| Question (1): |
Why does Calpurnia tell Caesar not to stir out of the house?
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| Answer: Calpurnia has seen many unnatural things happen. Her own "inner self" has frightened her that something horrible was going to take place. She has a dream in which she sees Caesar's statue pouring forth blood and Romans dipping their hands into it, so she advises Caesar to remain indoors. |
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| Question (2): |
What horrible things did the watchman see in the streets?
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| Answer: The watchman had seen a lioness whelping in the sheets, graves opening and giving out the dead, fiery warriors had been seen fighting in the clouds and blood drizzling upon the capitol. Ghosts shrieked and squealed in the streets. |
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| Question (3): |
How does Caesar react to Calpurnias" fears" in the beginning?
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| Answer: Caesar remains unruffled at what Calpurnia states about the unnatural things. He says that anything whose end is purposed by the mighty Gods can't be avoided. |
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| Question (4): |
What are Caesars views about men and death?
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| Answer: Caesar says that cowards die many times before their death. The brave taste death only once. It is a very strange thing that men fear death when they know that it is a necessary end and shall come when it comes. |
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| Question (5): |
What did Calpurnia dream of Caesar which makes the fear for him?
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| Answer: Calpurnia dreamed of Caesar's stature which like a fountain had a hundred spouts. Pure blood ran from them and lusty Romans came smiling and dipped their hands into these. Calpurnia saw this dream and regarded it as inauspicious and ominous and requested Caesar not to go out of the house. |
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| Question (6): |
What interpretation did Brutus give of Calpurnia's dream about Caesar?
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| Answer: Brutus said that Caesar's statue spouting blood in which many Romans bathed their hands signifies that Rome shall be great. Metaphorically, it stands for Caesar's "spirit" and signifies that it will serve as colours to a coat of arms an object of reverence; mementoes and a bridge of service. |
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| Question (7): |
Why does Calpurnia say Caesar's "wisdom" is consumed in confidence? What does she mean by it?
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| Answer: Calpurnia says that Caesar's wisdom is overshadowed by over-confidence. He is wise no doubt, but he should not be over-confident about that whatever he sees to be always right and auspicious for him. |
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| Question (8): |
What are the arguments put forward by Decuis Brutus to convince Caesar to go to the Capitol?
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| Answer: Brutus gives a positive interpretation to Calpurnia's dream of Caesar. He says that the dream signifies that Caesar will be so great that all will seek him in great honour. Secondly, if Caesar does not go to the senate that day, the senators may change their mind about offering the crown to him. |
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| Question (9): |
Why is Decius Brutus more successful than Calpurnia in persuading Caesar to go to the senate house?
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| Answer: Decius Brutus is a close and honourable friend of Caesar. He is known for his uprightness, honesty and integrity. So whatever Brutus says is believed wholeheartedly by Caesar to be true and appropriate. Besides Brutus uses the right argument when he says that the senate may not offer Caesar the crown if he didnt go that day. It works very well, as Caesar believes this to be true. |
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| Question (10): |
Why does Cimber crouch so low before Caesar and how does Caesar react to it?
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| Answer: As per the plans of the Conspirators, Metellus Cimber crouches very low before Caesar to repeal the order of banishing his brother from Rome. Cimber bends so low that Caesar looks at it as "fawning" (flattering) and that it reminds him of a low bred dog and if Cimber continues to do so, he will treat him like a low bred dog by kicking him out of his way. Caesar says that he is like the Northern star fixed and permanent and constant. Once he has made a decision and moreover the right one, he was not going to change it or repeal the order. |
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| Question (11): |
Who says "Et tu Brute" ? When are these words spoken? Why?
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| Answer: Brutus is a very close and a sincere confidante of Caesar. He along with some of the others conspire to kill Caesar. When Brutus stabs Caesar, Caesar is shocked out of his wits and says "Et tu Brute" meaning you too Brutus? Caesar cannot face the fact that Brutus has also joined hands with the others to conspire to kill him. |
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| Question (12): |
In the moments following Caesar's death, what do the conspirators proclaim to justify Caesar's death?
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| Answer: The conspirators proclaim "liberty, freedom and enfranchisement" in the moments following Caesar's murder for the sake of democracy; freedom and glory of the country. They all justify Brutus reason for killing Caesar - that he had grown too "ambitious" and it was not good for Rome or its people. |
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| Question (13): |
How does Antony react on seeing Caesar's dead body?
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| Answer: Antony is overwhelmed with grief on seeing Caesar's dead body. He exclaims that inspite of Caesars' conquests, glories, triumphs and spoils, he lies so "low". He offers to be killed and lie by Caesar's side whom he calls the choice and master spirits of this age and "most noble". |
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| Question (14): |
How do Brutus and Cassius respond to Antony's speech when he sees Caesar's body and speaks?
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| Answer: Brutus asks Antony not to beg for his own death because they had killed Caesar with a purpose. They are not Antony's enemies. He offers his arms of friendship to Antony and proclaims him to be their friend. Cassius says that with Antony by their side he shall be strong like the others and Antony's words shall carry as much weight as anybody else's in the distribution of the new offices and honours. |
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| Question (15): |
On what condition does Anthony offer his "friendship" to Brutus and Cassius?
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| Answer: Antony tells Cassius that he is willing to go along with them and be their friend. But he needs to know the reason why they killed Caesar and how he was, as they say, dangerous to the country. He also wants to be allowed to speak about Caesar at his funeral. |
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| Question (16): |
Why does Cassius object to allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral? How does Brutus overcome this objection?
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| Answer: Cassius fears that in speaking at Caesar's funeral Antony may move the people against them. Brutus over rules this objection stating that he himself would speak first and give the reasons for Caesar's death. Antony could speak after him and shall not blame them for Caesar's death. Also he will tell the people that he has been allowed to speak about Caesar with their permission. He should speak only after Brutus has spoken and also from the same pulpit. |
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| Question (17): |
What are the conditions imposed upon Antony by the conspirators before allowing him to speak at Caesar's funeral?
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| Answer: The conspirators agree to allow Antony to speak, but Brutus would speak first, giving reasons for killing Caesas. Antony could speak only after Brutus had finished speaking and he must tell the people that he had been given permission to speak by them. He would speak in the same pulpit where (from) Brutus will speak from. Finally, Antony must not blame them for Caesar's death in his funeral speech. |
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| Question (18): |
When Antony is alone with Caesar's body, how does he address it and what does he call the conspirators?
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| Answer: Antony begs pardon that he is meek and gentle with the butchers, meaning the killers of Caesar. He calls Caesar "bleeding piece of earth" , and " the ruins of the noblest man that ever lived in the tide of times" . He curses the hand that shed the costly blood of Caesar. He calls the conspirators "butchers". |
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| Question (19): |
What predictions does Antony make regarding the future events in Rome?
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| Answer: Antony predicts that "domestic fury" and "fierce civil strife" shall spread in Italy. Blood and destruction shall rage the country. Mothers shall go mad and smile when they see their children slaughtered. The earth shall be covered with dead bodies lying for burial. Caesar's spirit shall roam about for revenge and his spirit will be accompanied by Ate, the goddess of strife, who would come in hot haste from hell. |
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| Question (20): |
What reasons does Brutus give for murdering Caesar?
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| Answer: Brutus says that he loved Caesar, but loved Rome more. If Caesar had lived, he would have made all the Romans slaves because he was "ambitious". Would the people of Rome have liked that? They killed Caesar, so that the people of Rome could be free. Brutus puts Caesar in poor light saying that Caesar was ambitious and that he did it for the good of his country and his countrymen. |
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| Question (21): |
Who says "let him be Caesar" ? What light does this throw on the speaker?
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| Answer: "Let him be Caesar" is spoken by the third citizen representing the mob. The mob is fickle-minded and this fickleness is seen in the fact that the mob hails Brutus now without thinking rationally. |
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| Question (22): |
How effective is Antony's speech at Caesar's funeral?
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| Answer: Antony as we can see, is a master manipulator, in his funeral speech. He appeals to the sentiments of the mob. He first sides with his conspirators, but as he proceeds he proves to the mob that Caesar was not ambitious. He gave all his possessions to the people of Rome as he had written in his will. This incites the mob and they want to chase the conspirators to kill them. |
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| Question (23): |
Why does Antony say that he doesnt want to read Caesar's will before the mob?
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| Answer: Antony says so only to rouse the mob against the conspirators. He says so because if they come to know that Caesar has given them his every thing they will beg a hair or nail of Caesar for memory, as a relic, because Caesar was so great. They would like to kiss his wounds and dip their handkerchiefs in his sacred blood as a rich legacy for their children. |
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| Question (24): |
How does Antony prove that Caesar was never ambitious?
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| Answer: Antony says that on the lupercal he presented Caesar the kingly crown thrice. But Caesar refused it. Caesar offered his orchards and private properties to the Romans for their use and pleasure and seventy-five silver coins to each and every countrymen. If he had been "ambitious" he wouldn't have done all these things. |
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| Question (25): |
At the end of the scene, what is the fate of Brutus and Cassius?
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| Answer: Antony had successfully instigated the mob to mutiny against and rage the houses of the conspirators. They set the benches and windows on fire. They burnt Caesar's body in the holy place and with the brands and torches set fire to the traitors houses. |
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| Question (26): |
After reading Julius Caesar what conclusions do you draw about the Roman mob of the day?
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Answer: Fickle
The most outstanding trait of the mob is its fickleness. A clever person can lead it as he likes. So when Brutus speaks the mob adores him. They want him to be Caesar. They want to crown and honour him in every possible way, but as Antony has spoken, the same mob cries for revenge and wants to kill Brutus and his companions.
Foolish and emotional
Roman mob is made of foolish people who are sentimental and incapable of judging a situation or a person properly. The description of the way Caesar was killed brings tears to their eyes.
Greedy
Antony knows that the common Romans are greedy. Caesar has left seventy five silver coins for each Roman and the mob immediately cries "Noble Caesar" .
Violent
The mob is violent. They always seem ready to attack those they don't like. They call for burning of Brutus's house and killing all the conspirators. |
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| Question (27): |
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
Calpurnia
Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies,
Yet now they fright me. There is one within,
Besides the things that we have heard and seen,
Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch.
a) When does Calpurnia speak these lines.
b) What is "One million" and "without" that has frightened her the most?
c) How does Caesar react to these premonitions?
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Answer: a) Calpurnia speaks these lines to Caesar before he gets ready to go to the Senate house.
b) Calpurnia has seen a horrible dream about Caesar's statue spouting pure blood and the Romans bathing their hands into it. Then the watchman has seen unnatural things occurring outside. These two are internal and external things.
c) Caesar states that nothing can be avoided and the end is purposed by the Gods. He doesnt give much importance to these premonitions.
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| Question (28): |
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
Caesar
Cowards die many times before their deaths;
The valiant never taste of death but once.
Of all the wonders that I yet have heard.
It seems to me most strange that men should fear;
Seeing that death, a necessary end,
Will come when it will come.
a) When does Caesar speak these lines?
b) What is most strange for Caesar?
c) How does Calpurnia react to Caesar's attitude to her premonition?
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Answer: a) Caesar speaks these lines to Calpurnia when she pleads before him not to go to the senate house as she has seen a horrible dream about him.
b) A strange thing for Caesar is that men fear death when they know it is inevitable and it shall come when it comes.
c) Calpurnia reacts stating that Caesars "wisdom is confused with confidence. "She continues to plead with him not to leave the house.
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| Question (29): |
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
Your statue spouting blood in many pipes,
In which so many smiling Romans bathed,
Signifies that from you great Rome shall suck
Reviving blood, and that great men shall press
For tinctures, stain, relics and cognizance.
a) Who speaks these lines and to whom?
b) What is Brutu's interpretation of Calpurneas dream?
c) Is the speaks giving the right meaning? Why?
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Answer: a) Decius Brutus speaks these lines to Julius Caesar
b) Brutus interpretes Calpurnias dream of Caesar in his favour, saying that the blood spouted by Caesar's statue signifies that Caesar's honour shall increase. His blood will serve as colour added to a coat of arms; be an object of reverence, mementoes and a badge of service.
c) Decius Brutus misinterprets Calpurnias dreams of Caesar for his own advantage. He has conspired with others to murder Caesar that day in the senate house. He knows that Caesar is credulous so he deliberately gives Calpurnia's dream a different interpretation to serve his own motive |
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| Question (30): |
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
For your part,
To you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony:
Our arms, in strength of malice, and our hearts
Of brothers' temper, do receive you in
With all kind love, good thoughts and reverence.
a) Who is speaking these lines and to whom?
b) How do the murderers of Caesar receive Mark Antony?
c) How do the conspirators think mark Antony will be helpful in friendship?
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Answer: a) Brutus is speaking these lines to Anthony after the murder of Caesar.
b) The murderers of Caesar receive Mark Antony as a friend with kind love and good thoughts and respect.
c) The conspirators think that Antony will strengthen their voices in disposing of new dignities as Cassius states.
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| Question (31): |
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
Antony
That's all I seek:
And am moreover suitor that I may
Produce his body to the market-place;
And in the pulpit, as becomes a friend,
Speak in the order of his funeral.
a) What does Antony seek?
b) Why does Antony want to produce Caesar's body at the market place?
c) How does Cassius react to Antony's request?
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Answer: a) Antony seeks to know why the conspirators murdered Caesar and how/what made him an ambitious man.
b) Antony wants to produce Caesars dead body at the market place to turn the tables against the conspirators and bring the mob against the murderers of Caesar.
c) Cassius doesn't want Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral because he has apprehensions that Antony may move the Roman people against them.
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