ACT 3, SCENE 1
1. Caesar:
I must prevent thee, Cimber.
These couchings and these lowly courtesies
Might fire the blood of ordinary men,
And turn pre-ordinance and first decree
Into the law of children. Be not fond
To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood
That will be thawed from the true quality
With that which melteth fools — I mean sweet words,
Low-crookèd curtsies, and base spaniel-fawning.
Thy brother by decree is banishèd.
If thou dost bend, and pray, and fawn for him,
I spurn thee like a cur out of my way.
Know, Caesar doth not wrong, nor without cause
Will he be satisfied.
Synopsis: Caesar says
he will stop Cimber from begging him. He says that such kneeling and humble
requests may influence ordinary people, but not him. He warns Cimber not to
think that he can be persuaded by sweet words, flattery, or bowing. Caesar
firmly states that Cimber’s brother has been legally banished. Even if Cimber
begs and pleads, Caesar will push him aside like a stray dog. He declares that
he never does anything wrong and always has a valid reason for his decisions.
Question (4 Marks):
What traits of Caesar’s character are revealed in this extract? How does
his speech foreshadow the events that follow?
Answer: In this
extract from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Caesar appears proud,
arrogant, and inflexible. He refuses to listen to Metellus Cimber’s plea and
declares that flattery and humble gestures cannot influence him. By comparing
such behaviour to “base spaniel-fawning,” he shows his contempt for weakness
and emotional appeal. Caesar believes his decisions are firm and just,
insisting that he does not act without cause. His overconfidence and sense of
superiority make him blind to danger. This rigid attitude and dismissal of
others’ feelings foreshadow his tragic downfall, as his enemies take advantage
of his pride and kill him.
2. Caesar: I could be well moved, if I were as you;
If I could pray to move, prayers would move me.
But I am constant as the northern star,
Of whose true-fixed and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament.
The skies are painted with unnumbered sparks,
They are all fire and every one doth shine;
But there's but one in all doth hold his place.
So in the world: 'tis furnished well with men,
And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive;
Yet in the number I do know but one
That, unassailable, holds on his rank,
Unshaked of motion; and that I am he.
Let me a little show it, even in this —
That I was constant Cimber should be banished,
And constant do remain to keep him so.
Synopsis: Caesar says he might have been
influenced if he were like the others, and if he could be moved by prayers,
then their begging might affect him. But he says he is steady and unchanging
like the North Star, which always stays in the same place while other stars
move. He says the world is full of people who can change their minds, but he
believes he is the only person who remains firm and cannot be influenced. He
proves this by saying he had firmly decided that Cimber’s brother should be
banished, and he will continue to stand by that decision.
Question
(4 Marks):
How does Caesar present himself in this extract? Explain the significance
of the comparison he makes with the “northern star.”
Answer: In this extract
from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Caesar presents himself as
firm, unchangeable, and superior to other men. He claims that he is “constant
as the northern star,” suggesting that he alone remains steady and unshaken
while others are changeable. By comparing himself to the only fixed star in the
sky, he highlights his belief in his unique authority and stability. This
comparison reveals his pride and overconfidence. His insistence on remaining
constant in banishing Cimber shows his rigidity, which ultimately contributes
to his tragic downfall later in the play.
3. Cassius:
Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life
Cuts off so many years of fearing death.
Brutus:
Grant that, and then is death a benefit;
So are we Caesar's friends, that have abridged
His time of fearing death. Stoop, Romans, stoop;
And let us bathe our hands in Caesar's blood
Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords.
Then walk we forth, even to the market-place,
And, waving our red weapons o'er our heads,
Let's all cry 'Peace, freedom and liberty!'
Cassius:
Stoop, then, and wash. How many ages hence
Shall this our lofty scene be acted over
In states unborn and accents yet unknown!
Brutus:
How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport,
That now on Pompey's basis lies along,
No worthier than the dust!
Synopsis: Cassius
says that a person who dies twenty years earlier also escapes twenty years of
fearing death. In other words, dying sooner means being free from the long fear
of dying in the future.
Brutus agrees with this idea and says that, if
this is true, then death can actually be a kind of benefit. He then justifies
their murder of Caesar by saying that, as Caesar’s friends, they have shortened
the time Caesar would have spent worrying about death.
Brutus then asks the Roman conspirators to
bend down and dip their hands in Caesar’s blood up to their elbows and smear
their swords with it. He suggests that they should then go to the marketplace,
raise their blood-covered swords in the air, and loudly shout that they have
brought “peace, freedom, and liberty” to Rome.
Cassius supports Brutus and asks the
conspirators to bend down and wash their hands in Caesar’s blood. He then
proudly imagines that their great and dramatic act will be remembered and
performed again and again in future generations, even in countries and
languages that do not yet exist.
Brutus continues this thought and says that
Caesar’s death will be shown many times in the future like a dramatic
performance. He points out that Caesar, who once held great power, now lies
dead at the base of Pompey’s statue, and at this moment, he is no more valuable
than ordinary dust.
Question (4 Marks):
What do Brutus and Cassius reveal about their motives and attitudes after
Caesar’s death in this extract?
Answer: In this
extract from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Brutus and Cassius
attempt to justify Caesar’s murder as a noble and patriotic act. Cassius argues
that killing Caesar has freed him from the fear of death, while Brutus claims
they acted as true friends. Brutus urges the conspirators to bathe their hands
in blood and proclaim “Peace, freedom and liberty,” presenting the
assassination as a sacrifice for Rome. However, their words reveal irony and
self-deception. They glorify the violent act and imagine it celebrated in
future ages, showing both idealism and tragic blindness.
4. Brutus:
Soft! Who comes here? A friend of Antony's.
Servant:
[Kneeling] Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel;
Thus did Mark Antony bid me fall down,
And being prostrate, thus he bade me say,
'Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest;
Caesar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving.
Say I love Brutus and I honour him;
Say I feared Caesar, honoured him, and loved him.
If Brutus will vouchsafe that Antony
May safely come to him and be resolved
How Caesar hath deserved to lie in death,
Mark Antony shall not love Caesar dead
So well as Brutus living, but will follow
The fortunes and affairs of noble Brutus
Thorough the hazards of this untrod state
With all true faith.' So says my master Antony.
Synopsis: Brutus suddenly notices someone
approaching and asks who is coming. The person is a servant of Mark Antony.
The servant kneels down and says that Antony
ordered him to kneel before Brutus and deliver a message respectfully. He says
Antony considers Brutus noble, wise, brave, and honest. He also says Antony
respected, feared, and loved Caesar for his strength, courage, and kindness.
Antony wants Brutus to know that he both loves and honours him.
The servant then says that Antony wishes to
come and meet Brutus safely so that he can understand why Caesar was killed and
whether he truly deserved death. Antony promises that if Brutus allows him to
come safely, he will remain more loyal to Brutus, who is alive, than to Caesar,
who is dead. He also promises to support Brutus faithfully through the
uncertain and dangerous political situation that Rome is now facing.
Question (4 Marks):
How does Antony, through his servant, cleverly persuade Brutus in this
extract? What does this reveal about Antony’s character?
Answer: In this
extract from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Antony cleverly uses
flattery and diplomacy to win Brutus’s trust. Through his servant, he
repeatedly praises Brutus as “noble, wise, valiant, and honest,” appealing to
Brutus’s sense of honour. Antony tactfully balances his love for Caesar with
respect for Brutus, avoiding open hostility. By requesting permission to
approach safely and understand Caesar’s death, he appears humble and loyal.
However, this polite message hides his true intentions. The speech reveals
Antony’s intelligence, caution, and political skill, as he plans to avenge
Caesar while pretending submission.
5. Antony:
[To Caesar's body] O mighty Caesar! Dost thou lie so low?
Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,
Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well.
[To Cassius and Brutus] I know not, gentlemen, what you intend,
Who else must be let blood, who else is rank.
If I myself, there is no hour so fit
As Caesar's death’s hour, nor no instrument
Of half that worth as those your swords, made rich
With the most noble blood of all this world.
I do beseech ye, if you bear me hard,
Now, whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke,
Fulfil your pleasure. Live a thousand years,
I shall not find myself so apt to die.
No place will please me so, no mean of death,
As here by Caesar, and by you cut off,
The choice and master spirits of this age.
Synopsis: Antony sadly looks at Caesar’s body and
says that the great and powerful Caesar has fallen so low in death. He wonders
how all of Caesar’s victories, achievements, and successes have ended in such a
small and helpless state. He then says goodbye to Caesar.
Antony turns to Brutus and Cassius and says he does
not know what their future plans are or who else they plan to kill. He says
that if they also intend to kill him, this is the most suitable moment because
dying beside Caesar would be the most honourable death for him. He says there
could be no better weapons to kill him than their swords, which are now covered
with Caesar’s noble blood.
Antony begs them that if they have any anger
against him, they should kill him immediately while their hands are still
stained with blood. He says that even if he lived for a thousand years, he
would never find a better or more honourable way to die than being killed there
beside Caesar by such powerful and important men of their time.
Question (4 Marks):
What feelings does Antony express in this speech, and how does he use
irony to influence the conspirators?
Answer: In this
extract from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Antony expresses deep
sorrow over Caesar’s death and pretends submission before the conspirators. He
mourns the fall of a great leader whose glory has been reduced to a lifeless
body. At the same time, he cleverly uses irony, offering himself to be killed
by their “honourable” swords. His exaggerated praise of their weapons and
bravery is not sincere but strategic. By appearing humble and loyal, he removes
their suspicion. This speech reveals Antony’s grief, intelligence, and political
skill in preparing for revenge.
6. Brutus:
O Antony, beg not your death of us!
Though now we must appear bloody and cruel,
As by our hands and this our present act
You see we do, yet see you but our hands
And this the bleeding business they have done.
Our hearts you see not; they are pitiful;
And pity to the general wrong of Rome —
As fire drives out fire, so pity pity —
Hath done this deed on Caesar. For your part,
To you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony.
Our arms no strength of malice, and our hearts
Of brothers' temper, do receive you in
With all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence.
Synopsis: Brutus tells Antony not to beg them to
kill him. He says that although they appear violent and cruel because they have
just murdered Caesar, Antony should only judge their actions by what he sees on
the outside. Brutus claims that their hearts are actually full of sympathy and
compassion.
He explains that they killed Caesar because they
felt deep pity for the suffering and problems of the Roman people. He compares
this to using one fire to put out another fire, meaning they believed killing
Caesar was necessary to save Rome.
Brutus then assures Antony that their swords are
not meant to harm him. He says they have no hatred toward Antony. Instead, he
says they welcome him like a brother, with kindness, respect, and good
intentions.
Question (4 Marks):
How does Brutus attempt to justify Caesar’s murder in this speech? What does
this reveal about his character?
Answer: In this extract
from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Brutus tries to justify the
assassination by claiming it was done out of pity and love for Rome. He admits
that their hands appear bloody and cruel, but insists their hearts are
compassionate. According to him, Caesar’s death was necessary to remove the
“general wrong of Rome.” He assures Antony that their swords have no malice
toward him and that he is welcomed with brotherly affection. This speech
reveals Brutus as idealistic and self-deceived, believing the murder was a
noble and patriotic act.
7. Antony: I doubt not of your wisdom.
Let each man render me his bloody hand.
First, Marcus Brutus, will I shake with you;
Next, Caius Cassius, do I take your hand;
Now, Decius Brutus, yours; now yours, Metellus;
Yours, Cinna; and, my valiant Casca, yours;
Though last, not least in love, yours, good Trebonius —
Gentlemen all. Alas, what shall I say?
My credit now stands on such slippery ground
That one of two bad ways you must conceit me —
Either a coward or a flatterer.
[To Caesar's body] That I did love thee, Caesar, O, 'tis true!
If then thy spirit look upon us now,
Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death
To see thy Anthony making his peace,
Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes —
Most noble! — in the presence of thy corse?
Had I as many eyes as thou hast wounds,
Weeping as fast as they stream forth thy blood,
It would become me better than to close
In terms of friendship with thine enemies.
Pardon me, Julius! Here wast thou bayed, brave hart;
Here didst thou fall; and here thy hunters stand,
Signed in thy spoil, and crimsoned in thy Lethe.
O world, thou wast the forest to this hart,
And this indeed, O world, the heart of thee!
How like a deer, strucken by many princes,
Dost thou here lie!
Synopsis: Antony says
he does not doubt the wisdom of the conspirators and asks each of them to shake
hands with him. He shakes hands with Brutus first, then Cassius, and then the
other conspirators one by one, showing respect to all of them.
He then sadly says he does not know what to say
because his reputation is now in danger. He feels that the conspirators might
think of him either as a coward or as someone who is simply flattering them to
stay safe.
Antony then turns to Caesar’s dead body and says
that he truly loved Caesar. He says if Caesar’s spirit is watching them, it
would feel even more painful to see Antony making peace and shaking hands with
the men who killed him than Caesar’s actual death.
He says that if he had as many eyes as Caesar has
wounds, and if tears flowed from them as fast as Caesar’s blood is flowing,
that would be more appropriate than pretending to be friendly with Caesar’s
enemies.
Antony asks Caesar to forgive him. He compares
Caesar to a brave deer that has been hunted and killed. He says Caesar was
surrounded and attacked here, and the conspirators now stand around him like
hunters covered in the blood of their prey. Antony says the world was like a
forest in which Caesar, the noble deer, lived, and now that noble creature lies
dead after being attacked by many powerful men.
Question (4 Marks):
How does Antony reveal his true feelings for Caesar in this speech? Comment
on the contrast between his actions and emotions.
Answer: In this extract
from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Antony outwardly behaves with
courtesy, shaking hands with the conspirators and pretending respect for their
wisdom. However, his true emotions are revealed when he turns to Caesar’s body
and mourns deeply. He calls himself either a coward or a flatterer for making
peace with the murderers. His vivid imagery of Caesar as a hunted deer
surrounded by “bloody fingers” exposes his grief and anger. The contrast
between his polite actions and inner sorrow highlights his intelligence and self-control
as he prepares for revenge.
8. Antony: O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,
That I am meek and gentle with these butchers!
Thou art the ruins of the noblest man
That ever livèd in the tide of times.
Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!
Over thy wounds now do I prophesy —
Which, like dumb mouths, do ope their ruby lips
To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue —
A curse shall light upon the limbs of men.
Domestic fury and fierce civil strife
Shall cumber all the parts of Italy.
Blood and destruction shall be so in use,
And dreadful objects so familiar,
That mothers shall but smile when they behold
Their infants quartered with the hands of war,
All pity choked with custom of fell deeds.
And Caesar's spirit, ranging for revenge,
With Ate by his side, come hot from hell,
Shall in these confines, with a monarch's voice
Cry 'Havoc!' and let slip the dogs of war,
That this foul deed shall smell above the earth
With carrion men, groaning for burial.
Synopsis: Antony asks Caesar to forgive him for
behaving politely and calmly with the conspirators, whom he secretly considers
cruel murderers. He says Caesar was the greatest and most noble man who ever
lived.
Antony curses the people who killed Caesar and
predicts terrible consequences for Rome. He says that Caesar’s wounds seem to
be silently asking him to speak and demand justice. He warns that violent civil
war will spread throughout Italy. There will be so much bloodshed and
destruction that people will become used to horrible violence.
He predicts that mothers will one day watch their
children being killed in war and will not even react because such cruelty will
have become common. He says Caesar’s spirit will return seeking revenge,
accompanied by the spirit of destruction. Caesar’s spirit will shout commands
for war, causing terrible fighting and chaos. Antony says this evil crime will
result in so many deaths that the land will be filled with unburied dead
bodies, and the air will be filled with the smell of decay and suffering.
Question (4 Marks):
What prophecy does Antony make in this speech, and how does it reveal his
feelings and future intentions?
Answer: In this extract
from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Antony expresses deep sorrow
and burning anger over Caesar’s murder. Calling the conspirators “butchers,” he
apologizes to Caesar’s body for pretending friendship with them. He prophesies
terrible consequences: civil war, bloodshed, and widespread suffering
throughout Italy. His vivid images of destruction show how deeply he is moved.
Antony imagines Caesar’s spirit crying “Havoc!” and unleashing the “dogs of
war,” symbolizing revenge. This speech reveals his emotional intensity and
determination to avenge Caesar, foreshadowing the chaos and conflict that will
soon follow.
(SCENE 2 STARTS)
9. Brutus: Be patient till the last.
Romans, countrymen, and lovers, hear me for my cause,
and be silent, that you may hear. Believe me for mine
honor, and have respect to mine honor, that you may
believe. Censure me in your wisdom, and awake your
senses, that you may the better judge. If there be any in
this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar's, to him I say
that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less than his. If then
that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this
is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved
Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living, and die
all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men?
As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate,
I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honor him; but as he
was ambitious, I slew him. There is tears for his love; joy
for his fortune; honor for his valor; and death for his
ambition. Who is here so base that would be a bondman?
If any, speak, for him have I offended. Who is here so rude
that would not be a Roman? If any, speak, for him have
I offended. Who is here so vile that will not love his
country? If any, speak, for him have I offended. I pause for
a reply.
Synopsis: Brutus asks the crowd to remain patient and listen carefully to him
until he finishes speaking. He requests them to trust his honour and judge him
wisely and fairly. He says that if anyone present was a close friend of Caesar,
they should know that Brutus loved Caesar just as much as they did.
Brutus explains that he did not kill Caesar because
he hated him, but because he loved Rome more. He asks the people whether they
would prefer Caesar to live and make them all slaves, or Caesar to die so that
they could live as free citizens.
He says that because Caesar loved him, he feels sad
and cries for him. Because Caesar was successful, he feels happy for him.
Because Caesar was brave, he respects him. But because Caesar was ambitious and
dangerous to Rome, he killed him.
Brutus says he has shown tears for Caesar’s love,
happiness for his success, respect for his bravery, and punishment for his
ambition. He then challenges the crowd by asking if anyone there is so weak
that they would want to live as a slave. If such a person exists, Brutus says
he has wronged them. He asks if anyone does not wish to be a proud Roman or
does not love their country. He says if such a person exists, he has offended
them. Finally, he pauses and waits for someone to answer.
Question (4 Marks):
How does Brutus justify Caesar’s assassination in his speech to the Roman
citizens? Comment on his use of rhetoric.
Answer: In this extract
from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Brutus justifies the
assassination by claiming he loved Rome more than Caesar. He appeals to the
citizens’ sense of honour, asking them to judge him wisely. Brutus argues that
Caesar’s ambition threatened Roman freedom, and killing him saved the people
from slavery. Through balanced statements—tears for love, joy for fortune,
honour for valour, and death for ambition—he presents himself as rational and
patriotic. His repeated rhetorical questions challenge anyone who prefers
slavery over freedom, skilfully persuading the crowd of his noble intentions.
10. Antony:
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.
I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.
The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interrèd with their bones —
So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus
Hath told you Caesar was ambitious.
If it were so, it was a grievous fault,
And grievously hath Caesar answered it.
Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest —
For Brutus is an honorable man;
So are they all, all honorable men —
Come I to speak in Caesar's funeral.
He was my friend, faithful and just to me.
But Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honorable man.
He hath brought many captives home to Rome,
Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill.
Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?
When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept;
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff.
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honorable man.
You all did see that on the Lupercal
I thrice presented him a kingly crown,
Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition?
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And sure he is an honorable man.
I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke,
But here I am to speak what I do know.
You all did love him once, not without cause;
What cause withholds you then to mourn for him?
O judgment, thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason! Bear with me;
My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar,
And I must pause till it come back to me.
Synopsis: Antony
addresses the crowd and asks them to listen carefully. He says he has come to
bury Caesar, not to praise him. He says that people usually remember the bad
things a person has done after their death, while their good deeds are often
forgotten, and he says this may happen with Caesar too.
He says that Brutus has told them Caesar was
ambitious. Antony says that if this was true, it was a serious fault, and
Caesar has paid for it with his life. Antony reminds the crowd that he is
speaking with permission from Brutus and the other conspirators, whom he
repeatedly calls honourable men.
Antony then begins to question whether Caesar was
truly ambitious. He says Caesar was his loyal and honest friend. He reminds the
crowd that Caesar brought many prisoners to Rome, and the money from those
prisoners helped fill Rome’s treasury. Antony asks whether this seems like the
action of an ambitious man.
He says that whenever poor people cried or
suffered, Caesar felt sympathy and cried for them, which does not show
ambition. Antony reminds them that during the Lupercal festival, he offered
Caesar a crown three times, and Caesar refused it each time. He again asks
whether this seems like ambition, but he still says Brutus is an honourable
man.
Antony says he is not trying to prove Brutus wrong
but is simply telling what he personally knows. He reminds the people that they
once loved Caesar for good reasons and asks why they are not mourning him now.
Antony sadly says that people’s good judgment seems to have disappeared, and
they have become unreasonable. He then becomes emotional, saying his heart is
with Caesar’s dead body, and he pauses his speech until he can control his
feelings.
Question (4 Marks):
How does Antony use irony and persuasive language to influence the Roman
citizens in this speech?
Answer: In this extract
from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Antony skilfully uses irony
and rhetoric to turn the crowd against the conspirators. Though he repeatedly
calls Brutus “an honourable man,” his tone gradually makes the phrase sound
doubtful and sarcastic. He provides logical examples to refute the charge of
ambition, such as Caesar refusing the crown and showing compassion for the
poor. Antony appeals to emotion by reminding the people of their past love for
Caesar and expressing his own grief. His pause at the end deepens sympathy,
cleverly stirring the crowd’s feelings and weakening Brutus’s justification.
11. Antony: But yesterday the word of Caesar might
Have stood against the world. Now lies he there,
And none so poor to do him reverence.
O masters, if I were disposed to stir
Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage,
I should do Brutus wrong, and Cassius wrong,
Who — you all know — are honorable men.
I will not do them wrong. I rather choose
To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you,
Than I will wrong such honorable men.
But here's a parchment, with the seal of Caesar;
I found it in his closet — 'tis his will.
Let but the commons hear this testament —
Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read —
And they would go and kiss dead Caesar's wounds
And dip their napkins in his sacred blood,
Yea, beg a hair of him for memory,
And dying, mention it within their wills,
Bequeathing it as a rich legacy
Unto their issue.
Synopsis: Antony says
that just yesterday Caesar was so powerful that his words could influence the
whole world, but now he lies dead, and even the poorest person does not show
him respect. He tells the crowd that if he wanted to, he could easily make them
angry and cause them to rebel. However, he says he does not want to speak
against Brutus and Cassius, whom he again calls honourable men.
He says he would rather speak badly about himself,
the crowd, and even the dead Caesar than say anything against such “honourable
men” (though he is speaking sarcastically). Antony then shows them Caesar’s
will, which he says he found among Caesar’s personal papers.
He tells the crowd that if they were to hear what
is written in the will, they would feel so emotional that they would kiss
Caesar’s wounds, soak their handkerchiefs in his blood, and even ask for a
strand of his hair as a memory. He says they would value such things so much
that they would pass them down to their children as precious family treasures.
Question (4 Marks):
How does Antony manipulate the Roman crowd in this speech? Explain his
method of persuasion.
Answer: In this extract
from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Antony cleverly manipulates
the crowd by using irony and emotional appeal. He reminds the people of
Caesar’s former power and contrasts it with his present helpless state,
arousing sympathy. Though he claims he does not wish to incite mutiny or wrong
the “honourable” Brutus and Cassius, his repeated phrase gradually sounds
sarcastic. By mentioning Caesar’s will and pretending he will not read it, he
increases curiosity and excitement. His vivid imagery of citizens treasuring
Caesar’s blood intensifies their emotions, successfully turning them against
the conspirators.
12. Antony:
Have patience, gentle friends; I must not read it.
It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you.
You are not wood, you are not stones, but men;
And, being men, hearing the will of Caesar,
It will inflame you, it will make you mad.
'Tis good you know not that you are his heirs;
Synopsis: Antony asks the crowd to remain calm
and patient and says he should not read Caesar’s will to them. He says it is
not suitable for them to know how much Caesar loved them. He reminds them that
they are human beings with emotions, not lifeless objects like wood or stone.
He warns that if they hear the will, it will make them extremely emotional and
angry. He adds that it is probably better for them not to know that Caesar has
left them his wealth and property in his will.
Question (4 Marks):
How does Antony increase the curiosity and emotions of the crowd in this
speech? Explain his strategy.
Answer: In this
extract from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Antony skilfully
heightens the crowd’s curiosity and emotions. He pretends that he must not read
Caesar’s will because it would inflame them with anger. By saying they are not
“wood” or “stones” but sensitive men, he appeals to their humanity and
feelings. His claim that they should not know how much Caesar loved them only
makes them more eager to hear it. This reverse psychology excites their
imagination and sympathy, preparing them for rebellion. Antony’s clever
restraint effectively turns public opinion against the conspirators.
13. Antony:
If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.
You all do know this mantle. I remember
The first time ever Caesar put it on.
'Twas on a summer's evening in his tent,
That day he overcame the Nervii.
Look, in this place ran Cassius' dagger through.
See what a rent the envious Casca made.
Through this, the well-belovèd Brutus stabbed;
And as he plucked his cursèd steel away,
Mark how the blood of Caesar followed it,
As rushing out of doors to be resolved
If Brutus so unkindly knocked or no —
For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar's angel.
Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him!
This was the most unkindest cut of all,
For when the noble Caesar saw him stab,
Ingratitude, more strong than traitors' arms,
Quite vanquished him. Then burst his mighty heart,
And in his mantle muffling up his face,
Even at the base of Pompey's statue,
Which all the while ran blood, great Caesar fell.
O, what a fall was there, my countrymen!
Then I, and you, and all of us fell down,
Whilst bloody treason flourished over us.
O, now you weep, and I perceive you feel
The dint of pity — these are gracious drops.
Kind souls, what weep you when you but behold
Our Caesar's vesture wounded? Look you here!
[He
removes the mantle.]
Here is himself, marred as you see with traitors.
Synopsis: Antony
tells the crowd to get ready to cry if they have any tears. He shows them
Caesar’s cloak and says he remembers the first time Caesar wore it, on the day
he defeated the Nervii in battle.
He then points out the places on the cloak where
the conspirators stabbed Caesar. He says Cassius made one cut, and Casca made
another. He says the most painful wound was made by Brutus, whom Caesar loved
deeply and trusted like a close friend. Antony says that when Brutus stabbed
Caesar, it was so shocking and hurtful that it broke Caesar’s heart more than
the physical attack.
He describes how Caesar covered his face with his
cloak and fell down at the base of Pompey’s statue while bleeding heavily.
Antony sadly says that when Caesar fell, it was not only Caesar who fell, but
the whole Roman people suffered, while treachery and betrayal became powerful.
Antony notices that the crowd has started crying
and says their tears show their sympathy and kindness. He then tells them that
they are only seeing Caesar’s wounded cloak so far. He removes the cloak and
shows Caesar’s dead body, saying that this is Caesar himself, badly damaged by
the traitors.
Question (4 Marks):
How does Antony use emotional appeal and imagery to turn the crowd against
the conspirators in this speech?
Answer : In this extract
from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Antony powerfully arouses the
crowd’s emotions through vivid imagery and dramatic presentation. He recalls
Caesar’s victories and points to the tears in his mantle, naming each
conspirator and highlighting Brutus’s betrayal as “the most unkindest cut of
all.” By describing Caesar’s love for Brutus and his tragic fall at Pompey’s
statue, Antony deepens the sense of injustice. The physical display of the
wounded body intensifies pity and anger. Through this emotional strategy,
Antony successfully transforms the citizens’ grief into outrage against the
conspirators.
14. Antony:
Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up
To such a sudden flood of mutiny.
They that have done this deed are honourable.
What private griefs they have, alas, I know not,
That made them do it. They are wise and honourable,
And will no doubt with reasons answer you.
I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts.
I am no orator, as Brutus is,
But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man
That love my friend; and that they know full well
That gave me public leave to speak of him.
For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth,
Action, nor utterance, nor the power of speech
To stir men's blood; I only speak right on.
I tell you that which you yourselves do know,
Show you sweet Caesar's wounds, poor poor dumb mouths,
And bid them speak for me. But were I Brutus,
And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony
Would ruffle up your spirits, and put a tongue
In every wound of Caesar that should move
The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.
Synopsis: Antony
calls the crowd his good and dear friends and tells them not to suddenly become
violent or rebellious. He again says that the men who killed Caesar are
honourable and claims he does not know what personal reasons forced them to
commit the murder. He says they are wise and will surely explain their reasons
to the people.
Antony says he has not come to win the crowd’s
support or influence their emotions. He says he is not a great speaker like
Brutus but only a simple and straightforward man who loved Caesar. He adds that
the conspirators themselves gave him permission to speak.
He humbly says he does not have great intelligence,
powerful language, impressive actions, or speaking skills to excite people’s
emotions. He says he is only telling them what they already know. He shows
Caesar’s wounds and says these wounds, which cannot speak, are speaking through
him.
Antony then says that if he were Brutus and Brutus
were Antony, he would use powerful words to excite the crowd and make every
wound of Caesar speak loudly enough to make even the stones of Rome rise up and
rebel.
Question (4 Marks):
How does Antony use irony and modesty to influence the Roman citizens in
this speech?
Answer: In this extract
from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Antony cleverly uses irony
and false modesty to sway the crowd. He claims he does not wish to stir them to
mutiny and repeatedly calls the conspirators “honourable,” though his tone
suggests doubt. By saying he is “no orator” but a “plain blunt man,” he
pretends simplicity while actually delivering a powerful speech. He lets
Caesar’s wounds “speak” for him, deepening emotional impact. His suggestion
that another Antony would incite rebellion subtly plants the idea of revolt, skilfully
turning public sympathy into anger.
ACT 4, SCENE 1
15. Antony: Octavius, I have seen more days than you;
And though we lay these honors on this man
To ease ourselves of divers sland’rous loads,
He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold,
To groan and sweat under the business,
Either led or driven, as we point the way.
And having brought our treasure where we will,
Then take we down his load, and turn him off,
Like to the empty ass, to shake his ears
And graze in commons.
Synopsis: Antony tells Octavius that he is older and more experienced. He says
they are giving honour and responsibilities to Lepidus only to remove blame and
criticism from themselves. He compares Lepidus to a donkey carrying gold — the
donkey carries something valuable but does not understand it. Antony says
Lepidus will simply follow their orders and do the work they assign to him.
Antony adds that once Lepidus has helped them
achieve their goals, they will remove him from power and discard him, just like
an empty donkey that has finished carrying its load and is sent away to graze
in the fields.
Question (4 Marks):
What does Antony reveal about his political intentions in this speech?
Explain the meaning of the comparison he makes.
Answer: In Act 4, Scene
1 of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Antony reveals his practical
and manipulative political mind. Speaking to Octavius, he compares Lepidus to
an ass carrying gold, suggesting that Lepidus is useful but lacks real power or
intelligence. Antony believes Lepidus will merely carry responsibilities and
bear criticism while Antony and Octavius control decisions. Once his usefulness
ends, he will be dismissed like an “empty ass.” This comparison shows Antony’s
ruthlessness and ambition. Unlike his earlier emotional appearance, he now
appears calculating and power-driven, ready to use others for political
advantage.
16. Antony: So is my horse, Octavius, and for that
I do appoint him store of provender.
It is a creature that I teach to fight,
To wind, to stop, to run directly on,
His corporal motion governed by my spirit,
And, in some taste, is Lepidus but so.
He must be taught, and trained, and bid go forth:
A barren-spirited fellow; one that feeds
On objects, arts, and imitations,
Which, out of use and staled by other men,
Begin his fashion. Do not talk of him
But as a property. And now, Octavius,
Listen great things. Brutus and Cassius
Are levying powers. We must straight make head.
Therefore let our alliance be combined,
Our best friends made, our means stretched;
And let us presently go sit in council
How covert matters may be best disclosed
And open perils surest answerèd.
Synopsis: Antony
tells Octavius that he is older and more experienced. He says that they are
giving honour and power to Lepidus only to remove blame and criticism from
themselves. He compares Lepidus to a donkey carrying gold — the donkey carries
something valuable but does not understand its worth. Antony says Lepidus will
simply follow their orders and do the work they assign to him. Once he has
helped them achieve their goals, they will remove him from power and discard
him like an empty donkey that is no longer useful.
Antony continues by comparing Lepidus to his own
horse. He says he feeds and trains his horse carefully so that it obeys his
commands, runs, stops, and fights as he directs. He says Lepidus is similar — a
man who must be trained and guided. Antony describes Lepidus as a weak-minded
person who copies others instead of thinking for himself and values old and
borrowed ideas. He tells Octavius not to consider Lepidus as an equal partner
but only as a useful tool.
Antony then becomes serious and tells Octavius that
Brutus and Cassius are gathering armies. He says they must immediately prepare
to face them. He advises strengthening their alliance, gathering loyal
supporters, and using all available resources. He suggests they should quickly
meet in council to secretly plan their strategies and find the safest way to
deal with the coming dangers and enemies.
Question (4 Marks):
How does Antony describe Lepidus in this speech? What does this reveal about
Antony’s character and political strategy?
Answer: In this extract
from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Antony compares Lepidus to
his horse, showing deep contempt for him. He describes Lepidus as a creature
that must be trained and directed, lacking independent spirit and originality.
By calling him a “property,” Antony reveals that he sees Lepidus merely as a
tool for political use. This comparison highlights Antony’s ruthlessness and
practical mindset. He is focused on power and strategy, especially against
Brutus and Cassius. The speech shows Antony as calculating, ambitious, and ready
to manipulate alliances to secure control over Rome.
SCENE 2
17. Brutus: Thou hast described
A hot friend cooling. Ever note, Lucilius,
When love begins to sicken and decay,
It useth an enforcèd ceremony.
There are no tricks in plain and simple faith;
But hollow men, like horses hot at hand,
Make gallant show and promise of their mettle;
[Low
marching music offstage.]
But when they should endure the bloody spur,
They fall their crests, and like deceitful jades
Sink in the trial. Comes his army on?
Synopsis: Brutus tells Lucilius that he has correctly described a friend whose
affection is cooling down. He says that when love or friendship begins to
weaken, people start behaving with forced politeness and artificial manners.
True and honest friendship does not need such formal behaviour.
He compares false friends to spirited horses that
appear strong and energetic when they are first handled. They look impressive
and promise to be brave and powerful. But when the time comes to face real
danger and hardship, they lose courage and fail, just like unreliable horses
that collapse during a real test.
Brutus then hears marching music and asks whether
Cassius’s army is approaching.
Question (4 Marks):
How does Brutus describe false friendship in this speech? What do the images
he uses suggest about loyalty?
Answer: In this extract
from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Brutus reflects on the
decline of true friendship. He observes that when love begins to fade, it hides
behind forced politeness and empty ceremony. According to him, genuine faith is
simple and without tricks, while “hollow men” only pretend loyalty. By
comparing such people to spirited horses that appear strong but collapse under
the “bloody spur,” he suggests that false friends fail in times of trial. The
imagery emphasizes that real loyalty proves itself in hardship, not in grand
promises or outward display.
SCENE 3
18. Brutus: Remember March, the Ides of March remember.
Did not great Julius bleed for justice' sake?
What villain touched his body, that did stab,
And not for justice? What, shall one of us,
That struck the foremost man of all this world
But for supporting robbers, shall we now
Contaminate our fingers with base bribes,
And sell the mighty space of our large honors
For so much trash as may be graspèd thus?
I had rather be a dog and bay the moon
Than such a Roman.
Synopsis: Brutus
reminds Cassius to remember the Ides of March, the day they killed Julius
Caesar. He says Caesar was killed because they believed it was the right and
just thing to do. He asks how anyone who helped kill Caesar for justice could
now behave dishonestly.
Brutus questions whether they, who killed the
greatest man in the world to stop corruption and wrongdoing, should now take
bribes and dishonour themselves for money. He says he would rather be like a
dog howling at the moon than live as a corrupt and dishonourable Roman.
Question (4 Marks):
How does Brutus defend the murder of Caesar in this speech? What do his
words reveal about his ideals?
Answer: In this extract
from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Brutus defends Caesar’s
assassination as an act of justice, not personal hatred. By recalling the Ides
of March, he reminds others that they struck Caesar for the good of Rome. He
argues that if they killed the “foremost man of all this world” to oppose
corruption, they must not now dishonour themselves by accepting bribes. Brutus
values honour and integrity above wealth or gain. His strong declaration that
he would rather be a dog than a corrupt Roman highlights his rigid moral principles
and deep patriotism.
19. BRUTUS
You have done that you should be sorry for.
There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats,
For I am armed so strong in honesty
That they pass by me as the idle wind,
Which I respect not. I did send to you
For certain sums of gold, which you denied me,
For I can raise no money by vile means.
By heaven, I had rather coin my heart
And drop my blood for drachmas than to wring
From the hard hands of peasants their vile trash
By any indirection. I did send
To you for gold to pay my legions,
Which you denied me. Was that done like Cassius?
Should I have answered Caius Cassius so?
When Marcus Brutus grows so covetous
To lock such rascal counters from his friends,
Be ready, gods, with all your thunderbolts;
Dash him to pieces!
Synopsis: Brutus
tells Cassius that he has done something he should feel ashamed of. He says he
is not afraid of Cassius’s threats because he is protected by his honesty and
moral values, and such threats do not affect him.
Brutus reminds Cassius that he had asked him for
money to pay his soldiers, but Cassius refused. He says he cannot collect money
through dishonest or corrupt methods. He declares that he would rather
sacrifice his own heart and blood to earn money than force poor peasants to
give their small savings unfairly.
He again asks whether Cassius behaved properly by
refusing him money. Brutus says that if he ever becomes so greedy that he
refuses to help his friends with money, then the gods should strike him down
with lightning and destroy him.
Question (4 Marks):
How does Brutus express his moral principles in his quarrel with Cassius?
What does this speech reveal about his character?
Answer: In this extract
from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Brutus strongly defends his
integrity during his quarrel with Cassius. He declares that threats do not
frighten him because he is “armed so strong in honesty.” Brutus refuses to
raise money by corrupt or dishonourable means, even for his army. He would
rather sacrifice his own heart and blood than extort wealth from poor peasants.
His anger arises from Cassius’s refusal to provide gold for noble purposes.
This speech highlights Brutus’s strict moral code, pride, and deep commitment to
honour above material gain.
20.
Brutus: Good reasons must, of force, give place to better.
The people 'twixt Philippi and this ground
Do stand but in a forced affection,
For they have grudged us contribution.
The enemy, marching along by them,
By them shall make a fuller number up,
Come on refreshed, new-added, and encouraged,
From which advantage shall we cut him off
If at Philippi we do face him there,
These people at our back.
Synopsis: Brutus says
that good plans must be changed if there are better plans available. He
explains that the people living between their current camp and Philippi do not
truly support them and have only helped them unwillingly, complaining about
giving them money and resources.
He warns that if they stay where they are, the
enemy army will pass through those areas and gain support, supplies, and new
soldiers from those people. This will make the enemy stronger and more
confident. Brutus says they can stop the enemy from gaining this advantage if
they march to Philippi and fight them there instead of waiting, because
otherwise those unfriendly people will remain behind them and become a danger.
Question (4 Marks):
Why does Brutus argue in favour of meeting the enemy at Philippi? What does
this speech reveal about his leadership?
Answer: In this extract
from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Brutus argues that they
should march to Philippi and confront the enemy there. He reasons that the
people between their present camp and Philippi are not truly loyal, as they
have unwillingly paid contributions. If the enemy passes through them, he will
gain fresh support and strength. By advancing first, Brutus believes they can
cut off this advantage. His speech shows him as logical and strategic, willing
to make bold decisions. It also reveals his confidence in his judgment, even
when it opposes Cassius’s cautious view.
21. Brutus: [Music, and a song. Lucius falls
asleep.]
This is a sleepy tune. O murd'rous slumber!
Layest thou thy leaden mace upon my boy,
That plays thee music? Gentle knave, good night.
I will not do thee so much wrong to wake thee.
If thou dost nod, thou break'st thy instrument;
I'll take it from thee; and, good boy, good night.
Let me see, let me see — is not the leaf turned down
Where I left reading? Here it is, I think.
Synopsis: Brutus listens to the soft music and
notices that it is making Lucius fall asleep. He calls sleep dangerous and
heavy, as if it has struck the boy with a heavy weapon while he was playing
music.
Brutus kindly tells Lucius good night and decides
not to wake him because he does not want to trouble him. He notices that if
Lucius continues to fall asleep, he might drop and damage his musical
instrument, so Brutus gently takes it from him. He again wishes the boy good
night.
Brutus then turns back to his book and looks for
the place where he had stopped reading. He checks whether he had marked the
page and believes he has found the correct spot.
Question (4 Marks):
What does this scene reveal about Brutus’s character? How does Shakespeare
present a softer side of him here?
Answer: In this extract
from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Brutus is shown in a gentle
and human light. As Lucius falls asleep while playing music, Brutus does not
scold him but affectionately calls him “gentle knave” and carefully removes the
instrument to let him rest. His words reveal kindness, patience, and concern
for the boy’s comfort. The quiet atmosphere contrasts with the earlier scenes
of conflict and violence. Shakespeare presents Brutus not only as a stern
patriot and leader but also as a compassionate master, capable of tenderness
and deep feeling.
N.B.: Courtesy ChatGPT
Compiled by Dr. Shankar D
Mishra, Sr. Lecturer in English
WhatsApp no. 8249297412
