Julius Caesar Act III, Scene I – Part Two

 

Julius Caesar

Act III, Scene I – Part Two

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

Have thus proceeded.

 

BRUTUS

People and senators, be not affrighted;

Fly not; stand still: ambition’s debt is paid.

CASCA

Go to the pulpit, Brutus.

DECIUS BRUTUS

And Cassius too.

BRUTUS

Where’s Publius?

CINNA

Here, quite confounded with this mutiny.

METELLUS CIMBER

Stand fast together, lest some friend of Caesar’s

Should chance—

BRUTUS

Talk not of standing. Publius, good cheer!

There is no harm intended to your person,

Nor to no Roman else. So tell them, Publius.

CASSIUS

And leave us, Publius; lest that the people,

Rushing on us, should do your age some mischief.

BRUTUS

Do so; and let no man abide this deed

But we, the doers.

(Re-enter TREBONIUS)

CASSIUS

Where is Antony?

TREBONIUS

Fled to his house, amazed.

Men, wives, and children stare, cry out, and run,

As it were doomsday.

BRUTUS

Fates, we will know your pleasures:

That we shall die, we know; 'tis but the time,

And drawing days out, that men stand upon.

CASSIUS

Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life

Cuts off so many years of fearing death.

BRUTUS

Grant that, and then is death a benefit.

So are we Caesar’s friends, that have abridged

His time of fearing death. Stoop, Romans, stoop,

And let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood

Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords:

Then walk we forth, even to the market-place,

And, waving our red weapons o’er our heads,

Let’s all cry ‘Peace, freedom, and liberty!’

CASSIUS

Stoop, then, and wash. How many ages hence

Shall this our lofty scene be acted over,

In states unborn and accents yet unknown!

BRUTUS

How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport,

That now on Pompey’s basis lies along,

No worthier than the dust!

CASSIUS

So oft as that shall be,

So often shall the knot of us be called

The men that gave their country liberty.

DECIUS BRUTUS

What, shall we forth?

CASSIUS

Ay, every man away:

Brutus shall lead; and we will grace his heels

With the boldest and best hearts of Rome.

(Enter a Servant)

BRUTUS

Soft! who comes here?

A SERVANT

Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel;

Thus did Mark Antony bid me fall down;

And, being prostrate, thus he bade me say:

Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest;

Caesar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving.

Say, I love Brutus and I honour him;

Say, I fear’d Caesar, honour’d him, and loved him.

If Brutus will vouchsafe that Antony

May safely come to him, and be resolved

How Caesar hath deserved to lie in death,

Mark Antony shall not love Caesar dead

So well as Brutus living; but will follow

The fortunes and affairs of noble Brutus,

Through the hazards of this untrod state,

With all true faith. So says my master Antony.

BRUTUS

Thy master is a wise and valiant Roman;

I never thought him worse.

Tell him, so please him come unto this place;

He shall be satisfied, and, by my honour,

Depart untouch’d.

SERVANT

I’ll fetch him presently.

(Exit Servant)

BRUTUS

I know that we shall have him well to friend.

CASSIUS

I wish we may: but yet have I a mind

That fears him much; and my misgiving still

Falls shrewdly to the purpose.

(Re-enter ANTONY)

BRUTUS

But here comes Antony.

ANTONY

O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?

Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,

Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well.

I know not, gentlemen, what you intend,

Who else must be let blood, who else is rank.

If I myself, there is no hour so fit

As Caesar’s death hour, nor no instrument

Of half that worth as those your swords, made rich

With the most noble blood of all this world.

I do beseech ye, if you bear me hard,

Now, whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke,

Fulfil your pleasure. Live a thousand years,

I shall not find myself so apt to die;

No place will please me so, no mean of death,

As here by Caesar, and by you cut off,

The choice and master spirits of this age.

BRUTUS

O Antony, beg not your death of us.

Though now we must appear bloody and cruel,

As, by our hands and this our present act,

You see we do; yet see you but our hands,

And this the bleeding business they have done:

Our hearts you see not; they are pitiful;

And pity to the general wrong of Rome

Hath done this deed on Caesar. For your part,

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,

With all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence.

CASSIUS

Your voice shall be as strong as any man’s

In the disposing of new dignities.

BRUTUS

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.

 

Glossary

1.affrighted—frightened or terrified

2.fly not—do not run away

3.stand still—remain calm and unmoving

4.ambition’s debt is paid—Caesar’s punishment for ambition has been carried out (he is dead)

5.Go to the pulpit—go to the public speaking platform

6.confounded—confused, bewildered, or overwhelmed

7.mutiny—rebellion or violent uprising

8.Stand fast—stand firm or stay together

9.chance—happen by accident or by chance

10.good cheer—be of good courage or comfort

11.abide—remain or stay present

12.the doers—the people who committed the act (the conspirators)

13.amazed—shocked or astonished

14.as it were doomsday—as if it were Judgment Day (the end of the world)

15.Fates—mythological powers controlling human destiny

16.pleasures—will or wishes of the gods

17.drawing days out—prolonging life

18.stand upon—depend on or value highly

19.abridged—shortened or reduced

20.Stoop—bend down

21.bathe our hands—dip our hands (symbolically share in the act)

22.besmear—smear or cover with blood

23.market-place—the public square or forum in Rome

24.red weapons—bloody swords

25.accents—languages or speech styles

26.lofty scene—grand or noble action

27.in sport—for entertainment or mockery

28.Pompey’s basis—the statue of Pompey (at whose base Caesar was killed)

29.dust—insignificant matter; worthless remains

30.knot of us—the group or band of conspirators

31.grace his heels—follow respectfully behind him (Brutus)

32.Soft—wait or be quiet for a moment

33.master—employer or superior (Mark Antony)

34.bid me—commanded me or told me

35.kneel—bend down on the knees in respect

36.prostrate—lying flat in humility or submission

37.vouchsafe—grant graciously or allow

38.be resolved—be assured or made certain

39.deserved to lie in death—deserved to be killed

40.will follow—will support or side with

41.fortunes—circumstances or fate

42.hazards—dangers or risks

43.untrod state—uncharted or unknown political situation

44.true faith—loyal and faithful support

45.valiant—brave or courageous

46.thought him worse—considered him bad or unworthy

47.satisfied—reassured or convinced

48.depart untouch’d—leave unharmed or safe

49.misgiving—doubt or suspicion

50.shrewdly—keenly, acutely, or sharply

51.to the purpose—relevant or fitting to the situation

52.dost thou lie so low—are you lying dead so lowly

53.spoils—plunder or treasures gained from war

54.little measure—small space (referring to Caesar’s corpse)

55.rank—next to be killed or targeted

56.instrument—tool, in this context a weapon

57.of half that worth—of half that value

58.bear me hard—hold resentment or grudge against me

59.purpled hands—bloodstained hands

60.reek and smoke—still wet and steaming with fresh blood

61.aptest—most ready or suitable (for death)

62.mean of death—manner or way of dying

63.choice and master spirits—the best and noblest men

64.appear bloody—seem violent or cruel

65.present act—current deed (Caesar’s murder)

66.general wrong of Rome—public harm or injustice to the state

67.leaden points—dull, harmless tips (metaphor for no hostility)

68.malice—hatred or ill-will

69.brothers’ temper—friendly or brotherly nature

70.reverence—deep respect or honour

71.disposing—distribution or arrangement (of power or offices)

72.dignities—high positions or honours

73.beside themselves—out of control or panic-stricken

74.appeased—calmed or pacified

75.deliver you the cause—explain to you the reason

76.proceeded—acted or carried out the deed

 

Paraphrase

BRUTUS

People and senators, be not affrighted;

→ People and senators, don’t be afraid.

Fly not; stand still: ambition’s debt is paid.

→ Don’t run away—stay where you are. The punishment for ambition has been given (Caesar has paid for his pride).

CASCA

Go to the pulpit, Brutus.

→ Go up to the platform, Brutus, and speak to the people.

DECIUS BRUTUS

And Cassius too.

→ Cassius should speak as well.

BRUTUS

Where’s Publius?

→ Where is Publius?

CINNA

Here, quite confounded with this mutiny.

→ He’s here—completely confused by all this uproar.

METELLUS CIMBER

Stand fast together, lest some friend of Caesar’s

Should chance—

→ Stay close together, in case one of Caesar’s friends happens to—

BRUTUS

Talk not of standing. Publius, good cheer!

There is no harm intended to your person,

Nor to no Roman else. So tell them, Publius.

→ Don’t worry about standing firm. Publius, be of good cheer.

We mean no harm to you or to any other Roman. Tell everyone that.

CASSIUS

And leave us, Publius; lest that the people,

Rushing on us, should do your age some mischief.

→ Leave us, Publius, before the crowd rushes in and accidentally hurts you because you’re old.

BRUTUS

Do so; and let no man abide this deed

But we, the doers.

→ Yes, go; no one should remain here but those of us who carried out the act.

(Re-enter TREBONIUS)

CASSIUS

Where is Antony?

→ Where is Mark Antony?

TREBONIUS

Fled to his house, amazed.

Men, wives, and children stare, cry out, and run,

As it were doomsday.

→ He ran home, shocked. Men, women, and children are staring, screaming, and running about as if the world were ending.

BRUTUS

Fates, we will know your pleasures:

That we shall die, we know; 'tis but the time,

And drawing days out, that men stand upon.

→ Oh Fates, we will accept whatever you decide.

We all know we must die someday—it’s only the timing of death that people care about.

CASSIUS

Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life

Cuts off so many years of fearing death.

→ Well, anyone who loses twenty years of life also loses twenty years of fearing death.

BRUTUS

Grant that, and then is death a benefit.

So are we Caesar’s friends, that have abridged

His time of fearing death.

→ True. Then death is a blessing. We are actually Caesar’s friends, because we’ve shortened the time he would have spent fearing death.

Stoop, Romans, stoop,

And let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood

Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords:

→ Bend down, Romans, and let’s dip our hands in Caesar’s blood up to the elbows and smear our swords with it—

Then walk we forth, even to the market-place,

And, waving our red weapons o’er our heads,

Let’s all cry ‘Peace, freedom, and liberty!’

→ Then we’ll walk to the marketplace, holding our bloody swords high, and shout together, “Peace, freedom, and liberty!”

CASSIUS

Stoop, then, and wash. How many ages hence

Shall this our lofty scene be acted over,

In states unborn and accents yet unknown!

→ Bend down and wash, then. How many years from now will people act out this noble scene again in countries not yet born, in languages still unknown!

BRUTUS

How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport,

That now on Pompey’s basis lies along,

No worthier than the dust!

→ How many times will actors make Caesar bleed again in plays, he who now lies at the base of Pompey’s statue—no greater now than common dust!

CASSIUS

So oft as that shall be,

So often shall the knot of us be called

The men that gave their country liberty.

→ And every time that scene is reenacted, people will call us the men who gave Rome her freedom.

DECIUS BRUTUS

What, shall we forth?

→ Shall we go out now?

CASSIUS

Ay, every man away:

Brutus shall lead; and we will grace his heels

With the boldest and best hearts of Rome.

→ Yes, everyone go. Brutus will lead, and we’ll follow close behind him—Rome’s bravest and noblest men.

(Enter a Servant)

BRUTUS

Soft! who comes here?

→ Wait—who’s coming?

SERVANT

Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel;

Thus did Mark Antony bid me fall down;

And, being prostrate, thus he bade me say:

→ Brutus, my master (Mark Antony) told me to kneel like this, to bow down like this, and lying here before you, he told me to say this:

Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest;

Caesar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving.

→ “Brutus is noble, wise, brave, and honest; Caesar was powerful, courageous, kingly, and affectionate.”

 

Say, I love Brutus and I honour him;

Say, I fear’d Caesar, honour’d him, and loved him.

→ “Tell Brutus I love and honour him. Tell him I feared, honoured, and loved Caesar.”

If Brutus will vouchsafe that Antony

May safely come to him, and be resolved

How Caesar hath deserved to lie in death,

→ “If Brutus will kindly allow Antony to come safely to him and explain why Caesar deserved to die,

Mark Antony shall not love Caesar dead

So well as Brutus living; but will follow

The fortunes and affairs of noble Brutus,

Through the hazards of this untrod state,

With all true faith. So says my master Antony.”

→ then Antony will no longer love dead Caesar as much as he loves living Brutus. He will follow Brutus’s cause and his fortunes through the dangers of this new and uncertain state, with complete loyalty. That’s what my master Antony says.”

BRUTUS

Thy master is a wise and valiant Roman;

I never thought him worse.

→ Your master is a brave and wise Roman; I never thought otherwise.

Tell him, so please him come unto this place;

He shall be satisfied, and, by my honour,

Depart untouch’d.

→ Tell him he may come here safely; I’ll explain everything to him, and I promise on my honour he will leave unharmed.

SERVANT

I’ll fetch him presently.

→ I’ll bring him right away.

(Exit Servant)

BRUTUS

I know that we shall have him well to friend.

→ I’m sure he’ll become our good friend.

CASSIUS

I wish we may: but yet have I a mind

That fears him much; and my misgiving still

Falls shrewdly to the purpose.

→ I hope so too—but I’m afraid of him. My suspicion feels all too correct.

(Re-enter ANTONY)

BRUTUS

But here comes Antony.

→ But here he is now.

ANTONY

O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?

Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,

Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well.

→ Oh mighty Caesar! Are you lying so low? Have all your victories, glories, triumphs, and treasures been reduced to this small body? Goodbye.

I know not, gentlemen, what you intend,

Who else must be let blood, who else is rank.

→ Gentlemen, I don’t know what you plan next—who else you intend to kill, who else is “too full of ambition.”

If I myself, there is no hour so fit

As Caesar’s death hour, nor no instrument

Of half that worth as those your swords, made rich

With the most noble blood of all this world.

→ If it’s me, there’s no time more fitting than now, and no weapon more worthy than your swords, now enriched with the noblest blood in the world.

 

I do beseech ye, if you bear me hard,

Now, whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke,

Fulfil your pleasure. Live a thousand years,

I shall not find myself so apt to die;

No place will please me so, no mean of death,

As here by Caesar, and by you cut off,

The choice and master spirits of this age.

→ If you hate me, then kill me now—while your hands still drip with Caesar’s blood. Even if I lived a thousand years, I’d never find a better time, place, or company to die in than here—by Caesar’s side, and by the hands of you, the greatest men of this time.

BRUTUS

O Antony, beg not your death of us.

→ Oh Antony, don’t ask us to kill you.

Though now we must appear bloody and cruel,

As, by our hands and this our present act,

You see we do; yet see you but our hands,

And this the bleeding business they have done:

→ We may look cruel and murderous now—as our hands and this act show—but you see only our hands and what they’ve done,

Our hearts you see not; they are pitiful;

And pity to the general wrong of Rome

Hath done this deed on Caesar.

→ You don’t see our hearts—they’re full of pity. It was pity for Rome’s suffering that made us kill Caesar.

 

For your part,

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,

With all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence.

→ As for you, Mark Antony, our swords are blunt toward you; our arms and hearts are open like brothers’ to receive you—with love, good will, and respect.

CASSIUS

Your voice shall be as strong as any man’s

In the disposing of new dignities.

→ Your voice will count as much as anyone’s in deciding who gets positions of honour in the new government.

BRUTUS

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.

→ Just be patient until we calm the terrified crowd, and then we’ll explain everything—why I, who loved Caesar deeply, struck him down and took this course of action

 

Question 1. 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: B) Decius Brutus

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: B) Confused

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’m 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: A) Next to be killed

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

 

Question 2. One Mark Questions

1. Who says “People and senators, be not affrighted”?

Answer: Brutus.

2. What does Brutus mean by “ambition’s debt is paid”?

Answer: Caesar has been killed for his ambition.

3. Who urges Brutus to go to the pulpit?

Answer: Casca.

4. Who says “And Cassius too”?

Answer: Decius Brutus.

5. Who is Publius?

Answer: An old senator present during Caesar’s assassination.

6. Who says “Here, quite confounded with this mutiny”?

Answer: Cinna.

7. What does “confounded” mean here?

Answer: Confused or bewildered.

8. What warning does Metellus Cimber give?

Answer: He fears some of Caesar’s friends might attack them.

9. What does Brutus tell Publius?

Answer: No harm is intended to him or any Roman.

10. Why does Cassius tell Publius to leave?

Answer: To keep him safe from the angry crowd.

 

 

11. What does Brutus mean by “let no man abide this deed but we, the doers”?

Answer: Only the conspirators should take responsibility for the murder.

12. Who re-enters after Caesar’s death?

Answer: Trebonius.

13. Who asks “Where is Antony?”

Answer: Cassius.

14. Where does Trebonius say Antony has gone?

Answer: To his house.

15. How do the people react to Caesar’s death?

Answer: They run, cry, and panic as if it were doomsday.

16. What does Brutus mean by “Fates, we will know your pleasures”?

Answer: He accepts whatever destiny has in store for them.

17. What truth does Brutus express about death?

Answer: Everyone must die; only the timing is uncertain.

18. What does Cassius say about shortening life?

Answer: It shortens the fear of death.

19. How does Brutus justify Caesar’s murder?

Answer: They helped Caesar escape the fear of dying.

20. What does Brutus ask the conspirators to do after the murder?

Answer: Stoop and bathe their hands in Caesar’s blood.

21. Why do they smear their swords with Caesar’s blood?

Answer: As a symbol of their deed and unity.

22. What do they plan to shout in the marketplace?

Answer: “Peace, freedom, and liberty!”

23. Who predicts that their act will be reenacted in the future?

Answer: Cassius.

24. What does Cassius mean by “states unborn and accents yet unknown”?

Answer: Future nations and languages will retell this event.

25. What does Brutus say about Caesar bleeding again?

Answer: Future plays will show Caesar’s death many times.

26. On what does Caesar’s body lie?

Answer: Pompey’s statue base.

27. Who calls the conspirators “the men that gave their country liberty”?

Answer: Cassius.

28. Who says “Brutus shall lead”?

Answer: Cassius.

29. What does “grace his heels” mean?

Answer: Follow Brutus with honour and loyalty.

30. Who enters after Cassius’s words?

Answer: A servant.

31. Whose servant is it?

Answer: Mark Antony’s.

 

 

32. How does Antony’s servant address Brutus?

Answer: By kneeling before him.

33. What four virtues of Brutus does Antony mention?

Answer: Noble, wise, valiant, and honest.

34. What four qualities of Caesar does Antony mention?

Answer: Mighty, bold, royal, and loving.

35. What message does Antony send about his loyalty?

Answer: He will follow Brutus if allowed to live safely.

36. What does “vouchsafe” mean?

Answer: Grant or permit graciously.

37. What does “untrod state” mean?

Answer: A new and uncertain political situation.

38. How does Brutus describe Antony?

Answer: A wise and valiant Roman.

39. What assurance does Brutus give Antony through the servant?

Answer: He will be safe and unharmed.

40. What does Brutus say after the servant exits?

Answer: He believes Antony will become their friend.

41. What is Cassius’s fear about Antony?

Answer: He suspects Antony may be dangerous.

42. Who re-enters after this discussion?

Answer: Antony.

43. What does Antony say when he sees Caesar’s body?

Answer: “O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?”

44. What does Antony call Caesar’s achievements?

Answer: Conquests, glories, triumphs, and spoils.

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

Answer: All Caesar’s greatness is reduced to a corpse.

46. What does Antony suspect the conspirators of?

Answer: Possibly planning to kill others too.

47. What does Antony mean by “your purpled hands”?

Answer: Their hands covered in Caesar’s blood.

48. What offer does Antony make to the conspirators?

Answer: If they hate him, they can kill him now beside Caesar.

49. How does Brutus reassure Antony?

Answer: They are not his enemies and wish him no harm.

50. What does Brutus promise Antony about the crowd?

Answer: They will calm the people and then explain their reasons for killing Caesar.

 

Question 3. 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 citizens 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 himself and 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. “Brutus shall lead; and we will grace his heels with the most boldest and best hearts of Rome.”

Answer: Cassius said this to the conspirators.

20. “Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel.”

Answer: Antony’s servant said this to Brutus.

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

Answer: Antony’s servant said this to Brutus, quoting Antony’s words.

22. “Say, I fear’d Caesar, honour’d him, and loved him.”

Answer: Antony’s servant this to Brutus.

23. “Thy master is a wise and said valiant Roman; I never thought him worse.”

Answer: Brutus said this to Antony’s servant.

24. “Tell him, so please him come unto this place; he shall be satisfied, and, by my honour, depart untouch’d.”

Answer: Brutus said this to Antony’s servant.

25. “I know that we shall have him well to friend.”

Answer: Brutus said this to Cassius.

26. “I wish we may: but yet have I a mind that fears him much.”

Answer: Cassius said this to Brutus.

27. “O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?”

Answer: Antony said this to Caesar’s dead body.

28. “Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils, shrunk to this little measure?”

Answer: Antony said this to Caesar’s corpse.

29. “If I myself, there is no hour so fit as Caesar’s death hour.”

Answer: Antony said this to Brutus and the conspirators.

30. “O Antony, beg not your death of us.”

Answer: Brutus said this to Antony.

 

Question 4. Reference to Context

RTC 1

“People and senators, be not affrighted;

Fly not; stand still: ambition’s debt is paid.”

1. Who is the speaker of these lines?

Answer: Brutus.

2. To whom are these words addressed?

Answer: The citizens and senators at the Capitol.

3. What event has just occurred?

Answer: The assassination of Julius Caesar.

4. What does “ambition’s debt is paid” mean?

Answer: Caesar has been killed for his ambition.

5. What is the tone of Brutus here?

Answer: Calm and reassuring.

6. What is the figure of speech in “ambition’s debt”?

Answer: Metaphor.

RTC 2

“Stoop, Romans, stoop,

And let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood.”

1. Who speaks these words?

Answer: Brutus.

2. Who are addressed as “Romans”?

Answer: The conspirators.

3. What does Brutus ask them to do?

Answer: To dip their hands in Caesar’s blood.

4. Why does he ask them to do so?

Answer: As a symbolic act showing unity and sacrifice.

5. Where do they plan to go afterward?

Answer: To the marketplace.

6. What will they cry there?

Answer: “Peace, freedom, and liberty!”

RTC 3

“Stoop, then, and wash.

How many ages hence shall this our lofty scene be acted over.”

1. Who says these words?

Answer: Cassius.

2. To whom are they spoken?

Answer: The conspirators.

3. What does Cassius mean by “How many ages hence”?

Answer: He means this event will be remembered and reenacted in the future.

4. What is the “lofty scene” he refers to?

Answer: The noble act of killing Caesar.

5. What literary device is used in “lofty scene”?

Answer: Epithet.

6. Is Cassius proud or fearful here?

Answer: Proud.

RTC 4

“How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport,

That now on Pompey’s basis lies along.”

1. Who says this?

Answer: Brutus.

2. What does “bleed in sport” mean?

Answer: Be symbolically slain in plays and reenactments.

3. Where does Caesar’s body lie?

Answer: At the base of Pompey’s statue.

4. What does this setting symbolize?

Answer: Irony—Caesar killed near his rival’s statue.

 

5. What emotion does Brutus express?

Answer: Reflection and sorrow.

6. What is the figure of speech in “bleed in sport”?

Answer: Metaphor.

RTC 5

“Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life

Cuts off so many years of fearing death.”

1. Who says this?

Answer: Cassius.

2. To whom is it said?

Answer: Brutus.

3. What does it mean?

Answer: Dying early ends the fear of death sooner.

4. What theme is reflected here?

Answer: The philosophy of death and fate.

5. How does this comfort the conspirators?

Answer: It justifies their action as merciful.

6. What tone does Cassius use?

Answer: Philosophical.

RTC 6

“Fates, we will know your pleasures.”

1. Who is the speaker?

Answer: Brutus.

2. What does he address here?

Answer: Destiny or fate.

3. Why does he say this?

Answer: He accepts the consequences of Caesar’s murder.

4. What does it reveal about Brutus’s character?

Answer: He is brave and resigned to fate.

5. What literary device is used here?

Answer: Apostrophe (addressing Fate).

6. What is the tone?

Answer: Resolute.

RTC 7

“Thy master is a wise and valiant Roman;

I never thought him worse.”

1. Who says this?

Answer: Brutus.

2. To whom is it said?

Answer: Antony’s servant.

3. Who is “thy master”?

Answer: Mark Antony.

4. What does Brutus express here?

Answer: Respect for Antony’s character.

5. What does this show about Brutus?

Answer: His fairness and courtesy.

6. What is the tone?

Answer: Respectful.

RTC 8

“O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?”

1. Who speaks this line?

Answer: Mark Antony.

2. Who is he speaking to?

Answer: Caesar’s dead body.

3. What emotion does this line express?

Answer: Shock and grief.

4. What does “so low” mean?

Answer: Lying dead.

5. What literary device is used here?

Answer: Apostrophe.

6. What is Antony’s tone?

Answer: Mourning and sorrowful.

RTC 9

“Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,

Shrunk to this little measure?”

1. Who says this?

Answer: Antony.

2. What is the “little measure”?

Answer: Caesar’s corpse.

3. What contrast does Antony make?

Answer: Between Caesar’s greatness and his death.

4. What emotion is conveyed?

Answer: Deep sorrow and irony.

5. What literary device is used?

Answer: Antithesis.

6. What theme does it highlight?

Answer: The fleeting nature of power.

RTC 10

“If I myself, there is no hour so fit

As Caesar’s death hour.”

1. Who speaks this?

Answer: Antony.

2. To whom is it addressed?

Answer: Brutus and the conspirators.

3. What does Antony mean?

Answer: If he must die, now is the right time.

4. What does this show about Antony’s courage?

Answer: He is fearless.

5. What tone does he use?

Answer: Brave and accepting.

6. What is Antony’s true motive here?

Answer: To test the conspirators’ intentions.

RTC 11

“O Antony, beg not your death of us.”

1. Who says this?

Answer: Brutus.

2. To whom is it said?

Answer: Antony.

3. What is Brutus assuring Antony?

Answer: That they do not intend to kill him.

4. What does this show about Brutus?

Answer: His honour and kindness.

5. What literary device is used in “beg not your death”?

Answer: Irony.

6. What is Antony’s emotional state at this time?

Answer: Fear mixed with grief.

RTC 12

“Though now we must appear bloody and cruel,

Yet see you but our hands, and this our present act.”

1. Who says this?

Answer: Brutus.

2. To whom is it addressed?

Answer: Antony.

3. What does “bloody and cruel” refer to?

Answer: The act of killing Caesar.

4. What does Brutus ask Antony to notice?

Answer: Their intentions are noble, not wicked.

5. What quality of Brutus is revealed?

Answer: His sense of justification and honour.

6. What tone is used?

Answer: Calm and persuasive.

RTC 13

“Our hearts you see not; they are pitiful.”

1. Who speaks this?

Answer: Brutus.

2. To whom is it said?

Answer: Antony.

3. What does “pitiful” mean here?

Answer: Full of pity and compassion.

4. What does Brutus claim about their motives?

Answer: They acted out of concern for Rome.

5. What literary device is used?

Answer: Contrast between appearance and intent.

6. What is Antony’s reaction?

Answer: He remains cautious and silent.

RTC 14

“To you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony.”

1. Who says this?

Answer: Brutus.

2. To whom is it spoken?

Answer: Antony.

3. What does “leaden points” mean?

Answer: Blunt or harmless weapons.

4. What does Brutus mean to assure?

Answer: That Antony is safe from harm.

5. What does it show about Brutus?

Answer: His honesty and good faith.

6. What tone is used?

Answer: Friendly and reassuring.

RTC 15

“Your voice shall be as strong as any man’s

In the disposing of new dignities.”

1. Who says this?

Answer: Cassius.

2. To whom is it said?

Answer: Antony.

3. What is meant by “new dignities”?

Answer: New positions of power after Caesar’s death.

4. What does Cassius offer Antony here?

Answer: A share in political authority.

5. What motive does Cassius have?

Answer: To win Antony’s support.

6. What tone is expressed?

Answer: Diplomatic and strategic.

 

Question 5. 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.

 

Question 6. 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.

 

COURTESY: Meta AI & ChatGPT

Compiled by Dr. Shankar D Mishra

 

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