Julius Cassius Act 2, Scene 3 page 96
(Pages are counted according to ICSE, Evergreen Text Book.)
Paraphrase
Artemidorus
“Caesar, beware of Brutus.”
English: Caesar, be cautious and alert about Brutus.
Hindi: सीज़र, ब्रूटस से सावधान रहो।
“Take heed of Cassius.”
English: Be careful of Cassius.
Hindi: कैसियस से भी सतर्क रहो।
“Come not near Casca.”
English: Do not go close to Casca.
Hindi: कैस्का के पास मत जाना।
“Have an eye to Cinna.”
English: Keep a watchful eye on Cinna.
Hindi: सिन्ना पर नज़र रखो।
“Trust not Trebonius.”
English: Do not trust Trebonius.
Hindi: ट्रेबोनियस पर विश्वास मत करो।
“Mark well Metellus Cimber.”
English: Observe Metellus Cimber very carefully.
Hindi: मेटेलस सिम्बर पर विशेष ध्यान दो।
“Decius Brutus loves thee not.”
English: Decius Brutus is not loyal to you.
Hindi: डेसियस ब्रूटस तुम्हारा सच्चा शुभचिंतक नहीं है।
“Thou hast wronged Caius Ligarius.”
English: You have treated Caius Ligarius unjustly.
Hindi: तुमने कैयस लिगेरियस के साथ अन्याय किया है।
“There is but one mind in all these men, and it is bent against Caesar.”
English: All these men share one intention—to act against Caesar.
Hindi: इन सबका एक ही उद्देश्य है—सीज़र के विरुद्ध षड्यंत्र।
“If thou beest not immortal, look about you.”
English: If you are not immortal, then be watchful and alert.
Hindi: यदि तुम अमर नहीं हो, तो सावधान रहो।
“Security gives way to conspiracy.”
English: Overconfidence allows conspiracies to succeed.
Hindi: अत्यधिक निश्चिंतता षड्यंत्र को जन्म देती है।
“The mighty gods defend thee!”
English: May the powerful gods protect you.
Hindi: शक्तिशाली देवता तुम्हारी रक्षा करें।
“Thy lover, Artemidorus.”
English: Written by one who truly cares for you—Artemidorus.
Hindi: तुम्हारा शुभचिंतक—आर्टेमिडोरस।
“Here will I stand till Caesar pass along,”
English: I will stand here until Caesar comes this way.
Hindi: मैं यहाँ खड़ा रहूँगा जब तक सीज़र यहाँ से न गुज़रे।
“And as a suitor will I give him this.”
English: I will give him this letter like a petitioner.
Hindi: मैं इसे एक याचक की तरह उसे दूँगा।
“My heart laments that virtue cannot live”
English: My heart grieves that goodness cannot survive.
Hindi: मेरा हृदय दुखी है कि सद्गुण जीवित नहीं रह पाता।
“Out of the teeth of emulation.”
English: Because of jealousy and rivalry.
Hindi: ईर्ष्या और प्रतिस्पर्धा के कारण।
“If thou read this, O Caesar, thou mayst live;”
English: If you read this letter, Caesar, you may survive.
Hindi: हे सीज़र, यदि तुम इसे पढ़ लो तो जीवित रह सकते हो।
“If not, the Fates with traitors do contrive.”
English: Otherwise, destiny will support the traitors.
Hindi: अन्यथा भाग्य गद्दारों का साथ देगा।
[Exit]
Paraphrase
Portia
“I prithee, boy, run to the Senate House.”
English: Please, boy, run quickly to the Senate House.
Hindi: कृपया, लड़के, सीनेट भवन की ओर दौड़ो।
“Stay not to answer me, but get thee gone.”
English: Do not stop to reply; leave immediately.
Hindi: उत्तर देने में समय मत लगाओ, तुरंत जाओ।
“Why dost thou stay?”
English: Why are you still standing here?
Hindi: तुम अब भी यहाँ क्यों खड़े हो?
Lucius
“To know my errand, madam.”
English: To know what task you want me to do.
Hindi: मेरा काम जानने के लिए, देवी।
Portia
“I would have had thee there and here again”
English: I wish you had already gone and returned.
Hindi: मैं चाहती हूँ कि तुम जाकर वापस भी आ चुके होते।
“Ere I can tell thee what thou shouldst do there.”
English: Before I can even explain your task.
Hindi: इससे पहले कि मैं तुम्हें वहाँ का काम बता सकूँ।
[Aside] “O constancy, be strong upon my side;”
English: O firmness of mind, support me now.
Hindi: हे धैर्य, इस समय मेरा साथ दो।
“Set a huge mountain ’tween my heart and tongue!”
English: Place a great barrier between my feelings and my speech.
Hindi: मेरे हृदय और मेरी जीभ के बीच एक विशाल पर्वत खड़ा कर दो।
“I have a man’s mind, but a woman’s might.”
English: I have courage like a man but weakness like a woman.
Hindi: मेरे पास पुरुष जैसा साहस है, पर स्त्री जैसी दुर्बलता।
“How hard it is for women to keep counsel!”
English: How difficult it is for women to keep secrets.
Hindi: स्त्रियों के लिए रहस्य छिपाना कितना कठिन है।
“Art thou here yet?”
English: Are you still here?
Hindi: तुम अब भी यहीं हो?
Lucius
“Madam, what should I do?”
English: Madam, what exactly should I do?
Hindi: देवी, मुझे क्या करना चाहिए?
“Run to the Capitol, and nothing else?”
English: Should I only go to the Capitol?
Hindi: क्या मुझे केवल कैपिटल जाना है?
“And so return to you, and nothing else?”
English: And then come back to you, nothing more?
Hindi: और फिर लौट आना है, बस इतना ही?
Portia
“Yes, bring me word, boy, if thy lord look well,”
English: Yes, tell me if your master looks healthy.
Hindi: हाँ, मुझे बताना कि तुम्हारे स्वामी स्वस्थ दिखते हैं या नहीं।
“For he went sickly forth;”
English: Because he left looking unwell.
Hindi: क्योंकि वह अस्वस्थ अवस्था में गए थे।
“And take good note what Caesar doth,”
English: Carefully observe what Caesar does.
Hindi: ध्यान से देखना कि सीज़र क्या करता है।
“What suitors press to him.”
English: Who approaches him with requests.
Hindi: कौन-कौन उससे याचना करता है।
“Hark, boy! What noise is that?”
English: Listen! What sound is that?
Hindi: सुनो! वह कैसी आवाज़ है?
Lucius
“I hear none, madam.”
English: I hear nothing.
Hindi: मुझे कुछ सुनाई नहीं देता।
Portia
“Prithee, listen well;”
English: Please listen carefully.
Hindi: कृपया ध्यान से सुनो।
“I heard a bustling rumour like a fray,”
English: I heard a noisy disturbance, like a fight.
Hindi: मुझे झगड़े जैसी हलचल सुनाई दी।
“And the wind brings it from the Capitol.”
English: The wind carries it from the Capitol.
Hindi: हवा उसे कैपिटल से ला रही है।
Lucius
“Sooth, madam, I hear nothing.”
English: Truly, I hear nothing.
Hindi: सच में, मुझे कुछ नहीं सुनाई देता।
[Enter the Soothsayer]
Portia
“Come hither, fellow. Which way hast thou been?”
English: Come here, man. Where have you been?
Hindi: इधर आओ। तुम कहाँ से आ रहे हो?
Soothsayer
“At mine own house, good lady.”
English: From my own house.
Hindi: अपने घर से, देवी।
Portia
“What is’t o’clock?”
English: What time is it?
Hindi: अभी क्या समय है?
Soothsayer
“About the ninth hour, lady.”
English: Around nine o’clock.
Hindi: लगभग नौ बजे हैं।
Portia
“Is Caesar yet gone to the Capitol?”
English: Has Caesar gone to the Capitol yet?
Hindi: क्या सीज़र कैपिटल जा चुके हैं?
Soothsayer
“Madam, not yet.”
English: No, not yet.
Hindi: नहीं, अभी नहीं।
“I go to take my stand,”
English: I am going to stand at a place.
Hindi: मैं एक स्थान पर खड़ा होने जा रहा हूँ।
“To see him pass on to the Capitol.”
English: To see him go to the Capitol.
Hindi: उसे कैपिटल जाते देखने के लिए।
Portia
“Thou hast some suit to Caesar, hast thou not?”
English: You have a request for Caesar, don’t you?
Hindi: तुम्हारी सीज़र से कोई विनती है, है न?
Soothsayer
“That I have, lady,”
English: Yes, I do.
Hindi: हाँ, है।
“If it will please Caesar to hear me,”
English: If Caesar agrees to listen to me.
Hindi: यदि सीज़र मेरी बात सुनें।
“I shall beseech him to befriend himself.”
English: I will beg him to protect himself.
Hindi: मैं उनसे स्वयं की रक्षा करने की विनती करूँगा।
Portia
“Why, know’st thou any harm’s intended towards him?”
English: Do you know of any danger planned against him?
Hindi: क्या तुम्हें उसके विरुद्ध किसी षड्यंत्र का ज्ञान है?
Soothsayer
“None that I know will be,”
English: None that I know for certain.
Hindi: निश्चित रूप से मुझे कुछ ज्ञात नहीं।
“Much that I fear may chance.”
English: But I fear much may happen.
Hindi: पर मुझे बहुत अनिष्ट होने का भय है।
“Good morrow to you.”
English: Good morning to you.
Hindi: आपको शुभ प्रभात।
“Here the street is narrow;”
English: This street is narrow.
Hindi: यह सड़क संकरी है।
“The throng that follows Caesar at the heels—”
English: The crowd that follows Caesar closely.
Hindi: सीज़र के पीछे चलने वाली भीड़।
“Of senators, of praetors, common suitors—”
English: Senators, officials, and common petitioners.
Hindi: सीनेटर, अधिकारी और सामान्य याचक।
“Will crowd a feeble man almost to death.”
English: Could crush a weak man to death.
Hindi: किसी दुर्बल व्यक्ति को कुचल सकते हैं।
“I’ll get me to a place more void,”
English: I will move to a more open place.
Hindi: मैं किसी खुले स्थान पर जाऊँगा।
“And there speak to great Caesar as he comes along.”
English: And speak to Caesar when he comes.
Hindi: और वहाँ सीज़र से बात करूँगा।
[Exit Soothsayer]
Portia
“I must go in.”
English: I must go inside.
Hindi: मुझे भीतर जाना होगा।
“Ay me, how weak a thing”
English: Alas, how weak a thing.
Hindi: हाय, कितनी दुर्बल वस्तु है।
“The heart of woman is!”
English: A woman’s heart is.
Hindi: स्त्री का हृदय।
“O Brutus,”
English: O Brutus.
Hindi: हे ब्रूटस।
“The heavens speed thee in thine enterprise.”
English: May heaven help you in your mission.
Hindi: ईश्वर तुम्हारे कार्य में सफलता दें।
[Aside] “Sure the boy heard me.”
English: Surely the boy heard me.
Hindi: निश्चय ही लड़के ने मुझे सुन लिया।
“Brutus hath a suit that Caesar will not grant.”
English: Brutus has a request Caesar will refuse.
Hindi: ब्रूटस की एक याचना है जिसे सीज़र स्वीकार नहीं करेगा।
“O, I grow faint!”
English: Oh, I feel weak.
Hindi: ओह, मुझे घबराहट हो रही है।
“Run, Lucius, and commend me to my lord;”
English: Run, Lucius, and convey my greetings to my husband.
Hindi: दौड़ो, लुसियस, और मेरे स्वामी को मेरा संदेश दो।
“Say I am merry.”
English: Tell him I am cheerful.
Hindi: कहना कि मैं प्रसन्न हूँ।
“Come to me again,”
English: Then come back to me.
Hindi: फिर मेरे पास लौट आना।
“And bring me word what he doth say to thee.”
English: And tell me what he says to you.
Hindi: और बताना कि वह तुम्हें क्या कहते हैं।
[Exit severally]
Glossary
beware – be cautious / सावधान रहना
take heed – pay careful attention / ध्यान देना
come not near – do not approach / पास मत आना
have an eye to – keep watch on / नज़र रखना
trust not – do not believe / विश्वास मत करना
mark well – observe carefully / भली-भाँति ध्यान देना
wronged – treated unjustly / अन्याय किया
bent against – determined to oppose / विरोध में दृढ़
beest – are (old form of “are”) / हो
immortal – unable to die / अमर
look about you – be alert / सावधान रहो
security – overconfidence / निश्चिंतता
gives way to – leads to / मार्ग देता है
conspiracy – secret plot / षड्यंत्र
mighty – powerful / शक्तिशाली
lover – well-wisher, friend / शुभचिंतक
suitor – petitioner / याचक
laments – expresses sorrow / शोक करता है
virtue – goodness, moral excellence / सद्गुण
teeth of emulation – destructive jealousy / ईर्ष्या की तीव्रता
Fates – goddesses of destiny / भाग्य की देवियाँ
contrive – plan together / मिलकर योजना बनाना
prithee – please, I request you / कृपया
Senate House – Roman parliament building / रोमन संसद भवन
errand – task, message / काम
ere – before / पहले
constancy – firmness, self-control / धैर्य, स्थिरता
’tween – between / के बीच
might – strength / शक्ति
keep counsel – keep a secret / रहस्य बनाए रखना
forth – outward, away / बाहर
suitors – petitioners / याचक
press to him – crowd around him / उसके पास उमड़ना
hark – listen / सुनो
bustling – noisy, busy / शोरगुल भरा
rumour – unconfirmed news / अफ़वाह
fray – fight, disturbance / झगड़ा
sooth – truly / सच में
soothsayer – prophet, fortune-teller / भविष्यवक्ता
hither – here / यहाँ
which way hast thou been – where have you been / तुम कहाँ से आए हो
o’clock – time / समय
ninth hour – about nine a.m. / लगभग नौ बजे
take my stand – place myself / खड़ा होना
suit – request / याचना
beseech – beg earnestly / विनती करना
befriend himself – protect himself / स्वयं की रक्षा करना
intended – planned / अभिप्रेत
chance – happen / घटित होना
good morrow – good morning / शुभ प्रभात
throng – large crowd / भीड़
at the heels – closely following / पीछे-पीछे
praetors – Roman magistrates / रोमन अधिकारी
feeble – weak / दुर्बल
void – empty / खाली
enterprise – undertaking, mission / कार्य, अभियान
aside – spoken secretly / एकांत में
grant – allow / स्वीकार करना
faint – weak, dizzy / दुर्बल
commend – convey greetings / संदेश देना
merry – cheerful / प्रसन्न
severally – separately / अलग-अलग
Summary in English
Act II, Scene 3 opens on a street near the Capitol,
where Artemidorus enters reading a letter he has written to Caesar. The letter
contains a clear and urgent warning. Artemidorus names several men—Brutus,
Cassius, Casca, Cinna, Trebonius, Metellus Cimber and Decius Brutus—and
cautions Caesar against trusting them. He states that all these men share a
single intention and that their purpose is directed against Caesar. He reminds
Caesar that he is not immortal and urges him to be alert, warning that overconfidence
allows conspiracies to succeed. Artemidorus prays for Caesar’s safety and signs
himself as Caesar’s well-wisher. After reading the letter aloud, Artemidorus
resolves to stand in Caesar’s path and present the letter to him as a suitor.
He reflects sadly that virtue cannot survive in a world dominated by jealousy
and rivalry. He hopes that if Caesar reads the letter, he may live; otherwise,
fate will side with the traitors.
Act II, Scene 4 shifts the focus to Portia,
Brutus’s wife, who is filled with anxiety about the dangerous enterprise Brutus
has undertaken. She sends Lucius to the Senate House with instructions to
observe Caesar closely, to see how Brutus looks, and to note which suitors
approach Caesar. Through her asides, Portia reveals her inner turmoil. She
prays for strength to control her emotions, admitting that although she
possesses the courage and understanding of a man, she lacks the physical and
emotional strength traditionally associated with men. She laments how difficult
it is for women to keep secrets. Her nervousness is so intense that she
imagines hearing disturbing noises coming from the Capitol.
The Soothsayer then enters and informs Portia
that it is about the ninth hour and that Caesar has not yet gone to the
Capitol. He explains that he intends to stand where Caesar will pass so that he
can speak to him. When questioned, the Soothsayer admits that although he knows
of no definite harm planned, he fears that something terrible may happen. He
also explains that the narrow street and the large crowd following Caesar could
endanger a weak man, so he plans to move to a more open place. After the Soothsayer
leaves, Portia’s anxiety deepens. She prays for Brutus’s success, fears that
Lucius may have overheard her words about Brutus’s suit, grows faint, and
finally asks Lucius to tell Brutus that she is merry, concealing her true
distress.
हिंदी सारांश
अंक 2, दृश्य 3 में कैपिटल के पास एक सड़क का दृश्य है।
आर्टेमिडोरस प्रवेश करता है और सीज़र के नाम लिखा अपना पत्र पढ़ता है। इस पत्र में वह सीज़र को स्पष्ट चेतावनी देता है। वह ब्रूटस, कैसियस, कैस्का, सिन्ना, ट्रेबोनियस, मेटेलस सिम्बर और डेसियस ब्रूटस का नाम लेकर कहता है कि इन पर विश्वास नहीं किया जाना चाहिए। आर्टेमिडोरस बताता है कि इन सभी का एक ही उद्देश्य है और वह उद्देश्य सीज़र के विरुद्ध है। वह सीज़र को स्मरण कराता है कि वह अमर नहीं है और उसे सावधान रहना चाहिए, क्योंकि अत्यधिक निश्चिंतता षड्यंत्र को सफल बनाती है। वह देवताओं से सीज़र की रक्षा की प्रार्थना करता है और स्वयं को उसका शुभचिंतक बताता है। पत्र पढ़ने के बाद आर्टेमिडोरस निश्चय करता है कि वह सीज़र के मार्ग में खड़ा होकर याचक के रूप में यह पत्र उसे देगा। वह दुख व्यक्त करता है कि ईर्ष्या और प्रतिस्पर्धा के कारण सद्गुण जीवित नहीं रह पाते। उसे विश्वास है कि यदि सीज़र पत्र पढ़ ले तो जीवित रह सकता है, अन्यथा भाग्य गद्दारों का साथ देगा।
अंक 2, दृश्य 4 में ब्रूटस की पत्नी पोर्टिया दिखाई देती है, जो ब्रूटस के खतरनाक कार्य को लेकर अत्यंत चिंतित है। वह लुसियस को सीनेट हाउस भेजती है और आदेश देती है कि वह सीज़र के कार्यों पर ध्यान रखे, यह देखे कि ब्रूटस कैसा दिख रहा है, और यह भी नोट करे कि कौन-कौन सीज़र के पास याचना लेकर आता है। अपने एकांत कथनों में पोर्टिया अपने मानसिक संघर्ष को प्रकट करती है। वह आत्मसंयम के लिए प्रार्थना करती है और स्वीकार करती है कि उसमें पुरुष जैसा साहस है, पर स्त्री जैसी दुर्बलता भी है। वह यह भी कहती है कि स्त्रियों के लिए रहस्य छिपाना बहुत कठिन होता है। उसकी घबराहट इतनी बढ़ जाती है कि वह कैपिटल की ओर से आती हुई हलचल और झगड़े जैसी आवाज़ की कल्पना करने लगती है।
इसके बाद भविष्यवक्ता प्रवेश करता है और बताता है कि यह लगभग नौवाँ पहर है तथा सीज़र अभी कैपिटल नहीं गया है। वह कहता है कि वह उस स्थान पर खड़ा होने जा रहा है जहाँ से वह सीज़र को चेतावनी दे सके। पूछे जाने पर वह स्वीकार करता है कि उसे किसी निश्चित खतरे का ज्ञान नहीं है, पर उसे भारी अनिष्ट होने का भय है। वह यह भी बताता है कि संकरी सड़क और सीज़र के पीछे चलने वाली भीड़ किसी दुर्बल व्यक्ति के लिए घातक हो सकती है, इसलिए वह किसी खुले स्थान पर जाएगा। भविष्यवक्ता के चले जाने के बाद पोर्टिया की चिंता और बढ़ जाती है। वह ब्रूटस की सफलता के लिए प्रार्थना करती है, डरती है कि लुसियस ने उसकी बातें सुन ली हों, दुर्बल महसूस करती है और अंत में लुसियस से कहती है कि वह ब्रूटस से कहे कि वह प्रसन्न है, जबकि वास्तव में वह अत्यंत व्याकुल है।
MCQs
1.
Who writes the warning letter to Caesar?
A. Portia
B. Soothsayer
C. Artemidorus
D. Cassius
Answer: C. Artemidorus
2.
Where does Act II, Scene 3 take place?
A. Inside the Capitol
B. A street near the Capitol
C. The Senate House
D. Brutus’ house
Answer: B. A street near the Capitol
3.
Which conspirator is mentioned first in
Artemidorus’ letter?
A. Cassius
B. Casca
C. Brutus
D. Cinna
Answer: C. Brutus
4.
“Take heed of Cassius” means—
A. Ignore Cassius
B. Punish Cassius
C. Be careful of Cassius
D. Trust Cassius
Answer: C. Be careful of Cassius
5.
Whom does Artemidorus advise Caesar not to
trust?
A. Brutus
B. Trebonius
C. Metellus
D. Ligarius
Answer: B. Trebonius
6.
“There is but one mind in all these men”
refers to—
A. Loyalty to Caesar
B. Love for Rome
C. Hatred of Caesar
D. A common conspiracy
Answer: D. A common conspiracy
7.
What does “If thou beest not immortal”
suggest?
A. Caesar is weak
B. Caesar may die
C. Caesar is careless
D. Caesar is young
Answer: B. Caesar may die
8.
“Security gives way to conspiracy” means—
A. Safety prevents danger
B. Overconfidence invites danger
C. Power brings safety
D. Trust creates peace
Answer: B. Overconfidence invites danger
9.
Why does Artemidorus stand in the street?
A. To watch the crowd
B. To warn Brutus
C. To hand Caesar the letter
D. To meet the Soothsayer
Answer: C. To hand Caesar the letter
10. According to Artemidorus, what destroys virtue?
A. Power
B. Fate
C. Emulation (jealousy)
D. Time
Answer: C. Emulation (jealousy)
11. Who enters at the beginning of Act II, Scene 4?
A. Portia and Brutus
B. Portia and Lucius
C. Portia and Caesar
D. Portia and Soothsayer
Answer: B. Portia and Lucius
12. Where does Portia send Lucius?
A. To Brutus’ house
B. To the market
C. To the Senate House
D. To Caesar’s palace
Answer: C. To the Senate House
13. Why is Portia restless?
A. She is ill
B. She fears for Caesar
C. She knows of the conspiracy
D. She is angry with Lucius
Answer: C. She knows of the conspiracy
14. “I have a man’s mind, but a woman’s might” shows—
A. Portia’s pride
B. Portia’s physical strength
C. Inner courage but emotional weakness
D. Her jealousy
Answer: C. Inner courage but emotional weakness
15. What does “keep counsel” mean?
A. Give advice
B. Speak publicly
C. Keep a secret
D. Make a decision
Answer: C. Keep a secret
16. Why does Portia ask Lucius to observe Caesar?
A. To spy on him
B. To greet him
C. To note his actions and suitors
D. To deliver a letter
Answer: C. To note his actions and suitors
17. What sound does Portia imagine hearing?
A. Music
B. Thunder
C. A bustling rumour
D. Shouts of joy
Answer: C. A bustling rumour
18. Who says, “None that I know will be, much that I fear may chance”?
A. Portia
B. Artemidorus
C. Soothsayer
D. Lucius
Answer: C. Soothsayer
19. What time is mentioned by the Soothsayer?
A. Sixth hour
B. Seventh hour
C. Ninth hour
D. Tenth hour
Answer: C. Ninth hour
20. Where is the Soothsayer going?
A. To the Senate House
B. To Brutus
C. To stand where Caesar will pass
D. To Portia’s house
Answer: C. To stand where Caesar will pass
21. What does the Soothsayer want to ask Caesar?
A. To forgive Brutus
B. To protect himself
C. To cancel the Senate meeting
D. To punish Cassius
Answer: B. To protect himself
22. Why does the Soothsayer move to a more open place?
A. To see better
B. To avoid the crowd
C. To hide himself
D. To meet senators
Answer: B. To avoid the crowd
23. Who does Portia pray for at the end?
A. Caesar
B. Rome
C. Brutus
D. Lucius
Answer: C. Brutus
24. What does Portia pretend about her condition?
A. She is ill
B. She is angry
C. She is merry
D. She is asleep
Answer: C. She is merry
25. Why does Portia fear Lucius heard her?
A. She shouted loudly
B. She spoke aside
C. She revealed Brutus’ suit
D. She cried
Answer: C. She revealed Brutus’ suit
26. What is meant by “suit” in this scene?
A. Clothes
B. Legal case
C. Request or petition
D. Argument
Answer: C. Request or petition
27. Who says “My heart laments that virtue cannot live”?
A. Portia
B. Artemidorus
C. Soothsayer
D. Cassius
Answer: B. Artemidorus
28. What theme is strongly reflected in Artemidorus’ speech?
A. Love
B. Fate vs free will
C. Loyalty
D. Friendship
Answer: B. Fate vs free will
29. Which quality of Portia is most evident in Scene 4?
A. Ambition
B. Jealousy
C. Anxiety and strength
D. Pride
Answer: C. Anxiety and strength
30. Both Artemidorus and the Soothsayer attempt to—
A. Join the conspiracy
B. Warn Caesar
C. Support Brutus
D. Stop the Senate meeting
Answer: B. Warn Caesar
One-Mark Questions
1.
Who enters the street near the Capitol in Act
II, Scene 3?
Answer: Artemidorus enters the street near the Capitol.
2.
What is Artemidorus reading when he enters?
Answer: Artemidorus is reading a paper containing a warning to Caesar.
3.
Whom does Artemidorus first warn Caesar
against?
Answer: Artemidorus first warns Caesar against Brutus.
4.
Which conspirator is Caesar advised not to
trust?
Answer: Caesar is advised not to trust Trebonius.
5.
What does Artemidorus say Caesar has done to
Caius Ligarius?
Answer: Artemidorus says that Caesar has wronged Caius Ligarius.
6.
What common intention do all the named men
share?
Answer: They all have one mind bent against Caesar.
7.
What does Artemidorus say security gives way
to?
Answer: Artemidorus says security gives way to conspiracy.
8.
What does Artemidorus hope Caesar will do with
the letter?
Answer: Artemidorus hopes Caesar will read the letter.
9.
Where does Artemidorus decide to stand?
Answer: Artemidorus decides to stand where Caesar will pass along.
10. According to Artemidorus, what prevents virtue from living?
Answer: Virtue cannot live because of emulation.
11. Who enters at the beginning of Act II, Scene 4?
Answer: Portia and Lucius enter at the beginning of Act II, Scene 4.
12. Where does Portia send Lucius?
Answer: Portia sends Lucius to the Senate House.
13. Why does Lucius initially hesitate to leave?
Answer: Lucius hesitates because he wants to know his errand.
14. What quality does Portia ask to support her in her aside?
Answer: Portia asks constancy to be strong on her side.
15. What does Portia say is hard for women to do?
Answer: Portia says it is hard for women to keep counsel.
16. Why does Portia want news about Brutus?
Answer: Portia wants to know if Brutus looks well.
17. In what condition did Brutus leave home?
Answer: Brutus went forth looking sickly.
18. What two things does Portia ask Lucius to observe about Caesar?
Answer: Portia asks Lucius to observe what Caesar does and which suitors press
to him.
19. What kind of noise does Portia imagine hearing?
Answer: Portia imagines hearing a bustling rumour like a fray.
20. Who enters while Portia is speaking to Lucius?
Answer: The Soothsayer enters while Portia is speaking.
21. What time does the Soothsayer say it is?
Answer: The Soothsayer says it is about the ninth hour.
22. Where is the Soothsayer going?
Answer: The Soothsayer is going to take his stand to see Caesar pass to the
Capitol.
23. What does the Soothsayer wish to request of Caesar?
Answer: He wishes to beseech Caesar to befriend himself.
24. Why does the Soothsayer choose a more void place?
Answer: He chooses a more open place because the street is narrow and crowded.
25. What message does Portia tell Lucius to give Brutus?
Answer: Portia tells Lucius to say that she is merry.
Two-Mark Questions
1.
What warning does Artemidorus give Caesar
about the group of men he names?
Answer: Artemidorus warns Caesar that Brutus, Cassius, Casca, Cinna, Trebonius,
Metellus Cimber and Decius Brutus share one mind, and that their intention is
bent against Caesar.
2.
Why does Artemidorus say Caesar may live if he
reads the letter?
Answer: Artemidorus believes the letter reveals the conspiracy against Caesar,
and if Caesar reads it, he may protect himself and thus escape the plot planned
by the traitors.
3.
What does Artemidorus mean by “Security gives
way to conspiracy”?
Answer: Artemidorus means that Caesar’s overconfidence and sense of safety make
him careless, which allows conspirators to succeed in their secret plot against
him.
4.
Why does Artemidorus decide to stand where
Caesar will pass?
Answer: Artemidorus stands there so that he can personally hand the warning
letter to Caesar as he passes on his way to the Capitol.
5.
Why is Portia anxious at the beginning of Act
II, Scene 4?
Answer: Portia is anxious because she knows of Brutus’s dangerous enterprise
and fears the outcome, especially as Brutus has gone forth looking sick and
troubled.
6.
What does Portia mean when she says she has “a
man’s mind, but a woman’s might”?
Answer: Portia means she has the courage and understanding of a man, but lacks
the physical strength and emotional control traditionally associated with men.
7.
What instructions does Portia give Lucius
about observing Caesar?
Answer: Portia instructs Lucius to observe what Caesar does and to notice which
suitors press close to him, and then report everything back to her.
8.
What imaginary sound does Portia think she
hears, and what does it suggest?
Answer: Portia imagines hearing a bustling rumour like a fray coming from the
Capitol, suggesting her inner fear and tension about the events about to occur.
9.
What information does the Soothsayer give
Portia about Caesar’s movements?
Answer: The Soothsayer tells Portia that Caesar has not yet gone to the Capitol
and that he himself is going to stand where he can see Caesar pass.
10. What does the Soothsayer mean by saying he will “beseech him to befriend
himself”?
Answer: The Soothsayer means that he will beg Caesar to take care of himself
and guard against possible danger threatening his life.
11. Why does the Soothsayer choose to move to a more “void” place?
Answer: He moves to a more open place because the street is narrow and the
crowd of senators, praetors and suitors following Caesar could crush a weak
man.
12. What prayer does Portia utter for Brutus at the end of the scene?
Answer: Portia prays that heaven may speed Brutus in his enterprise, showing
her support for him despite her fear and emotional weakness.
Three-Mark
Questions
1.
Explain the purpose of Artemidorus’s letter to
Caesar.
Answer: Artemidorus’s letter is meant to warn Caesar about the conspiracy
against him by naming specific men and stating that they share one mind bent
against Caesar, urging him to be cautious and not rely on a false sense of
security.
2.
How does Artemidorus justify his fear for
Caesar’s life?
Answer: Artemidorus justifies his fear by pointing out that Caesar is not
immortal and that overconfidence allows conspiracies to succeed, suggesting
that Caesar’s safety is threatened by traitors working together.
3.
Why does Artemidorus decide to give the letter
“as a suitor”?
Answer: Artemidorus plans to approach Caesar like a petitioner because suitors
commonly press close to Caesar, making it easier for him to hand over the
letter without attracting suspicion.
4.
Describe Portia’s mental state as revealed in
her asides.
Answer: Portia’s asides reveal inner conflict, fear, and anxiety as she
struggles to control her emotions, tries to maintain constancy, and worries
about her inability to keep Brutus’s secret.
5.
What instructions does Portia give Lucius
before sending him to the Capitol?
Answer: Portia instructs Lucius to go to the Capitol, observe what Caesar does,
notice which suitors approach him, see whether Brutus looks well, and then
return quickly with a full report.
6.
How does the Soothsayer’s conversation with
Portia increase tension in the scene?
Answer: The Soothsayer increases tension by admitting he fears harm may happen
to Caesar, by planning to warn him again, and by describing the dangerous crowd
that could crush a feeble man.
7.
Why does Portia fear that Lucius has overheard
her?
Answer: Portia fears Lucius has overheard her because she speaks aloud about
Brutus having a suit that Caesar will not grant, and she immediately grows
faint on realizing she may have revealed too much.
8.
How does the scene end with a contrast between
appearance and reality?
Answer: The scene ends with Portia asking Lucius to tell Brutus she is merry,
though she is actually faint and fearful, highlighting the contrast between
outward calm and inner turmoil.
Reference
To Context Act 2, Scene 3 (Page
96)
Extract 1:
"Caesar, beware of Brutus. Take heed of
Cassius. Come not near Casca. Have an eye to Cinna. Trust not Trebonius. Mark
well Metellus Cimber."
1. Who is the speaker of these lines and where is
he standing?
Answer: The
speaker is Artemidorus, and he is standing in a street near the Capitol.
2. What is the
"paper" the speaker is reading from?
Answer: It is a
letter or schedule naming the conspirators intended to warn Caesar of the
assassination plot.
3. What does
the phrase "Mark well" mean in this context?
Answer: It means
to observe closely or pay strict attention to the actions of Metellus Cimber.
4.Why does the
speaker list these specific names?
Answer: These are
the names of the conspirators who have sworn to kill Caesar; the speaker wants
Caesar to recognize his enemies.
5. What does
this attempt to warn Caesar reveal about Artemidorus's loyalty?
Answer: It shows
he is a loyalist or a "lover" of Caesar who values Caesar’s safety
over the political goals of the conspirators.
6. Which
literary device is used by listing these names in short, urgent sentences?
Answer: Asyndeton (or
Parataxis) is used to create a sense of urgency and impending danger.
7. Does
Caesar eventually heed this specific warning?
Answer: No, Caesar dismisses the letter later, stating that what touches himself last shall be served last, leading to his death.
Extract 2: Act 2, Scene 3 (Page 96)
"My heart laments that virtue cannot live /
Out of the teeth of emulation. / If thou read this, O Caesar, thou mayst
live;"
1. Who is
"thou" referred to in the third line?
Answer: "Thou"
refers to Julius Caesar.
2.What does the
speaker intend to do with the letter "as a suitor"?
Answer: He
intends to hand it to Caesar as if it were a common petition or request to
ensure Caesar reads it.
3. Define
the word "emulation" as used in these lines.
Answer: In this
context, "emulation" refers to envious rivalry or jealous
competition.
4. What does
the speaker mean by "virtue cannot live out of the teeth of
emulation"?
Answer: He means
that greatness and goodness (virtue) are always under attack by those who are
jealous and want to destroy them.
5. How does
the speaker feel about the current state of Rome's politics?
Answer: He feels
sorrowful and pessimistic, believing that traitors (the Fates) are working
against the survival of a great man.
6. Identify
the personification in the extract.
Answer: "Virtue"
and "emulation" are personified as things that can live or have
"teeth."
7. What does
the speaker suggest will happen if the letter is NOT read?
Answer: He suggests that the "Fates" will join with the traitors to ensure Caesar's downfall.
Extract 3: Act 2, Scene 4 (Page 98)
“I would have had thee there and here again / Ere I
can tell thee what thou shouldst do there. / O constancy, be strong upon my
side;”
1. Who is
speaking these lines and to whom?
Answer: Portia is
speaking to the servant boy, Lucius.
2. Where
does the speaker want the listener to go?
Answer: She wants
him to run to the Senate House (the Capitol).
3. What does
the speaker mean by "constancy"?
Answer: It refers
to her self-control, mental firmness, and the ability to keep a secret.
4. Why is
the speaker so agitated and confused in her instructions?
Answer: She knows
about the conspiracy through Brutus and is terrified for his safety and the
outcome of the plot.
5. What does
the phrase "I have a man's mind, but a woman's might" reveal about
the speaker’s internal conflict?
Answer: It shows
her struggle between her intellectual awareness of the plot (man's mind) and
her perceived emotional/physical frailty (woman's might).
6. Which
figure of speech is "Set a huge mountain 'tween my heart and tongue"?
Answer: Metaphor;
she wants a physical barrier to stop her heart's secrets from being spoken by
her tongue.
7. How does
Lucius respond to these fragmented orders?
Answer: He
remains confused and asks for a specific "errand" or task to perform.
Extract 4: Act 2, Scene 4 (Page 98)
"Yes, bring me word, boy, if thy lord look
well, / For he went sickly forth; and take good note / What Caesar doth, what
suitors press to him."
1. Who is
"thy lord" mentioned in the first line?
Answer: Brutus,
Portia's husband.
2. Why does
the speaker say the lord "went sickly forth"?
Answer: To cover
up her anxiety; Brutus had previously used illness as an excuse for his
restless behaviour.
3. What is
the meaning of "suitors" in this context?
Answer: People
who are approaching Caesar with petitions or requests.
4. What is
the real reason Portia wants to know "what Caesar doth"?
Answer: She wants
to know if the assassination attempt has begun or if Caesar is still safe.
5. How does
this extract highlight Portia’s role as a devoted wife?
Answer: Despite
her extreme anxiety, her primary concern remains the well-being and success of
her husband, Brutus.
6. What is
the tone of this extract?
Answer: The tone
is anxious, frantic, and filled with suspense.
7. Does
Lucius manage to bring back the news she desires?
Answer: No, the
scene ends before he returns, leaving her in a state of high tension.
Extract 5: Act 2, Scene 4 (Page 100)
"That I have, lady, if it will please Caesar /
To be so good to Caesar as to hear me, / I shall beseech him to befriend
himself."
1. Who is
the "fellow" speaking these lines?
Answer: The
Soothsayer.
2. What time
of day is it when this conversation occurs?
Answer: It is
about the "ninth hour" (9:00 AM).
3. What does
the word "beseech" mean?
Answer: To ask
someone urgently and fervently to do something; to implore.
4. What does
"befriend himself" mean in this context?
Answer: It means
Caesar should look out for his own safety and listen to warnings for his own
sake.
5. What does
the Soothsayer's reply to Portia’s question about "harm" reveal about
his knowledge?
Answer: He does
not have specific facts ("None that I know"), but he has a powerful
premonition of danger ("much that I fear").
6. Which
literary device is present in "To be so good to Caesar as to hear
me"?
Answer: Irony;
the Soothsayer is trying to save Caesar, but Caesar’s pride often prevents him
from being "good to himself."
7. Where is
the Soothsayer going after this conversation?
Answer: He is going to a "place more void" (a less crowded spot) to wait for Caesar's procession.
Extract 6: Act 2, Scene 4 (Page 100)
"I must go in. Ay me, how weak a thing / The
heart of woman is! O Brutus, / The heavens speed thee in thine
enterprise."
1. To whom
is the speaker addressing the prayer "The heavens speed thee"?
Answer: She is
addressing her husband, Brutus (though he is not present).
2. What
"enterprise" is the speaker referring to?
Answer: The
conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar.
3. What does
"speed thee" mean here?
Answer: It means
to give success or to prosper someone in their endeavour.
4. Why does
the speaker suddenly change her tone when speaking to Lucius?
Answer: She fears
Lucius overheard her prayer for Brutus’s success, so she makes up an excuse
about a "suit" Caesar won't grant.
5. Contrast
Portia’s public statement with her private "Aside."
Answer: Publicly
she tries to appear calm and provides a cover story; privately she is
"faint" with fear and overwhelmed by the weight of the secret.
6. Identify
the Apostrophe in this extract.
Answer: "O
Brutus"—she addresses her absent husband as if he were present.
7. What is
the next command Portia gives to Lucius before the scene ends?
Answer: She tells him to tell Brutus she is "merry" (happy/cheerful) and to bring back word of what Brutus says.
Courtesy: Different AIs
Compiled and edited by Dr. Shankar D Mishra
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