JULIUS CAESAR, Act 2, Scene 1, Page 78 to 84 (Pages are counted according to ICSE, Evergreen Text Book.)
Brutus: Good gentlemen, look fresh and merrily............Brutus: Follow me then.
Exeunt
Paraphrase
in English and Hindi
Brutus
Good
gentlemen, look fresh and merrily.
Be cheerful and appear confident, my friends.
→ मित्रों, प्रसन्न और आत्मविश्वासी दिखो।
Let
not our looks put on our purposes,
Do not let our faces reveal our intentions.
→ हमारे चेहरे हमारे इरादे प्रकट न करें।
But
bear it as our Roman actors do,
Carry it as Roman actors carry their roles.
→ इसे वैसे निभाओ जैसे रोमन अभिनेता अपने पात्र निभाते हैं।
With
untired spirits and formal constancy.
With tireless energy and disciplined self-control.
→ बिना थकी ऊर्जा और औपचारिक दृढ़ता के साथ।
And
so good morrow to you every one.
And now, good morning to you all.
→ और अब तुम सबको शुभ प्रभात।
(All
exit except Brutus)
Boy!
Lucius! Fast asleep? It is no matter.
Boy! Lucius! Are you sound asleep? Never mind.
→ लड़के! लूसियस! क्या तुम गहरी नींद में हो? कोई बात नहीं।
Enjoy
the honey-heavy dew of slumber.
Enjoy the sweet, heavy sleep.
→ मीठी और गहरी नींद का आनंद लो।
Thou
hast no figures, nor no fantasies,
You have no troubling images or dreams.
→ तुम्हारे मन में कोई कल्पनाएँ या चिंताएँ नहीं हैं।
Which
busy care draws in the brains of men;
Which anxious worries create in men’s minds.
→ जिन्हें चिंता मनुष्यों के मस्तिष्क में पैदा करती है।
Therefore
thou sleep'st so sound.
That is why you sleep so deeply.
→ इसलिए तुम इतनी गहरी नींद सोते हो।
Portia
enters
Brutus,
my lord!
Brutus, my lord!
→ ब्रूटस, मेरे स्वामी!
Portia!
What mean you? Wherefore rise you now?
Portia! What do you intend? Why have you risen now?
→ पोर्शिया! तुम क्या चाहती हो? अभी क्यों उठी हो?
It
is not for your health thus to commit
It is not good for your health to expose
→ यह तुम्हारे स्वास्थ्य के लिए ठीक नहीं कि तुम
Your
weak condition to the raw cold morning.
Your fragile body to the harsh cold morning.
→ अपने कमजोर शरीर को इस ठंडी सुबह में डालो।
Portia
Nor
for yours neither. You've ungently, Brutus,
Nor for yours either. You rudely, Brutus,
→ न ही तुम्हारे स्वास्थ्य के लिए। तुमने, ब्रूटस,
Stole
from my bed;
Slipped away secretly from my bed;
→ चुपचाप मेरे बिस्तर से निकल गए।
and
yesternight at supper
And last night at supper
→ और कल रात भोजन के समय
You
suddenly arose, and walked about,
You suddenly stood up and paced around,
→ तुम अचानक उठे और टहलने लगे।
Musing,
and sighing, with your arms across.
Lost in thought, sighing, with folded arms.
→ सोच में डूबे, आहें भरते, बाँहें बाँधकर।
And
when I asked you what the matter was,
And when I asked what was troubling you,
→ जब मैंने कारण पूछा,
You
stared upon me with ungentle looks.
You looked at me harshly.
→ तुमने मुझे कठोर दृष्टि से देखा।
I
urged you further; then you scratched your head,
I pressed you again; then you scratched your head,
→ मैंने फिर ज़ोर दिया; तब तुमने सिर खुजलाया,
And
too impatiently stamped with your foot.
And stamped your foot impatiently.
→ और अधीरता से पैर पटका।
Yet
I insisted, yet you answered not,
Still I persisted, yet you gave no reply,
→ फिर भी मैंने आग्रह किया, पर तुमने उत्तर नहीं दिया।
But
with an angry wafture of your hand
Instead, with an angry wave of your hand
→ बल्कि क्रोध में हाथ हिलाकर
Gave
sign for me to leave you.
You signaled me to leave you.
→ मुझे वहाँ से जाने का संकेत दिया।
So
I did, fearing to strengthen that impatience
So I left, fearing I might worsen that impatience
→ इसलिए मैं चली गई, यह डरकर कि
Which
seemed too much enkindled,
Which seemed already too inflamed,
→ वह अधीरता और बढ़ न जाए,
and
withal hoping it was but an effect of humour,
And hoping it was merely a temporary mood,
→ और यह सोचकर कि यह केवल अस्थायी मनोदशा होगी,
Which
sometime hath his hour with every man.
Which visits every man at times.
→ जो हर व्यक्ति के जीवन में कभी-कभी आती है।
It
will not let you eat, nor talk, nor sleep,
It lets you neither eat, nor talk, nor sleep,
→ यह न तुम्हें खाने देती है, न बोलने, न सोने।
And
could it work so much upon your shape
And if it affected your appearance so much
→ और यदि यह तुम्हारे रूप पर इतना प्रभाव डाले
As
it hath much prevailed on your condition,
As it has affected your health,
→ जितना इसने तुम्हारी दशा पर डाला है,
I
should not know you, Brutus.
I would not recognize you, Brutus.
→ तो मैं तुम्हें पहचान भी न पाऊँ।
Dear
my lord,
My dear lord,
→ मेरे प्रिय स्वामी,
Make
me acquainted with your cause of grief.
Tell me the reason for your sorrow.
→ मुझे अपने दुःख का कारण बताओ।
Brutus
I
am not well in health, and that is all.
I am unwell, that is all.
→ मैं ठीक नहीं हूँ, बस यही कारण है।
Portia
Brutus
is wise, and, were he not in health
Brutus is wise, and if he were ill
→ ब्रूटस बुद्धिमान है, और यदि वह बीमार होता
He
would embrace the means to come by it.
He would seek proper treatment.
→ तो वह इलाज अवश्य करता।
Brutus
Why,
so I do. Good Portia, go to bed.
Indeed I do. Good Portia, go back to bed.
→ हाँ, मैं करता हूँ। प्रिय पोर्शिया, सो जाओ।
Portia
Is
Brutus sick, and is it physical
Is Brutus ill, and is it medicinal
→ क्या ब्रूटस बीमार है, और क्या यह दवा है
To
walk unbraced and suck up the humours
To walk without warm clothes and inhale damp air
→ बिना कपड़े पहने नमी भरी हवा लेना
Of
the dank morning?
Of the cold, damp morning?
→ इस सीली सुबह की?
No,
my Brutus.
No, my Brutus.
→ नहीं, मेरे ब्रूटस।
You
have some sick offense within your mind,
You have some troubling matter in your mind,
→ तुम्हारे मन में कोई गंभीर चिंता है।
Which,
by the right and virtue of my place
Which by my right as your wife
→ जिसे पत्नी होने के अधिकार से
I
ought to know of;
I deserve to know;
→ मुझे जानना चाहिए।
You
have some sick offense within your mind,
You are troubled by some inner mental disturbance.
→ तुम्हारे मन में कोई गहरी मानसिक पीड़ा है।
Which,
by the right and virtue of my place
Which, by my rightful position as your wife,
→ जिसे पत्नी होने के अधिकार से
I
ought to know of;
I have a right to know.
→ मुझे जानना चाहिए।
and
upon my knees
And kneeling before you
→ और घुटनों के बल बैठकर
I
charm you — by my once-commended beauty,
I earnestly plead with you by my once-praised beauty,
→ मैं अपने कभी प्रशंसित सौंदर्य की शपथ देकर विनती करती हूँ,
By
all your vows of love, and that great vow
By all your promises of love, and that great vow
→ तुम्हारे प्रेम की सभी प्रतिज्ञाओं और उस महान शपथ की
Which
did incorporate and make us one —
Which united us and made us one being,
→ जिसने हमें एक कर दिया —
That
you unfold to me, yourself, your half,
That you reveal to me your inner self, your other half,
→ कि तुम मुझे अपना हृदय खोलकर बताओ,
Why
you are heavy, and what men tonight
Why you are burdened with sorrow, and which men tonight
→ तुम क्यों उदास हो, और आज रात कौन लोग
Have
had to resort to you;
Have secretly visited you;
→ गुप्त रूप से तुमसे मिलने आए हैं;
for
here have been
For there have been
→ क्योंकि यहाँ आए हैं
Some
six or seven, who did hide their faces
About six or seven men who hid their faces
→ लगभग छह-सात व्यक्ति जिन्होंने अपने चेहरे छिपा रखे थे
Even
from darkness.
Even from the darkness itself.
→ अंधकार से भी।
Brutus
Kneel
not, gentle Portia.
Do not kneel, gentle Portia.
→ घुटनों पर मत बैठो, कोमल पोर्शिया।
Portia
I
should not need if you were gentle Brutus.
I would not need to if you were kind, Brutus.
→ यदि तुम कोमल होते, तो मुझे ऐसा न करना पड़ता।
Within
the bond of marriage, tell me, Brutus,
Within the sacred bond of marriage, tell me, Brutus,
→ विवाह के पवित्र बंधन में, मुझे बताओ, ब्रूटस,
Is
it excepted I should know no secrets
Am I excluded from knowing any secrets
→ क्या मुझे तुम्हारे रहस्यों से अलग रखा गया है
That
appertain to you?
That belong to you?
→ जो तुमसे संबंधित हैं?
Am
I your self
Am I truly a part of yourself
→ क्या मैं वास्तव में तुम्हारा ही अंश हूँ
But
as it were in sort or limitation,
Only partially and with restrictions,
→ या केवल सीमित रूप में,
To
keep with you at meals, comfort your bed,
Just to dine with you and share your bed,
→ केवल तुम्हारे साथ भोजन करने और बिस्तर साझा करने के लिए,
And
talk to you sometimes?
And occasionally converse with you?
→ और कभी-कभी बातें करने के लिए?
Dwell
I but in the suburbs
Do I live merely on the outskirts
→ क्या मैं केवल उपनगरों में रहती हूँ
Of
your good pleasure?
Of your favour and affection?
→ तुम्हारी कृपा और प्रेम के?
If
it be no more,
If that is all I am to you,
→ यदि मेरा महत्व इतना ही है,
Portia
is Brutus' harlot, not his wife.
Then Portia is Brutus’s mistress, not his wife.
→ तो पोर्शिया ब्रूटस की पत्नी नहीं, केवल रखैल है।
Brutus
You
are my true and honourable wife,
You are my loyal and noble wife,
→ तुम मेरी सच्ची और सम्माननीय पत्नी हो,
As
dear to me as are the ruddy drops
As precious to me as the red drops of blood
→ मेरे लिए उतनी ही प्रिय हो जितना लाल रक्त
That
visit my sad heart.
That flow through my sorrowful heart.
→ जो मेरे दुःखी हृदय में बहता है।
Portia
If
this were true, then should I know this secret.
If this were truly so, then I should know this secret.
→ यदि यह सच होता, तो मुझे यह रहस्य पता होता।
I
grant I am a woman; but withal
I admit I am a woman; but also
→ मैं स्वीकार करती हूँ कि मैं स्त्री हूँ; पर साथ ही
A
woman that Lord Brutus took to wife.
A woman whom Lord Brutus married.
→ वह स्त्री जिसे ब्रूटस ने पत्नी बनाया।
I
grant I am a woman; but withal
I admit again that I am a woman; but also
→ मैं फिर कहती हूँ कि मैं स्त्री हूँ; पर साथ ही
A
woman well-reputed, Cato's daughter.
A respected woman, the daughter of Cato.
→ मैं सम्मानित स्त्री हूँ, केटो की पुत्री।
Think
you I am no stronger than my sex,
Do you think I am weak merely because I am a woman,
→ क्या तुम सोचते हो कि मैं केवल स्त्री होने के कारण कमजोर हूँ,
Being
so fathered and so husbanded?
Having such a father and such a husband?
→ जबकि मेरे पिता और पति ऐसे महान हैं?
Tell
me your counsels, I will not disclose ’em.
Tell me your plans; I will not reveal them.
→ मुझे अपनी योजनाएँ बताओ; मैं उन्हें प्रकट नहीं करूँगी।
I
have made strong proof of my constancy,
I have given firm proof of my steadfastness,
→ मैंने अपनी दृढ़ता का ठोस प्रमाण दिया है,
Giving
myself a voluntary wound
By inflicting a wound upon myself
→ स्वयं को स्वेच्छा से घाव देकर
Here,
in the thigh.
Here, in my thigh.
→ यहाँ, अपनी जाँघ में।
Can
I bear that with patience,
If I can endure that patiently,
→ यदि मैं उसे धैर्य से सह सकती हूँ,
And
not my husband's secrets?
Can I not bear my husband’s secrets?
→ तो क्या मैं अपने पति के रहस्य नहीं सह सकती?
Brutus
O
ye gods,
O gods above,
→ हे देवताओं,
Render
me worthy of this noble wife!
Make me deserving of this noble wife!
→ मुझे इस महान पत्नी के योग्य बनाओ!
(Knocking
within)
Hark,
hark! One knocks.
Listen, listen! Someone is knocking.
→ सुनो, सुनो! कोई द्वार खटखटा रहा है।
Portia,
go in a while;
Portia, go inside for a short while;
→ पोर्शिया, कुछ समय के लिए भीतर जाओ;
And
by and by thy bosom shall partake
And soon your heart shall share
→ और शीघ्र ही तुम्हारा हृदय भी सहभागी बनेगा
The
secrets of my heart.
The secrets of my heart.
→ मेरे हृदय के रहस्यों में।
All
my engagements I will construe to thee,
I will explain all my commitments to you,
→ मैं अपनी सारी योजनाएँ तुम्हें समझाऊँगा,
All
the charactery of my sad brows.
Every sign written on my troubled face.
→ मेरे चिंतित माथे के हर संकेत को।
Leave
me with haste.
Leave me quickly now.
→ अब शीघ्र चली जाओ।
(Exit
Portia)
Lucius,
who's that knocks?
Lucius, who is knocking?
→ लूसियस, कौन द्वार खटखटा रहा है?
Lucius
enters with Ligarius
He
is a sick man that would speak with you.
It is a sick man who wishes to speak with you.
→ एक बीमार व्यक्ति आपसे बात करना चाहता है।
Brutus
Caius
Ligarius, that Metellus spake of.
Caius Ligarius, whom Metellus mentioned.
→ कैयस लिगेरियस, जिसके बारे में मेटेलस ने कहा था।
Boy,
stand aside.
Boy, step aside.
→ लड़के, एक ओर हट जाओ।
Caius
Ligarius, how?
Caius Ligarius, how are you?
→ कैयस लिगेरियस, तुम्हारी तबीयत कैसी है?
Ligarius
Vouchsafe
good morrow from a feeble tongue.
Kindly accept my greeting from a weak voice.
→ मेरी कमजोर आवाज़ से दिया गया शुभ प्रभात स्वीकार करें।
Brutus
O,
what a time have you chose out, brave Caius,
Oh, what a moment you have chosen, brave Caius,
→ ओह, वीर कैयस, तुमने कैसा समय चुना है,
To
wear a kerchief!
To wear a head-cloth like an invalid!
→ सिर पर रुमाल बाँधने का!
Would
you were not sick!
I wish you were not ill!
→ काश तुम बीमार न होते!
Ligarius
I
am not sick if Brutus have in hand
I am not sick if Brutus is engaged in
→ यदि ब्रूटस किसी
Any
exploit worthy the name of honour.
Any noble and honourable deed.
→ सम्मान योग्य कार्य में लगा है।
Brutus
Such
an exploit have I in hand, Ligarius,
I do have such a noble task, Ligarius,
→ ऐसा ही एक महान कार्य मेरे हाथ में है, लिगेरियस,
Had
you a healthful ear to hear of it.
If you had the strength to hear it.
→ यदि तुम उसे सुनने योग्य होते।
Ligarius
By
all the gods that Romans bow before,
By all the gods the Romans worship,
→ उन सभी देवताओं की शपथ जिन्हें रोमन पूजते हैं,
I
here discard my sickness.
I cast off my sickness at once.
→ मैं अभी अपनी बीमारी त्याग देता हूँ।
Soul
of Rome,
O soul of Rome,
→ हे रोम की आत्मा,
Brave
son, derived from honourable loins,
Brave man, born of noble ancestry,
→ हे वीर पुरुष, श्रेष्ठ वंश से उत्पन्न,
Thou
like an exorcist hast conjured up
You, like an exorcist, have driven away
→ तुमने भूत भगाने वाले की तरह
My
mortified spirit.
My deadened spirit.
→ मेरी मरी हुई आत्मा को जगा दिया है।
Now
bid me run,
Now command me to run,
→ अब मुझे दौड़ने को कहो,
And
I will strive with things impossible,
And I will attempt the impossible,
→ और मैं असंभव से भी भिड़ जाऊँगा,
Yea,
get the better of them.
Yes, and overcome them.
→ हाँ, उन्हें भी जीत लूँगा।
What's
to do?
What is to be done?
→ क्या करना है?
Brutus
A
piece of work that will make sick men whole.
A task that will make sick men healthy.
→ ऐसा कार्य जो बीमारों को स्वस्थ बना देगा।
Ligarius
But
are not some whole that we must make sick?
But are there not some healthy men we must make ill?
→ पर क्या कुछ स्वस्थ लोग ऐसे नहीं जिन्हें हमें बीमार करना होगा?
Brutus
That
must we also.
Yes, that too must be done.
→ हाँ, वह भी करना होगा।
What
it is, my Caius,
What this task is, my Caius,
→ यह कार्य क्या है, मेरे कैयस,
I
shall unfold to thee, as we are going
I will reveal to you as we walk
→ मैं चलते-चलते तुम्हें बता दूँगा
To
whom it must be done.
To those upon whom it must be done.
→ जिन पर यह किया जाना है।
Ligarius
Set
on your foot,
Start walking,
→ चल पड़ो,
And
with a heart new-fired I follow you,
And with renewed enthusiasm I will follow you,
→ और नए उत्साह से मैं तुम्हारे पीछे चलूँगा,
To
do I know not what; but it sufficeth
To do I know not what; but it is enough
→ क्या करना है, यह मुझे नहीं पता; पर इतना काफी है
That
Brutus leads me on.
That Brutus is leading me.
→ कि ब्रूटस मेरा मार्गदर्शन कर रहा है।
Brutus
Follow
me, then.
Then follow me.
→ तब मेरे पीछे आओ।
(They
exit)
Detailed
Summary (English)
The
scene opens with Brutus addressing the conspirators, urging them to
appear cheerful and calm. He instructs them not to let their facial expressions
reveal their secret intentions but to behave like Roman actors who perform
their roles with disciplined self-control and tireless spirit. After wishing
them good morning, all leave except Brutus.
Left
alone, Brutus notices his servant Lucius asleep and reflects that people
who are free from anxious thoughts sleep peacefully, unlike men burdened with
political care and responsibility.
Portia,
Brutus’s wife, enters,
worried about his strange behavior. She reproaches him for leaving their bed
suddenly during the night and for his restless, brooding conduct at
supper—walking about, sighing, and responding impatiently to her questions. She
believes Brutus is troubled by something deeper than physical illness and
insists on knowing the cause of his sorrow.
Brutus
attempts to dismiss her concerns by claiming poor health. Portia refuses to
accept this excuse, arguing logically that walking in cold, damp air is not
a cure for illness. She asserts that Brutus suffers from a mental and moral
disturbance, not a bodily one.
Kneeling
before him, Portia passionately appeals to Brutus as his lawful wife,
invoking their marriage vows and her right to share his secrets. She challenges
him by questioning whether she is merely a companion in comfort or truly his
equal partner. If she is excluded from his confidence, she declares, she is no
better than a harlot.
Brutus
reassures Portia of his deep love and respect, comparing her worth to the
lifeblood of his heart. Still, she presses her claim further, asserting her
dignity as Cato’s daughter and as a woman capable of strength and
constancy. To prove her courage, she reveals that she has voluntarily
wounded herself in the thigh, demonstrating that she can endure pain—and
therefore can also bear her husband’s secrets.
Overwhelmed,
Brutus prays to the gods to make him worthy of such a noble wife. A
knock interrupts the moment. Brutus promises Portia that she will soon know
everything and asks her to go inside.
Lucius
returns with Caius Ligarius, a sick Roman nobleman. Brutus expresses
concern over Ligarius’s illness, but Ligarius declares that if Brutus is
involved in an honourable enterprise, he is no longer sick. Upon hearing this,
Ligarius becomes instantly energized, praising Brutus as the “soul of Rome”
whose words have revived his spirit.
Brutus
hints that they are engaged in a great task—one that will “make sick men
whole,” suggesting the removal of corruption from Rome. Ligarius perceptively
adds that some “whole” men may have to be made “sick,” foreshadowing Caesar’s
assassination. Brutus agrees and promises to explain everything as they go.
With
renewed determination, Ligarius follows Brutus blindly, trusting him
completely. The scene ends with both men exiting together, moving toward the
unfolding conspiracy.
संक्षिप्त किन्तु पूर्ण सारांश (Hindi)
इस दृश्य में ब्रूटस षड्यंत्रकारियों को निर्देश देता है कि वे अपने चेहरे से अपने गुप्त उद्देश्य प्रकट न होने दें और शांत, प्रसन्न तथा आत्म-संयमी बने रहें। सभी के चले जाने के बाद वह सोए हुए लूसियस को देखकर विचार करता है कि चिंता-रहित लोग ही गहरी नींद सोते हैं।
पोर्टिया प्रवेश करती है और ब्रूटस के अजीब व्यवहार पर चिंता व्यक्त करती है। वह बताती है कि ब्रूटस रात को बेचैन था, अचानक उठकर टहल रहा था और उसके प्रश्नों का कठोरता से उत्तर दे रहा था। ब्रूटस बीमारी का बहाना करता है, लेकिन पोर्टिया तर्क देकर सिद्ध करती है कि यह मानसिक चिंता है, शारीरिक रोग नहीं।
घुटनों के बल बैठकर पोर्टिया पत्नी होने के अधिकार से ब्रूटस से रहस्य जानने की माँग करती है। वह कहती है कि यदि वह उसकी योजनाओं से अनजान रखी जाएगी, तो वह पत्नी नहीं बल्कि रखैल के समान होगी। अपनी दृढ़ता सिद्ध करने के लिए वह अपनी जाँघ में स्वयं किया गया घाव दिखाती है।
ब्रूटस पोर्टिया की महानता से अभिभूत होकर देवताओं से प्रार्थना करता है और उसे शीघ्र ही सब कुछ बताने का वचन देता है। तभी द्वार पर दस्तक होती है।
कैयस लिगेरियस प्रवेश करता है, जो बीमार होते हुए भी ब्रूटस के किसी महान कार्य में सम्मिलित होने को तैयार है। ब्रूटस के संकेत मात्र से उसकी बीमारी जैसे समाप्त हो जाती है। ब्रूटस संकेत देता है कि वे ऐसा कार्य करने जा रहे हैं जो “बीमारों को स्वस्थ” करेगा—अर्थात् रोम को भ्रष्टाचार से मुक्त करेगा। दोनों साथ निकल पड़ते हैं।
यह दृश्य पोर्टिया की नैतिक शक्ति, ब्रूटस के आंतरिक संघर्ष और षड्यंत्र की तैयारी को गहराई से प्रस्तुत करता है।
MCQs
1.
Brutus
asks the conspirators to appear cheerful so that they may
A. deceive Caesar
B. hide their fear
C. conceal their intentions
D. impress the public
2.
Brutus
compares the conspirators to Roman actors to emphasize
A. deception
B. discipline and self-control
C. eloquence
D. patriotism
3.
Who
remains on stage after the conspirators leave?
A. Cassius
B. Portia
C. Lucius
D. Brutus
4.
According
to Brutus, why does Lucius sleep soundly?
A. He is tired
B. He is careless
C. He has no anxious thoughts
D. He is sick
5.
Who
enters after Lucius is found asleep?
A. Calpurnia
B. Portia
C. Servant
D. Cassius
6.
Portia
is worried because Brutus
A. insulted Caesar
B. left Rome
C. behaved strangely at night
D. refused to speak in public
7.
Brutus
left his bed
A. angrily
B. secretly
C. happily
D. drunkenly
8.
At
supper, Brutus was seen
A. laughing loudly
B. sleeping
C. pacing and sighing
D. arguing with Cassius
9.
When
questioned by Portia, Brutus reacts with
A. affection
B. honesty
C. impatience
D. humour
10. Brutus claims his
problem is
A. political
B. moral
C. spiritual
D. physical illness
11. Portia rejects
Brutus’s excuse because
A. she distrusts doctors
B. cold air worsens illness
C. he has no fever
D. she saw conspirators
12. Portia believes
Brutus suffers from
A. bodily weakness
B. ambition
C. mental disturbance
D. old age
13. Portia kneels
before Brutus to
A. beg forgiveness
B. pray
C. assert her right as wife
D. accuse him
14. Portia invokes
their marriage vows to
A. threaten Brutus
B. shame Brutus
C. gain his confidence
D. test his loyalty
15. Portia says that
without trust she is merely Brutus’s
A. servant
B. friend
C. enemy
D. harlot
16. Brutus calls
Portia his
A. obedient wife
B. noble wife
C. silent wife
D. fearful wife
17. Portia is the
daughter of
A. Cicero
B. Caesar
C. Cato
D. Cassius
18. To prove her
constancy, Portia
A. fasts
B. keeps silent
C. wounds herself
D. leaves Brutus
19. Portia wounds
herself in the
A. arm
B. chest
C. thigh
D. hand
20. Brutus responds to
Portia’s strength by
A. scolding her
B. laughing
C. praying to the gods
D. ignoring her
21. What interrupts
Brutus and Portia’s conversation?
A. Caesar’s arrival
B. Thunder
C. Knocking
D. Music
22. Brutus promises
Portia that she will
A. leave Rome
B. know everything soon
C. meet Caesar
D. speak to Cassius
23. Who knocks at the
door?
A. Caesar
B. Cassius
C. Ligarius
D. Lucius
24. Ligarius is
described as
A. wealthy
B. ambitious
C. sick
D. angry
25. Brutus learned
about Ligarius from
A. Caesar
B. Metellus
C. Cassius
D. Portia
26. Ligarius greets
Brutus with a
A. loud voice
B. feeble tongue
C. joyful cry
D. sarcastic tone
27. Brutus wishes
Ligarius were
A. richer
B. braver
C. younger
D. healthier
28. Ligarius says he
is not sick if Brutus is engaged in
A. politics
B. war
C. an honourable exploit
D. debate
29. Upon hearing
Brutus, Ligarius claims his sickness is
A. worsening
B. contagious
C. cured
D. imaginary
30. Ligarius calls
Brutus the
A. ruler of Rome
B. hope of Rome
C. soul of Rome
D. sword of Rome
31. Ligarius compares
Brutus to an
A. actor
B. healer
C. exorcist
D. prophet
32. “Make sick men
whole” refers to
A. curing disease
B. removing corruption
C. military training
D. public welfare
33. Ligarius suggests
that some “whole” men must be made “sick,” meaning
A. punished
B. imprisoned
C. overthrown
D. killed
34. Brutus agrees with
Ligarius’s suggestion because
A. he hates Caesar
B. it is necessary
C. Cassius ordered it
D. the Senate demanded it
35. Brutus refuses to
reveal the plan immediately because
A. Ligarius is weak
B. it is dangerous
C. it will be told while walking
D. Portia is listening
36. Ligarius follows
Brutus
A. unwillingly
B. fearfully
C. blindly with trust
D. angrily
37. This scene mainly
highlights Portia’s
A. jealousy
B. ambition
C. intelligence and courage
D. obedience
38. The tone of the
scene is primarily
A. comic
B. romantic
C. suspenseful and serious
D. celebratory
39. The scene prepares
the audience for
A. Caesar’s speech
B. the assassination
C. a battle
D. exile
40. Act II, Scene II
emphasizes the theme of
A. fate vs chance
B. love vs hate
C. honour and secrecy
D. wealth and power
Answers:
1.C 2.B 3.D 4.C 5.B 6.C 7.B 8.C 9.C 10.D 11.B 12.C 13.C 14.C 15.D 16.B 17.C
18.C 19.C 20.C 21.C 22.B 23.C 24.C 25.B 26.B 27.D 28.C 29.C 30.C 31.C 32.B 33.D
34.B 35.C 36.C 37.C 38.C 39.B 40.C
One-Mark
Questions
1.
Why
does Brutus ask the conspirators to look cheerful?
He wants them to hide their true intentions and not reveal the conspiracy.
2.
Whom
does Brutus compare the conspirators to and why?
He compares them to Roman actors to stress discipline and self-control.
3.
Why
does Lucius sleep soundly according to Brutus?
Lucius has no anxious political thoughts troubling his mind.
4.
Who
enters after Brutus is left alone on stage?
Portia, the wife of Brutus, enters.
5.
What
strange behaviour of Brutus worries Portia?
He leaves his bed at night and behaves restlessly and impatiently.
6.
How
does Brutus explain his condition to Portia?
He claims that he is suffering from poor health.
7.
Why
does Portia reject Brutus’s excuse of illness?
She argues that walking in cold, damp air cannot cure sickness.
8.
What
does Portia believe is the real cause of Brutus’s trouble?
She believes he is suffering from a mental or moral disturbance.
9.
Why
does Portia kneel before Brutus?
She kneels to assert her right as his wife to know his secrets.
10. What vows does
Portia invoke to persuade Brutus?
She invokes their marriage vows and his promises of love.
11. What does Portia
mean by calling herself a “harlot”?
She means she is not treated as a true wife if excluded from trust.
12. How does Brutus
express his love for Portia?
He says she is as dear to him as the blood in his heart.
13. Whose daughter is
Portia?
Portia is the daughter of the noble Roman Cato.
14. How does Portia
prove her courage and constancy?
She shows a voluntary wound she inflicted on her thigh.
15. Why is Brutus
deeply moved by Portia’s action?
He realizes her strength, loyalty, and moral courage.
16. What prayer does
Brutus make to the gods?
He prays to be made worthy of such a noble wife.
17. What interrupts
the conversation between Brutus and Portia?
A knock is heard at the door.
18. What promise does
Brutus make to Portia before she leaves?
He promises to share the secrets of his heart with her soon.
19. Who arrives after
Portia exits?
Caius Ligarius arrives with Lucius.
20. In what condition
is Ligarius when he comes to Brutus?
He is physically sick and weak.
21. Who mentioned
Ligarius to Brutus earlier?
Metellus had spoken to Brutus about Ligarius.
22. How does Ligarius
greet Brutus?
He greets him with a weak voice due to illness.
23. What wish does
Brutus express for Ligarius?
He wishes that Ligarius were not sick.
24. What makes
Ligarius instantly forget his sickness?
The thought of participating in an honourable exploit with Brutus.
25. What title does
Ligarius give Brutus?
He calls Brutus the “soul of Rome.”
26. How does Ligarius
describe the effect of Brutus’s words on him?
He says they have revived his deadened spirit.
27. What does Brutus
mean by “a piece of work that will make sick men whole”?
He hints at removing corruption from Rome.
28. What does Ligarius
mean by making some “whole” men “sick”?
He implies that some powerful men must be destroyed.
29. Why does Brutus
not reveal the plan immediately to Ligarius?
He says he will explain it while they are on their way.
30. How does the scene
end?
Brutus and Ligarius exit together to carry out the conspiracy.
Two-Mark
Questions
1.
Why does Brutus advise the conspirators to look
cheerful and calm?
Brutus urges the conspirators to appear cheerful so that their faces do not
reveal their secret intentions, believing that self-control and outward calm,
like Roman actors on stage, are necessary to successfully carry out the
conspiracy.
2.
How does Shakespeare contrast Lucius with Brutus at
the beginning of the scene?
Lucius sleeps peacefully because he is free from political anxiety, while
Brutus remains restless and burdened by responsibility, highlighting the
contrast between innocent sleep and the troubled conscience of a man involved
in great political decisions.
3.
Describe Portia’s observations of Brutus’s behaviour
that worry her.
Portia notices that Brutus leaves his bed secretly, walks restlessly at night,
sighs deeply, avoids conversation, and reacts impatiently to her questions,
convincing her that he is suffering from serious mental distress.
4.
Why does Portia reject Brutus’s excuse that he is
physically ill?
Portia argues logically that exposing himself to cold, damp air cannot cure
illness, and therefore concludes that Brutus’s trouble is not physical but a
deeper disturbance of the mind and conscience.
5.
How does Portia assert her right to know Brutus’s
secrets?
Portia
appeals to the sacred bond of marriage, reminding Brutus of their vows and
insisting that as his lawful wife and equal partner, she deserves full trust
and confidence in his private affairs.
6.
Explain the significance of Portia kneeling before
Brutus.
Portia’s kneeling symbolizes both humility and emotional intensity, showing the
seriousness of her appeal and emphasizing the depth of her devotion while also
strengthening her moral claim as Brutus’s wife.
7.
What does Portia mean when she calls herself “Brutus’
harlot, not his wife”?
Portia means that without trust and shared secrets, she is reduced to a mere
companion of comfort, not a true wife, highlighting the importance of mutual
confidence and equality in marriage.
8.
How does Portia prove her courage and constancy to
Brutus?
Portia reveals that she has wounded herself voluntarily in the thigh,
demonstrating her ability to endure physical pain calmly and thereby proving
that she is strong enough to bear her husband’s dangerous secrets.
9.
How does Brutus react to Portia’s display of strength?
Brutus is deeply moved and prays to the gods to make him worthy of such a noble
wife, showing his admiration for Portia’s courage and recognizing her moral and
emotional superiority.
10. Why does Brutus
delay revealing his secret to Portia immediately?
Brutus is interrupted by a knock at the door, but he reassures Portia that she
will soon share the secrets of his heart, suggesting his growing trust while
still prioritizing immediate political urgency.
11. Describe the
condition and attitude of Caius Ligarius when he enters.
Ligarius enters physically sick and weak, yet eager to meet Brutus, showing
strong patriotic spirit and readiness to participate in any honourable
enterprise despite his poor health.
12. How does Ligarius
respond to Brutus’s hint of an honourable exploit?
Ligarius instantly casts aside his sickness, claiming renewed strength and
enthusiasm, and praises Brutus as the soul of Rome, revealing his blind trust
and dedication to Brutus’s leadership.
13. Explain the
meaning of “a piece of work that will make sick men whole.”
Brutus uses this metaphor to suggest that their planned action will cure Rome
of corruption, implying that political disease must be treated through drastic
but necessary measures.
14. What is implied by
Ligarius’s statement about making some “whole” men “sick”?
Ligarius perceptively understands that some powerful and apparently healthy men
must be destroyed for Rome’s welfare, clearly foreshadowing the assassination
of Caesar.
15. How does this
scene prepare the audience for the assassination of Caesar?
The scene reveals Brutus’s inner conflict, Portia’s moral strength, and
Ligarius’s readiness, building tension and clearly setting the stage for the
imminent assassination driven by ideals of honour and patriotism.
Three-Mark
Questions
1.
How does Brutus try to control the behaviour of the
conspirators at the beginning of Act II, Scene II?
Brutus instructs the conspirators to look cheerful and calm so that their faces
do not reveal their secret intentions. He advises them to behave like Roman
actors, displaying disciplined self-control and untiring spirits. This shows
Brutus’s belief that outward appearance must be carefully managed to protect
their dangerous political mission.
2.
Discuss the significance of Lucius’s sleep in contrast
to Brutus’s mental state.
Lucius sleeps deeply because he is free from political anxiety and moral
conflict, while Brutus remains restless and burdened by responsibility. This
contrast highlights how innocence and lack of ambition bring peace, whereas
involvement in serious political decisions disturbs the mind and conscience of
thoughtful individuals like Brutus.
3.
How does Portia demonstrate intelligence and emotional
insight in this scene?
Portia carefully observes Brutus’s unusual behaviour and logically dismisses
his excuse of physical illness. She reasons that cold air cannot cure sickness
and correctly identifies his trouble as mental distress. Her calm analysis,
combined with emotional sensitivity, proves her intelligence and deep understanding
of Brutus’s inner conflict.
4.
Explain how Portia asserts equality within marriage in
this scene.
Portia insists that marriage is a partnership based on trust, not merely
companionship. By invoking their vows, questioning whether she lives only in
the “suburbs” of Brutus’s pleasure, and rejecting a limited role, she asserts
her right to share his secrets. Her argument reflects a progressive view of
marital equality.
5.
Why is Portia’s self-inflicted wound dramatically
important?
Portia’s
voluntary wound proves her courage, endurance, and constancy. By showing she
can bear physical pain without complaint, she establishes her strength to bear
emotional and political burdens as well. This act shocks Brutus, overturns
traditional assumptions about female weakness, and strengthens her claim to be
trusted with serious secrets.
6.
Analyse Brutus’s reaction to Portia’s appeal.
Brutus is deeply moved by Portia’s moral strength and loyalty. Instead of
dismissing her, he prays to the gods to make him worthy of such a noble wife.
His reaction shows admiration, humility, and emotional vulnerability, revealing
a softer, more personal side of his otherwise stoic political character.
7.
What role does the knocking at the door play in the
scene?
The knock interrupts an intensely emotional moment between Brutus and Portia,
increasing suspense. It symbolically represents the intrusion of political duty
into private life. Dramatically, it delays Brutus’s confession, heightening
tension and reminding the audience that public events are rapidly overtaking
personal relationships.
8.
Describe Caius Ligarius’s transformation in this
scene.
Ligarius enters physically weak and ill but becomes instantly energized upon
hearing of Brutus’s honourable mission. His sickness disappears as his spirit
revives, showing his deep patriotism and blind devotion to Brutus. This sudden
transformation emphasizes the powerful influence of political idealism.
9.
Explain the metaphor “to make sick men whole.”
Brutus uses this metaphor to justify political violence as a form of moral
medicine. “Sick men” represent Rome’s corruption, and making them “whole”
suggests restoring the state’s health. The metaphor reveals Brutus’s belief
that extreme action is necessary for the greater good of Rome.
10. How does Act II,
Scene II prepare the audience for Caesar’s assassination?
The scene deepens understanding of Brutus’s moral struggle, establishes
Portia’s awareness, and introduces Ligarius as a committed conspirator. The
coded language, secrecy, and urgent movement toward action create tension and
anticipation, clearly preparing the audience for the imminent assassination of
Caesar.
RTC–1
Extract:
“Good gentlemen, look fresh and merrily.
Let not our looks put on our purposes,
But bear it as our Roman actors do,
With untired spirits and formal constancy.”
a)
Who speaks these lines? (1 mark)
Brutus speaks these lines.
b) To whom are these lines addressed? (1 mark)
They are addressed to the conspirators.
c) What does “our purposes” refer to? (2 marks)
“Our purposes” refers to the secret conspiracy to assassinate Caesar.
d) Why must their looks not reveal their intentions? (2 marks)
Because revealing their intentions could expose the conspiracy and cause its
failure.
e) Explain the comparison with “Roman actors”. (3 marks)
Brutus compares the conspirators to Roman actors who perform roles calmly and
with discipline, suggesting that they must hide inner emotions and present a
composed exterior.
f) What quality is conveyed by “formal constancy”? (2 marks)
It conveys self-control, firmness, and emotional discipline.
g) Which theme of the play is highlighted here? (1 mark)
The theme of deception.
RTC–2
Extract:
“Enjoy the honey-heavy dew of slumber.
Thou hast no figures nor no fantasies,
Which busy care draws in the brains of men.”
a)
Who is being addressed here? (1 mark)
Lucius is being addressed.
b) What does “honey-heavy dew of slumber” suggest? (2 marks)
It suggests deep, sweet, and peaceful sleep.
c) Why does Lucius sleep peacefully? (2 marks)
Because he is free from political worries and responsibilities.
d) What is meant by “busy care”? (1 mark)
Mental worry and anxiety.
e) Contrast Lucius’s state with Brutus’s condition. (3 marks)
Lucius sleeps peacefully due to innocence, while Brutus suffers sleeplessness
caused by political anxiety and moral conflict over Caesar’s assassination.
f) What does this reveal about Brutus’s mind? (2 marks)
It reveals Brutus is deeply troubled and restless.
g) Which theme is reflected here? (1 mark)
The burden of responsibility.
RTC–3
Extract:
“You’ve ungently, Brutus,
Stole from my bed; and yesternight at supper
You suddenly arose, and walked about.”
a)
Who speaks these lines? (1 mark)
Portia speaks these lines.
b) What complaint does Portia make? (2 marks)
She complains about Brutus’s strange and secretive behaviour.
c) What does this suggest about Brutus’s mental state? (2 marks)
He is disturbed and preoccupied with serious thoughts.
d) What relationship is reflected here? (1 mark)
Husband and wife.
e) How does Portia show her concern? (3 marks)
She carefully observes Brutus’s actions, recalls specific incidents, and
questions him directly, showing emotional attentiveness and intelligence.
f) What dramatic purpose do these lines serve? (2 marks)
They introduce Brutus’s inner conflict to the audience.
g) Name one trait of Portia revealed here. (1 mark)
Concerned.
RTC–4
Extract:
“You have some sick offense within your mind,
Which, by the right and virtue of my place,
I ought to know of.”
a)
Who says this? (1 mark)
Portia says this.
b) What does “sick offense” mean? (2 marks)
It means a mental or moral disturbance troubling Brutus.
c) Why does Portia claim the right to know? (2 marks)
Because she is Brutus’s wife and shares his life.
d) What excuse of Brutus is rejected here? (1 mark)
That he is physically ill.
e) How does this show Portia’s intelligence? (3 marks)
She correctly understands that Brutus’s suffering is mental, not physical,
showing emotional insight and reasoning.
f) What theme is emphasized? (2 marks)
Marriage as a partnership based on trust.
g) What tone dominates this speech? (1 mark)
Firm.
RTC–5
Extract:
“Is it excepted I should know no secrets
That appertain to you?
If it be no more, Portia is Brutus’ harlot, not his wife.”
a)
Who speaks these lines? (1 mark)
Portia speaks these lines.
b) What does “excepted” mean? (1 mark)
Excluded.
c) Why does Portia use the word “harlot”? (2 marks)
To express humiliation and lack of trust.
d) What demand is Portia making? (2 marks)
She demands to be trusted with Brutus’s secrets.
e) Explain the idea of marriage presented here. (3 marks)
Portia believes marriage must be based on equality, trust, and shared
responsibilities, not secrecy.
f) What emotion dominates this speech? (2 marks)
Hurt pride mixed with determination.
g) What trait of Portia is highlighted? (1 mark)
Self-respect.
RTC–6
Extract:
“I have made strong proof of my constancy,
Giving myself a voluntary wound
Here, in the thigh.”
a)
Who speaks these lines? (1 mark)
Portia speaks these lines.
b) What proof does Portia offer? (2 marks)
She wounds herself voluntarily.
c) Why does she do this? (2 marks)
To prove courage and endurance.
d) What quality is highlighted here? (1 mark)
Bravery.
e) How does this challenge traditional views of women? (3 marks)
Portia proves women can possess strength, courage, and self-control equal to
men.
f) How does Brutus react to this revelation? (2 marks)
He is deeply moved and impressed.
g) What theme is reinforced? (1 mark)
Moral strength.
RTC–7
Extract:
“O ye gods,
Render me worthy of this noble wife!”
a)
Who speaks these lines? (1 mark)
Brutus speaks these lines.
b) Why does Brutus pray here? (2 marks)
He admires Portia’s courage and virtue.
c) What does this reveal about Brutus’s character? (2 marks)
He is humble and emotionally sensitive.
d) What emotion dominates this moment? (1 mark)
Admiration.
e) Explain the significance of this prayer. (3 marks)
The prayer marks Brutus’s recognition of Portia’s moral strength and equality,
deepening their bond.
f) How does this moment affect the audience? (2 marks)
It creates sympathy for both characters.
g) What theme is reflected? (1 mark)
Respect in marriage.
RTC–8
Extract:
“I am not sick, if Brutus have in hand
Any exploit worthy the name of honour.”
a)
Who speaks these lines? (1 mark)
Caius Ligarius speaks these lines.
b) What is Ligarius’s physical condition? (1 mark)
He is sick.
c) What makes him forget his sickness? (2 marks)
The prospect of an honourable deed.
d) What does “exploit” mean here? (2 marks)
A noble and daring action.
e) What does this reveal about Ligarius’s character? (3 marks)
He is patriotic, honour-loving, and loyal to Brutus.
f) What theme is highlighted? (2 marks)
Honour over physical suffering.
g) What dramatic effect is created? (1 mark)
Sudden enthusiasm.
RTC–9
Extract:
“A piece of work that will make sick men whole.”
a)
Who speaks these words? (1 mark)
Brutus speaks these words.
b) What does “sick men” symbolize? (2 marks)
Morally corrupt Romans.
c) What action is hinted at? (2 marks)
The assassination of Caesar.
d) What justification is implied? (1 mark)
Rome’s welfare.
e) Explain the metaphor used here. (3 marks)
Brutus compares political corruption to illness and murder to medicine that
will heal Rome.
f) What flaw in Brutus’s reasoning is suggested? (2 marks)
He justifies violence as moral cure.
g) What theme is reflected? (1 mark)
Moral idealism.
RTC–10
Extract:
“Set on your foot,
And with a heart new-fired I follow you,
To do I know not what; but it sufficeth
That Brutus leads me on.”
a)
Who speaks these lines? (1 mark)
Caius Ligarius speaks these lines.
b) What decision is Ligarius making? (2 marks)
To follow Brutus without question.
c) What does “new-fired” suggest? (2 marks)
Renewed enthusiasm and spirit.
d) What does this reveal about Ligarius? (1 mark)
Blind trust.
e) Explain the significance of Ligarius’s statement. (3 marks)
It shows Brutus’s powerful influence and the dangerous trust placed in him by
followers.
f) How does this advance the plot? (2 marks)
It strengthens the conspiracy.
g) What quality of Brutus is reinforced? (1 mark)
Leadership.
Courtesy: Different AIs
Compiled and edited by Dr.
Shankar D Mishra
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