Act 2, Scene – 1, Page 60 - 66 [Paging is as per the Evergreen Textbook]
Rome – Brutus’ orchard
Enter Brutus
BRUTUS: What, Lucius, ho!I cannot by the progress of the stars
..………Which every noble Roman bears of you. This is Trebonius.
Glossary:
Glossary
progress of the stars –
movement of the stars; time as judged by astrology – तारों की गति / ज्योतिषीय समय
give guess – make an अनुमान – अनुमान लगाना
fault to sleep so soundly – blame for sleeping deeply – इतनी गहरी नींद सोने की गलती
taper – a slender candle/ पतली मोमबत्ती।
study – private room – अध्ययन कक्ष
spurn at – reject with contempt – तिरस्कार
से ठुकराना
general – public good – सार्वजनिक हित
crowned – made king – राजा बनाया जाना
nature – character – स्वभाव
bright day – clear daylight – उजला दिन
adder – poisonous snake – विषैला साँप
wary walking – cautious movement – सावधानी से
चलना
sting – power to harm – डंक / हानि पहुँचाने की शक्ति
abuse of greatness – misuse of power – महानता का
दुरुपयोग
disjoins – separates – अलग कर देता है
remorse – moral regret – पश्चात्ताप / नैतिक ग्लानि
affections – emotions – भावनाएँ
swayed – influenced – प्रभावित हुआ
common proof – common experience – सामान्य अनुभव
lowliness – humble position – निम्न अवस्था
ambition’s ladder – means to rise – महत्वाकांक्षा
की सीढ़ी
climber-upward – one who rises – ऊपर चढ़ने वाला
upmost round – highest step – सबसे ऊँचा पायदान
base degrees – lower steps – नीचले दर्जे
prevent – stop beforehand – पहले ही रोक देना
bear no colour – have no justification – कोई उचित कारण न होना
fashion it thus – shape the argument – तर्क को
इस प्रकार गढ़ना
augmented – increased – बढ़ा हुआ
extremities – excesses – अतिशयताएँ
serpent’s egg – source of future danger – भविष्य के
खतरे का बीज
hatched – born – फूटना
mischievous – harmful – हानिकारक
kill him in the shell – destroy before growth – पनपने से
पहले नष्ट करना
taper burneth – candle is burning – मोमबत्ती
जल रही है
closet – private room – निजी कक्ष
sealed up – closed with a seal – मोहरबंद
ides of March – fifteenth of March – मार्च की
पंद्रह तारीख
calendar – almanac – पंचांग
exhalations – vapours – वाष्प
instigations – provocations – उकसावे
piece it out – interpret – अर्थ निकालना
awe – fear and authority – भयपूर्ण प्रभुत्व
Tarquin – last Roman king – रोम का अंतिम राजा
entreat – request earnestly – विनती करना
redress – remedy – सुधार
petition – request – निवेदन
wasted fifteen days – fifteen days have passed – पंद्रह दिन बीत चुके हैं
whet me – sharpen my resolve – उकसाना
interim – interval – मध्यकाल
phantasma – illusion – भ्रम
genius – spirit – आत्मा
mortal instruments – bodily faculties – शारीरिक शक्तियाँ
in council – in discussion – विचार में
insurrection – rebellion – विद्रोह
faction – secret group – गुट
dangerous brow – threatening face – भयावह मुख
evils are most free – crimes flourish – बुराइयाँ
खुलकर होती हैं
cavern – cave – गुफा
mask – conceal – छिपाना
monstrous visage – horrible face – भयानक चेहरा
native semblance – natural appearance – वास्तविक
रूप
Erebus – darkness of hell – अधोलोक का अंधकार
prevention – detection – पकड़ में आना
affability – friendliness – सौम्यता
plucked about their ears – pulled low – कानों तक
खींची हुई
cloaks – long coats – चोगे
mark of favour – identifying feature – पहचान का
चिह्न
bold upon your rest – disturbing your sleep – आपकी नींद में बाधा
bears of you – holds of you – आपके बारे में धारणा
Progress of the stars
Give guess how near today: To determine the time of day by the position of the
stars/ तारों की स्थिति से यह अनुमान लगाना कि दिन निकलने में कितना समय है।
I would it were my fault
to sleep so soundly: I wish I could sleep as deeply and peacefully as you/ काश इतनी गहरी और
चैन की नींद सोना मेरा दोष होता।
Spurn at him: To reject
or show disdain for him/ उसका तिरस्कार
करना या घृणा करना।
For the general: For the
public good or the common welfare/ सामान्य भलाई के लिए।
Bright day that brings
forth the adder, And that craves wary walking: A metaphor suggesting that
favorable conditions can reveal hidden dangers (like a snake), requiring
caution/ चमकीला दिन जो
साँप को बाहर निकालता है, और
जिसके लिए सतर्क चलने की आवश्यकता होती है।
Abuse of greatness is
when it disjoins Remorse from power: The misuse of great power happens when the
powerful person loses the ability to feel regret or guilt, acting without a
conscience / महानता का दुरुपयोग तब होता है
जब शक्ति से
पश्चाताप (पछतावा) अलग हो जाता है।
Affections swayed More
than his reason: His emotions or personal desires influenced him more than his
logical judgment/ उसकी भावनाएँ उसकी तर्क-शक्ति पर
हावी हो गईं।
Lowliness is young
ambition's ladder: Humility or a humble beginning serves as a stepping stone
for an ambitious person/ विनम्रता युवा महत्वाकांक्षा की सीढ़ी है।
Lest he may, prevent: To
take action to prevent something from happening/ ऐसा न
हो कि वह
ऐसा करे, इसे रोको।
Bear no colour: To lack
any plausible justification or valid reason/ कोई औचित्य या ठोस कारण न होना।
Serpent's egg: A
metaphor for something potentially dangerous that should be destroyed before it
can cause harm (i.e., before it gains full power) / साँप का अंडा (खतरे का प्रतीक जो
फूटने से पहले नष्ट कर देना चाहिए)।
Closet: A small, private
room, often used for study/ एक छोटा, निजी कमरा या अध्ययन कक्ष।
Flint: A hard stone used
to create a spark for fire/ चकमक पत्थर।
Ides of March: The 15th
day of March in the Roman calendar, historically known as the date of Julius
Caesar's assassination / मार्च की पंद्रहवीं तारीख (सीज़र की
हत्या की तारीख)।
Exhalations: Atmospheric
phenomena (like meteors) believed to be vapours that ignited, providing light/ वाष्प या धूमकेतु जो
रोशनी देते हैं।
Instigations: Urgings or
incitements to provoke action/ उकसावे/प्रेरणाएँ।
Tarquin: Lucius
Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome, whose expulsion led to the Roman
Republic / रोम का अंतिम राजा जिसे निष्कासित किया गया।
Redress: To set right a
wrong or remedy a grievance/ सुधार करना/न्याय दिलाना।
Whet me against Caesar:
To sharpen or stimulate my resolve and anger against Caesar/ मुझे सीज़र के खिलाफ भड़काना।
Phantasma: A ghostly
apparition or illusion/ भूतिया आकृति।
Faction: A small,
organized dissenting group within a larger one/ गुट/दल।
Erebus: In Greek
mythology, a primordial deity representing darkness or the underworld/ एरेबस (अंधकार का पाताललोक)
Gist in English
· Brutus says he
cannot judge the time of day by observing the stars.
· He repeatedly
calls Lucius, irritated that the boy is still asleep.
· Brutus wishes that
oversleeping were his own fault, not Lucius’s.
· Lucius finally
enters and asks whether Brutus had called him.
· Brutus orders
Lucius to bring a candle to his study and then return.
· Lucius agrees and
exits.
· Brutus reflects
that Caesar must die, though he has no personal hatred for him.
· His only reason is
the welfare of Rome.
· If Caesar is
crowned king, his nature may change.
· Power, like
daylight for a snake, can bring hidden danger into action.
· A crown would give
Caesar the power to harm others at will.
· True corruption
begins when power is separated from conscience.
· Brutus admits
Caesar has not let emotion overpower reason yet.
· However, ambition
often rises through humility.
· Once at the top,
ambition forgets its humble beginnings.
· Caesar might
behave the same way.
· So Brutus believes
he must stop Caesar before that happens.
· Since Caesar has
done nothing wrong yet, Brutus must imagine future danger.
· He compares Caesar
to a serpent’s egg that must be destroyed early.
· Lucius returns and
informs Brutus the candle is lit.
· He also reports
finding a sealed letter mysteriously.
· Brutus tells
Lucius to return to bed and asks about the date.
· Lucius is unsure,
so Brutus asks him to check the calendar.
· Brutus reads the
letter by the light of vapours in the sky.
· The letter urges
Brutus to wake up and act for Rome.
· Brutus interprets
the vague message as a call to overthrow tyranny.
· He recalls how his
ancestors expelled Rome’s last king.
· Brutus feels
morally urged to act for Rome’s freedom.
· Lucius confirms
that March 15 has arrived.
· Hearing a knock,
Brutus sends Lucius to the gate.
· Brutus confesses
he has been restless since Cassius provoked him.
· He describes the
mental conflict before committing a terrible deed.
· The human mind
becomes divided, like a state in rebellion.
· Lucius announces
that Cassius and others have arrived in disguise.
· Brutus recognizes
them as conspirators.
· He reflects that
conspiracy hides in friendliness because its nature is ugly.
· The conspirators
enter, and Cassius apologizes for disturbing Brutus.
· Brutus says he has
been awake all night.
· Cassius assures
Brutus that all present honour and respect him deeply.
In Hindi
·
ब्रूटस कहता है
कि वह तारों को देखकर समय नहीं समझ पा
रहा है।
·
वह बार-बार लूसियस को पुकारता है और उसके सोए रहने से
परेशान है।
·
ब्रूटस चाहता है
कि गहरी नींद सोने की गलती उसकी होती।
·
लूसियस आता है
और पूछता है
कि क्या ब्रूटस ने उसे बुलाया था।
·
ब्रूटस उसे अध्ययन कक्ष में मोमबत्ती जलाने का आदेश देता है।
·
लूसियस आज्ञा मानकर चला जाता है।
·
ब्रूटस मन ही
मन स्वीकार करता है कि सीज़र को मरना होगा।
·
उसके पास कोई व्यक्तिगत कारण नहीं, केवल रोम का
हित है।
·
यदि सीज़र राजा बना, तो उसका स्वभाव बदल सकता है।
·
जैसे उजाला साँप को खतरनाक बना देता है, वैसे ही सत्ता मनुष्य को।
·
मुकुट सीज़र को
हानि पहुँचाने
की शक्ति देगा।
·
जब सत्ता से
नैतिकता अलग हो
जाती है, तभी उसका दुरुपयोग
होता है।
·
ब्रूटस मानता है
कि अब तक
सीज़र भावनाओं से
नहीं बहका है।
·
लेकिन महत्वाकांक्षा
विनम्रता के सहारे ऊपर चढ़ती है।
·
शिखर पर पहुँचकर वह अपने पुराने स्तर को भूल जाती है।
·
सीज़र भी ऐसा कर सकता है।
·
इसलिए ब्रूटस उसे पहले ही रोकना चाहता है।
·
सीज़र ने अभी अपराध नहीं किया, इसलिए भविष्य का
भय गढ़ना होगा।
·
वह सीज़र की
तुलना साँप के
अंडे से करता है जिसे फूटने से पहले नष्ट करना चाहिए।
·
लूसियस लौटकर बताता है कि मोमबत्ती जल रही है।
·
वह एक रहस्यमय, मोहरबंद पत्र मिलने की सूचना देता है।
·
ब्रूटस लूसियस को
फिर सोने भेज देता है और
तारीख पूछता है।
·
लूसियस को पता नहीं, इसलिए ब्रूटस पंचांग देखने को
कहता है।
·
ब्रूटस आकाशीय प्रकाश में पत्र पढ़ता है।
·
पत्र ब्रूटस को
जगकर रोम के
लिए कार्य करने को कहता है।
·
ब्रूटस इसका अर्थ अत्याचार के विरुद्ध कार्य करना समझता है।
·
वह अपने पूर्वजों को याद करता है जिन्होंने
राजा को भगा दिया था।
·
वह रोम की
स्वतंत्रता के लिए स्वयं को बाध्य महसूस करता है।
·
लूसियस बताता है
कि मार्च की
पंद्रह तारीख है।
·
दरवाज़े की दस्तक सुनकर ब्रूटस उसे द्वार पर भेजता है।
·
ब्रूटस स्वीकार करता है कि कैसियस के उकसावे के
बाद से वह
सो नहीं पाया।
·
वह भयानक कर्म से पहले की
मानसिक अवस्था का
वर्णन करता है।
·
मनुष्य का मन
विद्रोह से भरे राज्य जैसा हो
जाता है।
·
लूसियस बताता है
कि कैसियस और
अन्य लोग छिपकर आए हैं।
·
ब्रूटस उन्हें षड्यंत्रकारी पहचान लेता है।
·
वह सोचता है
कि षड्यंत्र
मित्रता की आड़ में छिपता है।
·
षड्यंत्रकारी प्रवेश करते हैं और कैसियस क्षमा माँगता है।
·
ब्रूटस कहता है
कि वह पूरी रात जागता रहा।
·
कैसियस बताता है
कि सभी रोमन ब्रूटस का गहरा सम्मान करते हैं।
Paraphrase in English
and Hindi
BRUTUS: What, Lucius,
ho!
English: Brutus calls out loudly for Lucius.
Hindi: ब्रूटस ज़ोर से
लूसियस को पुकारता है।
I cannot by the progress
of the stars
Give guess how near today.
English: I cannot judge how close it is to morning by looking at the stars.
Hindi: तारों की गति देखकर मैं यह
नहीं समझ पा
रहा कि सुबह कितनी पास है।
Lucius, I say!
English: Brutus calls Lucius again impatiently.
Hindi: ब्रूटस अधीर होकर फिर लूसियस को
बुलाता है।
I would it were my fault
to sleep so soundly.
English: I wish that sleeping so deeply were my own fault.
Hindi: काश इतनी गहरी नींद सोने की
गलती मेरी होती।
When, Lucius, when?
Awake, I say!
English: Brutus asks how long Lucius will sleep and orders him to wake up.
Hindi: ब्रूटस पूछता है
कि लूसियस कब
जागेगा और उसे उठने का आदेश देता है।
What, Lucius!
English: Brutus again calls Lucius sharply.
Hindi: ब्रूटस कठोर स्वर में फिर लूसियस को पुकारता है।
Enter Lucius.
English: Lucius enters.
Hindi: लूसियस प्रवेश करता है।
LUCIUS: Called you, my
lord?
English: Lucius asks whether Brutus had called him.
Hindi: लूसियस पूछता है
कि क्या ब्रूटस ने उसे बुलाया था।
BRUTUS: Get me a taper
in my study, Lucius.
English: Brutus orders Lucius to bring a candle to his study.
Hindi: ब्रूटस लूसियस को
अध्ययन कक्ष में मोमबत्ती लाने का
आदेश देता है।
When it is lighted, come
and call me here.
English: After lighting it, Lucius should return and call Brutus.
Hindi: मोमबत्ती जलाकर वापस आकर मुझे यहाँ बुलाना।
LUCIUS: I will, my lord.
English: Lucius agrees to obey.
Hindi: लूसियस आज्ञा मानने की बात करता है।
Exit LUCIUS.
English: Lucius leaves.
Hindi: लूसियस बाहर चला जाता है।
BRUTUS: It must be by
his death.
English: Brutus decides that Caesar must die.
Hindi: ब्रूटस निश्चय करता है कि सीज़र की मृत्यु आवश्यक है।
And for my part I know
no personal cause to spurn at him,
But for the general.
English: I have no personal reason to oppose him, only public reasons.
Hindi: मेरे पास सीज़र के विरुद्ध कोई निजी कारण नहीं, केवल जनहित का
कारण है।
He would be crowned:
How that might change his nature, there’s the question.
English: If Caesar is crowned, the question is how it may change his character.
Hindi: यदि सीज़र राजा बना, तो उसका स्वभाव कैसे बदलेगा — यही प्रश्न है।
It is the bright day
that brings forth the adder,
And that craves wary walking.
English: Bright daylight brings out the snake and demands careful walking.
Hindi: उजला दिन साँप को बाहर लाता है और सावधानी की माँग करता है।
Crown him? – that –,
And then I grant we put a sting in him
English: Crown him, and we give him the power to sting.
Hindi: उसे मुकुट पहनाया जाए तो हम
उसे डंक मारने की शक्ति दे
देंगे।
That at his will he may
do danger with.
English: He could then harm others whenever he wishes.
Hindi: तब वह अपनी इच्छा से दूसरों को हानि पहुँचा सकेगा।
The abuse of greatness
is when it disjoins
Remorse from power.
English: Power is abused when it is separated from conscience.
Hindi: महानता का दुरुपयोग तब होता है
जब सत्ता से
पश्चात्ताप अलग हो
जाए।
And, to speak truth of
Caesar,
I have not known when his affections swayed
More than his reason.
English: To be fair, Caesar has never let emotions rule over reason.
Hindi: सच कहूँ तो
सीज़र ने कभी अपनी भावनाओं को
विवेक पर हावी नहीं होने दिया।
But ’tis a common proof
That lowliness is young ambition’s ladder,
English: It is commonly seen that humility helps ambition rise.
Hindi: यह सामान्य अनुभव है कि विनम्रता युवा महत्वाकांक्षा
की सीढ़ी होती है।
Whereto the
climber-upward turns his face;
English: The ambitious man looks upward while climbing.
Hindi: महत्वाकांक्षी व्यक्ति ऊपर की ओर देखता है।
But, when he once
attains the upmost round,
He then unto the ladder turns his back,
English: Once at the top, he turns his back on the ladder.
Hindi: शिखर पर पहुँचकर वह सीढ़ी को
ठुकरा देता है।
Looks in the clouds,
scorning the base degrees
By which he did ascend.
English: He looks proudly upward, despising the steps that raised him.
Hindi: वह नीचे के
स्तरों को तुच्छ समझता है जिनसे वह ऊपर पहुँचा था।
So Caesar may.
English: Caesar may behave in the same way.
Hindi: सीज़र भी ऐसा ही कर सकता है।
Then, lest he may,
prevent.
English: Therefore, stop him before that happens.
Hindi: इसलिए ऐसा होने से पहले ही
उसे रोकना चाहिए।
And since the quarrel
Will bear no colour for the thing he is,
English: Since there is no real justification against him now.
Hindi: क्योंकि अभी उसके विरुद्ध कोई ठोस कारण नहीं है।
Fashion it thus: that
what he is, augmented,
Would run to these and these extremities.
English: Shape the argument that his power would lead to excesses.
Hindi: यह तर्क गढ़ना होगा कि बढ़ी हुई शक्ति उसे अति तक ले
जाएगी।
And therefore think him
as a serpent’s egg,
Which, hatched, would, as his kind, grow mischievous,
English: So think of him as a snake’s egg that would become dangerous.
Hindi: इसलिए उसे साँप का अंडा समझो जो फूटकर खतरनाक बनेगा।
And kill him in the
shell.
English: Destroy him before he grows.
Hindi: उसे पनपने से
पहले ही नष्ट कर दो।
Re-enter Lucius.
English: Lucius enters again.
Hindi: लूसियस फिर प्रवेश करता है।
LUCIUS: The taper
burneth in your closet, sir.
English: The candle is burning in your private room.
Hindi: आपकी निजी कक्ष में मोमबत्ती
जल रही है,
महोदय।
Searching the window for
a flint, I found
This paper, thus sealed up, and I am sure
It did not lie there when I went to bed.
English: While looking for a flint at the window, I found this sealed paper,
and I am sure it was not there earlier.
Hindi: खिड़की पर चकमक ढूँढ़ते समय मुझे यह मोहरबंद पत्र मिला, और मुझे पूरा विश्वास है
कि सोते समय यह वहाँ नहीं था।
Gives him the letter.
English: Lucius hands the letter to Brutus.
Hindi: लूसियस पत्र ब्रूटस को देता है।
BRUTUS: Get you to bed
again. It is not day.
English: Brutus tells Lucius to go back to sleep because it is still night.
Hindi: ब्रूटस लूसियस से
कहता है कि
फिर सो जाओ, अभी दिन नहीं हुआ है।
Is not tomorrow, boy,
the ides of March?
English: Brutus asks whether tomorrow is the fifteenth of March.
Hindi: ब्रूटस पूछता है
कि क्या कल
मार्च की पंद्रह तारीख है।
LUCIUS: I know not, sir.
English: Lucius says he does not know.
Hindi: लूसियस कहता है
कि उसे नहीं पता।
BRUTUS: Look in the
calendar, and bring me word.
English: Brutus orders Lucius to check the calendar and report.
Hindi: ब्रूटस लूसियस को
पंचांग देखने और
बताने को कहता है।
LUCIUS: I will, sir.
English: Lucius agrees.
Hindi: लूसियस सहमति देता है।
He exits.
English: Lucius leaves.
Hindi: लूसियस बाहर चला जाता है।
BRUTUS: The exhalations,
whizzing in the air,
Give so much light that I may read by them.
English: The glowing vapours in the air give enough light to read.
Hindi: हवा में चमकते वाष्प इतना प्रकाश देते हैं कि
मैं पढ़ सकता हूँ।
[Opens the letter and
reads.]
English: Brutus opens and reads the letter.
Hindi: ब्रूटस पत्र खोलकर पढ़ता है।
Brutus, thou sleep’st.
Awake, and see thyself!
English: The letter says that Brutus is asleep and must awaken and reflect.
Hindi: पत्र कहता है
कि ब्रूटस सो
रहा है और
उसे जागकर स्वयं को पहचानना चाहिए।
Shall Rome, etc. Speak,
strike, redress!
English: The letter urges action for Rome—speak out, strike, and set things
right.
Hindi: पत्र रोम के
लिए बोलने, वार करने और सुधार करने का आह्वान करता है।
“Brutus, thou sleep’st.
Awake.”
English: Brutus repeats the letter’s words to himself.
Hindi: ब्रूटस पत्र की
पंक्ति दोहराता है।
Such instigations have
been often dropped
Where I have took them up.
English: Brutus notes that similar messages have often been left for him.
Hindi: ब्रूटस कहता है
कि ऐसे उकसावे उसे पहले भी
मिलते रहे हैं।
“Shall Rome, etc.” Thus
must I piece it out:
English: Brutus begins interpreting the meaning of the message.
Hindi: ब्रूटस पत्र का
अर्थ जोड़कर समझने लगता है।
Shall Rome stand under
one man’s awe?
English: Brutus asks whether Rome should live under one man’s authority.
Hindi: ब्रूटस प्रश्न करता है कि क्या रोम एक व्यक्ति के भय के
अधीन रहेगा।
What, Rome?
English: He expresses disbelief that Rome could accept this.
Hindi: वह आश्चर्य प्रकट करता है कि
रोम ऐसा सहन करेगा।
My ancestors did from
the streets of Rome
The Tarquin drive when he was called a king.
English: His ancestors expelled King Tarquin from Rome.
Hindi: उसके पूर्वजों
ने राजा टार्क्विन को रोम से
निकाल दिया था।
“Speak, strike,
redress!” Am I entreated
To speak and strike?
English: Brutus asks whether he is being urged to act violently.
Hindi: ब्रूटस पूछता है
कि क्या उसे बोलने और वार करने को कहा जा रहा है।
O Rome, I make thee
promise,
If the redress will follow, thou receivest
Thy full petition at the hand of Brutus.
English: Brutus promises Rome that he will act if justice results.
Hindi: ब्रूटस रोम से
वादा करता है
कि यदि सुधार होगा तो वह
कार्य करेगा।
Re-enter Lucius.
English: Lucius returns.
Hindi: लूसियस फिर प्रवेश करता है।
LUCIUS: Sir, March is
wasted fifteen days.
English: Lucius reports that fifteen days of March have passed.
Hindi: लूसियस बताता है
कि मार्च के
पंद्रह दिन बीत चुके हैं।
[Knocking within.]
English: There is a knock at the door.
Hindi: भीतर से दरवाज़े पर दस्तक होती है।
BRUTUS: ’Tis good. Go to
the gate; somebody knocks.
English: Brutus instructs Lucius to go to the gate.
Hindi: ब्रूटस लूसियस को
द्वार पर जाने का आदेश देता है।
Lucius exits.
English: Lucius leaves.
Hindi: लूसियस बाहर चला जाता है।
Since Cassius first did
whet me against Caesar,
I have not slept.
English: Since Cassius provoked him, Brutus has been sleepless.
Hindi: जब से कैसियस ने उसे सीज़र के विरुद्ध उकसाया है, वह सोया नहीं है।
Between the acting of a
dreadful thing
And the first motion, all the interim is
Like a phantasma or a hideous dream.
English: The time before committing a terrible act feels like a nightmare.
Hindi: भयानक कर्म से
पहले का समय किसी डरावने स्वप्न जैसा होता है।
The genius and the
mortal instruments
Are then in council,
English: The spirit and body consult with each other.
Hindi: आत्मा और शरीर आपस में विचार करते हैं।
And the state of man,
Like to a little kingdom, suffers then
The nature of an insurrection.
English: A man’s mind becomes like a kingdom facing rebellion.
Hindi: मनुष्य की अवस्था विद्रोहग्रस्त राज्य जैसी हो जाती है।
Re-enter Lucius.
English: Lucius returns again.
Hindi: लूसियस फिर लौटता है।
LUCIUS: Sir, ’tis your
brother Cassius at the door,
Who doth desire to see you.
English: Lucius informs Brutus that Cassius wishes to see him.
Hindi: लूसियस बताता है
कि कैसियस मिलने आया है।
BRUTUS: Is he alone?
English: Brutus asks if Cassius is alone.
Hindi: ब्रूटस पूछता है
कि क्या वह
अकेला है।
LUCIUS: No, sir. There
are more with him.
English: Lucius replies that others are with Cassius.
Hindi: लूसियस कहता है
कि उसके साथ और लोग हैं।
BRUTUS: Do you know
them?
English: Brutus asks whether Lucius knows them.
Hindi: ब्रूटस पूछता है
कि क्या वह
उन्हें जानता है।
LUCIUS: No, sir. Their
hats are plucked about their ears,
And half their faces buried in their cloaks,
English: Lucius says they are disguised with hats and cloaks.
Hindi: लूसियस बताता है
कि उन्होंने
टोपी और चोगे से चेहरा छिपाया है।
That by no means I may
discover them
By any mark of favour.
English: He cannot recognise them at all.
Hindi: वह उन्हें किसी भी तरह पहचान नहीं सकता।
BRUTUS: Let ’em enter.
English: Brutus orders them to be allowed in.
Hindi: ब्रूटस उन्हें भीतर आने देने को
कहता है।
Lucius exits.
English: Lucius leaves.
Hindi: लूसियस बाहर चला जाता है।
They are the faction.
English: Brutus recognises them as a conspiratorial group.
Hindi: ब्रूटस उन्हें षड्यंत्रकारी दल समझता है।
O conspiracy,
Sham’st thou to show thy dangerous brow by night,
When evils are most free?
English: Brutus asks if conspiracy is ashamed to show its dangerous face at
night when crimes are easily done.
Hindi: ब्रूटस षड्यंत्र
से पूछता है
कि क्या वह
रात में अपना भयावह चेहरा दिखाने से शर्माता है,
जब बुराइयाँ
खुलकर होती हैं।
O, then, by day
Where wilt thou find a cavern dark enough
To mask thy monstrous visage?
English: He asks where conspiracy will hide its horrible face during the day.
Hindi: वह पूछता है
कि दिन में षड्यंत्र अपना भयानक चेहरा कहाँ छिपाएगा।
Seek none, conspiracy.
English: Brutus tells conspiracy not to seek darkness.
Hindi: ब्रूटस षड्यंत्र
से कहता है
कि अंधकार न
खोजे।
Hide it in smiles and
affability;
English: It should hide itself behind smiles and friendliness.
Hindi: उसे मुस्कान और
सौम्यता के पीछे छिपना चाहिए।
For if thou path, thy
native semblance on,
English: If it walks openly in its true form.
Hindi: यदि वह अपने वास्तविक रूप में आगे बढ़े।
Not Erebus itself were
dim enough
To hide thee from prevention.
English: Even the darkness of Erebus would not be enough to hide it from
discovery.
Hindi: तब एरेबस का
अंधकार भी उसे पकड़े जाने से
नहीं बचा सकेगा।
Enter the conspirators,
Cassius, Casca, Decius, Cinna, Metellus, and Trebonius.
English: The conspirators enter.
Hindi: षड्यंत्रकारी प्रवेश करते हैं।
CASSIUS: I think we are
too bold upon your rest.
English: Cassius says they may have disturbed Brutus’s sleep.
Hindi: कैसियस कहता है
कि उन्होंने
ब्रूटस की नींद में बाधा डाली होगी।
Good morrow, Brutus. Do
we trouble you?
English: Cassius greets Brutus and asks if they are disturbing him.
Hindi: कैसियस ब्रूटस को
शुभ प्रभात कहता है और पूछता है कि क्या वे उसे परेशान कर रहे हैं।
BRUTUS: I have been up
this hour, awake all night.
English: Brutus says he has been awake all night.
Hindi: ब्रूटस कहता है
कि वह पूरी रात जागता रहा है।
Know I these men that
come along with you?
English: Brutus asks if he knows the men with Cassius.
Hindi: ब्रूटस पूछता है
कि क्या वह
कैसियस के साथ आए लोगों को
जानता है।
CASSIUS: Yes, every man
of them; and no man here
But honours you,
English: Cassius says Brutus knows them and that all respect him.
Hindi: कैसियस कहता है
कि ब्रूटस उन्हें जानता है और
सभी उसका सम्मान करते हैं।
and every one doth wish
You had but that opinion of yourself
Which every noble Roman bears of you.
English: Everyone wishes Brutus valued himself as highly as Rome does.
Hindi: सभी चाहते हैं कि ब्रूटस स्वयं को उतना ही
महान समझे जितना रोम उसे समझता है।
This is Trebonius.
English: Cassius introduces Trebonius.
Hindi: कैसियस ट्रेबोनियस
का परिचय देता है।
MCQs
1.
Brutus cannot
judge the time because
A. the sun has not risen
B. the stars are hidden
C. he cannot read the progress of the stars
D. Lucius is absent
Ans. C
2.
Whom does Brutus
repeatedly call at the beginning of the scene?
A. Cassius
B. Caesar
C. Lucius
D. Casca
Ans. C
3.
Brutus wishes
that sleeping soundly were whose fault?
A. Caesar’s
B. Lucius’s
C. His own
D. Cassius’s
Ans. C
4.
What does Brutus
ask Lucius to bring him?
A. A letter
B. A sword
C. A taper
D. A calendar
Ans. C
5.
Where does Brutus
ask Lucius to light the taper?
A. The orchard
B. The gate
C. His study
D. The hall
Ans. C
6.
Brutus says
Caesar must die mainly for
A. personal revenge
B. ambition
C. jealousy
D. the general good
Ans. D
7.
What possible
change worries Brutus if Caesar is crowned?
A. His wealth
B. His loyalty
C. His nature
D. His speech
Ans. C
8.
The adder comes
forth in
A. darkness
B. bright day
C. rain
D. winter
Ans. B
9.
Crowning Caesar
would give him
A. honour only
B. wisdom
C. a sting
D. humility
Ans. C
10. The abuse of greatness occurs when power is separated
from
A. law
B. strength
C. ambition
D. remorse
Ans. D
11. Brutus admits that Caesar’s affections have not
overpowered his
A. pride
B. ambition
C. reason
D. courage
Ans. C
12. Lowliness is described as whose ladder?
A. Power’s
B. Tyranny’s
C. Ambition’s
D. Honour’s
Ans. C
13. After reaching the top, the climber does what to the
ladder?
A. Repairs it
B. Praises it
C. Turns his back on it
D. Breaks it
Ans. C
14. Brutus fears Caesar may
A. remain humble
B. forget his rise
C. lose power
D. leave Rome
Ans. B
15. Since Caesar has done nothing wrong, Brutus decides to
A. forgive him
B. wait patiently
C. fashion an argument
D. abandon the plan
Ans. C
16. Caesar is compared to
A. a lion
B. a crown
C. a serpent’s egg
D. a wolf
Ans. C
17. Killing Caesar “in the shell” means
A. killing secretly
B. killing publicly
C. killing later
D. killing before he grows dangerous
Ans. D
18. Where does Lucius find the sealed paper?
A. On the table
B. Near the gate
C. At the window
D. In the study
Ans. C
19. Brutus tells Lucius to return to bed because
A. he is angry
B. it is not day
C. guests have arrived
D. the letter is secret
Ans. B
20. What date does Brutus ask Lucius about?
A. Kalends of March
B. Nones of March
C. Ides of March
D. Last day of March
Ans. C
21. Who checks the calendar?
A. Brutus
B. Cassius
C. Lucius
D. Casca
Ans. C
22. Brutus reads the letter using light from
A. the moon
B. the taper
C. the stars
D. exhalations
Ans. D
23. The letter accuses Brutus of
A. betrayal
B. ambition
C. sleeping
D. cowardice
Ans. C
24. The letter urges Brutus to
A. flee Rome
B. crown Caesar
C. speak, strike, redress
D. remain silent
Ans. C
25. Brutus recalls his ancestors driving out
A. Caesar
B. Cassius
C. Pompey
D. Tarquin
Ans. D
26. Brutus promises Rome that
A. he will rule it
B. he will seek justice
C. he will leave it
D. he will warn Caesar
Ans. B
27. How many days of March are said to be wasted?
A. Ten
B. Twelve
C. Fourteen
D. Fifteen
Ans. D
28. Who knocks at the gate?
A. Caesar
B. Antony
C. Cassius
D. Lucius
Ans. C
29. Since Cassius first provoked him, Brutus has not
A. eaten
B. spoken
C. slept
D. written
Ans. C
30. The time between thought and action is compared to
A. peace
B. daylight
C. a council
D. a hideous dream
Ans. D
31. During this mental conflict, the state of man is
compared to
A. a battlefield
B. a court
C. a little kingdom
D. a prison
Ans. C
32. Cassius arrives with others whose faces are
A. uncovered
B. masked with paint
C. buried in cloaks
D. shining
Ans. C
33. Why can Lucius not recognise the men?
A. It is dark
B. They speak softly
C. They wear armour
D. They hide their faces
Ans. D
34. Brutus calls the visitors
A. friends
B. strangers
C. the faction
D. the guard
Ans. C
35. Conspiracy is advised to hide in
A. darkness
B. silence
C. smiles and affability
D. forests
Ans. C
36. Erebus refers to
A. heaven
B. Rome
C. the sea
D. darkness of the underworld
Ans. D
37. Cassius greets Brutus by saying
A. Farewell
B. Good morrow
C. Hail Caesar
D. Welcome
Ans. B
38. Brutus says he has been awake for
A. one hour
B. two hours
C. half the night
D. all night
Ans. D
39. Cassius claims every man present
A. fears Brutus
B. envies Brutus
C. honours Brutus
D. doubts Brutus
Ans. C
40. The conspirators wish Brutus had a better
A. sword
B. crown
C. opinion of himself
D. house
Ans. C
41. The scene is set in
A. the Capitol
B. the Senate
C. Brutus’s orchard
D. the Forum
Ans. C
42. The time of the scene is
A. noon
B. evening
C. midnight nearing dawn
D. afternoon
Ans. C
43. Who introduces Trebonius?
A. Brutus
B. Casca
C. Cassius
D. Lucius
Ans. C
44. The letter Brutus reads is
A. signed
B. addressed to Caesar
C. sealed
D. torn
Ans. C
45. Brutus sends Lucius to the gate because
A. guests have arrived
B. it is morning
C. Caesar calls him
D. he is afraid
Ans. A
46. The “sting” metaphor refers to
A. words
B. poison
C. power to harm
D. jealousy
Ans. C
47. Brutus’s main conflict in the scene is between
A. loyalty and fear
B. love and hatred
C. reason and ambition
D. sleep and duty
Ans. C
48. The conspirators arrive mainly at night because
A. Rome is asleep
B. it is safer
C. Caesar ordered it
D. Brutus requested it
Ans. B
49. Brutus believes conspiracy cannot hide forever even in
A. Rome
B. night
C. Erebus
D. orchards
Ans. C
50. The tone of this scene is mainly
A. comic
B. romantic
C. reflective and tense
D. celebratory
Ans. C
Who Said To Whom?
1.
“What, Lucius, ho! I
cannot by the progress of the stars / Give guess how near today.”
Ans. Brutus said this to Lucius.
2.
“Awake, I say! What,
Lucius!”
Ans. Brutus said this to Lucius.
3.
“Called you, my lord?”
Ans. Lucius said this to Brutus.
4.
“Get me a taper in my
study, Lucius.”
Ans. Brutus said this to Lucius.
5.
“When it is lighted,
come and call me here.”
Ans. Brutus said this to Lucius.
6.
“I will, my lord.”
Ans. Lucius said this to Brutus.
7.
“It must be by his
death.”
Ans. Brutus said this to himself.
8.
“I know no personal
cause to spurn at him, / But for the general.”
Ans. Brutus said this to himself.
9.
“He would be crowned: /
How that might change his nature, there’s the question.”
Ans. Brutus said this to himself.
10. “It is the bright day that brings
forth the adder.”
Ans. Brutus said this to himself.
11. “Crown him?—that—”
Ans. Brutus said this to himself.
12. “The abuse of greatness is when it
disjoins / Remorse from power.”
Ans. Brutus said this to himself.
13. “But ’tis a common proof / That
lowliness is young ambition’s ladder.”
Ans. Brutus said this to himself.
14. “So Caesar may.”
Ans. Brutus said this to himself.
15. “And therefore think him as a
serpent’s egg.”
Ans. Brutus said this to himself.
16. “The taper burneth in your closet,
sir.”
Ans. Lucius said this to Brutus.
17. “Searching the window for a flint, I
found / This paper.”
Ans. Lucius said this to Brutus.
18. “Get you to bed again. It is not
day.”
Ans. Brutus said this to Lucius.
19. “Is not tomorrow, boy, the ides of
March?”
Ans. Brutus said this to Lucius.
20. “I know not, sir.”
Ans. Lucius said this to Brutus.
21. “Look in the calendar, and bring me
word.”
Ans. Brutus said this to Lucius.
22. “The exhalations, whizzing in the
air, / Give so much light that I may read by them.”
Ans. Brutus said this to himself.
23. “Brutus, thou sleep’st. Awake, and
see thyself!”
Ans. The conspirators (through the letter) said this to Brutus.
24. “Shall Rome stand under one man’s
awe?”
Ans. Brutus said this to himself.
25. “Speak, strike, redress!”
Ans. The conspirators (through the letter) said this to Brutus.
26. “Am I entreated / To speak and
strike?”
Ans. Brutus said this to himself.
27. “O Rome, I make thee promise.”
Ans. Brutus said this to Rome (personified).
28. “Sir, March is wasted fifteen days.”
Ans. Lucius said this to Brutus.
29. “’Tis good. Go to the gate; somebody
knocks.”
Ans. Brutus said this to Lucius.
30. “Since Cassius first did whet me
against Caesar, / I have not slept.”
Ans. Brutus said this to himself.
31. “Between the acting of a dreadful
thing / And the first motion.”
Ans. Brutus said this to himself.
32. “Like a phantasma or a hideous
dream.”
Ans. Brutus said this to himself.
33. “Sir, ’tis your brother Cassius at
the door.”
Ans. Lucius said this to Brutus.
34. “Who doth desire to see you.”
Ans. Lucius said this to Brutus.
35. “Is he alone?”
Ans. Brutus said this to Lucius.
36. “No, sir. There are more with him.”
Ans. Lucius said this to Brutus.
37. “Their hats are plucked about their
ears.”
Ans. Lucius said this to Brutus.
38. “That by no means I may discover
them.”
Ans. Lucius said this to Brutus.
39. “Let ’em enter.”
Ans. Brutus said this to Lucius.
40. “They are the faction.”
Ans. Brutus said this to himself.
41. “O conspiracy, / Sham’st thou to
show thy dangerous brow by night?”
Ans. Brutus said this to conspiracy (personified).
42. “Hide it in smiles and affability.”
Ans. Brutus said this to conspiracy (personified).
43. “Enter the conspirators.”
Ans. Stage direction (no speaker).
44. “I think we are too bold upon your
rest.”
Ans. Cassius said this to Brutus.
45. “Good morrow, Brutus.”
Ans. Cassius said this to Brutus.
46. “Do we trouble you?”
Ans. Cassius said this to Brutus.
47. “I have been up this hour, awake all
night.”
Ans. Brutus said this to Cassius.
48. “Know I these men that come along
with you?”
Ans. Brutus said this to Cassius.
49. “Yes, every man of them.”
Ans. Cassius said this to Brutus.
50. “And every one doth wish / You had
but that opinion of yourself.”
Ans. Cassius said this to Brutus.
51. “Which every noble Roman bears of
you.”
Ans. Cassius said this to Brutus.
52. “This is Trebonius.”
Ans. Cassius said this to Brutus.
RTC–1
Extract:
“It must be by his death.
And for my part I know no personal cause to spurn at him,
But for the general.”
1.
Who speaks these lines?
Ans. Brutus speaks these lines.
2.
About whom are these
lines spoken?
Ans. These lines are spoken about Julius Caesar.
3.
What decision is
announced in the first line?
Ans. Brutus decides that Caesar must be killed.
4.
What does Brutus mean by
“no personal cause”?
Ans. He means he has no private or personal hatred against Caesar.
5.
What is meant by “the
general”?
Ans. “The general” refers to the welfare of the Roman people and the state.
6.
What does this reveal
about Brutus’s character?
Ans. It shows Brutus sees himself as acting selflessly for Rome.
7.
How does this idea
influence the action of the play?
Ans. It becomes the moral justification for the conspiracy against Caesar.
RTC–2
Extract:
“It is the bright day that brings forth the adder,
And that craves wary walking.”
1.
Who speaks these lines?
Ans. Brutus speaks these lines.
2.
What is an “adder”?
Ans. An adder is a poisonous snake.
3.
What does “bright day”
symbolise here?
Ans. “Bright day” symbolises power and public authority.
4.
What warning does Brutus
convey through this image?
Ans. He warns that power can reveal dangerous qualities.
5.
How is Caesar compared
to the adder?
Ans. Caesar may become dangerous once crowned.
6.
What does “wary walking”
suggest?
Ans. It suggests the need for caution and vigilance.
7.
How does this metaphor
support Brutus’s argument?
Ans. It justifies stopping Caesar before he gains power.
RTC–3
Extract:
“Brutus, thou sleep’st. Awake, and see thyself!
Shall Rome, etc. Speak, strike, redress!”
1.
Where are these words
found?
Ans. These words are written in a letter read by Brutus.
2.
Who is the letter
addressed to?
Ans. The letter is addressed to Brutus.
3.
What does “thou
sleep’st” imply?
Ans. It implies Brutus is inactive and unaware of his duty.
4.
What is Brutus urged to
do?
Ans. He is urged to act for the welfare of Rome.
5.
What does Brutus believe
“Shall Rome, etc.” refers to?
Ans. He believes it questions Rome’s submission to one man’s rule.
6.
How does the letter
affect Brutus mentally?
Ans. It strengthens his resolve to act against Caesar.
7.
Why is the letter
significant dramatically?
Ans. It pushes Brutus closer to joining the conspiracy.
RTC–4
Extract:
“Between the acting of a dreadful thing
And the first motion, all the interim is
Like a phantasma or a hideous dream.”
1.
Who speaks these lines?
Ans. Brutus speaks these lines.
2.
What is the “dreadful
thing” referred to here?
Ans. The assassination of Julius Caesar.
3.
What does “interim”
mean?
Ans. It means the period between thought and action.
4.
What is the interim
compared to?
Ans. It is compared to a hideous dream or illusion.
5.
What mental state does
this describe?
Ans. A state of intense anxiety and inner conflict.
6.
How does this reflect
Brutus’s personality?
Ans. It shows him as thoughtful, moral, and troubled.
7.
Why is this moment
important in the scene?
Ans. It highlights Brutus’s tragic inner struggle before action.
RTC–5
Extract:
“The abuse of greatness is when it disjoins
Remorse from power.”
1.
Who speaks these lines?
Ans. Brutus speaks these lines.
2.
To whom is Brutus
referring indirectly?
Ans. He is referring to Julius Caesar.
3.
What does “greatness”
mean here?
Ans. “Greatness” means political power and authority.
4.
What is meant by
“disjoins remorse from power”?
Ans. It means separating conscience and moral feeling from authority.
5.
According to Brutus,
when does power become dangerous?
Ans. When it is exercised without moral responsibility.
6.
What fear of Brutus is
reflected in these lines?
Ans. He fears Caesar may misuse power after becoming king.
7.
How do these lines
justify Brutus’s attitude?
Ans. They provide a moral reason for opposing Caesar’s rise to power.
RTC–6
Extract:
“And therefore think him as a serpent’s egg,
Which, hatched, would, as his kind, grow mischievous,
And kill him in the shell.”
1.
Who is the speaker of
these lines?
Ans. Brutus is the speaker.
2.
Who is referred to as
“him”?
Ans. Julius Caesar is referred to as “him”.
3.
What does the “serpent’s
egg” symbolise?
Ans. It symbolises hidden future danger.
4.
What does “hatched”
imply in this context?
Ans. It implies Caesar gaining full power.
5.
What does Brutus suggest
should be done?
Ans. Caesar should be killed before becoming dangerous.
6.
What quality of Brutus’s
thinking is shown here?
Ans. His tendency to reason hypothetically and politically.
7.
Why is this image
important to the plot?
Ans. It clearly supports the idea of preventive assassination.
RTC–7
Extract:
“Shall Rome stand under one man’s awe?
What, Rome?”
1.
Who speaks these lines?
Ans. Brutus speaks these lines.
2.
When does he speak them?
Ans. While interpreting the contents of the letter.
3.
What does “one man’s
awe” mean?
Ans. The absolute authority and fear of one ruler.
4.
What feeling is
expressed by “What, Rome?”
Ans. Shock and disbelief.
5.
What political idea is
reflected here?
Ans. Opposition to monarchy and tyranny.
6.
How does this thought
affect Brutus’s decision?
Ans. It strengthens his resolve to act against Caesar.
7.
What Roman value is
highlighted?
Ans. The value of republican freedom.
RTC–8
Extract:
“O conspiracy,
Sham’st thou to show thy dangerous brow by night,
When evils are most free?”
1.
Who speaks these lines?
Ans. Brutus speaks these lines.
2.
What is “conspiracy”
personified as?
Ans. A dangerous being with a threatening face.
3.
What does “dangerous
brow” suggest?
Ans. A frightening and harmful appearance.
4.
Why is night mentioned
here?
Ans. Because crimes are usually committed secretly at night.
5.
What question does
Brutus ask conspiracy?
Ans. Whether it is ashamed to appear even at night.
6.
What irony is present in
this speech?
Ans. Brutus condemns conspiracy while participating in it.
7.
What does this reveal
about Brutus’s conscience?
Ans. He is aware of the moral ugliness of his actions.
One-Mark Questions
1.
Why does Brutus call
Lucius at the beginning of the scene?
Ans. He wants to know the time and needs Lucius to attend to him.
2.
What prevents Brutus
from judging the time of day?
Ans. He cannot guess the time by observing the progress of the stars.
3.
What wish does Brutus
express regarding Lucius’s sleep?
Ans. He wishes the fault of sleeping soundly were his own.
4.
Where does Brutus order
Lucius to bring the taper?
Ans. To his study.
5.
What decision has Brutus
already reached about Caesar?
Ans. That Caesar must die.
6.
What reason does Brutus
give for opposing Caesar?
Ans. The general welfare of Rome.
7.
What fear does Brutus
express about Caesar being crowned?
Ans. That it might change Caesar’s nature.
8.
What creature does
Brutus use to symbolise hidden danger?
Ans. An adder (snake).
9.
What does Brutus mean by
giving Caesar a “sting”?
Ans. Giving him the power to cause harm.
10. According to Brutus, what separates
the abuse of greatness from true greatness?
Ans. The separation of remorse from power.
11. What quality of Caesar does Brutus
acknowledge positively?
Ans. That Caesar’s reason has ruled over his emotions.
12. What does Brutus call “young
ambition’s ladder”?
Ans. Lowliness or humility.
13. What happens to ambition after
reaching the highest position?
Ans. It despises the lower steps that helped it rise.
14. What preventive action does Brutus
think necessary?
Ans. Stopping Caesar before he becomes dangerous.
15. Why does Brutus say the quarrel has
no “colour”?
Ans. Because Caesar has not yet done anything wrong.
16. To what is Caesar compared to
justify killing him early?
Ans. A serpent’s egg.
17. Where does Lucius discover the
sealed letter?
Ans. At the window.
18. What assurance does Lucius give
about the letter’s discovery?
Ans. That it was not there when he went to bed.
19. Why does Brutus send Lucius back to
bed?
Ans. Because it is still night.
20. What date does Brutus seem concerned
about?
Ans. The Ides of March.
21. How does Brutus manage to read the
letter without a candle?
Ans. By the light of the exhalations in the air.
22. What repeated message in the letter
strikes Brutus most?
Ans. “Brutus, thou sleep’st. Awake.”
23. What historical example does Brutus
recall while reading the letter?
Ans. His ancestors driving King Tarquin out of Rome.
24. What promise does Brutus make to
Rome?
Ans. To act if justice and redress will follow.
25. What news does Lucius bring about
the date?
Ans. That March is already fifteen days old.
26. What effect has Cassius’s influence
had on Brutus?
Ans. It has kept him sleepless.
27. How does Brutus describe the state
of mind before a terrible act?
Ans. Like a hideous dream or phantasma.
28. Why can Lucius not identify the men
with Cassius?
Ans. Their hats and cloaks hide their faces.
29. What does Brutus call the group that
arrives with Cassius?
Ans. The faction.
30. What assurance does Cassius give
Brutus about the men present?
Ans. That every one of them honours and respects Brutus.
Two-Mark Questions
1.
Why
is Brutus unable to sleep at the beginning of the scene?
Ans. Brutus is mentally disturbed by thoughts of Caesar’s future ambition and
the moral conflict of killing him. Since Cassius has provoked him against
Caesar, his conscience remains restless, preventing him from sleeping
peacefully.
2.
What
instructions does Brutus give Lucius regarding the taper?
Ans. Brutus orders Lucius to bring a taper to his study, light it there, and
then return to call him. This shows Brutus’s desire to read and think in
solitude during the night.
3.
Why
does Brutus say he has no personal cause against Caesar?
Ans. Brutus admits that Caesar has not harmed him personally. His opposition
arises solely from concern for Rome’s welfare, not from jealousy, hatred, or
any private grievance against Caesar.
4.
How
does Brutus explain the danger of crowning Caesar?
Ans. Brutus fears that crowning Caesar may change his nature. Power, like
daylight revealing a snake, may bring out hidden ambition and tyranny, enabling
Caesar to harm Rome at his will.
5.
What
does Brutus mean by “the abuse of greatness”?
Ans. Brutus believes greatness is abused when power becomes separated from
remorse or conscience. When rulers no longer feel moral responsibility, their
authority turns destructive and unjust.
6.
What
example does Brutus give to explain how ambition rises?
Ans. Brutus compares ambition to a ladder. A man rises by humility, but once he
reaches the top, he scorns the lower steps that helped him ascend, becoming
arrogant and dangerous.
7.
Why
does Brutus decide to act before Caesar commits any crime?
Ans. Brutus believes waiting would be risky. Though Caesar has not yet done
wrong, his increased power may lead to tyranny, so Brutus thinks it wise to
prevent future danger beforehand.
8.
Explain
the metaphor of the “serpent’s egg.”
Ans. Brutus compares Caesar to a serpent’s egg which, if allowed to hatch,
would become dangerous. Therefore, he believes Caesar must be destroyed early
before his ambition fully develops.
9.
How
does the discovery of the letter affect Brutus?
Ans. The letter strengthens Brutus’s resolve by urging him to awaken and act
for Rome. It makes him believe that the people expect him to lead resistance
against Caesar’s growing power.
10.
Why
does Brutus ask about the Ides of March?
Ans. Brutus is anxious
about the date because the Ides of March is significant. Knowing it has arrived
intensifies his tension, as it is the day associated with Caesar’s impending
fate.
11.
How
does Brutus interpret the letter’s vague message?
Ans. Brutus interprets the letter as a call to defend Rome’s freedom. He
connects it with Rome’s history and believes he is being urged to act against
one-man rule.
12.
What
historical reference strengthens Brutus’s resolve?
Ans. Brutus recalls that his ancestors expelled King Tarquin from Rome. This
reminds him of his family’s duty to protect Rome from tyranny and strengthens
his determination to act.
13.
Describe
Brutus’s mental state before committing the deed.
Ans. Brutus compares his mind to a kingdom in rebellion. His spirit and body
are in conflict, and the interval before action feels like a frightening dream
filled with tension and uncertainty.
14.
Why
are Cassius and the others disguised?
Ans. Cassius and the conspirators disguise themselves with hats and cloaks to
avoid recognition. Their secrecy reflects the dangerous and illegal nature of
their conspiracy against Caesar.
15.
Why
does Brutus call the group “the faction”?
Ans. Brutus recognizes the men as conspirators united by a common secret
purpose. Calling them a faction shows his awareness of their political plotting
and shared intention against Caesar.
16.
What
does Brutus suggest about how conspiracy should hide itself?
Ans. Brutus says conspiracy should hide behind smiles and friendliness. Since
its true nature is monstrous, open display would expose it, so deception is
necessary for its survival.
17.
Why
does Brutus welcome the conspirators despite the danger?
Ans. Brutus welcomes them because he has already decided that Caesar must be
stopped. Their arrival confirms his resolve and provides the support he needs
to carry out the plan.
18.
How
does Cassius flatter Brutus on entering?
Ans. Cassius tells Brutus that all present honour him deeply and wish Brutus
valued himself as highly as Rome does. This flattery aims to secure Brutus’s
leadership in the conspiracy.
19.
What
does Brutus’s sleeplessness reveal about his character?
Ans. Brutus’s sleeplessness shows his moral seriousness and inner conflict. He
is not a reckless conspirator but a thoughtful man troubled by the ethical
consequences of his decision.
20.
How
does this scene establish Brutus as a tragic figure?
Ans. The scene shows Brutus torn between duty and conscience. His noble
intentions clash with the violent action he plans, highlighting the tragic
conflict that will ultimately lead to his downfall.
Three-Mark Questions
1.
Explain
Brutus’s reasoning for deciding that Caesar must die even though he admits
Caesar has not done any wrong.
Ans. Brutus reasons that
his opposition to Caesar is not personal but political. He fears that if Caesar
is crowned, power may corrupt him and turn him into a tyrant. Since ambition
often grows dangerous after success, Brutus believes it is wiser to prevent
future tyranny rather than wait for Caesar to commit actual crimes.
2.
How
does the image of the adder help Brutus justify his fear of Caesar?
Ans. Brutus compares
Caesar to an adder that appears harmless when hidden but becomes dangerous in
daylight. This metaphor suggests that Caesar, once crowned, may reveal a
violent and tyrannical nature. The image allows Brutus to argue that apparent
innocence can conceal deadly potential, justifying pre-emptive action.
3.
Discuss
the significance of the “ladder of ambition” metaphor in this scene.
Ans. The ladder of ambition shows how men rise through humility but become
arrogant after success. Brutus believes that Caesar may follow this
pattern—using modesty to gain power and later scorning those beneath him. This
metaphor reflects Brutus’s fear of moral decay caused by unchecked ambition and
strengthens his argument against Caesar’s rise.
4.
Why
does Brutus describe the quarrel against Caesar as having “no colour”?
Ans. Brutus admits that there is no visible justification for killing Caesar
because he has not abused his power yet. This honesty highlights Brutus’s moral
struggle. To overcome this difficulty, he imagines Caesar’s future behaviour,
showing that the conspiracy is based on fear of potential tyranny rather than
proven wrongdoing.
5.
Examine
the importance of the letter Brutus reads during the night.
Ans. The letter plays a
crucial role in reinforcing Brutus’s resolve. Its urgent tone urges him to
awaken and act for Rome. Although unsigned and vague, Brutus interprets it as
the voice of the Roman people. It convinces him that his actions are expected
and morally supported by Rome itself.
6.
How
does Brutus’s reference to his ancestors influence his decision?
Ans. By recalling how
his ancestors expelled King Tarquin, Brutus connects his present duty with his
family’s honour. This historical memory strengthens his sense of responsibility
toward Rome. He sees himself as continuing a noble tradition of opposing tyranny,
which helps him justify his decision to act against Caesar.
7.
Describe
Brutus’s mental conflict as revealed in his soliloquy.
Ans. Brutus portrays his
mind as a kingdom in rebellion, where reason and emotion struggle for control.
The period before action feels like a frightening dream. This imagery reveals
his deep inner turmoil, showing that he is not eager for violence but burdened
by the moral weight of his decision.
8.
What
is the dramatic significance of the conspirators arriving in disguise?
Ans. Their disguises
emphasize secrecy and danger. It reflects the unlawful and fearful nature of
their plot. Dramatically, it heightens tension and suspense while symbolising
that conspiracy must hide its true face. This reinforces Brutus’s earlier reflection
that conspiracy survives through deception rather than openness.
9.
Analyse
Brutus’s speech on conspiracy hiding in smiles and affability.
Ans. Brutus personifies
conspiracy as something monstrous that cannot appear openly. He suggests that
it must disguise itself with friendliness and politeness. This speech shows
Brutus’s awareness of the moral ugliness of conspiracy, even as he accepts its
necessity, deepening the tragic irony of his character.
10. How does Cassius’s dialogue at the
end of the extract aim to influence Brutus?
Ans. Cassius flatters Brutus by emphasizing the respect and admiration he
commands among noble Romans. By suggesting Brutus undervalues himself, Cassius
subtly encourages him to take leadership of the conspiracy. This manipulation
appeals to Brutus’s sense of honour and public duty rather than personal
ambition.
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