Summary of “Julius Caesar”At the senate Metellus gives a petition requesting Caesar to recall his brother, Publius who had been banished from Rome. Caesar answers that since Publius had been banished by lawful decree; there is no just cause for absolving his guilt. Brutus and Cassius kneel at Caesar’s feet and repeat Metellus’s plea. Caesar answers that he will not change his mind, declaring himself to be as ‘constant as the Northern Star’. Caesar is murdered in the Senate House by the conspirators. Recognizing that the Brutus, too, has joined with the conspirators, Caesar speaks his last word:”Ettu, Brute?”-Then falls Caesar. Antony enters and pretends that he agrees with the conspirators actions. Addressing Caesar’s departed spirit; Antony asks to be pardoned for making peace with the conspirators over his dead body. However, Antony is granted permission to speak at Caesar’s funeral. Brutus and Cassius enter the Forum with a Crowd of Plebeians. Brutus speaks first at the funeral to explain their reasons for killing Caesar. He feared that the Romans would live as slave under Caesar’s leadership. The people seem to accept his explanation. Brutus explains to the crowd that Antony had no part in the conspiracy. And then Antony enters with Caesar’s body. Antony says that he has come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. Throughout his speech, Antony never really says anything bad about Brutus and the others, but he talks about Caesar being such a great and noble man willing to sacrifice all for his people. He reminds the plebeians of the day when he offered the crown to Caesar three times, Caesar refused and three times. He insists that as they all loved Caesar once, they should mourn for him. The Plebeians are touched. They become angry and a mob runs through the streets in search of the conspirators. Battle plans are made as well as a list of people supportive of Brutus and the conspirators to be killed. There is a battle between the armies of Octavius Caesar and Antony Clash with those of Brutus and Cassius at Philippi and Sardis. Finally Brutus and Cassius are defeated and both commit suicide. |
Unit-14 : Solutions of Questions on Page Number : 157
NCERT Solutions for Class- 10 Chapter 14 Julius Caesar
Q1 : Consult a dictionary and find out the difference between:
(a) killing
(b) murder
(c) assassination
Answer :
(a)Killing – to deprive of life in any manner
(b)Murder – killing of another human being
(c)Assassination – to murder by a surprise attack, especially for political purposes
Q2 : Popular and powerful leaders have been assassinated in the past as well as in recent times. Can you name some of them?
___
_
_
__
_
Answer :
Mahatma Gandhi___
__Indira Gandhi_____
___Rajiv Gandhi_____
___Abraham Lincoln___
___John F. Kennedy____
Q3 : Discuss in groups the reasons why the leaders you named in (2) were assassinated. Is assassination the end to a problem?
Answer :
The above leaders were assassinated for political reasons or targeted by groups. These leaders were driven by truth, non-violence, patriotism but some anti-social elements didn’t want them to establish a peaceful society, hence assassinated them. Assassination or violence is not an end to a problem rather it leads to more turmoil and unrest. Objectives and aims can be achieved peacefully rather than resorting to violence and more dangerous measures such as assassination.
Q4 : When Caesar says “Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace to-night” he sounds_____
(a) worried
(b) angry
(c) joyous
(d) frightened
Answer :
(a) worried
Q5 : Caesar’s reference to the senators as ‘graybeards’ shows his ___
(a) confidence
(b) cowardice
(c) arrogance
(d) ambition
Answer :
(c) arrogance
Q6 : Decius Brutus changes Caesar’s mind about going to the Senate by appealing to his____
(a) ambition
(b) vanity
(c) greed
(d) generosity
Answer :
(a) vanity
Q7 : The offer that Cassius makes to Antony after Caesar’s assassination is that___
(a) the conspirators would like to be friends with him
(b) he may take Caesar’s body to the pulpit and speak to the crowd praising Caesar for his achievements
(c) his recommendations will be as strong as that of the conspirators while distributing the powers and benefits to friends
(d) he may join the conspiracy against Caesar
Answer :
(a) the conspirators would like to be friends with him
Q8 : Cassius tries to stop Brutus from letting Antony speak at Caesar’s funeral as he ____
(a) knows the Roman mob loves Caesar and Antony
(b) knows Brutus is not a good orator
(c) knows they should not have killed Caesar
(d) knows Antony is a good orator who can sway the mob
Answer :
(d) knows Antony is a good orator who can sway the mob
Q9 : What prophecy does Antony make over Caesar’s dead body?
(a) Romans will see Caesar’s ghost roaming on the streets
(b) Rome will experience fierce civil war in which many people will die
(c) Rome will be ruled by Ate
(d) Roman women will smile at the death of Caesar
Answer :
(b) Rome will experience fierce civil war in which many people will die
Q10 : After listening to Brutus’ speech, the Third Citizen says ‘Let him be Caesar’. This clearly shows he _____
(a) has not understood Brutus’ reason for killing Caesar
(b) loved Caesar more than he loves Brutus
(c) loves Brutus more than he loved Caesar
(d) thinks Brutus killed Caesar to assume power.
Answer :
(a) has not understood Brutus’ reason for killing Caesar
Q11 : When Antony calls the conspirators ‘honourable men’ his tone is __
(a) admiring
(b) flattering
(c) angry
(d) mocking
Answer :
(b) flattering
Q12 : Antony’s reference to Caesar’s conquest of the Nervii is to ____
(a) remind the mob of Caesar’s greatness as a warrior
(b) make the mob feel afraid of being attacked by the war-like race
(c) make the crowd weep for Caesar who died at war
(d) stop and collect his emotions as he is feeling very upset
Answer :
(a) remind the mob of Caesar’s greatness as a warrior
Q13 : Antony’s remark Mischief, thou art afoot,
Take thou what course thou wilt! , shows him to be _____
(a) a ruthless manipulator
(b) an honourable man
(c) a loyal friend
(d) a tactful man
Answer :
(c) a loyal friend
Q14 : How do the heavens ‘blaze forth’ the death of Julius Caesar?
Answer :
The watch (watchman) sees horrible and frightening things. He saw a lioness giving birth on the streets, fierce warriors fighting a bloody fight and blood falling on the Capitol, ghosts shrieking and squealing in the streets, the dead coming out of the grave. Apart from this, Calpurnia saw frightening dreams. All these were unnatural happenings and indicated bad omen.
Thus, heavens “blaze forth” the death of Julius Caesar.
Q15 : How do the heavens ‘blaze forth’ the death of Julius Caesar?
Answer :
The watch (watchman) sees horrible and frightening things. He saw a lioness giving birth on the streets, fierce warriors fighting a bloody fight and blood falling on the Capitol, ghosts shrieking and squealing in the streets, the dead coming out of the grave. Apart from this, Calpurnia saw frightening dreams. All these were unnatural happenings and indicated bad omen.
Thus, heavens “blaze forth” the death of Julius Caesar.
Q16 : Why does Calpurnia say Caesar’s ‘wisdom is consumed in confidence’? What does she mean?
Answer :
Calpurnia says that Caesar’s ‘wisdom is consumed in confidence because Caesar decides to go to the Senate ignoring all the signs which foretell him about danger. Calpurnia felt that Caesar had become overconfident and because of this he couldn’t understand there was a threat to his life. Julius doesn’t act wise and declines the idea of staying back because if he did so, he would be considered a coward.
Q17 : What does Calpurnia dream about Caesar? How does Decius Brutus interpret the dream?
Answer :
Calpurnia dreamt that Caesar’s statue spouted blood from a hundred places and many Roman people came and washed their hands in it. Decius Brutus interprets it as a lucky and fortunate dream. He says that Rome and Romans will get a new life. Great man shall gather around Caesar and stain their handkerchief in his blood. Distinguished men will get honour at his hands and everything relating to him will be held in utmost reverence.
Q18 : What are the arguments put forward by Decius Brutus to convince Caesar to go to the Capitol?
Answer :
Decius Brutus is a clever man. The arguments put forward by Decius Brutus were that the Senate had decided to present Caesar a crown and if he did not go, then they might change their minds. All this convinces Caesar to go to the Capitol.
Q19 : Why is Decius more successful than Calpurnia in persuading Caesar?
Answer :
Decius Brutus is a great flatterer. He is more successful in persuading Caesar than Calpurnia because his argument appeals to Caesar’s pride.While Calpurnia wishes that Caesar stay at home after seeing horrible dreams, Decius Brutus interprets the dreams lucky and fortunate. According to him, they signify Caesar’s power and influence. He gives Caesar’s ego a boost. Caesar is totally carried away by his words and decides to go to the Capitol.
Q20 : What is the petition put before Caesar by the conspirators? How does Caesar respond to it?
Answer :
The conspirators want that Caesar should call Publius Cimber home as he had banished him. They request him to review his earlier decision. However, Caesar is no mood to relent. He tells the conspirators that he is firm like a Pole Star. His heart will not be softened by bowing and stooping activities and if Metellus Cimber continues such activities, he would turn him away like a street dog.
Q21 : Who says “Et tu Brute”? When are these words spoken? Why?
Answer :
These words are spoken by Caesar when Brutus along with other conspirators stabs Caesar. Caesar was stabbed in the Senate House and Brutus too stabs him. Caesar had not expected Brutus to behave in such a treacherous manner. As he tries to defend himself, with his broken heart, he says ‘Et tu Brute’.
Q22 : In the moments following Caesar’s death what do the conspirators proclaim to justify Caesar’s death?
Answer :
After Caesar’s death, the conspirators claim that with Caesar’s death tyranny has ended in Rome. They shout slogans like ‘Peace, Liberty, Freedom and Enfranchisement’. They say that although Caesar was a great man, he had become too ambitious.
Q23 : Seeing the body of Caesar, Antony is overcome by grief. What does he say about Caesar?
Answer :
Antony is filled with grief and sorrow on seeing mighty Caesar lying on the ground. He says “O mighty Caesar! Dost thou lie so low?/ Are all they conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,/ Shrunk to this little measure?/ Fare thee well.” He said he was totally ignorant of the conspirator’s intentions. He is willing to die at their hands. His life is not as valuable as Caesar’s and he will think himself as fortunate if he is killed by the same sword as the one which killed Caesar. He bids Caesar a sorrowful farewell. He believed that Caesar brought glories, victories and gains in war to the city of Rome.
Q24 : Whom does Antony call ‘the choice and master spirits of this age”? Why?
Answer :
Antony calls the conspirators “the choice and master spirits of this age”. He says this because they had just killed the leader of the Roman Empire.
Q25 : How do Brutus and Cassius respond to Antony’s speech?
Answer :
After listening to Antony’s speech, Brutus assures him that even though the deed seems bloody, their intentions were worthy. Their pity for the common people of Rome overrode their pity for Caesar. Cassius offers Antony new position in the government.
Q26 : Why does Cassius object to allowing Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral? How does Brutus overcome this objection?
Answer :
Cassius does not think it would be proper Antony should speak at Caesar’s funeral as his speech may change the mind of the audience. But Brutus tells that Antony would only speak with their consent and he will speak first and his speech will enumerate reasons for Caesar’s death.
Q27 : What are the conditions imposed by the conspirators before allowing Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral?
Answer :
The conditions imposed on Mark Antony were that in his funeral speech he would not blame the conspirators, but speak all good things about Caesar. He had to speak from the same pulpit as Brutus and tell the people that he did so by the conspirators’ permission.
Q28 : When he is left alone with the body of Caesar what does Anthony call Brutus and the others?
Answer :
Antony prays that Caesar will pardon Antony if he has been meek and gentle with his murderers. Antony calls Caesar the most illustrious man the world has ever known. He curses the men who have killed him.
Q29 : What prediction does Antony make regarding the future events in Rome?
Answer :
Antony says that the Romans will pay for the sin they have committed by murdering Caesar. A curse will fall upon them. The Romans will suffer from various terrible happenings. A furious civil war with bloodshed and destruction will occur in the country. Cruel deeds will be committed frequently. Mothers shall see their near and dear ones cut to pieces before their eyes. The soul of Caesar will roam to seek revenge of his death.
Q30 : What reasons does Brutus give for murdering Caesar?
Answer :
Brutus tells that he killed Caesar because he had become ambitious and wanted to be the king of Rome. He killed Caesar for the betterment of Rome. He was also ready to lay down his life for his country. He honoured Caesar as long as he was heroic but when he became ambitious he killed him.
Q31 : Who says, “Let him be Caesar”? What light does this throw on the speaker?
Answer :
The third citizen says “Let him be Caesar” after Brutus has finished his speech justifying Caesar’s killing. Brutus in his speech proclaims that the public can kill him if he too becomes ambitious like Caesar. He has the same dagger for himself and he is willing to lay down his life for his country. The citizens are fully satisfied. They praise Brutus and show their sympathy for the act.
Q32 : Why is Antony’s speech more effective?
Answer :
Antony speech is more effective because it is genuine and full of emotions and feelings for Caesar. He very cleverly tells the crowd that Caesar was not ambitious rather he had refused the crown thrice. He enhanced the glory of Rome with his victories. He left 75 drachmas in his will to be given to every Roman. He left his gardens and property for the common use of the people. He tries to gain the sympathy of the people by showing Caesar’s wounded body. The mob is filled with anger after Antony’s speech and they rush to kill the conspirators.
Q33 : At the end of the scene what is the fate of Brutus and Cassius?
Answer :
After Antony’s speech, the mob is filled with anger. They rush to kill the conspirators. They burn their houses. Cassius and Brutus plan to face the enemy and discuss their strategy inside a tent. However, both start to quarrel violently but soon become friends. Cassius cannot handle defeat and commits suicide. The ghost of Caesar haunts Brutus. Brutus knows his end is near. He asks Starto to hold his sword, runs on it and dies.
Q34 : Julius Caesar and Antony reveal something their character in their words and actions. We also learn about them from what other people say. Pick out the words that describe them from the box given below.
|
superstitious |
arrogant |
loyal |
clever |
|
over-confident |
manipulative |
good orator |
ambitious |
|
brave |
great conqueror |
generous |
fearless |
|
loves flattery |
firm |
shrewd |
crafty |
| Person | Extract from play | What it tells us about the character |
| Julius Caesar | 1. the things that threaten’d me Ne’er look’d but on my back; when they shall seeThe face of Caesar, they are vanished. |
1. arrogant |
| 2. ______ ________ ____ |
||
| 3. _____ _____ _____ |
||
| 4. _______ ________ _______ |
||
| 5. _____ _______ ____ |
||
| 6. _____ ___________ _______ |
| Person | Extract from play | What it tells us about the character |
| Mark Antony | 1. _____ ______ ______ |
|
| 2. ____ ______ ______ |
||
| 3. ____ ______ ______ |
||
| 4. ____ ______ ______ |
||
| 5. _____ ______ ______ |
||
| 6. _____ ______ _______ |
Answer :
| Person | Extract from play | What it tells us about the character |
| Julius Caesar | 1. the things that threaten’ d me Ne’er look’d but on my back; when they shall see The face of Caesar, they are vanished. |
1. arrogant |
| 2.Cowards die many times before their deaths;The valiant never taste of death but once. |
2. over-confident | |
| 3.What can be avoided Whose end is purposed by the mighty gods? Yet Caesar shall go forth; for these predictions Are to the world in general as to Caesar. |
3. fearless | |
| 4.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-fix’d and resting quality There is no fellow in the firmament. |
4. firm | |
| 5.Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,Shrunk to this little measure? |
5. great conqueror | |
| 6.To every Roman citizen he gives,To every several man, seventy-five drachmas. |
6. generous |
| Person | Extract from play | What it tells us about the character |
| Mark Antony | 1.That I did love thee, Caesar, O, ’tis true:If then thy spirit look upon us now, |
1. loyal |
| 2.Pardon me, Caius Cassius: The enemies of Caesar shall say this; Then, in a friend, it is cold modesty. |
2. clever | |
| 3.Therefore I took your hands, but was, indeed,Sway’d from the point, by looking down on Caesar.Friends am I with you all and love you all, Upon this hope, that you shall give me reasons Why and wherein Caesar was dangerous. |
3. shrewd | |
| 4.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 honourable man. |
4. crafty | |
| 5.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 interred with their bones; So let it be with Caesar. |
5. good orator | |
| 6.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 honourable men: I will not do them wrong; I rather choose To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you, Than I will wrong such honourable men. |
6. manipulative |
Q35 : In the play ‘Julius Caesar’, we meet the Roman mob. We find that as Brutus and Antony speak, the mob displays certain qualities and characteristics.
Given below are some characteristics of the mob. Complete the table by quoting the ones wherein these are revealed.
| Words/actions of the mob | Characteristics |
| 1. ___________ | Foolish |
| 2. __________ | Does not understand the ideals of democracy |
| 3. _________ | Emotional |
| 4. _________ | Greedy |
| 5. _________ | Fickle |
| 6. ________ | Violent |
Answer :
| Words/actions of the mob | Characteristics |
| 1.Mark’d ye his words? He would not take the crown;Therefore ’tis certain he was not ambitious. |
Foolish |
| 2.Caesar’s better parts Shall be crown’d in Brutus. |
Does not understand the ideals of democracy |
| 3.Poor soul! his eyes are red as fire with weeping. |
Emotional |
| 4.Read the will; we’ll hear it, Antony;You shall read us the will, Caesar’s will. |
Greedy |
| 5.They were traitors: honourable men! |
Fickle |
| 6.Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! Kill! Slay!Let not a traitor live! |
Violent |
Q36 : Antony employs a number of devices to produce the desired effect on the mob. These devices may be described as rhetorical devices. He first speaks in such a manner that it seems to the mob that he is in full agreement with Brutus about Caesar. Then step by step he moves away from Brutus’ position, depicting Brutus as a villain and Caesar as a wronged man. Copy and complete the following table by showing how Antony builds the argument in Caesar’s favour.
| Antony’s words |
Argument |
| 1. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. | Does not wish to eulogise Caesar |
| 2. The noble Brutus Hath told you Caesar was ambitious: If it were so, it was a grievous fault, And grievously hath Caesar answered it. |
Seemingly agrees with Brutus |
Answer :
| Antony’s words |
Argument |
| 1. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. | Does not wish to eulogise Caesar |
| 2. The noble Brutus Hath told you Caesar was ambitious: If it were so, it was a grievous fault, And grievously hath Caesar answered it. |
Seemingly agrees with Brutus |
| 3.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 honourable man. |
Disproves Brutus’ point by showing that Caesar cared for the people |
| 4.I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke,But here I am to speak what I do know. |
States that he is not speaking against Brutus |
| 5.You all did love him once, not without cause:What cause withholds you then, to mourn for him? |
Revives sympathy for Caesar |
Q37 : 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) Whom is Caesar speaking to? Why does he say these words?
(b) What fears has the listener expressed?
(c) What is the basis for the fears expressed?
Answer :
(a)Caesar is speaking to his wife Calpurnia. He speaks these words in response to Calpurnia’s pleadings that he should not go out of the house as his life might be in danger.
(b)Calpurnia has expressed a fear that the ominous signs during the night might mean that Caesar’s life is in danger.
(c)The bases of her fears are the unearthly events during the previous night and the strange dream which she had.
Q38 : But here’s a parchment with the seal of Cesar;
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 Cesar’s wounds
(a) Who speaks these words? Where is the speaker at this moment?
(b)What are the contents of Caesar’s will that he is referring to?
(c) Why does the speaker read Caesar’s will to the citizens?
(d) What is the reaction of the listeners to the reading of the will?
Answer :
(a)Mark Antony speaks these words. He is in the market place pulpit.
(b)The contents of Ceasar’s will were as follows:
To every Roman citizen he gave seventy-five drachmas. In addition to this, all his walks, orchards and gardens were to be opened to the public.
(c)The speaker reads Caesar’s will to the audience to play on their sympathy, and to make Caesar look like a great, benevolent ruler.
(d)On hearing the will, the citizens call Caesar noble, and pledge to avenge his death.
Q39 : Stage a press conference that takes place shortly after Caesar’s death. The “reporters” should have their questions written down ahead of time to ask the students who play the roles of Brutus, Antony and Cassius.These questions should focus on the key events in the play, as well as the characters’ intentions.
Answer :
This question is to be answered on the basis of your own understanding, experience and thoughts. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, a brief idea has been provided for your reference.
Brutus’ questions
- You were a great friend of Caesar. What made you stab Caesar?
- You are considered to be the noblest of all Romans. Why did you resort to killing Caesar?
- How did you feel when Caesar says ‘Et, tu, Brute’?
- You misinterpreted Calpurnia’s dream. Don’t you regret it?
Antony’s questions
- How did you feel when Caesar was stabbed by the conspirators?
- How did you plan to turn the mob against the conspirators?
- You instigated the Romans against the conspirators. What do you have to say in your defence?
Cassius’ questions
- You were the main conspirator? How did you plan your conspiracy and why?
- Why did you make Brutus join in the conspiracy?
- Why didn’t you stop Brutus from letting Antony make a speech at Caesar’s funeral?
- Although you have successfully murdered Caesar, there is a lot of turmoil in Rome. Do you regret your actions?
Q40 : Why was the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar hatched?
Answer :
The conspiracy to assassinate Caesar was hatched to prevent him from being crowned the king of Rome. Brutus and Cassius had a grudge against Caesar and they wished to have the power in their hands rather than with Caesar.
Q41 : Was Caesar really ambitious? Find evidence from the play to support your answer.
Answer :
Caesar was not ambitious. He brought many glories and victories to Rome and Romans. He was kind and sympathetic person. He refused the crown thrice. Caesar was very compassionate. He understood the plight of the poor. He promised seventy-five drachmas to every Roman.
Q42 : What was Cassius’ motive for murdering Julius Caesar?
Answer :
Cassius was jealous of Caesar’s growing power and influence. In fact he didn’t wish to see him as the great conqueror of the world. He didn’t want that Caesar should rule the Romans and that is why he wished to murder him.
Q43 : Why was it essential for the conspirators to include Brutus in the conspiracy?
Answer :
Brutus was a staunch patriot. He thought that Caesar was a dictator. He was a great friend of Caesar but he joined hands with the conspirators to free Rome from Caesar’s tyranny. He felt that for the welfare, liberty and freedom of Rome, it was necessary that Caesar should be killed. It was necessary for the conspirators to include Brutus as he was friends with Caesar and Caesar would trust him completely.
Q44 : What were the mistakes made by Brutus that led to the failure of the conspiracy?
Answer :
Casca, Cinna, and Cassius jealous of Caesar’s growing power decide to murder him. Meanwhile, Brutus wants that the Romans should be free from the tyranny of Caesar. He, along with other conspirators, decides to kill Caesar. Cassius and Brutus take Caesar to Capitol and stab him. Antony realizes the conspiracy to kill Caesar.
He seeks Brutus’ permission to speak at Caesar’s funeral. Brutus agrees and after his speech, Antony speaks. Antony instigates the mob against the conspirators. Brutus and Cassius are forced to kill themselves. The mistake of letting Antony address the mob led to the failure of conspiracy.
Q45 : Comment on Caesar’s friendship with Antony.
Answer :
Antony was a dear friend of Caesar. He did not agree with Brutus that Caesar was an ambitious person who wanted to rule over Rome. In fact he was ready to lay down his life for Rome. After Brutus’ speech at Caesar’s funeral, Antony delivers an emotional speech. He tells the mob that Caesar was not at all ambitious. He refused the crown three times. He said that Caesar had left 75 drachmas for every Roman.
Antony appealed to the sentiments of the mob and even showed the wounded corpse of Caesar. The mob was so influenced by Antony’s speech that they turned against the conspirators. Thus Antony showed his affection and respect for Caesar.
Q46 : Write a brief character sketch of Antony.
Answer :
Antony is a dear friend of Caesar. He is also a great orator and craftsman. He spends most of his time in revelry and listening to music. He looks upon life as a celebration in which he has a distinguished part to play. He is extremely devoted to Caesar. He wishes that Caesar should be crowned the king.
A clever man, Antony, is successful in fooling Brutus into believing that he is with the conspirators after the death of Caesar. He delivers an influential speech which makes the mob realize conspiracy behind Caesar’s murder. He has genuine love and affection for Caesar and wishes to avenge his death. It is because of his speech, the conspirators are crushed.
Q47 : What is the role of Julius Caesar’s ghost in the play, Julius Caesar?
Answer :
The ghost of Julius Caesar appears twice in the play: once before Brutus when he is sleeping in his tent, it stood by his bed side and said nothing. The second time it appears in a battle at Philippi. The ghost appeared in front of Antonius and Octavius. It did not say anything.
The purpose of the ghost was to make Brutus realize his mistake. He was carried away by emotions and joined hands with the conspirators. Caesar’s death led to turmoil and unrest in Rome. Brutus is unhappy seeing all this and kills himself with his own sword.
Q48 : Why does Antony call Brutus ‘the noblest Roman of them all’?
Answer :
Antony’s comment that Brutus is ‘the noblest Roman of them all’ is laced with sarcasm. Actually he wishes to tell the public that Caesar was not at all ambitious as pointed by Brutus but he does not say this immediately rather he cites instances and instigates audience slowly and logically.
Antony is a great orator. He first calls Brutus the noblest Roman in order to gain attention and sympathy of the public. Slowly he tells the public that it was not Caesar’s ambition but Brutus’ personal grudge against Caesar that made him kill Caesar. Thus he is able avenge his friends’ death as the mob after hearing Antony’s speech turns against the conspirators.
Q49 : How do Brutus and Cassius meet their end?
Answer :
Brutus wants that their forces should move to Philippi and attack the enemy. Cassius does not agree and leaves alone. On the plains of Philippi, Brutus and Cassius reach with their forces where there are the armies of Octavius and Antony. With the interference of Octavius their wrong doing comes to an end.
Then the forces of Cassius and Antony fight in which Antony emerges victorious. Cassius could not accept this defeat and commits suicide. Brutus too is disheartened and kills himself with his own sword.
Q50 : A reporter covers the event of the assassination of Julius Caesar in the senate giving graphic details and a catchy headline. Write the newspaper report in about 200 words.
Answer :
This question is to be answered on the basis of your own understanding, experience and thoughts. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution on your own. However, a sample solution has been provided for your reference.
Caesar Slandered
Today was a dark day in the history of Rome. A great son of soil, Julius Caesar, was assassinated in broad daylight. He was supposed to be crowned the king of Rome but unfortunately it was not meant to be.
Caesar came to Capitol to be crowned the king. At the Capitol, Cimber, bent in front of Caesar and pleads for his brother. Caesar had banished Cimber’s brother. Brutus and Cassius also plead on behalf of Cimber. But Caesar does not relent. He is firm about decision about Cimber’s brother.
At this point the conspirators started to stab him. Caesar’s great friend, Brutus also joins the others in stabbing Caesar. Caesar is shocked to see this and utters “You too, Brutus”. After the stabbing the conspirators shouted slogans of ‘Liberty, freedom and enfranchisement’.
It is believed that Calpurnia, Caesar’s wife had a premonition about Caesar’s death. She didn’t want him to step out of the house that day. But Caesar was very keen to go to Capitol today.