unexplored situation
B) A foreign land
C) Peaceful Rome
D) Caesar’s empire
Answer: A) Unexplored situation

37. What assurance does Brutus give Antony’s servant?
A) Antony shall depart unharmed
B) Antony must be arrested
C) Antony cannot enter
D) Antony will be punished
Answer: A) Antony shall depart unharmed

38. How does Brutus describe Antony?
A) Wise and valiant Roman
B) Weak politician
C) Liar and coward
D) Foolish dreamer
Answer: A) Wise and valiant Roman

39. What does Cassius say about Antony?
A) He fears him
B) He trusts him
C) He loves him
D) He ignores him
Answer: A) He fears him

40. What does “my misgiving still falls shrewdly to the purpose” mean?
A) My suspicion is likely right
B) I am wrong
C) I feel hopeful
D) I want revenge
Answer: A) My suspicion is likely right

41. Who says “O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?”
A) Antony
B) Cassius
C) Brutus
D) Decius
Answer: A) Antony

42. What does Antony lament in this line?
A) Caesar’s greatness reduced in death
B) Caesar’s ambition
C) His own cowardice
D) Brutus’s cruelty
Answer: A) Caesar’s greatness reduced in death

43. “Shrunk to this little measure” refers to—
A) Caesar’s dead body
B) Rome’s power
C) Antony’s loyalty
D) Brutus’s heart
Answer: A) Caesar’s dead body

44. What does “rank” mean in Antony’s speech?
A) Next to be killed
B) Foul smelling
C) High in position
D) Old
Answer: B) Foul smelling

45. What does Antony call the conspirators’ swords?
A) Rich with noble blood
B) Rusted
C) Broken
D) Clean
Answer: A) Rich with noble blood

46. “If you bear me hard” means—
A) If you hate me
B) If you love me
C) If you support me
D) If you know me
Answer: A) If you hate me

47. What does Antony say about dying now?
A) It is the best time and place
B) He refuses
C) He will escape
D) He asks for delay
Answer: A) It is the best time and place

48. “Choice and master spirits of this age” refers to—
A) The conspirators
B) The senators
C) The soldiers
D) The gods
Answer: A) The conspirators

49. What does Brutus ask Antony not to do?
A) Beg for death
B) Flee Rome
C) Join Octavius
D) Take revenge
Answer: A) Beg for death

50. What does Brutus say about their hearts?
A) They are pitiful
B) They are proud
C) They are cruel
D) They are cold
Answer: A) They are pitiful

51. “Pity to the general wrong of Rome hath done this deed” means—
A) Compassion for Rome made them kill Caesar
B) Anger caused the murder
C) Jealousy caused it
D) Rome commanded it
Answer: A) Compassion for Rome made them kill Caesar

52. What does “leaden points” symbolize?
A) No harm meant
B) Heavy weapons
C) Sharp swords
D) Deathly blows
Answer: A) No harm meant

53. What does “brothers’ temper” mean?
A) Friendly nature
B) Hot anger
C) Rivalry
D) Coldness
Answer: A) Friendly nature

54. What assurance does Cassius give Antony?
A) He will share in power
B) He must flee
C) He will die
D) He will be ignored
Answer: A) He will share in power

55. “Disposing of new dignities” refers to—
A) Assigning new offices
B) Selling weapons
C) Dividing spoils
D) Planning funerals
Answer: A) Assigning new offices

56. What does Brutus ask Antony to do first?
A) Wait until the people are calmed
B) Speak to the crowd immediately
C) Leave Rome
D) Carry Caesar’s body
Answer: A) Wait until the people are calmed

57. What does “deliver you the cause” mean?
A) Explain the reason
B) Bring Caesar’s will
C) Give him money
D) Announce victory
Answer: A) Explain the reason

58. What does Brutus confess about Caesar?
A) He loved him even when he killed him
B) He hated him always
C) He never knew him
D) He envied him
Answer: A) He loved him even when he killed him

59. What does “have thus proceeded” mean?
A) Acted in this way
B) Changed opinion
C) Planned secretly
D) Escaped safely
Answer: A) Acted in this way

60. What is the overall mood of Brutus’s speech to Antony?
A) Calm and noble
B) Angry and vengeful
C) Sad and fearful
D) Proud and mocking
Answer: A) Calm and noble

 

 Multiple Choice Questions: 2

1. When Brutus says “ambition’s debt is paid,” what tone does he adopt?
A) Triumphant celebration
B) Calm justification
C) Bitter regret
D) Fearful hesitation
Answer: B) Calm justification

2. Cassius’s line about “states unborn and accents yet unknown” mainly reflects—
A) Political anxiety
B) Historical pride
C) Religious faith
D) Personal sorrow
Answer: B) Historical pride

3. Brutus’s reply about Caesar bleeding “in sport” introduces which dramatic device?
A) Foreshadowing
B) Comic relief
C) Dramatic irony
D) Hyperbole only
Answer: C) Dramatic irony

4. The conspirators bathing their hands in blood symbolizes—
A) Ritual purification
B) Shared responsibility
C) Religious sacrifice
D) Personal revenge
Answer: B) Shared responsibility

5. Cassius urging Publius to leave shows that Cassius is—
A) Cruel
B) Politically cautious
C) Emotionally weak
D) Indifferent
Answer: B) Politically cautious

6. “Fates, we will know your pleasures” reflects Brutus’s—
A) Stoic acceptance of destiny
B) Rebellion against gods
C) Fear of punishment
D) Desire for power
Answer: A) Stoic acceptance of destiny

7. Antony’s repeated kneeling message primarily shows—
A) Genuine surrender
B) Strategic diplomacy
C) Fear of death
D) Hatred for Brutus
Answer: B) Strategic diplomacy

8. When Antony calls the conspirators’ swords “made rich with the most noble blood,” he uses—
A) Simile
B) Irony
C) Metaphor
D) Personification
Answer: C) Metaphor

9. Brutus’s assurance that their swords have “leaden points” suggests—
A) Physical weakness
B) Hidden aggression
C) Symbolic harmlessness toward Antony
D) Carelessness
Answer: C) Symbolic harmlessness toward Antony

10. Cassius’s misgiving about Antony highlights the contrast between—
A) Wisdom and ignorance
B) Idealism and practicality
C) Youth and age
D) Courage and cowardice
Answer: B) Idealism and practicality

11. Antony’s speech beginning “O mighty Caesar!” is primarily an example of—
A) Apostrophe
B) Satire
C) Allegory
D) Pun
Answer: A) Apostrophe

12. “Shrunk to this little measure” emphasizes—
A) Political downfall
B) Physical limitation of death
C) Moral weakness
D) Public hatred
Answer: B) Physical limitation of death

13. The phrase “purpled hands” creates which effect?
A) Comic imagery
B) Romantic tone
C) Violent visual imagery
D) Religious symbolism
Answer: C) Violent visual imagery

14. Antony offering himself to be killed at that moment is—
A) Pure bravery
B) Emotional instability
C) Calculated rhetoric
D) Blind loyalty
Answer: C) Calculated rhetoric

15. Brutus claims he loved Caesar while killing him. This reveals—
A) Hypocrisy
B) Internal conflict
C) Hatred
D) Pride
Answer: B) Internal conflict

16. The crowd reacting “as it were doomsday” shows—
A) Calm reaction
B) Religious celebration
C) Extreme panic
D) Political awareness
Answer: C) Extreme panic

17. “Knot of us” suggests the conspirators are—
A) Loosely connected
B) Firmly united
C) Secretly divided
D) Afraid
Answer: B) Firmly united

18. Brutus’s leadership in going to the marketplace reflects—
A) His moral confidence
B) His fear
C) Cassius’s command
D) Antony’s pressure
Answer: A) His moral confidence

19. Antony’s praise of Brutus as “noble” is best understood as—
A) Honest admiration
B) Open mockery
C) Strategic flattery
D) Forced obedience
Answer: C) Strategic flattery

20. The overall tension of the passage arises mainly from—
A) Physical violence
B) Political uncertainty and mistrust
C) Religious conflict
D) Family rivalry
Answer: B) Political uncertainty and mistrust

21. Cassius’s vision of their act being performed in “states unborn” reveals his desire for—
A) Immediate political gain
B) Personal safety
C) Historical immortality
D) Religious approval
Answer: C) Historical immortality

22. Brutus’s reference to Caesar lying “no worthier than the dust” reflects—
A) His cruelty
B) His meditation on human mortality
C) His jealousy
D) His fear of ghosts
Answer: B) His meditation on human mortality

23. The conspirators’ plan to publicly display their bloody swords primarily demonstrates—
A) Their guilt
B) Their political theatre
C) Their fear
D) Their secrecy
Answer: B) Their political theatre

24. Cassius’s warning about Antony suggests that he understands—
A) Military strategy only
B) Antony’s emotional weakness
C) The danger of rhetoric and influence
D) Brutus’s superiority
Answer: C) The danger of rhetoric and influence

25. Antony’s humility before Brutus can best be described as—
A) Submission
B) Manipulative diplomacy
C) Religious devotion
D) Cowardice
Answer: B) Manipulative diplomacy

26. When Antony says no place would please him more to die than beside Caesar, he is using—
A) Sarcasm
B) Hyperbolic loyalty
C) Literal intention
D) Comic exaggeration
Answer: B) Hyperbolic loyalty

27. Brutus’s calm reasoning after the murder shows his belief in—
A) Emotional justice
B) Republican idealism
C) Personal ambition
D) Divine punishment
Answer: B) Republican idealism

28. The contrast between Brutus and Cassius in this passage mainly highlights—
A) Youth versus age
B) Idealism versus realism
C) Strength versus weakness
D) Loyalty versus betrayal
Answer: B) Idealism versus realism

29. Antony calling the conspirators “the choice and master spirits of this age” is an example of—
A) Genuine praise
B) Bitter insult
C) Ironic elevation
D) Direct accusation
Answer: C) Ironic elevation

30. The phrase “untrod state” suggests that Rome is entering—
A) A peaceful era
B) An uncertain political future
C) A religious revolution
D) A foreign invasion
Answer: B) An uncertain political future

31. Brutus allowing Antony to speak later to the crowd demonstrates his—
A) Political naïveté
B) Cruelty
C) Military strength
D) Distrust
Answer: A) Political naïveté

32. The imagery of blood throughout the passage mainly reinforces the theme of—
A) Celebration
B) Brotherhood
C) Violence and moral consequence
D) Prosperity
Answer: C) Violence and moral consequence

33. Cassius’s line “my misgiving still falls shrewdly to the purpose” shows—
A) His insecurity
B) His instinctive political insight
C) His superstition
D) His emotional weakness
Answer: B) His instinctive political insight

34. Antony’s speech over Caesar’s body prepares the audience for—
A) Immediate revenge
B) A shift in public sympathy
C) Comic relief
D) Brutus’s victory
Answer: B) A shift in public sympathy

35. Brutus’s statement that their hearts are “pitiful” reveals—
A) His self-deception
B) His arrogance
C) His hatred
D) His fear
Answer: A) His self-deception

36. The conspirators’ collective identity as a “knot” implies—
A) Strength through unity
B) Hidden rivalry
C) Political weakness
D) Social isolation
Answer: A) Strength through unity

37. Antony’s initial reaction to Caesar’s corpse is dramatically significant because it—
A) Begins open rebellion
B) Shows sincere grief mixed with strategy
C) Ends the conflict
D) Praises Brutus openly
Answer: B) Shows sincere grief mixed with strategy

38. The phrase “ambition’s debt is paid” reflects Brutus’s belief that Caesar’s death was—
A) Murder
B) Personal revenge
C) Just punishment
D) Accidental
Answer: C) Just punishment

39. The conspirators shouting “Peace, freedom, and liberty!” illustrates—
A) Their hypocrisy
B) Their patriotic justification
C) Their confusion
D) Their fear
Answer: B) Their patriotic justification

40. Overall, this passage most strongly develops which central theme of the play?
A) Fate versus free will
B) Power, persuasion, and political morality
C) Friendship only
D) Supernatural influence
Answer: B) Power, persuasion, and political morality

41. Brutus’s immediate attempt to calm the crowd reflects his belief that revolution must be—
A) Secretive
B) Emotionally driven
C) Rationally explained
D) Violently enforced
Answer: C) Rationally explained

42. The conspirators’ act of bathing in blood can also be interpreted as—
A) A barbaric ritual
B) A symbolic political baptism
C) A sign of fear
D) A funeral custom
Answer: B) A symbolic political baptism

43. Cassius’s imagination of future reenactments shows his awareness that political acts become—
A) Forgotten quickly
B) Historical narratives
C) Religious myths
D) Legal documents
Answer: B) Historical narratives

44. Brutus’s philosophical reflection on death reveals influence of—
A) Epicureanism
B) Stoicism
C) Cynicism
D) Hedonism
Answer: B) Stoicism

45. Antony’s humility before the conspirators is strategically meant to—
A) Gain time and trust
B) Escape secretly
C) Praise Caesar publicly
D) Insult Brutus
Answer: A) Gain time and trust

46. The phrase “made rich with the most noble blood” contains which implicit irony?
A) Blood is literally wealth
B) Murder is described as enrichment
C) Caesar was poor
D) The swords are decorated
Answer: B) Murder is described as enrichment

47. Brutus’s leadership at this moment suggests he sees himself primarily as—
A) A tyrant
B) A military commander
C) A moral reformer
D) A fearful conspirator
Answer: C) A moral reformer

48. Cassius’s distrust of Antony foreshadows—
A) Antony’s silence
B) Antony’s later political revenge
C) Cassius’s death immediately
D) Caesar’s resurrection
Answer: B) Antony’s later political revenge

49. Antony’s address to Caesar’s corpse (“O mighty Caesar!”) creates dramatic effect by—
A) Shifting focus from politics to personal loss
B) Ending the conflict
C) Praising Brutus directly
D) Mocking Cassius
Answer: A) Shifting focus from politics to personal loss

50. The conspirators’ public display of their act suggests they believe legitimacy comes from—
A) Secrecy
B) Divine approval
C) Public justification
D) Military force alone
Answer: C) Public justification

51. Brutus’s acceptance of Antony reveals his tragic flaw of—
A) Excessive suspicion
B) Blind ambition
C) Overconfidence in honour
D) Cowardice
Answer: C) Overconfidence in honour

52. The crowd’s reaction “as it were doomsday” emphasizes—
A) Comic exaggeration
B) Political celebration
C) Apocalyptic chaos
D) Religious ceremony
Answer: C) Apocalyptic chaos

53. Antony’s request to be killed alongside Caesar is best understood as—
A) Literal suicidal intent
B) Emotional manipulation
C) Religious devotion
D) Political resignation
Answer: B) Emotional manipulation

54. The phrase “general wrong of Rome” indicates that Brutus justifies the murder as—
A) A private feud
B) A patriotic necessity
C) A personal betrayal
D) An accident
Answer: B) A patriotic necessity

55. Cassius’s practical caution contrasts with Brutus’s idealism, suggesting that—
A) Politics requires emotional loyalty
B) Politics demands strategic foresight
C) Honour is enough for governance
D) Fate controls all outcomes
Answer: B) Politics demands strategic foresight

56. The imagery of dust in Brutus’s speech underscores the theme of—
A) Eternal glory
B) Human equality in death
C) Political victory
D) Wealth and poverty
Answer: B) Human equality in death

57. Antony’s speech subtly positions him as—
A) A defeated follower
B) A future political rival
C) A loyal conspirator
D) A neutral observer
Answer: B) A future political rival

58. The conspirators’ cry of “Peace, freedom, and liberty!” may be interpreted as—
A) Pure patriotism
B) Political propaganda
C) Religious doctrine
D) Personal confession
Answer: B) Political propaganda

59. Brutus’s repeated references to reason and explanation show his belief that Rome is governed by—
A) Emotion
B) Superstition
C) Rational debate
D) Fear
Answer: C) Rational debate

60. Taken as a whole, this passage most clearly marks the transition from—
A) Friendship to reconciliation
B) Conspiracy to political struggle
C) War to peace
D) Comedy to tragedy
Answer: B) Conspiracy to political struggle

One Mark Questions

1.    Who does Brutus address at the beginning of the passage?
Brutus addresses the people and the senators of Rome at the beginning of the passage.

2.    What does Brutus urge the crowd not to do?
Brutus urges the crowd not to run away in fear.

3.    What does Brutus claim has been paid?
Brutus claims that ambition’s debt has been paid through Caesar’s death.

4.    Who advises Brutus to go to the pulpit?
Casca advises Brutus to go to the pulpit.

5.    Who supports the suggestion that Cassius should also go to the pulpit?
Decius Brutus supports the suggestion that Cassius should also go to the pulpit.

6.    How is Publius described by Cinna?
Cinna describes Publius as being quite confused and overwhelmed.

7.    What does Metellus Cimber advise the conspirators to do?
Metellus Cimber advises the conspirators to stand together firmly.

8.    What assurance does Brutus give to Publius?
Brutus assures Publius that no harm is intended toward him.

9.    Why does Cassius want Publius to leave?
Cassius wants Publius to leave so that the angry crowd may not harm him.

10. Who re-enters after Caesar’s death?
Trebonius re-enters after Caesar’s death.

11. Where has Antony gone according to Trebonius?
Trebonius says that Antony has fled to his own house.

12. How are the citizens reacting to Caesar’s death?
The citizens are reacting with panic and confusion as if it were doomsday.

13. What do Brutus and Cassius say about death?
Brutus and Cassius say that death is inevitable and only the timing is uncertain.

14. According to Cassius, what does cutting off years of life remove?
According to Cassius, cutting off years of life removes years of fearing death.

15. What symbolic act does Brutus propose after the murder?
Brutus proposes that they bathe their hands in Caesar’s blood.

16. Where do the conspirators plan to go after the murder?
The conspirators plan to go to the marketplace.

17. What do they intend to cry out in the marketplace?
They intend to cry out “Peace, freedom, and liberty!”

18. What future does Cassius imagine for their deed?
Cassius imagines that their deed will be reenacted in future ages.

19. How does Brutus describe Caesar lying at the base of Pompey’s statue?
Brutus describes Caesar as lying no worthier than the dust.

20. What does Cassius mean by calling themselves a “knot”?
Cassius means that they are a closely united group of conspirators.

21. Who is chosen to lead the group to the marketplace?
Brutus is chosen to lead the group to the marketplace.

22. Who enters with a message from Antony?
A servant enters with a message from Antony.

23. What respectful action does the servant perform?
The servant kneels down respectfully before Brutus.

24. How does Antony describe Brutus in his message?
Antony describes Brutus as noble, wise, valiant, and honest.

25. How does Antony describe Caesar in his message?
Antony describes Caesar as mighty, bold, royal, and loving.

26. What does Antony request from Brutus?
Antony requests permission to come safely and speak with Brutus.

27. What promise does Antony make if he is allowed to come safely?
Antony promises that he will follow Brutus faithfully in the new state.

28. How does Brutus respond to Antony’s request?
Brutus responds by granting Antony safe passage and protection.

29. What opinion does Brutus express about Antony’s character?
Brutus expresses that Antony is a wise and valiant Roman.

30. What feeling does Cassius reveal about Antony?
Cassius reveals that he feels doubtful and fearful about Antony.

31. What does Antony say upon seeing Caesar’s body?
Antony laments that mighty Caesar lies so low in death.

32. How does Antony describe Caesar’s achievements?
Antony describes Caesar’s achievements as great conquests and triumphs.

33. What does Antony ask the conspirators to do if they hate him?
Antony asks the conspirators to kill him at that very moment if they hate him.

34. How does Antony refer to the conspirators’ swords?
Antony refers to the conspirators’ swords as being made rich with noble blood.

35. What does Brutus request Antony not to do?
Brutus requests Antony not to beg for death.

36. How does Brutus describe their outward appearance?
Brutus describes their outward appearance as bloody and cruel.

37. How does Brutus describe their hearts?
Brutus describes their hearts as pitiful and compassionate.

38. For whose sake does Brutus say they killed Caesar?
Brutus says they killed Caesar for the general good of Rome.

39. What metaphor does Brutus use for their swords toward Antony?
Brutus uses the metaphor of leaden points to show they mean no harm to Antony.

40. How do the conspirators claim to receive Antony?
The conspirators claim to receive Antony with brotherly love and respect.

41. What political role does Cassius offer Antony?
Cassius offers Antony a voice in distributing new dignities.

42. What does Brutus ask Antony to wait for?
Brutus asks Antony to wait until the crowd has been calmed.

43. What does Brutus promise to explain later?
Brutus promises to explain the reason for Caesar’s death.

44. What confession does Brutus make about his feelings toward Caesar?
Brutus confesses that he loved Caesar even when he killed him.

45. What does “hazards of this untrod state” suggest?
The phrase suggests that the new political situation will be dangerous and uncertain.

46. What quality of Antony does Cassius distrust?
Cassius distrusts Antony’s cleverness and influence.

47. What does Antony mean by saying Caesar’s glories have shrunk to little measure?
Antony means that Caesar’s greatness has been reduced to a lifeless body.

48. What image is created by the phrase “purpled hands”?
The phrase creates the image of hands stained with fresh blood.

49. What does Brutus believe will justify their deed?
Brutus believes that reasoned explanation will justify their deed to the people.

50. What political shift begins in this passage?
This passage begins the shift from secret conspiracy to open political conflict.

51. What does Metellus fear might happen if they do not stand together?
Metellus fears that some friend of Caesar may attack them unexpectedly.

52. What does Brutus mean by “let no man abide this deed but we, the doers”?
Brutus means that only the conspirators should take responsibility for the murder.

53. What does Brutus mean by addressing the “Fates”?
Brutus means that he submits himself to destiny and accepts whatever follows.

54. What does “drawing days out” refer to?
“Drawing days out” refers to prolonging one’s life.

55. Why does Brutus repeat “Stoop, Romans, stoop”?
Brutus repeats it to urge the conspirators to bend down and participate in the symbolic act together.

56. Why do they plan to wave their red weapons over their heads?
They plan to wave their red weapons to publicly display their deed as a sign of claimed victory.

57. What does “accents yet unknown” suggest?
It suggests future languages and peoples who will speak of their act.

58. What does “grace his heels” imply about Brutus?
It implies that the others will respectfully follow Brutus as their leader.

59. What does Antony want to be “resolved” about?
Antony wants to be fully assured of the reasons why Caesar was killed.

60. What does Brutus promise when he says Antony shall “depart untouch’d”?
Brutus promises that Antony will leave safely without harm.

61. What does Cassius mean by his “misgiving”?
Cassius means that he has a strong suspicion about Antony’s intentions.

62. What does Antony mean by asking who else is “rank”?
Antony means to ask who else is marked out to be killed next.

63. What does Antony mean by “no mean of death”?
Antony means that no other manner of dying would suit him better than dying beside Caesar.

64. What does Brutus mean by “brothers’ temper”?
Brutus means a spirit of brotherhood and goodwill toward Antony.

65. What does “beside themselves with fear” describe?
It describes the crowd as being out of control with panic.

66. What does Antony imply by calling Caesar’s blood “noble”?
Antony implies that Caesar’s life and status were honourable and great.

67. What emotional appeal does Antony make by kneeling?
Antony makes an appeal to sympathy and trust through his gesture of humility.

68. Why does Brutus think Antony will become their friend?
Brutus thinks Antony will become their friend because he trusts in Antony’s honour.

69. What does the phrase “bleeding business” refer to?
The phrase refers to the violent act of murdering Caesar.

70. What transformation does this scene begin in Rome?
This scene begins Rome’s transformation into a politically unstable and divided state.

Who Said to Whom?

1.    “People and senators, be not affrighted; Fly not; stand still: ambition’s debt is paid.”
Answer: Brutus said this to the people and senators present at the Capitol.

2.    “Go to the pulpit, Brutus.”
Answer: Casca said this to Brutus.

3.    “And Cassius too.”
Answer: Decius Brutus said this to Casca.

4.    “Where’s Publius?”
Answer: Brutus said this to the conspirators.

5.    “Here, quite confounded with this mutiny.”
Answer: Cinna said this to Brutus.

6.    “Stand fast together, lest some friend of Caesar’s should chance—”
Answer: Metellus Cimber said this to the conspirators.

7.    “Talk not of standing. Publius, good cheer!”
Answer: Brutus said this to Publius.

8.    “And leave us, Publius; lest that the people, rushing on us, should do your age some mischief.”
Answer: Cassius said this to Publius.

9.    “Do so; and let no man abide this deed but we, the doers.”
Answer: Brutus said this to Publius.

10. “Where is Antony?”
Answer: Cassius said this to Trebonius.

11. “Fled to his house, amazed. Men, wives, and children stare, cry out, and run, as it were doomsday.”
Answer: Trebonius said this to Cassius.

12. “Fates, we will know your pleasures.”
Answer: Brutus said this to the conspirators.

13. “Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life cuts off so many years of fearing death.”
Answer: Cassius said this to Brutus.

14. “Grant that, and then is death a benefit.”
Answer: Brutus said this to Cassius.

15. “Stoop, Romans, stoop, and let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood.”
Answer: Brutus said this to the conspirators.

16. “Stoop, then, and wash. How many ages hence shall this our lofty scene be acted over, in states unborn and accents yet unknown!”
Answer: Cassius said this to the conspirators.

17. “How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport, that now on Pompey’s basis lies along, no worthier than the dust!”
Answer: Brutus said this to the conspirators.

18. “So oft as that shall be, so often shall the knot of us be called the men that gave their country liberty.”
Answer: Cassius said this to Brutus and the conspirators.

19. “What, shall we forth?”
Answer: Decius Brutus said this to the conspirators.

20. “Ay, every man away: Brutus shall lead; and we will grace his heels with the boldest and best hearts of Rome.”
Answer: Cassius said this to the conspirators.

21. “Soft! who comes here?”
Answer: Brutus said this to the conspirators.

22. “Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel.”
Answer: Antony’s servant said this to Brutus.

23. “Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest; Caesar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving.”
Answer: Antony’s servant said this to Brutus, quoting Antony.

24. “Say, I love Brutus and I honour him; Say, I fear’d Caesar, honour’d him, and loved him.”
Answer: Antony’s servant said this to Brutus on behalf of Antony.

25. “If Brutus will vouchsafe that Antony may safely come to him…”
Answer: Antony’s servant said this to Brutus.

26. “Thy master is a wise and valiant Roman; I never thought him worse.”
Answer: Brutus said this to Antony’s servant.

27. “He shall be satisfied, and, by my honour, depart untouch’d.”
Answer: Brutus said this to Antony’s servant.

28. “I know that we shall have him well to friend.”
Answer: Brutus said this to Cassius.

29. “I wish we may: but yet have I a mind that fears him much.”
Answer: Cassius said this to Brutus.

30. “O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?”
Answer: Antony said this to Caesar’s dead body.

31. “Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils, shrunk to this little measure?”
Answer: Antony said this to Caesar’s corpse.

32. “I know not, gentlemen, what you intend…”
Answer: Antony said this to Brutus and the conspirators.

33. “If I myself, there is no hour so fit as Caesar’s death hour…”
Answer: Antony said this to Brutus and the conspirators.

34. “I do beseech ye, if you bear me hard…”
Answer: Antony said this to the conspirators.

35. “O Antony, beg not your death of us.”
Answer: Brutus said this to Antony.

36. “Though now we must appear bloody and cruel…”
Answer: Brutus said this to Antony.

37. “To you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony.”
Answer: Brutus said this to Antony.

38. “Your voice shall be as strong as any man’s in the disposing of new dignities.”
Answer: Cassius said this to Antony.

39. “Only be patient till we have appeased the multitude…”
Answer: Brutus said this to Antony.

40. “Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him, have thus proceeded.”
Answer: Brutus said this to Antony.

 

Reference to Context

Extract 1

“People and senators, be not affrighted;
Fly not; stand still: ambition’s debt is paid.”

1.    Who speaks these words, and at what moment in the play are they spoken? (2)
These words are spoken by Brutus immediately after Caesar has been assassinated in the Capitol. The conspirators have just stabbed Caesar, and panic has spread among the senators and the public present there.

2.    Why does the speaker address both “People and senators”? (2)
By addressing both groups together, Brutus attempts to legitimise the assassination as an act done for the entire Roman state. He wishes to show that the deed was not a private conspiracy but a public action intended for the welfare of all Rome.

3.    Explain the metaphor “ambition’s debt is paid.” (2)
The line presents ambition as a creditor demanding repayment. Caesar’s excessive ambition is treated as a moral liability, and his death is portrayed as the payment required to settle that moral debt.

4.    Comment on the use of imperatives in this extract. (3)
The repeated commands — “be not affrighted,” “fly not,” “stand still” — create a tone of authority and control. Brutus tries to calm chaos through firm instructions. The imperatives suggest leadership, but they also reveal urgency beneath his composed exterior.

5.    How does this extract reveal Brutus’s political idealism? (3)
Brutus sincerely believes that Caesar’s ambition threatened Roman liberty. He views the assassination as a necessary sacrifice for the republic. His calm assurance reflects his conviction that history and the public will judge their act as just and patriotic.

6.    What does the word “affrighted” mean? (1)
“Affrighted” means frightened or filled with sudden fear.

7.    Give a synonym for “affrighted.” (1)
A suitable synonym is terrified.

8.    Give an antonym for “stand still.” (1)
An appropriate antonym is flee or scatter.

9.    Identify the literary device in “ambition’s debt is paid.” (1)
It is a metaphor combined with personification, as ambition is treated like a person demanding repayment.

10. What tone dominates this extract? (2)
The tone is authoritative and reassuring. Brutus attempts to impose calm and project moral certainty despite the violent situation.

11. Why are the people “affrighted”? (2)
They have witnessed a brutal political murder. Fear of further violence and political instability grips them.

Extract 2

“Fates, we will know your pleasures:
That we shall die, we know; ’tis but the time,
And drawing days out, that men stand upon.”

1.    Who speaks these lines and to whom are they addressed? (2)
Brutus speaks these lines. He addresses the “Fates,” the mythological powers believed to control human destiny.

2.    What philosophy is reflected in these lines? (2)
The lines reflect Stoic philosophy, which teaches acceptance of fate and calm endurance of life’s inevitable events, especially death.

3.    Explain the meaning of “drawing days out.” (2)
“Drawing days out” refers to prolonging life or trying to delay death. It suggests that humans are overly concerned with extending their lifespan.

4.    How does this speech indirectly justify Caesar’s assassination? (3)
Brutus argues that death is inevitable and that only its timing differs. By this reasoning, killing Caesar earlier merely changes the time of his death, not the fact of it. Thus, he rationalises the murder as philosophically harmless.

5.    Identify and explain the personification in this extract. (2)
The “Fates” are addressed as if they consciously possess desires or “pleasures.” This personification gives destiny a deliberate authority over human life.

6.    What does the phrase “men stand upon” mean? (1)
It means to place importance upon or to be overly concerned about.

7.    Give a synonym for “pleasures” as used here. (1)
A suitable synonym is wishes or decrees.

8.    Give an antonym for “die.” (1)
An antonym is live.

9.    Identify another literary device used in this extract. (1)
Apostrophe: Here, “Fates” are personified and addressed as if they were present and listening to Brutus.

10. What does this passage reveal about Brutus’s temperament? (3)
It shows that Brutus is calm, reflective, and philosophical even after committing murder. Instead of reacting emotionally, he intellectualises the event. This tendency to reason abstractly rather than politically becomes one of his tragic flaws.

11. Explain the dramatic irony present in these lines. (3)
Brutus calmly accepts fate, unaware that fate will soon lead him to defeat and suicide. His belief in moral destiny contrasts sharply with the tragic consequences awaiting him.

Extract 3

“Stoop, Romans, stoop,
And let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood
Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords.”

1.    Who speaks these lines and at what point in the play? (2)
Brutus speaks these lines immediately after Caesar has been assassinated. The conspirators are standing over Caesar’s dead body in the Capitol.

2.    Whom does Brutus address as “Romans”? (1)
He addresses his fellow conspirators.

3.    What action does Brutus ask them to perform? (2)
He asks them to bend down and dip their hands in Caesar’s blood up to their elbows and smear their swords with it.

4.    What is the symbolic meaning of bathing their hands in blood? (3)
The act symbolizes collective responsibility. By covering themselves in blood, the conspirators publicly claim ownership of the assassination. It transforms the private murder into what they consider a political sacrifice.

5.    Why does Brutus want the conspirators to perform this ritual publicly? (3)
Brutus wants to portray the killing as a noble and patriotic act. By displaying blood openly, he believes they will appear fearless and united, showing that they acted for Rome rather than for personal gain.

6.    Identify the dominant literary device in this extract. (1)
The dominant device is vivid visual imagery.

7.    Comment on the imagery used here. (3)
The imagery is graphic and intense, especially “bathe our hands… up to the elbows.” It emphasizes the brutality of the murder. While Brutus interprets it as symbolic purification, the audience sees the horrifying transformation of politicians into executioners.

8.    Give a synonym for “stoop.” (1)
A suitable synonym is bend.

9.    Give an antonym for “besmear.” (1)
An antonym is cleanse or purify.

10. What does this extract reveal about the contrast between Brutus’s intention and reality? (3)
Brutus imagines the act as heroic and historic. However, the bloody imagery suggests savagery and guilt. This contrast highlights dramatic irony, as the audience senses that this “noble” gesture will instead provoke horror and revenge.

11. Where do they intend to go after this act? (1)
They intend to go to the marketplace (the Forum) to justify their actions before the public.

Extract 4

“How many ages hence
Shall this our lofty scene be acted over
In states unborn and accents yet unknown!”

1.    Who speaks these lines and to whom? (2)
Cassius speaks these lines to Brutus and the other conspirators after they have bathed their hands in Caesar’s blood.

2.    What does Cassius mean by “this our lofty scene”? (2)
He refers to the assassination of Caesar. He considers it a grand and heroic act in the drama of history.

3.    Explain the phrase “states unborn and accents yet unknown.” (2)
It refers to future nations and languages that do not yet exist. Cassius imagines that people across time and cultures will remember their deed.

4.    Identify the literary device used when the murder is called a “scene.” (2)
It is an example of metatheatre, where the play acknowledges its own dramatic nature by referring to events as a “scene.”

5.    Give a synonym for “lofty.” (1)
A suitable synonym is noble or elevated.

6.    Give an antonym for “unknown.” (1)
An antonym is familiar or known.

7.    What tone is expressed in these lines? (2)
The tone is triumphant and visionary. Cassius feels proud and believes they have performed a historic act of greatness.

8.    How does this speech reveal Cassius’s character? (3)
Cassius is ambitious and dramatic. Unlike Brutus’s philosophical calmness, Cassius revels in the glory of the moment. He imagines fame and historical remembrance, revealing a touch of vanity and theatrical imagination.

9.    What irony lies in Cassius’s expectation of glory? (3)
Cassius expects eternal admiration, but history within the play condemns them. Instead of being remembered as liberators, they are viewed as conspirators whose act leads to civil war.

10. What does the word “hence” signify in this context? (1)
“Hence” means from this time forward into the future.

11. How does this extract contribute to the tragic atmosphere of the play? (3)
It heightens dramatic irony. The conspirators believe they have secured liberty and fame, yet the audience knows their actions will unleash chaos, civil war, and their own downfall.

Extract 5

“Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest;
Caesar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving.”

1.    Who sends this message and through whom? (2)
Mark Antony sends this message through his servant. The servant kneels before Brutus and delivers Antony’s carefully worded speech.

2.    Why does Antony praise Brutus in such elevated language? (3)
Antony uses deliberate flattery to secure his safety. By praising Brutus as “noble” and “honest,” he appeals to Brutus’s self-image and sense of honour, ensuring that he will not be harmed.

3.    How does the structure of these lines create balance? (2)
The lines use parallel structure. Equal numbers of adjectives describe both Brutus and Caesar, creating rhetorical symmetry and diplomatic neutrality.

4.    What contrast is subtly created between Brutus and Caesar? (3)
Brutus is described with moral qualities (“noble,” “honest”), while Caesar is described with regal and powerful qualities (“mighty,” “royal”). This contrast subtly shifts moral superiority toward Brutus while preserving Caesar’s dignity.

5.    Identify the literary device used in the line ‘Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest’. (1)
The device is tautology.

6.    Give a synonym for “valiant.” (1)
A synonym is courageous or brave.

7.    Give an antonym for “honest.” (1)
An antonym is deceitful.

8.    What does the servant physically do while delivering the message, and why is it significant? (3)
The servant kneels and falls prostrate. This gesture symbolizes submission and humility, reinforcing Antony’s apparent obedience and ensuring the conspirators feel secure.

9.    What does this extract reveal about Antony’s intelligence? (3)
It shows Antony’s political wisdom and strategic thinking. He understands Brutus’s character and manipulates it through controlled flattery and balanced language.

10. How does this moment build dramatic tension? (3)
The audience knows Antony’s loyalty to Caesar and senses his hidden intention for revenge. His respectful tone contrasts with his inner anger, creating powerful dramatic irony.

Extract 6

“I know not, gentlemen, what you intend,
Who else must be let blood, who else is rank.”

1.    Who speaks these lines and in what situation? (2)
Mark Antony speaks these lines when he stands before the conspirators beside Caesar’s dead body, unsure whether he will also be killed.

2.    What does “let blood” mean in this context? (2)
“Let blood” means to be killed. It refers to the conspirators’ act of assassination.

3.    Explain the metaphor of “rank.” (3)
“Rank” refers to something overgrown, diseased, or corrupt. Antony uses the metaphor of unhealthy vegetation to suggest how the conspirators justify killing those they consider politically dangerous.

4.    Why does Antony address them as “gentlemen”? (2)
He uses the term diplomatically to avoid provoking them. Though they are murderers, he addresses them respectfully to protect himself.

5.    What is Antony implying by asking “who else must be let blood”? (3)
He indirectly asks whether he is also marked for death. It is a cautious probe into their intentions.

6.    Identify the literary device in “who else must be let blood.” (1)
The device is euphemism, since “let blood” softens the harsh reality of murder.

7.    Identify the metaphor in “who else is rank.” (1)
It is a medical or agricultural metaphor comparing political threat to disease or overgrowth.

8.    Give a synonym for “intend.” (1)
A synonym is plan or propose.

9.    Give an antonym for “rank” (in this sense). (1)
An antonym is healthy or pure.

10. Describe Antony’s emotional state in this passage. (3)
Antony is grieving yet extremely cautious. His sorrow is genuine, but he carefully controls his words to survive and prepare for future retaliation.

11. How does this extract deepen dramatic irony? (3)
The conspirators believe Antony is submissive and afraid. However, the audience understands that he is calculating revenge. His humility is strategic, not sincere.

Extract 7

“To you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony;
Our arms, in strength of malice, and our hearts,
Of brothers’ temper, do receive you in.”

1.    Who speaks these lines and to whom? (2)
Brutus speaks these lines to Mark Antony after Caesar’s assassination, assuring him of safety.

2.    What does “leaden points” signify? (2)
“Leaden points” suggests blunt, harmless weapons. Brutus metaphorically assures Antony that their swords will not harm him.

3.    Explain the metaphor used in “leaden points.” (3)
Lead is soft and heavy, incapable of piercing like steel. Brutus compares their deadly swords to harmless metal, symbolizing their supposed peaceful intention toward Antony.

4.    What does “brothers’ temper” imply? (2)
It implies fraternity, goodwill, and emotional moderation. Brutus presents the conspirators as welcoming Antony like a brother.

5.    Identify the literary device in “leaden points.” (1)
Metaphor.

6.    Identify the device in “, and our hearts,
Of brothers’ temper, do receive you in.” (1)
Synecdoche: part is used for the whole.

7.    Give a synonym for “temper” as used here. (1)
Disposition or spirit.

8.    Give an antonym for “malice.” (1)
Kindness or benevolence.

9.    What contradiction lies in this speech? (3)
The conspirators’ hands are still stained with Caesar’s blood, yet they claim brotherly affection. Their words of love sharply contrast their violent action, creating situational irony.

10. How does this extract reveal Brutus’s tragic flaw? (3)
Brutus’s idealism blinds him. He believes moral reasoning and goodwill will win Antony over. His misjudgement allows Antony the opportunity to later destroy them.

11. What tone does Brutus attempt to create here? (2)
He attempts to create a tone of reconciliation and reassurance.

Extract 8

“Only be patient till we have appeased
The multitude, beside themselves with fear;
And then we will deliver you the cause,
Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him,
Have thus proceeded.”

1.    Who speaks these lines and in what context? (2)
Brutus speaks to Antony, promising to explain the reason for Caesar’s assassination after calming the frightened crowd.

2.    What does “appeased” mean in this passage? (1)
It means pacified or calmed.

3.    Who are “the multitude”? (1)
The common citizens of Rome.

4.    What does Brutus promise to “deliver”? (2)
He promises to present a logical explanation for killing Caesar.

5.    Identify the literary device in “Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him.” (1)
Paradox: Here, Brutus claims to love Caesar while admitting he killed him.

6.    Identify the device in “I Have thus proceeded.” (1)
Euphemism: Instead of directly saying “killed” or “murdered,” Brutus uses a mild expression.

7.    Give a synonym for “proceeded.” (1)
Acted or carried out.

8.    Give an antonym for “patient.” (1)
Impatient.

9.    How does this passage reflect Brutus’s internal conflict? (3)
He insists that he loved Caesar, showing emotional attachment. Yet he believes duty to Rome required murder. This reveals the tension between personal affection and political principle.

10. How does this moment prepare for the tragic turning point of the play? (3)
By allowing Antony to remain and later speak to the crowd, Brutus unintentionally gives his enemy the platform to incite rebellion. His trust leads directly to the downfall of the conspirators.

11. What is the dominant tone of this extract? (2)
Justificatory and rational.

Two-Mark Questions

1. Why does Brutus say “ambition’s debt is paid”?

Answer: Brutus means that Caesar’s death has settled the debt owed to his excessive ambition. He believes Caesar’s growing power threatened Rome’s liberty. Therefore, killing Caesar was a necessary act of justice, not cruelty. By this statement, Brutus tries to calm the frightened crowd and justify the assassination.

2. How does Brutus justify the killing of Caesar to the people?

Answer: Brutus explains that Caesar was ambitious and that ambition endangers freedom. Though he loved Caesar, his love for Rome was greater. Thus, the assassination was a noble act meant to prevent tyranny and protect the republic, not a betrayal of friendship or loyalty.

3. What does Cassius mean by “he that cuts off twenty years of life cuts off so many years of fearing death”?

Answer: Cassius argues philosophically that an early death shortens the suffering caused by fear of dying. He implies that death itself is not terrible; rather, the constant fear of it is worse. This comforts the conspirators after killing Caesar, justifying their act as beneficial.

4. What is the significance of the conspirators bathing their hands in Caesar’s blood?

Answer: The act symbolizes unity and the cleansing of Rome from tyranny. By staining their hands with Caesar’s blood, the conspirators show that they share equal responsibility for the deed and believe it was done for Rome’s good, not out of envy or hatred.

5. What does Cassius mean by “How many ages hence shall this our lofty scene be acted over”?

Answer: Cassius foresees that future generations will reenact and praise their actions as liberators of Rome. He believes their conspiracy will become a noble, historic event remembered for ages. This shows his pride in what he considers a patriotic sacrifice.

6. How does Antony’s servant describe both Caesar and Brutus?

Answer: Antony’s servant calls Brutus noble, wise, valiant, and honest; Caesar mighty, bold, royal, and loving. This description cleverly balances respect for both, showing Antony’s political caution while appealing to Brutus’s ego to gain permission for Antony’s safe entry.

7. What message does Antony send to Brutus through his servant?

Answer: Antony’s message expresses his respect and loyalty to Brutus if he is treated safely. He says he will follow Brutus and support his leadership in Rome. However, this message is strategic, meant to test Brutus’s intentions and ensure Antony’s survival.

8. What does Brutus say about Antony’s character?

Answer: Brutus calls Antony a wise and valiant Roman, claiming he never thought ill of him. This shows Brutus’s trusting and honourable nature. He underestimates Antony’s cunning and assumes that Antony, being noble, will support the conspirators’ cause sincerely.

9. What does Cassius fear about Antony after Caesar’s death?

Answer: Cassius suspects Antony might seek revenge or turn the public against them. He knows Antony’s loyalty to Caesar and senses danger in letting him live. However, Brutus’s idealism prevails, and Antony is spared, a decision that later leads to their downfall.

10. How does Antony react on seeing Caesar’s dead body?

Answer: Antony is heartbroken and shocked. His words, “O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?” express grief and disbelief. He mourns the fall of a great leader whose power, glory, and achievements are now reduced to a lifeless corpse.

11. What does Antony mean by “Shrunk to this little measure”?

Answer: Antony laments how Caesar’s vast power and glory have diminished to a small corpse. It reflects the transience of human greatness and the inevitability of death, showing Antony’s emotional and poetic reaction to Caesar’s fall from might to mortality.

12. What assurance does Brutus give Antony when they meet?

Answer: Brutus assures Antony that they harbour no ill will toward him and that their swords are harmless to him. He promises Antony’s safety and explains that the murder was motivated by love for Rome, not hatred toward Caesar or his friends.

13. What does Brutus mean by “You see but our hands, and this our present act”?

Answer: Brutus tells Antony that though their hands appear bloody, their intentions are pure. They killed Caesar out of pity for Rome, not cruelty. He distinguishes their physical act from their moral purpose, seeking Antony’s understanding and cooperation.

14. How does Cassius try to win Antony’s trust?

Answer: Cassius offers Antony an equal voice in Rome’s new government, saying his opinion will be valued in assigning “new dignities.” This is a diplomatic move to make Antony feel respected and prevent immediate conflict. However, Antony’s true feelings remain hidden.

15. What theme does Antony’s speech over Caesar’s body highlight?

Answer: Antony’s speech reveals the theme of the fragility of power and the permanence of human emotion. He contrasts Caesar’s glory with his helpless death, showing how greatness can be destroyed suddenly. It also foreshadows Antony’s future vengeance for Caesar.

16. How does Brutus show his leadership after the assassination?

Answer: Brutus remains composed, addresses the senators calmly, and justifies their action as patriotic. He reassures frightened citizens, instructs others wisely, and handles Antony with diplomatic courtesy, proving his ability to lead even in chaos.

17. Why does Cassius ask Brutus to let Publius leave?

Answer: Cassius worries that Publius, an innocent senator, might be harmed by the crowd’s anger if he stays with the conspirators. Allowing him to go demonstrates their moral restraint and their intention to harm only Caesar, not other Romans.

18. How does Shakespeare create irony in Antony’s behaviour toward Brutus?

Answer: Antony pretends to respect and support Brutus while secretly plotting revenge. His flattering words conceal his true intention to avenge Caesar. The dramatic irony lies in the audience knowing Antony’s deception while Brutus remains naïvely trusting.

19. What does Brutus mean when he says, “Fates, we will know your pleasures”?

Answer: Brutus accepts that destiny will decide their future. By invoking Fate, he shows his awareness that their act may have grave consequences. It reflects his stoic philosophy and readiness to face whatever destiny decrees for them after Caesar’s death.

20. How does Brutus’s idealism lead to his downfall?

Answer: Brutus’s noble but impractical nature blinds him to political realities. He believes others share his honesty, sparing Antony and allowing him to speak at Caesar’s funeral. This fatal decision gives Antony the chance to turn the public against the conspirators.

 

Three-Mark Questions

1. Describe the contrasting reactions of Brutus and Cassius after Caesar’s death.

Answer: Brutus reacts calmly and philosophically, believing they’ve freed Rome from tyranny. He focuses on justification and moral explanation, assuring everyone no harm was meant except to Caesar. Cassius, on the other hand, feels both pride and unease. Though he calls the act noble, he fears possible consequences, especially Antony’s response and the crowd’s reaction, revealing his political caution compared to Brutus’s idealism.

2. How does Brutus attempt to justify Caesar’s assassination before Antony?

Answer: Brutus tells Antony they appear cruel only in action, not in intention. Their hearts, he says, are full of pity for Rome, which drove them to kill Caesar to prevent dictatorship. He claims Antony is safe, and they act as brothers in patriotism. Brutus’s speech displays sincerity and self-delusion, showing his failure to recognize Antony’s cunning or political wisdom.

3. Analyse Antony’s first reaction to Caesar’s corpse.

Answer: Antony’s grief is immediate and heartfelt. He kneels beside Caesar’s body and mourns his fall, expressing sorrow that such greatness has been reduced to dust. His words— “O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?”—reveal love, shock, and despair. Yet beneath this emotional mourning lies determination for revenge, which he conceals under his respectful tone toward Brutus and the conspirators.

4. How does Shakespeare portray Brutus as an honourable but flawed leader in this scene?

Answer: Brutus is portrayed as noble, brave, and selfless, acting for what he believes is Rome’s welfare. He shows composure and fairness, especially in allowing Antony to approach safely. However, his idealism and poor judgment lead him to misread Antony’s intentions. His honesty becomes a weakness, turning his moral strength into political tragedy.

5. Discuss the symbolism of Caesar’s blood in this scene.

Answer: Caesar’s blood symbolizes both guilt and sacrifice. For the conspirators, it marks liberation and equality—they stain themselves as participants in Rome’s salvation. For Antony, it represents martyrdom and betrayal. The blood becomes a central image linking death, honour, and vengeance, foreshadowing the chaos and civil war that will follow.

6. How does Cassius reveal his political wisdom compared to Brutus?

Answer: Cassius understands human nature better than Brutus. He anticipates Antony’s potential threat and urges caution, wanting Antony killed alongside Caesar. His suspicion and foresight contrast with Brutus’s naïve belief in virtue. Cassius’s words reveal a shrewd, pragmatic mind, aware that moral reasoning alone cannot control political consequences.

7. Explain the theme of fate and free will in Brutus’s speech “Fates, we will know your pleasures.”

Answer: Brutus acknowledges that though men act on free will, ultimate control lies with destiny. His words express stoic acceptance of fate’s decisions after Caesar’s murder. This theme reflects Renaissance beliefs about destiny versus human choice and shows Brutus’s awareness that he cannot predict or control the future’s outcomes.

8. How does Antony use irony and flattery to protect himself?

Answer: Antony flatters Brutus by calling him noble, wise, and valiant, knowing it appeals to Brutus’s vanity. He pretends submission and respect while inwardly plotting revenge. His tone of humility deceives the conspirators, who think him harmless. This calculated irony ensures his safety and positions him to later turn Rome against them.

9. Describe how the scene foreshadows the downfall of the conspirators.

Answer: Despite their confidence, hints of doom appear. Cassius’s fears about Antony, Brutus’s blind trust, and the blood-soaked imagery all foreshadow revenge and civil unrest. Antony’s deceptive flattery and Brutus’s willingness to explain the murder to the people set the stage for Antony’s powerful funeral oration and the conspirators’ eventual defeat.

10. Examine how Shakespeare contrasts moral justification with political reality in this scene.

Answer: Brutus and Cassius believe their act is morally righteous—a defence of liberty. However, Shakespeare shows that moral reasoning alone cannot outweigh public perception or emotion. Antony’s grief and cunning highlight the gap between idealism and political pragmatism. The conspirators’ inability to manage consequences turns their “noble” act into tragedy and chaos.

Four-Mark Questions

1. Why does Brutus ask the people not to be afraid after Caesar’s murder?

Answer: Brutus asks the people and senators not to be frightened because he wants to prevent chaos and panic after Caesar’s assassination. By saying “ambition’s debt is paid,” he justifies the murder as a necessary act against Caesar’s ambition. Brutus believes that Caesar’s growing power threatened the freedom of Rome. Therefore, he presents the murder not as a crime, but as a political duty performed for the welfare of the Republic. His calm tone shows his desire to maintain order and prove that the conspirators acted rationally, not violently. He attempts to reassure everyone that no further harm is intended.

2. How does Brutus show concern for Publius and other Romans?

Answer: Brutus shows genuine concern for Publius by assuring him that no harm is intended toward him or any other Roman citizen. He clearly states that the conspirators’ act was directed only against Caesar, not against the people of Rome. He asks Publius to spread this message to calm others. This reflects Brutus’s sense of honour and responsibility. He does not want innocent people to suffer or misunderstand their purpose. Unlike a cruel murderer, Brutus tries to appear noble and considerate. His words reveal that he sees himself as a protector of Roman liberty rather than a destroyer of Roman peace.

3. Explain the significance of the conspirators bathing their hands in Caesar’s blood.

Answer: The conspirators decide to bathe their hands and swords in Caesar’s blood as a symbolic act. They believe this will demonstrate that the murder was a bold and public sacrifice for liberty, not a secret crime. By doing so, they intend to show unity and pride in their deed. Cassius even imagines that this scene will be reenacted in future ages. However, this act also reveals their moral blindness. What they consider a noble ritual appears shocking and brutal. It foreshadows that history may judge them differently from how they judge themselves. The scene becomes both symbolic and tragic.

4. What are Brutus’s views on death as expressed in this passage?

Answer: Brutus expresses a philosophical attitude toward death. He says that all men must die; only the timing is uncertain. According to him, shortening life also shortens the fear of death. Therefore, he argues that death can be seen as a benefit, especially in Caesar’s case. Brutus believes that by killing Caesar, they have saved him from living in constant fear of losing power. This reasoning shows Brutus’s attempt to justify the assassination logically and morally. He treats death as a natural and even noble event rather than something terrifying. His stoic outlook reflects his idealistic character.

5. How does Cassius differ from Brutus in his attitude toward Antony?

Answer: Cassius is suspicious and fearful of Antony, while Brutus is trusting and generous. After Caesar’s death, Cassius worries that Antony may become dangerous and cause trouble. He admits that his “misgiving” about Antony may prove correct. On the other hand, Brutus believes Antony to be noble and wise. He allows Antony to come safely and even promises that he shall leave unharmed. Brutus thinks they will easily win Antony’s friendship. This contrast highlights Brutus’s idealism and Cassius’s practical caution. Cassius understands political danger better, while Brutus acts according to honour and trust.

6. How does Antony cleverly address the conspirators through his servant?

Answer: Antony sends his servant with a carefully worded message that praises both Caesar and Brutus. He calls Brutus noble, wise, and honest, while also describing Caesar as mighty and loving. This balanced praise is strategic. Antony appears respectful and humble, asking only for safety and an explanation of Caesar’s death. By doing so, he avoids suspicion and gains permission to meet the conspirators. His words are diplomatic and cautious. Antony does not reveal his true intentions but presents himself as loyal and reasonable. This shows his intelligence and political skill, which later become evident in his famous speech.

7. Describe Antony’s reaction when he sees Caesar’s dead body.

Answer: When Antony sees Caesar lying dead, he expresses deep sorrow and shock. He mourns Caesar’s fallen greatness, saying that all his conquests and triumphs have shrunk to nothing. His words are emotional and dramatic. At the same time, Antony speaks carefully before the conspirators. He even offers his own life if they consider him dangerous. He declares that no place would be more fitting to die than beside Caesar. This speech is both sincere and strategic. Antony’s grief is real, but he also cleverly avoids provoking the conspirators while preparing for future revenge.

8. How does Brutus justify Caesar’s murder before Antony?

Answer: Brutus justifies Caesar’s murder by claiming it was done out of pity for Rome, not out of hatred for Caesar. He admits that their hands appear bloody and cruel, but insists that their hearts are compassionate. According to him, Caesar’s ambition harmed the Republic, and therefore his death was necessary. Brutus assures Antony that their swords have “leaden points” toward him, meaning they bear no ill will. He presents the act as a sacrifice made for the general good. This explanation reflects Brutus’s belief that political duty and love for Rome are greater than personal affection.

9. What does Cassius mean when he says their deed will be acted in “states unborn and accents yet unknown”?

Answer: Cassius means that their assassination of Caesar will become famous and be remembered throughout history. He imagines that future generations, even in lands not yet formed and languages not yet spoken, will reenact this scene in plays and stories. He believes their act is noble and heroic, worthy of admiration. This statement shows Cassius’s pride and ambition. However, it is also ironic because history may not glorify them as liberators. Instead, many may see them as traitors. Thus, his words highlight both his confidence and the tragic irony of the situation.

10. How does Brutus respond to Cassius’s idea that their deed will be acted in “states unborn and accents yet unknown,” and what does his reply suggest?

Answer: In reply to Cassius’s proud prediction that their deed will be remembered in future ages, Brutus adds that Caesar will “bleed in sport” many times and now lies at the base of Pompey’s statue, “no worthier than the dust.” Brutus’s response continues the idea of historical remembrance, but it also reduces Caesar’s greatness. By saying that Caesar is no better than dust, Brutus emphasizes the fall of pride and power. His reply suggests that even the mightiest ruler is mortal. It reflects Brutus’s belief that Caesar’s ambition deserved such an end and that history will justify their action as a defence of liberty.

11. How is the theme of honour presented in this passage?

Answer: The theme of honour runs throughout the passage. Brutus believes he has acted honourably for the freedom of Rome. He assures others that no innocent person will be harmed and that Antony will depart safely. Antony, too, speaks of honour, saying he loves and honours both Caesar and Brutus. The conspirators want their act to appear brave and patriotic rather than criminal. However, their understanding of honour differs from reality. While they think they have saved Rome, their bloody action creates fear and disorder. Thus, honour becomes a complex theme, shaped by perspective and intention.

Courtesy: Different AIs

Compiled by Dr. Shankar D Mishra

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