Julius Caesar

Act III Scene 1

Contextual Questions

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

Extract 1
Caesar
[To the Soothsayer] The Ides of March are come.
Soothsayer
Ay, Caesar, but not gone.
Artemidorous
Hail, Caesar! Read this schedule.
Decius
Trebonius doth desire you to o'er-read,
At your best leisure, this his humble suit.

(i) Where does this conversation take place? Why did Caesar tell the Soothsayer “The
Ides of March are come”? What is the soothsayer’s reply?
This conversation takes place in front of the Capitol, in Rome.
The soothsayer had earlier, on the Feast of Lupercal (15th of February),
warned Caesar against the Ides of March (15th of March). Caesar remembers his
warning. A month later, on the Ides of March, when Caesar again meets the soothsayer,
he taunts him in a very arrogant manner saying that the Ides of March has come, but
nothing devastating has happened in his life. He is fit and fine. He is overconfident and
outwardly serene because he thinks that he is unharmed and free from danger.
The soothsayer replies that it is true that the Ides of March has come but has
not gone yet.

(ii) Who is Artemidorous? Whom does he represent in the play? What is the importance
of his "schedule"?
Artemidorous, is a minor yet important character in the play. He is an honest
citizen of Rome. He tries to warn Caesar of the plot against him. He appears only twice
in the play but has a significant impact on the mood and theme of the play when he
delivers his letter.
Artemidorous represents the honest and common citizens of Rome, He
voices his concern for the safety of Caesar. He is a well wisher of Caesar and has a
positive opinion of Caesar, unlike the conspirators.
 In Act III Scene 1, Artemidorus presses forward from the throng and tries to
present his ‘schedule’ to Caesar regarding his safety. In it, he warns Caesar about the
major players in the conspiracy, Brutus, Cassius, Casca, Trebonius, Metellus Cimber,
Decius Brutus and Caius Ligarius. He further writes that all the conspirators have only
one purpose and that is directed against Caesar. If Caesar does not consider himself
immortal, he should be vigilant as freedom from suspicion gives way to conspiracy. He
prays to the mighty gods to defend Caesar.

(iii) What does Decius say and do now? Why?

Decius now quickly steps ahead of Artemidorous to present a petition from
Trebonious. He requests Caesar to go through his humble petition at his leisure.
Decius does so just in order to keep away Artemidorous and to prevent any
possibility of their plan being disclosed.

(iv) Why does Artemidorus request Caesar to read his "schedule" first? What is the
consequence of his action?
Artemidorous requests Caesar to read his ‘schedule’ first because he knows
that it concerns him personally. It is regarding Caesar’s safety, so it should be
prioritized.
His anxiety makes him disrespectful and thus his chance of saving Caesar is
ruined.

(v) Mention the two reasons given by Caesar for not reading the "schedule" handed
over by Artemidorus. Which trait of his personality is revealed by his act? Name two
people in the scene who are trying to warn Caesar.
Caesar refuses to read Artemidorous’ schedule because of two reasons.
Firstly, he says that what affects him personally shall receive his attention last of all.
Secondly, he says that Artemidorous is foolish enough to present his schedule in the
street. He tells him to come to the Capitol to present his petition.
Caesar neglects his private self in favour of what he believes is public good. This
can be inferred from Caesar’s speech when he says that what affects him personally,
comes last. Caesar shows his majestic arrogance in treating Artemidorous so
insignificantly. In his arrogance, he does not pay heed to the several warnings given to
him. It is said that the hero is blindly driven down to tragedy. Despite the warnings given
earlier, fate now gives him two more chances through the soothsayer and Artemidorous
(the two people who try to warn him) but Caesar does not benefit from them.

(vi) Who takes advantage of the situation? What does he say?

Cassius is quick to take advantage of the situation. He is a practical man of action.
He cuts him off and tells him that the street is not the proper place to present his petition
and he should bring his petition to the Capitol.

(vii) Which theme of the play is highlighted here? Explain it briefly.

The sense of Fate is an all-pervading theme in this play. The forces operating
from outside, which make a man helpless, form the term, Fate. The catastrophe in the
life of Caesar, emerges from the flaws in his character, and is finally responsible for his
tragic end. However, the role of Fate cannot be overlooked in bringing about certain
results. Therefore, most of the events in the play seem to have been pre-destined by
Fate and the characters appear as helpless puppets in the hands of Fate.
Caesar was driven to his doom by some external force. He was warned of the
impending danger by so many people but nothing could save him. He neglected his
private self in favour of what he believed was public good. The soothsayer warned him
of the Ides of March but Caesar pushed it aside by calling him a dreamer. When Caesar
was on his way to the Capitol, Artemidorous tried to save him by handing him a letter in
which the names of all the conspirators was mentioned and Caesar was cautioned not
to trust them. Artemidorous urged Caesar to read the letter but was overruled by him.
Caesar said that what concerns him personally shall receive his last attention. Thus, the
final attempt to save his life failed. The fatal flaws in Caesar's character, arrogance,
ambition, overconfidence and pride, allow fate to play a pre-destined role and bring
about his downfall.

Extract 2
Cassius
Casca, be sudden, for we fear prevention.
Brutus, what shall be done? If this be known,
Саssius or Caesar shall never turn back,
For I will slay myself.
Brutus
Cassius, be constant.
Popilus Lena speaks not of our puгpоsеs:
For look, he smiles, and Cesar doth not change.

(i) “If this” be known - What does “this” refer to? If it would be known, what could
happen?
“This” refers to the enterprise(conspiracy) which the conspirators had in
hand, i.e. the assassination of Caesar.
According to Cassius, if the secret plan of assassinating Caesar would
become public or failed then either Cassius or Caesar shall die, for if the conspirators
fail to kill Caesar, then Cassius would slay himself. He would do so because he knew if
Caesar came to know of their plan, he wouldn't pardon them. So it would be better for
Cassius to kill himself rather than getting punished and killed by Caesar.

(ii) What duty is assigned to Casca? Why should he be "sudden"?

Casca is the first one who would strike Caesar with his dagger.
Casca has to be “sudden” or quick because the conspirators were afraid that
they might be stopped from assassinating Caesar by his supporters in the Senate
House.

(iii) What has Popilius Lena said and done which makes Cassius to fear? What did they
think that Lena was saying? How does Brutus show them that there is nothing to fear?
Popilus Lena wishes Cassius that the enterprise which they had in their hand
that day might prove successful. He did not elaborate on his statement. After wishing
him success, Popilus Lena advances towards Caesar and whispers something in his
ear. This confirms Cassius's fear that Popilius Lena had come to know of their
conspiracy. He thinks that Popilius had gone to Caesar to warn him of the impending
danger.
In contrast to Cassius, Brutus behaves very calmly. He looks at Popilius
Lena, the suspected person, in the face and notices that his observations to Caesar are
not of a dangerous character, for Caesar was still smiling and his expression had not
changed. This makes Brutus feel that there is nothing to fear.

(iv) What was the task assigned to Trebonius? What petition did Metellus Cimber
present to Caesar? In what way did he flatter Caesar?
Trebonious was given the task of drawing Mark Antony out of the way at the
crucial moment. The conspirators knew that it would be difficult to execute their plot (of
assassinating Caesar) in Antony's presence because he would help Caesar when he
would be attacked by the conspirators.
Metellus Cimber, one of the conspirators, was assigned the role of presenting
a petition to Caesar. In his petition, he requested Caesar to allow his banished brother,
Publisher Cimber, to return to Rome. His brother had been banished from Rome by a
decree, which Caesar was unwilling to change.
Metellus Cimber flatters Caesar by addressing him as most exalted, most
mighty and most powerful Caesar. He is ready to throw himself, on his knees, in humble
prayer before Caesar's chair.

(v) What arguments are given by Caesar to reject the petition made by Metellus. Which
trait of Caesar's character is highlighted in these arguments?
Caesar replies to Metellus Cimber by telling him that he must prevent him
from kneeling. He informs him that an ordinary man’s heart may be inflamed with pride
by his stooping and cringing, and thus become influenced by them. Thus, he might go
against and disturb the original legal decisions (pre-ordinances and first decree) and
change them as if they were rules in children’s games. But Caesar is not like this.
Caesar continues to tell Metellus Cimber not to be so foolish as to think that
Caesar's feelings are so unstable and that his will is so weak as to be persuaded into
altering his mind, as a fool might be, by mere flattery or by cringing behaviour. Caesar
says that he does not have such false (rebel) spirit (blood) different from its real nature,
in his veins so that he can be melted by sweet words, servile low stooping, dog-like
flattery and fawning submissiveness that melt fools. He tells Metellus that his brother
had been banished by a legal decision. If he kneels down, prays for his recall and
flatters him on his behalf, he will kick him out of his way in disgust just as he would kick
a dog. He tells Metellus to understand that Caesar does not do injustice and will not be
persuaded to change the sentence against his brother without sufficient reason.
Caesar is disgusted at the un-Roman show of humility by Metellus Cimber. He
is steadfast and does not give in to flattery. He, in his majestic arrogance, refuses to
alter his decision of banishing Publius Cimber. The conspirators' humble entreaties, lead
Caesar to make his most exaggerated statement regarding his superiority to other men.
In his own opinion, he is not an ordinary man, and thus he will not be moved by
“couchings”, “lowly courtesies”, “low-crooked courtesies”, “base spaniel fawnings” and
“prayers”. He boasts of being the most resolute of living men, as “constant as the North
Star”. He even compares himself to the Olympian gods.

(vi) How does Metellus react to Caesar’s treatment of his petition? What do the other
conspirators do meanwhile?
Metellus appeals to the other senators and asks if there is no one amongst
them who will support him, and who may have a better influence on Caesar, who can
speak convincingly to Caesar for recalling his brother from exile.
Meanwhile, the other conspirators move slowly to surround Caesar. They get
ready with their daggers. As Caesar is boasting of his greatness, they are in a close
group around him, in attitudes of supplication (the act of asking for something with a
very humble request or prayer).

(vii) Who joins Metellus in his appeal now? What does he say? What is Caesar’s
reaction to his appeal?
Brutus now joins Metellus in his appeal.
He tells Caesar that he kisses his hand, but not in order to flatter him,
requesting him to grant permission for Publius to be recalled from exile immediately.
Caesar expresses his surprise that Brutus too should plead for the recall of
Publius Cimber from exile when he was banished under the law of the land. Caesar did
not expect Brutus to second this petition.
(viii) What appeal does Cassius make and in what manner? How does Caesar react to
his appeal?
Cassius also makes an appeal for the recall of Publius Cimber.
He tells Caesar to forgive him for supporting Metellus Cimber. He also kneels
down as low as Caesar’s feet to beg him to restore the rights of citizenship to Publius
Cimber. (In ancient Rome, one lost all civic rights when one was exiled.)
Caesar denies the petition of Cassius by telling him that he could be easily
persuaded if he were like him and the others. If he could lower himself to pray to others
for softening them, then he too could have been moved by prayers.

Extract 3
Caesar
But I am constant as the northern star,
Of whose true-fix'd and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament.
The skies are painted with unnumber'd 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 furnish'd well with men,

(i) What is the "Northern Star"? Give the meaning of: "Of whose true-fix'd and resting
quality/ There is no fellow in the firmament."
The Pole Star is referrred to as the Northern Star which sailors use for their
direction. It sits directly above Earth's North Pole. The Pole Star has no equal in the sky
in the quality of constancy and fixed position. It is of great use to navigators and sailors
in the northern hemisphere in enabling them to find the latitude by which to steer. It is a
symbol of constancy.

(ii) Why does Caesar compare himself to the northern star? What is the occasion for
such a comparison?
Caesar compares himself to the northern star to show that he is as constant
as the northern star. Just like the northern star does not change its position, in the same
way Caesar also does not change his decisions.
Metellus Cimber appeals to Caesar to repeal his decision of banishing his
brother Publius Cimber from Rome. He humbly requests Caesar to allow Publius to
come back to Rome. He is seconded by Brutus and Cassius. When Caesar rejects
Brutus’ and Cassius’ appeal, Cinna and Decius also appeal for the same. Caesar
refuses all their appeals and tells them that he is as constant as the northern star and
will not change his decision of banishing Publius from Rome.
(iii) State the comparison made by Caesar between the firmament and the world of
men.
Caesar compares himself to the Pole Star which has no equal in the sky in the
quality of constancy and fixed position. He says that the skies are dotted with
innumerable stars. All of them have fire and shine brightly. Yet there is one among them,
the Pole Star, that keeps its place firm and unchanged. So it is in the world. The world is
filled with men who are made of flesh and blood. They are intelligent too. Yet amongst
them, there is one man who keeps his position like the Pole Star, unchanged by any
influence, undisturbed by any emotion, and that man is he himself, i.e. Caesar.

(iv) Explain the pun used in the statement : “That unassailable holds his rank”.
When Caesar says that he unassailable holds his rank, he means to say that
he cannot be persuaded to change his decision. The pun is on the word “unassailable“
which also means that he cannot be attacked. Ironically, Caesar will soon be attacked
by the conspirators and they will assassinate him.

(v) Why is Caesar so stubborn in his attitude towards the conspirators? What purpose
does his stubbornness serve for dramatic effectiveness?
Caesar is so stubborn in his attitude towards the conspirators because he
firmly believes that Publius Cimber was banished from Rome according to the laws of
Rome and he is not ready to change any law in order to allow Publius to come back to
Rome and claim his civic rights.
His stubbornness shows his attitude of pride and arrogance. It has a strong
and powerful impact on the audience. As Caesar gives his lofty speeches regarding his
constancy, the conspirators surround him on the pretense of gaining a repeal for Publius
Cimber, but in reality, they wish to gain better access to his person. Caesar displays his
imperial arrogance in dealing with the petitioners when he talks about his constancy and
remaining uninfluenced by anyone. He is also shown as rude and tyrannical when he
says that Metellus’ behaviour is like a dog and if he bends and prays for him, then he
will kick him like a dog out of his way. Shakespeare here tries to impact his audience
emotionally and intellectually showing that Caesar has risen to the position of a dictator.
Little does Caesar know that he will lose his life within a short time, at the hands of the
conspirators.

(vi) Why does Caesar compare himself to Olympus?

After Cassius, Cinna makes his petition to repeal Publius Cimber’s
banishment from Rome. Caesar tells him to get out from there. He questions him
whether he will be successful in lifting Olympus. Olympus was a mountain in Greece. In
Greek mythology, it was the chief seat of the gods. The implied meaning of Caesar’s
question is that he is trying to compare himself to Olympus. Just as it was impossible to
lift Olympus, in the same way it was impossible to try to influence Caesar to change his
decision.

(vii) What horrible event is about to take place in a short time? Who was the first to
strike? Why is Antony absent from the scene? What could have happened if Antony
were to be present on the scene?
Caesar is about to be assassinated in a short time.
Casca is the first one to raise his hand. Following him, all the conspirators
attack Caesar’s body with their daggers. They stab him repeatedly. The last blow is
struck by Brutus.
Antony is absent from the scene because Trebonius had taken him away from
the Senate House.
Had Antony been present there, he would have taken Caesar’s side and stood
by him. He would have prevented the conspirators from attacking Caesar as he was
extremely loyal to Caesar.

(viii) Are the conspirators justified in assassinating Caesar? Why?

No, the conspirators are not justified in killing Caesar. They gather around
Caesar on the pretense of gaining a repeal for Publius Cimber but in reality, they wish to
gain better access to his person. Their lowliness is as exaggerated as Caesar’s pride
and is a mask to hide their hypocrisy and betrayal. This is seen in Casca’s movement,
as he circles behind Caesar to strike the first blow. Caesar may be a tyrant, but the
conspirators are not justified to stab him from behind. Their cause may be noble, yet
their action, under the guise of flattery, is vicious in killing an unprotected ruler. It is an
act of betrayal by Brutus to kill his friend for the general good of the Romans.

Extract 4
Brutus
Fates, we will know your pleasures.
That we shall die, we know; 'tis but the time
And drawing days out, that men stand upon.
Cassius
Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life
Cuts off so many years of fearing death.

(i) When does this conversation take place? In what state of mind are Brutus and
Cassius?
This conversation takes place immediately after the conspirators have
assassinated Caesar.
 As soon as Caesar dies, there is panic. The conspirators at first do nothing but
shout jubilantly. Cassius tells some of the conspirators to go to the common pulpit for
speakers and proclaim that they have got liberty, freedom and the right to vote.
Brutus assures the people and the senators not to be frightened. He tells them
not to run away and to stand quietly for ambition has received its just reward, that is
Caesar is dead. It is suggested by Casca that Brutus should go to the pulpit to deliver
his speech. Decius says that Cassius should also go along with Brutus. Brutus wants to
know where Publius is.
When Metellus suggests to the conspirators that they should stand together in
order to help each other if they are attacked by any friend of Caesar, Brutus assures
Metellus that there is no need of standing close together and defending themselves. He
says this because he is the first person to have a presence of mind. So he tells the
conspirators to do something better than just standing, that is, to disperse and tell the
people the reason for their act.
Brutus cheers up Publius by telling him not to look frightened. He reassures
him that they are neither going to harm him nor any other Roman. He tells him to tell
this to the other senators and the people who are in a state of shock. Even at this tense
moment, Brutus is concerned about others. He also wants to restore order in Rome
after the assassination of Caesar.

(ii) What is meant by the “Fates”? What were the “Fates” responsible for? Why are ‘they’
referred to here? According to the extract, what do men know and what do they fear?
According to Greek mythology, Fates were the three goddesses(sisters) of
destiny. These three sisters, Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos, presided over human life.
Clotho spun the thread of human fate which represents the beginning of a person's
existence. Lachesis measured it, determining the length of a person's lifespan and
Atropos cut the thread, thus determining the individual's moment of death.
We find a mention of “Fates” here because Brutus mentions about “Fates”, the
three goddesses of destiny. He tells them that they will soon know what Fates have in
store for them.
Brutus says that men know that they will die someday, but what men are really
concerned about is when they are going to die and how long they are going to live.

(iii) What positive note does Cassius strike in the death of Caesar? What does Brutus
feel about it?
When Brutus says that men know that they will die someday, but what men are
really concerned about is when they are going to die and how long they are going to
live, Cassius replies on a positive note saying that if a man's life is shortened by twenty
years, the period of his living in fear is also shortened by twenty years.
 Brutus replies that if they admit the truth of Cassius’ statement, then death
may be considered as an advantage, for by shortening the period in which Caesar
would have lived in fear of death, they have done him a favour. Hence, they are
Caesar’s friends and not his enemies.

(iv) After the extract, what does Brutus ask the Romans to do? What does it show about
his state of mind?
Brutus tells the Romans to bend down, and perform the ceremony of washing
their hands in the blood of Julius Caesar, up to their elbows, and smearing his blood on
their swords as if they had taken part in an act of ritual sacrifice. Then he directs them to
walk forth, even to the marketplace, waving their blood-stained swords over their heads,
with cries of “Peace, freedom and liberty!”
Brutus seems not to see the blood as real blood at all. For him, it is a symbol of
the solemn act of purification, the purification of Rome. He feels that the impurity in the
government of Rome was Caesar’s ambition, and now that he is dead, the threat to
Rome is over and the Romans are free from tyranny. Brutus is proud of the blood on his
hands and wants the other Romans to see him in a morally acceptable role as that of a
sacrificer not a murderer. To him, he is a freedom fighter and not a criminal.

(v) State briefly the role played by the assassination of Caesar in the story-line of Julius
Caesar, in this scene.
This scene is called the murder scene and it forms the climax of the play.
The scenes which follow show the consequence of the murder-the civil war and chaos
in Rome, the suffering of Brutus, the defeat and death of the conspirators and a
re-assertion of Caesarism. The climax of the play takes place in this scene. The main
crisis in the play, the assassination of Caesar, highlights the theme of betrayal as
Caesar realizes that he cannot trust anyone, even Brutus. Some scholars believe that
the action of the play shifts with the actual murder of Caesar. We all agree that Caesar's
death is the turning point in the play.
There are two changes of direction in the action which are closely linked: the
first of course, the murder itself; the second, which critics have rightly called the hinge of
the play, is the entry of Antony's servant. This trembling figure announces the
counter-stroke, the reaction against the main action of the play. Antony, kept deliberately
in the background so far, now emerges as the subtle and powerful champion of the
dead Caesar. This is how Shakespeare renews the tension of the play which might have
otherwise loosened after Caesar's death.There are two Caesars in the play. One is the
man the conspirators have killed. The other is his spirit who haunts the rest of the play.
The power of this Caesar will cause fierce civil strife.
Extract 5
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!
Cassius
So oft as that shall be,
So often shall the knot of us be call'd
The men that gave their country liberty.
Decius
What, shall we forth?
Cassius
Ay, every man away:
Brutus shall lead, and we will grace his heels
With the boldest and best hearts of Rome.
[Enter a Servant]
Brutus
Soft! Who comes here?

(i) When Cassius says, "Stoop, then, and wash," to whom is he speaking? What exactly
does he mean? Who had just suggested washing?
When Cassius says, "Stoop, then, and wash,”, he is speaking to the other
conspirators.
He means that the other conspirators should also bend down and wash their
hands in Caesar's blood.
Brutus had just suggested to the other conspirators to bend down and
perform the ceremony of washing their hands in the blood of Caesar, up to their elbows.

(ii) Explain the meaning of "states unborn", "accents" and "Pompey's basis."
Cassius here tells the conspirators to think that in the ages to come, this
noble scene of theirs (washing their hands in Caesar's blood) will be re-enacted on the
stage, in countries which have not yet come into being and in languages which have not
yet been heard so far.
Brutus replies to Cassius that Caesar's death will be acted in plays over and
over again. His dead body is now lying stretched out along the base of Pompey’s
statue, with no more value than the dust it lies upon.
(iii) What does Brutus want to express when he says, "How many times shall Caesar
bleed in sport"?
Brutus wants to express that they have become famous and this scene, of
washing their hands in Caesar's blood, will be enacted later many times, through drama
for entertainment. In later years, people all over the world, of different nations, would
commemorate this lofty scene, which will be registered as a historical moment forever.

(iv) What does Cassius believe "the knot of us" will be called and why?
Cassius believes that as often as the scene of Caesar’s death will be enacted
on the stage, their group will be called the men who gave their country liberty from
tyranny by assassinating Caesar.

(v) What does Decius want to know?What instruction does Cassius give them now?
Decius wants to know if they should go out into the street in a procession.
Cassius agrees with Decius and say they will all go into the street. Brutus will
lead them and they will honour him, following him with the bravest and most willing
spirit.

(vi) What error do the conspirators commit as they are boasting of their deed?
The conspirators are short-sighted and do not see that a strong personality like
Caesar was necessary to ensure peace in Rome. By destroying him, the state breaks
out into a civil war. Peace is restored only when Octavius steps into the shoes of
Caesar. The spirit of Caesar is very strong in him. Historically, Caesar's murder was of
no use. The conspirators thought they would wipe out tyranny and kingship but
Octavius, the successor of Caesar, disproved this as he became the absolute monarch
of Rome and the Roman Empire.

(vii) Who enters as they talk? Relate the message conveyed to Brutus by Antony's
servant. What can be inferred from this message?
As they talk, Antony's servant enters.
Antony's servant tells Brutus that his master directed him to kneel before him
and then lie down on the ground with his face down and to say that Brutus is noble,
wise, brave and honest and Caesar was mighty, bold, majestic and loving. He told him
to say that he loves Brutus and honours him and that he feared Caesar, honoured and
loved him. He wants Brutus to guarantee that Antony shall not suffer any harm in
coming to him and will return safely. He wants to find out the reason why Caesar
deserved to be killed. If the reasons satisfy him, then Mark Antony will consider the
living Brutus more worthy of love than the dead Caesar. He will follow the leadership of
honourable Brutus through the uncertainties of these present unsettled state of affairs,
giving him what help he can, with complete loyalty, as he had to the dead Caesar.
It can be inferred that Antony has understood his enemies very well. His flattering
message is cleverly worded. He is sure of success. He knows that he cannot directly
avenge Caesar’s death because at present the conspirators are in a powerful position.
Hence, by flattering them, especially Brutus, and appearing to be their friend, he can
achieve his objectives.

(viii) The entry of the servant of Antony is significant and may be said to mark the
turning point of the whole play. Narrate, very briefly, in what way this is so.
The servant's entry is the turning point of the whole play. This trembling figure
announces the counter-stroke, the reaction against the main action of the play. Antony,
kept deliberately in the background so far, now emerges as the subtle and powerful
champion of the dead Caesar. The tension of the play is renewed, which otherwise may
have loosened after Caesar’s death. The arch has reached its apex and the reaction
begins. The tides will turn after this as Mark Antony uses his oratory skills to turn the
public against the conspirators. The second phase of the play begins with the fortunes
of Mark Antony, which become stronger and stronger and the case of the conspirators
steadily declines. 'Caesar's spirit surely and steadily prevails.’

Extract 6
Antony
O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?
Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,
Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well.
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) Where does the mighty Caesar lie? What is meant by "this little measure”?
The mighty Caesar lies at the base of Pompey’s statue.
“This little measure” means the small area on which Caesar’s body lies.
Antony means to say that only a little while ago Caesar stood above mankind like
a tower but now he lies low on the ground. He questions whether all his conquests,
successes, triumphal entries into Rome and gains in war have been reduced to the
small area on which his body lies.
(ii) When replying to Antony's servant, what compliment does Brutus pay to Antony?
What guarantee does Brutus give Antony's servant? What mistake does Brutus now
make?
While replying to Antony's servant, Brutus tells him he has always considered
his master to be a Roman citizen well known for his wisdom and courage.
Brutus tells Antony's servant to tell Antony that if it pleases him to visit Brutus,
he will be given a satisfactory explanation of their action in killing Caesar. He pledged
his word that after his interview he will leave unharmed.
Brutus immediately falls into the trap laid for him by Antony. He accepts the
flattering compliments paid to him in such a tactful way. He now makes the mistake of
accepting Antony as a friend.

(iii) What does Brutus say after the servant leaves? How ironic is it? How does Cassius
react to Brutus’ statement?
After the servant leaves, Brutus tells Cassius that he is sure that they will have
Antony as a firm friend and not as an enemy as Cassius expects.
Brutus’ statement is ironic because the events which follow show that Antony
will not at all prove to be a friend of the conspirators. Antony proceeds with great skill
and caution and ultimately succeeds in hoodwinking the conspirators. He proves to be
the most dangerous person for the conspirators. Reasons do not matter to Antony
except to play Brutus along. All that matters to him is that Caesar has been killed and
must be avenged.
Cassius says that he wishes they may have Antony as a good friend but he
cannot help having a premonition which leads him to be very much afraid of Antony and
as to how he may act. Cassius says that when he has his doubts, they always turn out
to be unpleasantly correct.

(iv) How does Antony behave as soon as he sees the dead Caesar? What does this
reveal about him?
As soon as Antony sees Caesar's dead body, he does not hide his grief but
turns to Caesar's dead body, bends down and addresses it. He asks Caesar whether he
is lying so low and whether all his victories, honours, triumphs, trophies have shrunk to
this small size of his lifeless body. Only a little while ago, he stood above mankind like a
tower but now he lies low on the ground. He bids him a sad farewell.
This reveals that Antony is a loyal friend who is grieving deeply for Caesar. He
is also very shrewd. He knows that Brutus will be impressed if he displays grief at the
sight of Caesar's body. So, Brutus believes that he is harmless. At the same time,
Antony is not hypocritical because he does have deep feelings for Caesar, but what is
important here is that he knows how to use this feeling at the right moment.
(v) What does he call the conspirators now? What does he implore them to do? Why?
What does his request tell us about his character?
Getting up with a heavy heart, he addresses the conspirators and calls them
'gentlemen'.
He tells them that he does not know what they have planned, who else must
be killed, who else has become too powerful. If he is to be the next victim, then there is
no time more suitable to die than this hour of Caesar's death and no weapon more
worthy than their swords which have been enriched by the life-blood of the noblest man
in the entire world. He begs of them, if they have any grudge against him, to please
themselves by killing him now, while the blood of Caesar is still hot and steaming on
their hands.
He says so because he knows that even if he should live a thousand years, he
would not find himself so ready to die as at this time of Caesar's death. No place will
please him so much as to die here where Caesar lies dead, nor in any other way than at
their hands, seeing that they possess the greatest power and influence in Rome of the
present age.
By giving this dramatic invitation to the conspirators, he is making his death less
likely. He is unaware of the intentions of the conspirators and is apprehensive that they
may murder him too. He proceeds with great skill and caution. Antony is a shrewd
contriver, and he puts on a mask to manipulate Brutus. He knows exactly where the
weakness of the conspirators lies; in Brutus’ generous, honourable and total
self-confident nature. He is feeling his way, to see how far he can make the conspirators
instruments in his own hands. He wants to hoodwink the conspirators so that he can
avenge Caesar’s death. He does not react to the situation but responds in a cold
calculated manner.

(vi) What does Antony's expression, "the most noble blood of all this world “indicate
about Antony's feelings for Caesar?
Antony's devotion to Caesar is proved by his public utterances and by his
deeds. He has extreme love, deep respect and high regard for Caesar. His anguish is
seen when he is alone with Caesar's corpse when he says “the most noble blood of this
world”. He did not consider Caesar a tyrant but a person worthy and noble enough to
rule Rome. He is regretful that he could not save Caesar. It is worth noting that Antony,
in this solitary outburst, is not moved by gratitude for past favours or his loss of
expectations now that Caesar is dead - but solely by Caesar's nobility of character.

(vii) Explain “Who else must be let blood, who else is rank." What in your opinion is
Antony’s reason for saying so?
 Antony says these words meaning who else must be made to bleed, that is,
who else must be killed and who else has too much blood (rank) which requires the
letting of blood. In the old days, when medicine was not advanced, the only cure the
doctors had for many ailments was 'blood-letting'. They pierced a vein to allow blood to
flow freely from the patient so as to cure him of illness. So Caesar has been cured of
ambition. His bleeding corpse inspires Antony to speak like this. The word 'rank' means
of the same status as Caesar, overgrown like a plant or weed, and corrupted by
disease. Caesar was swollen with the disease of ambition and overgrown with too much
power.
By giving this dramatic invitation to the conspirators, he is making his death
less likely. He is unaware of the intentions of the conspirators and is apprehensive that
they may murder him too so he proceeds with great skill and caution.

(viii) What did Brutus tell Antony about the conspirator's feelings for Caesar? Was
Brutus honest? Why?
Brutus tells Antony not to beg them to kill him. According to Brutus, they now
appear to be blood-thirsty and cruel because Antony sees only their bloodstained hands
and Caesar's dead bleeding body. Antony does not see their hearts. Therefore, he does
not know what feelings are going on inside. Brutus says their hearts are full of pity for
Caesar as Antony's heart is. He tells Antony that it is not that he loved Caesar less but
he loved Rome more. He says they were all moved to pity by the miserable condition of
Rome and their compassion for the miseries of Rome drove from their hearts the
compassion they should have felt for Caesar just as one fire is driven out by another
fire.
Yes, Brutus is honest. He sincerely believed in the cause and welfare of the
Romans. He saw Caesar as a tyrant and an unworthy ruler of Rome because he was
influenced by the cunning and contriving Cassius. Brutus is noble, patriotic and
idealistic. He is ready to die in order to protect the honour of Rome.

(ix) Explain: As fire drives out fire,'.

This is a reference to the old belief, which is erroneous, that if you burn yourself
slightly, the pain is taken away by holding the burnt part close to a fire. The prevention
of disease by inoculation and vaccination is based on a similar idea. These, however,
are usually efficacious, producing the desired result. Another explanation is that when
there is a fire, men burn down houses and trees in its path to prevent it from speeding
further.
Brutus means to say that just as fire puts out fire, in the same way pity for the
general suffering has dried in them the pity towards Caesar.

(x) What assurance does Brutus give Antony now?

 Brutus now assures Antony that as for him, their swords are blunt and
harmless. Their arms were strong in hatred against Caesar's tyranny, but their hearts
being softened by brotherly love, welcomed Antony with all kind love, good intentions
and great respect.

(xi) What does Cassius say to Mark Antony? What does this reveal of Cassius's
character? Does Antony accept this offer? What does it reveal of him?
Cassius tells Antony that he will be given equal powers with them in the
giving of high places and honours in the new regime.
It reveals that Cassius is suspicious of Antony as one political manipulator is
suspicious of another. He is not moved by the expression of grief and loyalty and quite
plainly, he offers Antony a share of the proceeds and powers that will be issued after
Caesar's death.
Antony is careful to refuse this offer from Cassius.
His eye is on the incorruptible Brutus and he cleverly wins him over. He
knows that in order to achieve his objective of speaking in Caesar's funeral, he has to
flatter and win over Brutus.

(xii) How does Brutus describe the multitude? What does he request Antony to do?
What promise does he make?
Brutus says that the masses of the Roman people are overwhelmed and
confused with fear.
He requests Antony to wait patiently till they have calmed the crowd.
He promises Antony that they will explain to him their reasons, and why he,
who loved Caesar till the last moment of his death, has killed him in this way.

(xiii) What is Antony's reply? Does he really think so?

Antony replies that he has no doubt as to the reasonableness of their action
which they are going to fully explain to him.
This is an example of irony as Antony conceals his true feelings in the
presence of his enemies but he will release them soon after they leave.

(xiv) What does Antony say and do now?

Antony tells each one of them to give him his blood-stained hand. He tells
Marcus Brutus, he will shake hands with him first. He tells Caius Cassius that he will
take his hand next. He tells Metellus to give him his hand. He tells Cinna he will now
clasp his hand. He calls Casca 'valiant' when he takes his hand. (This is ironic as he
struck Caesar from behind. In another sense Casca was valiant because he struck the
first blow). He tells Trebonius that though he takes his hand last, he should not think that
he holds him in any less esteem than the others.
(xv) How does he address them after shaking hands with them? Why? Explain the irony
here.
After shaking hands with them, Antony addresses them all as 'gentlemen'.
He speaks like this to disarm suspicion, No one suspects him of any ill-will
except Cassius who sees through him. However, he is helpless against the stronger
personality of Brutus.
Only in Act V, when he calls them murderers and says 'damned Casca', we
realize the irony of Antony's words here. Antony, under no circumstances considers the
conspirators to be gentlemen. He is fully convinced that they are murderers who have
assassinated Caesar in cold blood.

Extract 7
Antony
My credit now stands on such slippery ground,
That one of the two bad ways you must conceit me,
Either a coward or a flatterer.
That I did love thee, Caesar, O, 'tis true:

(i) What is meant by the word “credit”? Why does it now stand “on such slippery
ground”?
The word “credit” means reputation. Here Antony is talking about his reputation.
Antony says that his reputation stands on slippery ground (an insecure
foundation which may cause him to fall) because he is befriending the murderers of his
friend, Caesar. The conspirators may think of him in one of the two equally bad ways.
They may take him to be either a coward who is afraid to avenge his friend's death or
that he is a time-server and a flatterer in joining Caesar’s enemies for his own safety.

(ii) What does Antony mean to say by the following words:

That one of two bad ways you must conceit me,
Either a coward or a flatterer.
It appears that Antony is fawning at the killers of his friend, Julius Caesar.
The conspirators may think of him in one of the two equally bad ways. They may take
him to be either a coward who is afraid to avenge his friend's death or that he is a
time-server and a flatterer in joining Caesar’s enemies for his own safety. Antony seems
to be insincere and not brave.

(iii) What does Antony say to Caesar as he once again turns towards his body?
Antony once again turns to Caesar's body and tells Caesar that it is true he
loved him truly. If it were possible for his spirit to see him now, it would sadden him more
than his death has, to see his friend, Antony, offering friendship, shaking hands with the
blood- stained hands of his enemies in the presence of his dead body.
He continues to say that if he had as many eyes as he had wounds, and if they
were weeping as profusely as his wounds are shedding blood, it would suit him better
than to come to terms of friendship with his enemies.
Calling Caesar by his first name, Julius, he begs him to forgive him. Antony
says he was cornered there by his enemies, like a deer chased by his enemies and
here he fell. Here his hunters are standing around, their hands smeared and made red
in his lifeblood, the sign of their victory.
Antony says the world was the forest to this deer where he freely roamed
about and this Caesar, was the very life and soul of the world, the very center of it. He
tells Caesar that he is lying there, like a deer, hunted to death by many noble and
princely hunters.
It should be noted that Antony is cleverly praising the conspirators while he is
lamenting the death of Caesar.

(iv) What effect do Antony's actions and words have on his listeners? How did Antony
prove that he could be a coward and a flatterer?
The conspirators, except Cassius, are swayed by Antony's emotional outburst
and consider him to be a friend at that moment. Brutus believes that no man can quarrel
with his motives. He does not, even remotely, suspect Antony's hidden intentions, that
he has actually come to avenge Caesar’s death. It is only Cassius who is suspicious of
Antony.
Antony proved that he could be a coward and a flatterer by fawning at the
murderers and kneeling down. When he had heard of Caesar's murder, he fled to his
house, amazed. He himself does not come directly but first prefers to send his servant
to the people who murdered Caesar. He shook hands with the conspirators despite
being loyal to Caesar. He praised them excessively calling all of them “gentlemen”.

Extract 8
Pardon me, Julius! Here wast thou bay'd, brave hart;
Here did'st thou fall; and here thy hunters stand
Sign'd in thy spoil, and crimson' is 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!

(i) Who speaks these words? Explain: Here was thou bay'd, brave hart. To what custom
of the hunters does it refer? What is the pun used here?
 Mark Antony speaks these words.
In the above lines, Antony has compared the killing of Caesar to the hunting
of a stag by the hounds. The above lines mean that there Caesar was brought to bay by
his enemies just as a brave stag in a hunt is brought to a last desperate stand by the
hounds, just before it is killed by the hunters.
It refers to the hunters’ custom of dogs or hounds chasing a stag to a bay from
where it cannot escape.
Shakespeare has used a pun here. In this line, quibbles on the words 'hart'
and 'heart'. Caesar is compared to a brave stag hunted by many hunters, the
conspirators. The word 'heart' refers to the courageous heart of Caesar.

(ii) Explain: 'And this indeed, O world, the heart of thee.'

The above line means that Caesar was the very life and soul of the
world-wide empire of Rome. What the heart is to the body, Caesar was to Rome. The
world was the woodland in which the hart (Caesar, a great Roman soldier) roamed at
large. He was the 'heart' of it, the greatest man in the world-wide empire of Rome and
was loved by all the people of Rome. The pun on 'hart' and 'heart' is also seen here.

(iii) Who are the hunters in the present crisis? Explain: 'Sign'd in they spoil and
crimson'd in thy lethe.'
The conspirators or killers of Caesar, led by Brutus, are the hunters in the
present crisis.
The words 'sign'd in thy spoil' means the conspirators who are compared to
hunters are bearing the stains of Caesar's blood that flowed from him when he was slain
as a mark of their deed as if it were a badge of honour.
This is a reference to the custom prevalent in England and Europe of the
hunters smearing their hands and faces with the blood of the slain deer.
The word 'lethe' means life-blood. 'Lethe' comes from the Latin word 'Letum'
meaning death. It was a term used by hunters to signify the blood shed by a deer at its
fall, with which they smeared themselves. Here, it refers to Caesar's blood which poured
out like a river and led to his death. Lethe was the river of forgetfulness in Hades. In
Greek and Roman mythology, Hades was the kingdom of the dead. The souls of the
dead drank its waters and thus won eternal forgetfulness of all that they had done or
seen before. So, another meaning of 'lethe' here is that the river of Caesar's blood has
made him forget all earthly things.

(iv) Why does the speaker arouse Cassius's suspicion? How does he explain his
reaction to Caesar's death, to Cassius?
Antony arouses Cassius's suspicion because he was speaking highly of
Caesar who had just been assassinated by Cassius and the other conspirators. He
suspects Antony's intentions whether he has come as a loyal friend to Caesar so as to
avenge his death.
Antony tells Cassius to forgive him for what he has said. He says that even
Caesar's enemies will admit to what he is saying of him. When his enemies praise him,
Antony's words will appear to be a poor tribute of affection to his qualities.
Throughout this scene, Caesar regards himself as a god and speaks in a rude and very
arrogant manner, though in reality he was one of the most polished gentlemen of his
time. Shakespeare has a purpose in showing Caesar like this, because he wants to
keep up the audience's interest in him and the conspirators, by playing down Caesar
and playing up the conspirators. In this way, the latter have some visible justification for
their action. After achieving his purpose, Shakespeare lets Antony present a true picture
of the real Caesar in his addresses to the corpse.

(v) What does Cassius ask the speaker as a result of his suspicion? What does it reveal
about him?
Cassius replies that he is not blaming Antony for praising Caesar like this. He
wants to know on what terms he wishes to stand with them. He asks whether they
should count him as one of their friends or they should proceed with their plans without
his help.
Cassius’ words reveal that he is very shrewd, practical and business-like. He is
suspicious of Antony who expresses his devotion to Caesar and at the same time,
expresses his respect for them. He wants to make clear his position with Antony.
Cassius's words reveal that he is very practical and business-like. He is suspicious of
Antony who expresses his devotion to Caesar and at the same time, expresses his
respect for them. He wants to make clear his position with Antony.

(vi) What assurance does Antony immediately give him? Why was he swayed from the
point of being their friend or not? What hope does Antony have after expressing his
friendship for them?
Antony immediately assures him that he shook their hands to show that he is
on their side. He is their friend and loves all of them.
He was swayed from the point of being their friend or not by the intensity of his
emotion at the sight of Caesar's dead body. He was so overwhelmed by it that he forgot
the matter in hand.
After expressing his friendship for them, he hopes they will explain their deed
by telling him why, and in what way Caesar was a danger to Rome.

(vii) What is Brutus's reply to Antony's request? What is Antony's reply to Brutus's
assurance? What further request does he make? What does it reveal of him?
 Brutus replies that if they did not give him their reasons why Caesar was
dangerous, this act of theirs would appear like a brutal murder. He assures him that
their reasons are so good, that even if he were the son of Caesar, they would satisfy
him.
Antony replies that that is all he wanted and no more. He further requests to
be permitted to bring out Caesar's body to the Forum (market- place) and, as is
appropriate for a friend, in the public platform, speak in the course of the funeral
ceremony.
Antony's request reveals that he is very practical and innocently makes the
second request to speak at Caesar's funeral, as an afterthought This is in fact his real
objective. He proceeds with great skill and caution and ultimately succeeds in
hoodwinking the conspirators. He is a gambler and seems to relish the risks he takes as
he works his way. He knows exactly where the weakness of the conspirators lies: in
Brutus' generous, honourable, and total self-confident nature. Brutus believes that no
man can quarrel with his motives. Reasons do not matter to Antony except to play
Brutus along. All that matters to him is that Caesar has been killed and must be
avenged.

(viii) What does Brutus reply? Who warns Brutus soon after and what does he say?
What does it reveal about him?
Brutus immediately agrees to Antony's request. (This is the second great
mistake Brutus makes with Mark Antony, the first being that he should not be killed.)
Cassius warns Brutus telling him he does not realize what he is doing. He
tells him not to allow Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral. He tells him he doesn't know
what he may say and what effect his words will have on the people. He warns him that
the Romans may be moved with pity to a great extent by Antony's speech.
Cassius is shown to be shrewd, hard-hearted, politically astute and a realist.
He believes in action. He warns Brutus against Antony and his possible threats. His
point of view was overruled by Brutus though he was correct in his assessment about
Antony.

(ix) What mistake does Brutus make by granting Antony's request?

Brutus underestimates Mark Antony’s oratory power and gives Antony a
chance to sway the mood of the general public of Rome with his words. Brutus fails to
understand that reasons do not matter to Antony. He has just been playing Brutus
along. All that matters to him is that Caesar has been killed and must be avenged.
Brutus brings about his own downfall by acceding to Antony's request.

(x) What reasons does Brutus give to Cassius in order to calm down his fears? What is
Cassius's reply to Brutus? What change do you see in Cassius's character?
 Brutus tells Cassius to forgive him for contradicting him. He assures him that
he will go to the pulpit first and give the people their reason for killing Caesar. He will
assure them that whatever Antony speaks, he does so with their permission and that
Caesar's funeral will be conducted with the proper rites and religious ceremonies
according to the custom. Brutus feels it will benefit them more than harm them.
Cassius replies that he is not certain about the outcome of all this and that he
does not approve of it.
We see Cassius simply becoming a follower of Brutus. He just obeys Brutus
even though he knows that his suspicions unfortunately prove to be correct.

(xi) What does this scene reveal about Cassius?

Cassius is a practical man of action. He is shrewd, hard-hearted, politically
astute and a realist. He does not give Artemidorous a chance to warn Caesar. He
makes Trebonius and Metellus to carry out the duties given to them. He kneels with
Metellus to add to his request to Caesar who is full of contempt for him. After the
assassination he does not go wild and shout for freedom and liberty. Rather, he sends
his colleagues to the public speaking place to shout from there where it will be noticed.
His suspicions about Antony all through the scene, show his insight into character.
Though he is right, not even once does he insist on having his own way. He simply
allows Brutus to lead him. After the assassination of Caesar, he continues to yield to
Brutus, perhaps by deepening friendship and a sense of despair rather than by a desire
to manipulate and deceive.

Extract 9
Antony
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.

(i) What are the conditions laid down by Brutus as Antony is about to take away
Caesar's body? What is Antony's reply to Brutus's conditions? What does it show about
Antony?
Brutus tells Antony to take away Caesar's body. Then he lays down certain
conditions. First, Brutus says, Antony has not to blame the conspirators. Second, he will
only speak well of Caesar. Third, he will say he is speaking with the conspirators'
permission, otherwise he will not be allowed to take any part in Caesar's funeral. Fourth,
he will speak from the same platform as Brutus does. Fifth, he will speak after Brutus
has ended his speech and not before.
Antony agrees to Brutus' conditions and says that he does not desire
anything more. Antony is happy with this agreement as it gives him the last word. He
has finally, through manipulation, succeeded in attaining his real objective which is an
opportunity to speak at Caesar's funeral.

(ii) How does Antony burst out as soon as he is left alone with Caesar's body? What
does it show?
As soon as Antony is left alone with Caesar's body, he bursts out addressing
the bleeding corpse of Caesar, and begs of it to forgive him for acting friendly and mild
towards his brutal murderers.
Antony now gives expression to his real feelings for Caesar and his feelings
against the conspirators. This shows that he was pretending to be a friend of Brutus and
his party all this while. He calls them 'butchers', the very word Brutus did not want.

(iii) Explain: “bleeding piece of earth”. How else does he describe Caesar's body at the
beginning of his soliloquy?
“Bleeding piece of earth” refers to the bleeding dead body of Caesar. Caesar's
body, made of clay, is lying on the ground in a pool of blood.
Antony calls Caesar's body the remains of the noblest man that ever lived in the
tides of time, i.e. period of history.

(iv) Explain the meaning of “ruins” and “tide of times”.

The word “ruins” means remains or left over, as if Caesar were a great
building which is now in ruins. The phrase “tide of times” is a metaphor referring to the
ebb and flow of the sea. The times, or the currents of history come and go just as the
tide of the sea rises and falls.

(v) What does Antony say about the hands that stabbed Caesar? What does Antony
say about Caesar's wounds?
Antony curses the hands that stabbed Caesar and shed the precious blood of
the noblest man on earth.
Antony calls Caesar's wounds dumb mouths. The wounds are dumb being
unable to speak, yet they silently accuse the murderers. They seem as if they have ruby
lips of rubies. Since they are blood-stained, they look rose-red like rubies. He says they
are pleading with him to use his voice and tongue on their behalf since they have no
tongue which can speak about the brutal way in which Caesar was assassinated. So,
over Caesar's wounds he now utters a prophecy.
(vi) What prophecy does Antony utter now?
Antony now utters a prophecy. He says that for their sin of murdering Caesar,
a curse will fall upon Rome. There will be terrible happenings like domestic fury and the
country (Italy) will be involved in a furious civil war, in which bloodshed and destruction
will be so common that people will be accustomed to dreadful sights. Even mothers will
smile to see their children cut to pieces before their eyes. Cruel deeds will be done so
frequently that the feelings of sympathy and pity will be subdued in the hearts of people
and they shall become indifferent and cruel-hearted.

(vii) Why is Caesar's spirit ranging for revenge? Who is Até? Why is her name used in
this context? What is meant by "confines"?
Caesar's spirit is ranging for revenge because Caesar has been brutally
murdered.
Até was the Greek goddess of revenge, discord and mischief. She was the
daughter of Eris, goddess of Discord. Zeus banished her from Olympus to the lower
world, Hell, as she used to lead gods and men into rash acts of violence. She is
represented as avenging evil deeds and inflicting just punishments upon the offenders
and their posterity in Greek mythology.
Ate’s name has been mentioned because Caesar's spirit is now hunting with
her to avenge his untimely death and brutal murder.
“Confines” means regions. It refers to various regions of Rome.

(viii) "With a monarch's voice Cry "Havoc!" - This indicates absolute and authoritative
royal command for destruction. What does the expression foretell about the things to
come?
According to Antony, Caesar's spirit will roam around for revenge,
accompanied by Até, the goddess of revenge. It will come furious from hell and cry,
'Havoc!' in these regions with the authority of a king. (Only a king could give such an
order, which was the signal for mass slaughter, plunder and destruction.) Caesar's spirit
will let loose all the horrors of war, that is, famine, sword and fire until the whole earth
will be polluted with decaying dead bodies groaning for burial, and all because of this
cruel and evil deed of Caesar's assassination. It is a sign of the times to come in the
political arena of Rome with shifting of powers from republicans to monarchy.

(ix) Who are "the dogs of war"? Which foul deed is referred to and how will it "smell
above the earth"?
War is described as a destructive hunter with fierce dogs. The term “let slip
the dogs of war” is a metaphor from coursing, the sport of pursuing game with dogs that
follow by sight rather than by scent. So, to let slip, means to release the slip or leash of
leather by which the greyhounds are held in hand till it is time for them to pursue the
animal. Here it refers to the horrors of war which are compared to large dogs who will
tear their victims to pieces.
The foul deed referred to is the assassination of Caesar by the conspirators.
This foul deed will smell above the earth means as a consequence of this civil strife in
Rome, the treacherous act of the murder of Caesar will come to the notice of the whole
world, and the dead bodies lying everywhere shall seem to be crying for burial.

Extract 10
Antony
Yet, stay awhile;
Thou shalt not back till I have borne the corpse
Into the market-place: there shall I try,
In my oration, how the people take
The cruel issue of these bloody men....

(i) To whom is Antony speaking? Why is this person here? Where are they?
Antony is speaking to Octavius Caesar's servant.
Caesar had written to Octavius to come to Rome.The servant has just come
from Octavius Caesar. He has come there with a message from Octavius that he will be
coming to Rome. Octavius told the servant to inform Antony about his arrival.
They are near Caesar's dead body at the Capitol in Rome.

(ii) What had Antony just said to this person before telling him to “stay awhile"? Why did
Antony request this person to “stay awhile”? How did this person help Antony?
The servant suddenly sees the dead body of Caesar. He expresses his
shock and starts weeping. Antony tells him that he has a tender heart, and not to
restrain his tears but to step aside for a moment and weep. He says that sorrow is
infectious and his eyes begin to water, seeing those tears in the servant's eyes. Then he
asks him if his master is coming. The servant replies that Octavius is staying in a camp
that night within a distance of about twenty-one miles from Rome. Antony now instructs
the servant to ride back as quickly as possible and inform Octavius of what has
happened in Rome, which is now overcome with grief and sorrow. Besides, Rome is full
of danger, and, at present, it is not a safe place for Octavius.
Antony tells the servant to wait a little and not to go back till he has taken
Caesar's body to the Forum. There he intends to sound to the people during his oration,
what they think of the brutal deed just committed by these bloodthirsty men. Then,
according to how the people react, he can inform Octavius about the state of affairs.
The servant helps Antony in carrying Caesar's dead body to the Forum.

(iii) Who was Octavius? Why is the arrival of Octavius in Rome important now?
 Octavius (63 B.C. 14 A.D.) was the son of Julius Caesar's niece Atia. He was
nominated in Caesar's will as his heir. His ability, recommended itself to Caesar who
treated him as son and heir.
The arrival of Octavius in Rome is important now, for we learn that Caesar's
family is not wiped out. A new Caesar is at hand. After the battle of Actium in 31 B.C.,
he became supreme lord of Rome. He was the first Roman Emperor, and was styled
Augustus, by the Senate and the people.

(iv) Explain the meaning of “oration”. What does this passage reveal to us about what
Antony proposed to do?
Oration means speech.
Antony proposes to carry Caesar's dead body to the market place and address
the citizens of Rome at that public spot. He would incite them against the conspirators
with his words. He intended to find out the real feelings of the people and judge in what
light they look at the cruel deed which the murderers have committed.

(v) Which trait of Antony's character is highlighted in this scene?

Antony here is not at all the dissolute and dissipated man as shown so far. He
is totally different. He is swift and decisive in action. He possesses keen insight into
human character. He is a gambler and seems to relish the risks he takes as he works
his way. He is recklessly bold and his eloquence is moving, when he expresses his
sincere grief and admiration for Caesar. His flattery is subtle. He knows exactly where
the weakness of the conspirators lies; in Brutus’ generous, honourable and total
self-confident nature. The conspirators do not understand his irony but the audience
gets it. His personality is so magnetic that the conspirators are blind to the fact that it
was impossible for Antony to be their friend over the dead body of his adored friend,
Caesar. Reasons do not matter to Antony except to play Brutus along. All that matters
to him is that Caesar has been killed and must be avenged. He does not allow Octavius
to fall into the hands of the conspirators and does his best to keep him out of Rome.

(vi) What does this scene reveal about Brutus?

Brutus is noble and patriotic. He is able to direct the actual assassination but
is unable to handle the situation afterward. He has no clear-cut plan of action, when
actually, the situation calls for swift action. He makes the most serious mistake of all in
accepting Mark Antony as a friend and equal and allowing him to speak at Caesar's
funeral. When he speaks about the conspirators' place in the remote future, he shows
himself to be an idealist, scholar and dreamer. At this moment he should be taking
action and not making speeches. However, his dignity does not suffer. He does not bow
to Caesar as the others do. He treats Antony with dignity, though he makes foolish
mistakes in dealing with him. He tried to be a paradox; a humane murderer, a
considerate politician - and this was unwise from a worldly point of view. This stamped
him as an incapable statesman but a moral hero.

(vii) How do Brutus and Antony differ in their viewpoint regarding Caesar’s
assassination? Do you think Caesar's influence ceases after his death? Why?
Giving reasons for Caesar's murder, Brutus says it was not a murder but a
religious ritual, while Antony perceives it as a savage spectacle. Brutus wished to "come
by Caesar's spirit" without killing the man himself, but he could not do that. So he tried
the next best thing, i.e., to reduce the murder to a ritual in order to fit his idealistic view
of the world. Ironically, he released Caesar's 'spirit,' and this 'spirit' becomes a
significant and dramatic force in the second half of the play. Antony is a shrewd
contriver. He puts on a mask to manipulate Brutus. Brutus agrees to let Antony speak at
Caesar's funeral. Cassius tells Brutus, "You know not what you do!"
The conspirators leave the stage; Antony stays behind. Antony says,
"Caesar' spirit, raging for revenge, will come hot from hell." The spirit seeking revenge
was a familiar figure on the Elizabethan stage. Caesar's spirit lives and acts after
Caesar murder. There are two Caesars in the play-the ruler killed by the conspirators
and his spirit who acts on his behalf. Antony's prediction about "domestic fury” and
“fierce civil strife" confirm the power of Caesar's spirit or the "second Caesar.”

(viii) Why is this scene important?

This scene, the assassination scene or the murder scene, is the most
important one in the play. It contains the climax up to which all the previous scenes
have been leading. It provides all the motives for the second half of the play. Caesar's
death proves to be the turning point in the play. This long and exciting scene is brilliantly
handled by Shakespeare.
This scene can be divided into three main divisions: First, is the meeting of
the Senators and the assassination of Caesar. We see the force of Destiny which
contrives with the conspirators to bring about Caesar's death and a victory for them.
Second, the meeting of Antony and Brutus. Third is the lamentation and the predictions
of Antony over Caesar's body. This scene is highly dramatic. We must visualize the
action of all the characters carefully.
Shakespeare has kept up the dramatic pressure of the play even though
Caesar is dead. This is done through the force of Antony's soliloquy. The audience is
made to anticipate new crises to come.
There are two changes of direction in the actions which are closely linked:
the first of course, the murder itself; the second, which critics have rightly called the
hinge of the play, is the entry of Antony's servant. This trembling figure announces the
counter-stroke, the reaction against the main action of the play. Antony, kept deliberately
in the background so far, now emerges as the subtle and powerful champion of the
dead Caesar.
The entry of Octavius's servant reminds us that Caesar's family is not extinct
and that a new Caesar is going to arrive.
This scene also reveals the error of Brutus who never realized that he had
struck down only Caesar's body but not Caesar's spirit. He commits a blunder by
allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral which foreshadows his fall.
Also, there is a change in the relationship of characters in the drama. Until now there
has been a marked contrast between Brutus and Cassius. Brutus's character stood out
more clearly because of Cassius. Now that Antony assumes a major role in the play, it is
he who provides the contrast to Brutus rather than Cassius. This is evident in the next
scene containing their funeral orations.