Julius Caesar – Act I Scene 1

Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow:
Question 1
Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home?
What tributaries follow him to Rome,
To grace in captive bonds his chariot-wheels?
1. Who speaks these lines? To whom are these words addressed?
Answer: Marullus, one of the tribunes of Rome, speaks these lines. They are
addressed to the common citizens who have gathered on
the streets of Rome.

2. Who is ‘he’ referred to in the first line of the extract? What does the
speaker want to convey to the listeners?
Answer: ‘He’ refers to Julius Caesar. Marullus wants to convey his anger and
disapproval at the commoners for mindlessly celebrating Caesar’s victory over
Pompey. He wants to remind them of their prior fickleness.

3. What is the conquest referred to in the extract? Why has the conqueror not
brought any territories to Rome by his conquest?
Answer: The conquest being referred to is Caesar’s recent defeat of his rival
Pompey and his forces at the battle of Pharsalus. Caesar has not brought any new
territories or subjects to Rome because his war against Pompey was a civil war for
supremacy, not one aimed at expanding the Roman Republic.

4. How does the speaker show his anger towards the listeners after the
extract?
Answer: After the extract, Marullus bitterly berates the commoners, calling them
“blocks, stones, worse than senseless things” for their foolishness in celebrating
Caesar, having forgotten their former loyalties. He works them into a state of
shame and guilt.

5. Give the meanings of:

a. What territories follow him to Rome
Answer: Which new lands/provinces does Caesar bring back to Rome after his
conquest.
b. To grace in captive bonds is chariot wheels
Answer: o decorate his chariot wheels with chained captive prisoners.
Question 2
MARULLUS – What trade, thou knave? thou naughty knave, what trade?
Second Commoner:
Nay, I beseech you, sir, be not out with me: yet,
if you be out, sir, I can mend you.
1. Who is Marullus? Why is he angry with the citizens?
Answer: Marullus is one of the tribunes of Rome, elected officials meant to
protect the rights of the common people. He is angry with the citizens because they
have taken a holiday and are celebrating Julius Caesar’s recent victory over
Pompey the Great, their former “hero”.

2. Why are the citizens out on the streets?

Answer: The common citizens have taken the day off work and are out in the
streets of Rome celebrating Caesar’s triumph over the forces of Pompey and his
sons.

3. What has the second citizen said just before this extract to annoy Marullus?
What is his profession?
Answer: Just prior to the extract, the second citizen has cleverly avoided
answering Marullus’s questions about his trade by making puns about cobbling and
mending shoes. This has further incensed Marullus. The second citizen is a cobbler
by profession.

4. a. Give the meanings of:

i. If you be out
Answer: If you are angry/provoked.

ii. I can mend you

Answer: I can repair/patch up things with you (pun on his profession as a cobbler)

b. How does the second citizen reveal his identity later?

Answer: The second citizen reveals he is a cobbler by making puns on
cobbling/mending shoes when answering Marullus.

Question 3
MARULLUS – And when you saw his chariot but appear,
Have you not made an universal shout,
That Tiber trembled underneath her banks,
To hear the replication of your sounds
Made in her concave shores?
1. Who is Marullus referring to? Where did the people gather to see his
chariot?
Answer: Marullus is referring to Pompey. The common people had gathered by
the banks of the river Tiber to see Caesar’s triumphal chariot pass by in a
procession.

2. What do ‘replication’ and ‘concave shore’ mean? Explain the last two lines
of the extract.
Answer: ‘Replication’ means echo or reverberation; ‘concave shores’ refers
poetically to the curved banks of the Tiber river. Marullus says that when
Pompey’s chariot appeared, the people’s ecstatic shouts were so loud and frenzied
that the sound echoed and reverberated along the hollow, concave river banks.

3. What does Marullus tell them to do to repent for their mistake?

Answer: Marullus instructs the people to go home, fall on their knees, and ritually
wash their tears of regret into the Tiber river to repent for their mistake of
celebrating Caesar’s victory over Pompey.

4. How does Marullus make them feel guilty?

Answer: Marullus makes the fickle people feel guilty by graphically reminding
them of the extreme loyalty and love they earlier showed for Pompey, contrasting
it with their present excitement over Caesar’s triumph against him.

5. What effect do Marullus’ words have on the people?

Answer: Marullus’ harsh words fill the commoners with shame and remorse over
their disloyalty. They promptly leave without another word, crestfallen and
heartsick.

Question 4
MARULLUS – May we do so?
You know it is the feast of Lupercal.
FLAVIUS – It is no matter; let no images
Be hung with Caesar’s trophies.

1. What instruction has Flavius given to Marullus before this extract?

Answer: Before the extract, Flavius had instructed Marullus to remove the
ceremonial decorations and victory trophies hung on statues around Rome in
Caesar’s honour.

2. Why is Marullus hesitant to carry out the orders of Flavius? What is the
significance of that day?
Answer: Marullus hesitates to follow the order because it is the feast day of
Lupercalia, a Roman festival holiday, so it may be considered inappropriate to
remove the celebratory trophies and decorations on a festive occasion.
3. What does Flavius volunteer to do after the extract?
Answer: After the extract, the more decisive Flavius volunteers to drive away the
common citizen crowds from the streets while Marullus strips the trophies from the
statues.

4. What is meant by ‘trophies’? Why does Flavius say that no images should
be hung with Caesar’s trophies?
Answer: ‘Trophies’ refers to the symbols of victory and triumph, like ceremonial
wreaths and garlands, hung on statues to honour conquering generals. Flavius
wants to remove them as he views Caesar’s growing power as dangerous and does
not want to feed his ambitions.

5. How is Flavius more assertive than Marullus? Why do you think so?
Answer: Flavius demonstrates more initiative and assertiveness than Marullus in
taking action against the public honours being given to Caesar. Marullus is more
cautious and concerned about propriety on a feast day.
 Julius Caesar Act 1 Scene 2

Question 1
CAESAR-Who is it in the press that calls on me?
I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music,
Cry ‘Caesar!’ Speak; Caesar is turn’d to hear.
1. Who called out to Caesar? What did he warn Caesar of?
Answer: The Soothsayer called out loudly to Caesar, standing out amongst the
cheers and music of the crowd. He warned Caesar tom“Beware the ides of March,”
which refers to March 15th. This warning foreshadows Caesar’s assassination.

2. What is the meaning of ‘Press’? Give another meaning of ‘Press’.

Answer: ‘Press’ refers to the crowd gathered to celebrate Caesar’s triumph.
Another meaning of ‘press’ is to squeeze, push, or apply pressure, which reflects
the crowded and chaotic nature of the public celebration.

3. Why is Caesar ‘turn’d to hear’? How does Caesar challenge the speaker?
Answer: Caesar is ‘turned to hear’ the Soothsayer because his voice stands out
from the loud music and cheers of the adoring crowd.Caesar challenges the
Soothsayer aggressively, demanding “What sayst thou to me now?” He wants to
hear the warning directly.

4. How does Caesar react to the warning of the speaker?

Answer: Caesar arrogantly dismisses and ignores the Soothsayer’s dramatic
warning, bluntly calling him a “dreamer.” This reveals Caesar’s overconfidence
and refusal to heed warnings and signs, even supernatural ones foretelling his
death.

5. Who else tries to warn Caesar about the danger which is in store for him
later in the play? What aspects of Caesar’s character are shown?
Answer: Later in the play, Calpurnia, Caesar’s wife, also tries to warn him not to
go to the Senate based on her ominous dreams. He similarly dismisses her
concerns. This continues to show Caesar’s stubborn arrogance and sense of
invulnerability, which prove to be fatal flaws.
Question 2
BRUTUS – Cassius, Be not deceived: if I have veil’d my look,
I turn the trouble of my countenance
Merely upon myself. Vexed I am
Of late with passions of some difference,
Conceptions only proper to myself.

1. Where are Brutus and Cassius at this time? What is the occasion?
Answer: Brutus and Cassius are alone in Rome while the rest of the citizens
celebrate Caesar’s recent military victory over Pompey. They have stayed behind
during the festivities and victory parade. The scene takes place on the day of
Caesar’s triumphant return to Rome.

2. What has Cassius told Brutus regarding the latter’s attitude towards him?
Answer: Cassius has told Brutus that lately Brutus seems very distant and aloof
towards him, not showing the same friendliness, warmth and affection as he used
to. Cassius says Brutus has been treating him in a cold and unfriendly manner.

3. What reason does Brutus give to Cassius for not going to the games? With
whom does Brutus compare himself to?
Answer: Brutus explains to Cassius that he has not been going to the games and
festivities because he is preoccupied with his own private thoughts and emotions
that have been troubling him. He compares himself to Mark Antony, noting that
Antony has an energetic, lively personality and loves attending social events, while
Brutus has been solitary, moody and antisocial lately.

4. What does Brutus tell Cassius regarding his conflicting thoughts and
emotions? What effects are they having on Brutus regarding his attitude
towards others?
Answer: Brutus tells Cassius that he is conflicted within himself, bothered by
passions and thoughts that are personal to him. He does not specify what these
passions are. This inner turmoil and emotional conflict is causing him to appear
detached, remote and inattentive to others, even close friends like Cassius.

5. What is Cassius’ motive in showing his friendship towards Brutus? How is

Cassius shown to be a schemer?
Answer: Cassius is scheming to win Brutus over to the developing conspiracy to
assassinate Julius Caesar. He is only pretending friendship and concern for Brutus,
but his real hidden motive is political – he wants to recruit Brutus into the murder
plot. So Cassius is shown to be manipulative, crafty and devious in the way he tries
to play on Brutus’s emotions and sense of friendship.

Question 3
CASSIUS – ‘Tis just:
And it is very much lamented, Brutus,
That you have no such mirrors as will turn
Your hidden worthiness into your eye.
1. What does Cassius go on to tell Brutus about what the people are lamenting
about?
Answer: Cassius goes on after the extract to tell Brutus that many Romans,
including Cassius himself, are lamenting and expressing regret that Brutus does not
fully see or appreciate his own true worth and virtues. They think Brutus
undervalues his admirable qualities.

2. What ‘dangers’ does Brutus refer to after the extract?

Answer: After the extract, Brutus refers to the growing “dangers” of Julius Caesar
gaining too much power and dominating Rome as dictator. He fears Caesar’s
ambitions will lead to tyranny.

3. How does Cassius offer to show the brothers his true worth?
Answer: Cassius offers to metaphorically be a mirror for Brutus and reveal to him
the hidden strengths and virtues that Brutus cannot see clearly in himself. Cassius
claims he can reflect Brutus’s true qualities back at him.

4. How does Cassius convince Brutus not to doubt him?

Answer: Cassius convinces Brutus not to doubt his motivations by insisting that he
is an honest, direct, plain-spoken man, not a deceptive, fawning flatterer. Cassius
claims Brutus has no reason to be suspicious of him.

5. How does Brutus portray himself to be truly concerned about the present
condition prevailing in Rome?
Answer: Brutus shows he is concerned not just for his own reputation but for the
greater good of Rome. He would prefer being a common citizen of Rome to
accepting tyranny or dictatorship. This makes him seem truly principled and caring
about his country’s fate.

Question 4
BRUTUS – What means this shouting? I do fear, the people
Choose Caesar for their king.
CASSIUS-Ay, do you fear it?
Then must I think you would not have it so.
1. Why are Brutus and Cassius alone together at this time while the festivities
are on?
Answer: Brutus and Cassius are alone together at this moment because they have
stayed behind in Rome while the rest of the citizens are out celebrating Caesar’s
recent military victory over Pompey. There is a festive parade going on that they
are avoiding.

2. Why is Brutus not in favour of Caesar becoming king?

Answer: Brutus does not favor Caesar becoming king because it would destroy the
Roman republic and its democratic institutions, putting all power in one man’s
hands. Brutus cherishes the liberties and freedoms of Rome, which he believes
kingship would extinguish.

3. What two weaknesses of Caesar does Cassius highlight to Brutus?

Answer: Cassius highlights two of Caesar’s weaknesses to Brutus – his inability to
swim across a rushing Tiber river, and his susceptibility to fever and fits. Cassius
uses these examples to portray Caesar as weak and unfit to rule Rome.

4. How does Cassius compare the names of ‘Brutus’ and ‘Cassius’ to that of
the name of ‘Caesar’?
Answer: Cassius points out that the name Brutus is just as honorable and noble as
the name Caesar. The founder of the Roman republic was the heroic Lucius Junius
Brutus, so Cassius argues Brutus comes from an equally great lineage and family
reputation as Caesar.

5. Brutus comments “I do fear”. What does the word ‘fear’ signify? How does
Cassius interpret the word ‘fear’ to judge Brutus mind?
Answer: When Brutus says “I do fear,” it shows he is genuinely worried about the
prospect of Caesar gaining authoritarian power. Cassius interprets Brutus’s use of
the word “fear” as a sign that Brutus would strongly oppose Caesar becoming king,
and could be recruited into the developing conspiracy.

Question 5
I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor,
Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder
The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber.
1. Who speaks these lines? Who was Aeneas?
Answer: These boastful lines are spoken by Cassius. Aeneas was a legendary hero
of Troy who escaped the destruction of the city while bearing his elderly father
Anchises on his shoulders.

2. Why does Cassius compare himself to Aeneas?

Answer: Cassius compares himself to the heroic Aeneas in order to exaggerate and
glorify his own actions. He wants to portray himself as a great savior who is
rescuing Rome from Caesar’s tyranny, just as Aeneas rescued his father and the
Trojan ancestral spirits from Troy’s downfall.

3. Who is this ‘man’ referred to in the fourth line of the extract? What grudge
does the speaker bear against this ‘man’?
Answer: The “man” referred to scornfully in the fourth line is Julius Caesar, who
Cassius greatly resents and envies. Cassius bears a bitter personal grudge against
Caesar’s power and popularity.

4. How does the speaker compare this man to God?

Answer: With heavy sarcasm and irony, Cassius compares Caesar to an immortal
god in order to mock Caesar’s arrogance and
ambition. Cassius sees Caesar as merely a mortal man who has unjustly made
himself into a deity.

5. What does this speech reveal about the speaker?

Answer: This hyperbolic, boastful speech reveals Cassius’s deep jealousy and
hatred of Caesar. It shows his obsession with Caesar and willingness to violently
conspire against him.

Question 6

BRUTUS- That you do love me, I am nothing jealous;

What you would work me to, I have some aim:
How I have thought of this and of these times,
I shall recount hereafter
1. What does the word ‘jealous’ mean in the extract?
Answer: In this extract, the word “jealous” means “suspicious.” Brutus is saying
he does not distrust or doubt Cassius’s expressions of affection for him.

2. Brutus is aware of Cassius’ motive. What is the motive?

Answer: Brutus seems aware that Cassius’s underlying motive is to recruit him
into joining the developing conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar. That is why
Cassius is so earnestly courting Brutus’s friendship.

3. What does Brutus assure Cassius of after the extract that makes Cassius
‘glad’?
Answer: After the extract, Brutus assures Cassius that he will consider what
Cassius has said. This response makes Cassius glad, as he feels he is making
headway in persuading Brutus.

4. Who enters after the extract?

Answer: Shortly after this extract, Casca enters the scene and interrupts the
conversation between Brutus and Cassius.

5. Who does Cassius decide to ‘pluck’? Why?

Answer: Based on his blunt conversation with Casca, Cassius decides he wants to
“pluck” or recruit Casca into the conspiracy against Caesar as well. Cassius thinks
Casca’s cynical, sarcastic attitude can be useful to the plot.

Question 7
CAESAR-Let me have men about me that are fat;
Sleek-headed men and such as sleep o’ nights:
Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look;
He thinks too much: such men are dangerous.
1. Who does Caesar address these words to? How does this person try to
assure Caesar not to fear?
Answer: Caesar addresses these critical words about Cassius to Mark Antony.
Antony tries to reassure Caesar by insisting that Cassius is a noble Roman, not a
danger or threat to Caesar.

2. How is Caesar not convinced?

Answer: Caesar is not convinced by Antony’s reassurances. He remains distrustful
of Cassius’s motivations and ambitions.

3. What reasons does Caesar give for fearing the person in question?
Answer: Caesar gives two reasons for his wariness about Cassius – that he has a
“lean and hungry look,” and that he “thinks too much.” Caesar believes these traits
make Cassius willing to undermine him.

4. Which weakness of Caesar is shown after the extract?

Answer: After this extract, Caesar ignores the warnings of a soothsayer about the
Ides of March, showing Caesar’s superstitious weakness and egotism.

5. How is Caesar shown to be far-sighted and wise in his judgement of

character?
Answer: Caesar shows great insight and judgement of character in accurately
identifying Cassius as cunning, sly and ambitious. His
assessment of Cassius as a scheming, dangerous threat will prove correct.

Question 8
BRUTUS – Ay, Casca; tell us what hath chanced to-day,
That Caesar looks so sad.
CASCA – Why, you were with him, were you not?
BRUTUS-I should not then ask Casca what had chanc’d.
1. What had chang’d that day as described by Casca?
Answer: Casca describes several alarming incidents that happened that day –
Antony offering Caesar a crown three times, Caesar refusing it reluctantly, and
Caesar then suffering a fit and collapsing in public.

2. In what way was the incident a ‘mere foolery’? Give three instances.
Answer: The whole incident with the crown was foolishness in three ways –
Caesar clearly wanted the crown but pantomimed refusing it; the fickle crowd
cheered or jeered based on Caesar’s reactions; and Casca calls the coronet just a
flimsy ornament.

3. What information did Casca give about Flavius and Marullus?

Answer: Casca also told Brutus and Cassius that the tribunes Marullus and Flavius
were silenced and removed from power for removing ceremonial scarves from
Caesar’s statues.

4. What is Brutus’ assessment of Casca when he leaves? How does Cassius

contradict Brutus about his assessment?
Answer: Based on his coarse language and cynical attitude, Brutus sees Casca as a
rude, blunt commoner. However, Cassius contradicts this assessment, saying Casca
is actually clever and perceptive, and should be recruited into the conspiracy.

5. How does Cassius judge Brutus’ character at the end of the scene? What do
you think of Cassius from this judgement?
Answer: By the end of the scene, Cassius judges Brutus to have an honorable
character and noble motives, unlike himself. But he thinks Brutus’s virtues can be
manipulated into opposing Caesar for the greater good of Rome. This shows
Cassius’s cunning political mind.
 Julius Caesar Act 1 Scene 3

Question 1
CASSIUS -Now know you, Casca, I have moved already
Some certain of the noblest-minded Romans
To undergo with me an enterprise
Of honourable – dangerous consequence ;
1. What assurance has Casca just given Cassius that he can be trusted?

Answer: Casca has assured Cassius that he can be trusted by holding Cassius’s
hand and pledging his full support to Cassius in seeking redress for the many
grievances facing Rome. This physical act of hand-holding signifies Casca
committing himself to Cassius and the conspiracy.

2. How does Casca prove true to his word when the conspirators are about to
kill Caesar later on?

Answer: When the conspirators attack Caesar, Casca proves true to his word to
Cassius by being the first to stab Caesar. Despite Caesar’s cries of protest, Casca
deals the first blow, showing he is fully committed to the conspiracy as he
promised Cassius earlier.

3. Who in particular is the ‘noblest-minded Romans’? Write two sentences

about them.
Answer: The ‘noblest-minded Romans’ refer particularly to two respected senators
– Brutus and Decius Brutus. Brutus is known as a man of exceptionally high
principles and ideals, and is greatly respected by the people of Rome for his noble
character. They see him as a role model. Decius Brutus is also a well-regarded
senator who is seen as honorable.

4. Explain what is this ‘enterprise’. Why is it ‘honourable-dangerous’

consequence?

Answer: The ‘enterprise’ refers to the secret conspiracy Cassius is organizing to

assassinate Julius Caesar. Cassius sees Caesar as dangerously ambitious and a
threat to Rome’s republican values. The conspiracy aims to remove Caesar from
power. It is ‘honorabledangerous’ because it is very risky, but is ultimately aimed
at restoring power to the Roman Senate and people, away from potential tyranny.
So it has an honorable intent behind the danger.

Question 2

Now could I, Casca, name to thee a man

Most like this dreadful night,
That thunders, lightens, opens graves, and roars
As doth the lion in the Capitol,
1. Who is the speaker? Which man is the speaker hinting at?

Answer: Cassius, one of the conspirators against Caesar, is the speaker here. He is
hinting at and referring to Julius Caesar through his words.

2. How does Cassius blame the Romans for their submissive attitude?

Answer: Cassius blames the Roman people for ignorantly and weakly allowing
Caesar to gain immense power and become an authoritarian, tyrannical figure in
Rome. Cassius accuses the Romans of simply submitting to Caesar’s growing
power and ambition without any resistance.

3. How does Cassius compare the men to themselves?

Answer: Cassius draws a comparison between the men of the present Rome to the
men of Rome’s past – their ancestors. He says Romans today have the physical
strength and abilities of their forefathers, but lack their courageous spirit and
principles. They let themselves be ‘governed by their mother’s spirits’, meaning
they are weak and submissive.

4. In what way has this man grown ‘ prodigious’ and ‘ fearful ‘ like these
strange eruptions?

Answer: Caesar has grown in power, ambition and dominance to become as

fearfully prodigious and ominous as the strange supernatural happenings taking
place in the storm. Just as the storm is disruptive and threatening, Caesar has
become a threatening force through his unchecked growth.

5. How does Cassius use the storm to obtain a commitment from Casca? What
is the commitment?

Answer: Cassius uses the storm, which terrifies Casca, to portray Caesar as a
similarly terrifying and dangerous threat that has arisen and must be dealt with. He
obtains a clear verbal commitment from Casca to join the conspiracy to remove
Caesar from power.

Question 3

CASSIUS – I know where I will wear this dagger then; Cassius

From bondage will deliver Cassius: Therein, ye
Gods, you make the weak most strong; Therein, ye
Gods, you tyrants do defeat:
1.What were Cassius fears that make him say that he would kill himself?

Answer: Cassius feared that Caesar would become an absolute tyrant, seizing
complete authoritarian power in Rome. He was afraid this would lead to the loss of
freedom and republican liberties. Cassius would rather die than lose his freedom
and live oppressed under a tyrant.

2.Explain ‘Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius’.

Answer: ‘Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius’ means that if Caesar
successfully becomes a tyrant, Cassius would rather commit suicide and kill
himself than live in bondage and servitude under Caesar’s rule. Death would be
preferable to losing his freedom.

3.How have the gods made the weak strong and defeated tyrants?
Answer: The gods have figuratively made the weak (like Cassius and Casca)
strong by inspiring them to stand up against Caesar’s tyranny through the
conspiracy. The tyrant Caesar will be defeated by the combined strength of the
conspirators rising up against him in the name of republican liberties.

4.How has Cassius boosted the courage of Casca a little earlier?

Answer: Earlier, when Casca expressed fear at the storm, Cassius boosted his
courage by walking unafraid through the stormy night and boldly telling Casca that
true Romans should not let such sights frighten them. This display of courage
motivated Casca.

5.How has Cassius portrayed himself to be a lover of freedom and a true

Republican?

Answer: By declaring that he would rather die than live under tyranny, Cassius
portrays himself as a devoted lover of freedom and the roman republican system
who is unwilling to be oppressed by any potential Caesar tyranny. This shows his
republican ideals.

Question 4

CASSIUS And why should Caesar be a tyrant then?

Poor man! I know he would not be a wolf,
But that he sees the Romans are but sheep:
He were no lion, were not Romans hinds
1.How are the Romans to be blamed for Caesar becoming a tyrant?

Answer: According to Cassius, the Roman people themselves are to blame for
Caesar gaining so much power as to become a tyrannical figure. Cassius accuses
the Romans of weakness and servility, saying they submitted to Caesar’s growing
power and treated him like a glorious hero even as he expanded his authority. Their
sheep-like submissiveness allowed his rise.

2.How does Cassius show the weaknesses of the Romans after the extract to
raise Caesar to his glory?

Answer: After this extract, Cassius goes on to describe how the Romans have
allowed themselves to be awed by Caesar, praising him and empowering him even
as he adopted king-like authority. The people have become pathetically
subservient, like ‘sheep’ and ‘hinds’ mindlessly following Caesar’s lead, which has
only fed his ambition further.

3. How does Cassius draw Casca into the conspiracy by playing on the latter’s
emotions?

Answer: Cassius draws Casca into the conspiracy by portraying Caesar as a ‘wolf’
intent on preying on the weak, submissive Romans. He plays on Casca’s
republican emotions and principles, causing Casca to see Caesar as a threat to
freedom that must be eliminated.

4. How does Casca assure Cassius of his support?

Answer: Casca directly assures Cassius of his support, saying he is no ‘fieering

tell-tale’ or coward, and will fully match Cassius in working to oppose Caesar’s
ambition, proving he can be trusted.

5. How does Cassius instill a sense of encouragement in Casca in joining the

conspiracy? Who are the people waiting for them in Pompey’s porch?

Answer: By speaking of honorable Romans who await them, Cassius provides a

strong encouragement to Casca to join the contrusted by making him feel part of a
meaningful, principled cause that has the backing of respected senators. The people
waiting in Pompey’s porch are the other assembled conspirators.

Question 5

CASSIUS-Am I not stay’d for? tell me.

CINNA – Yes, you are. O Cassius, if you could
But win the noble Brutus to our party
1. What does Cassius give Cinna after the extract? What task does Cassius
assign to Cinna?

Answer: After this extract, Cassius gives Cinna letters to covertly leave in places
where Brutus will find and read them. The letters are intended to help convince
Brutus that he must join the conspiracy against Caesar for the good of Rome. This
is part of Cassius’ effort to win over Brutus.

2. Where is Cinna to go after completing the task? How is Cassius confident

about Brutus joining the conspiracy?
Answer: After carrying out his task of planting the letters, Cinna is to go wait with
the other conspirators in Pompey’s Porch. Cassius feels confident that by the end
of the night, through the letters and their direct persuasion, Brutus will fully join
their conspiracy against Caesar.

3. Why is Casca also keen on Brutus joining the conspiracy?

Answer: Casca is also extremely keen to have Brutus join the conspiracy because
Brutus is known as an honorable man of high principles. His reputation would lend
legitimacy to their cause and make it appear more like a virtuous, principled
endeavor.

4. What does Cassius hope for at the end of the scene? Who has Cassius been
able to influence so far? What is their common aim?

Answer: By the end of the scene, Cassius hopes to have fully won over the
respected Brutus to their conspiracy cause. So far, he has managed to influence
Casca and Cinna to join the conspiracy against Julius Caesar. Their common aim is
to remove Caesar from power in order to preserve the Roman Republic and prevent
potential tyranny under Caesar.