CLASS-9 ENGLISH JULIUS CAESAR ACT-1 SCENE-2
NOTES Q&A
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that
follow:
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 person who called out to Caesar was a soothsayer.
He warned Caesar to "Beware the Ides of March," which means
that something bad might happen to him on the 15th of March.
2. What is the meaning of 'Press'? Give another meaning
of 'Press
Answer: Here 'Press' means crowd. Another meaning of 'press' is
the mob, the big crowd of the common people.
3. Why is Caesar "turn'd to hear? How does Caesar
challenge the speaker?
Answer: Caesar being deaf of one ear turns his other ear to listen.
He challenges the speaker warning him to come to his face and
say what he has to say
4. How does Caesar react to the warning of the speaker?
Answer: Caesar does not take the warning of the speaker
seriously. He just dismisses the speaker calling him a dreamer not
to be taken notice of.
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: Ans. It is his wife who later warns Caesar as she had a
terrible dream of Caesar's death. Caesar is shown as haughty and
boastful.
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 at a public place. It is the
occasion of the feast of Lupercal. The scene is soon after Caesar
exists.
2. What has Cassius told Brutus regarding the latter's
attitude towards him?
Answer: Cassius has observed lately that Brutus' manner has
become hard and he lacks the gentle look of friendship.
3. What reason does Brutus give to Cassius for not going
to the games? With whom does Brutus compare himself
to?
Answer: Brutus says that he is in no mood for games and frivolous
activities. He tells Cassius that he lacks lively temperament which
Antony has.
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 suffering from internal
conflict. That is why his attitude towards his friends has changed.
It means no offence or neglect to friends, but he has failed to
show customary respect and courtesies to others.
5. What is Cassius' motive in showing his friendship
towards Brutus? How is Cassius shown to be a schemer?
Answer: Cassius has his own selfish motive in showing his
friendship towards Brutus. He wants to poison Brutus' mind by
speaking about the growing powers and popularity of Caesar
whereas Brutus is no less than Caesar in anyway.
QUESTION 3
CASSIUS'T is 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 to tell Brutus that people hold him
(Brutus) in high esteem and Brutus in unaware of his goodness
and nobility. People are lamenting that the oppression by Caesar
is not being noticed by Brutus.
2. What 'dangers' does Brutus refer to after the extract?
Answer: Brutus refers to the dangerous insinuations made by
Cassius. Brutus says that he is not aware of what oppression is
there because being a close friend of Caesar, he does not notice
Caesar's tyranny.
3. How does Cassius offer to show the brothers his true
worth?
Answer: Cassius offers to be Brutus mirror to reflect the latter's
virtues about which Brutus is still unaware.
4. How does Cassius convince Brutus not to doubt him?
Answer: Cassius assures Brutus that he (Cassius) is never non-
serious. He does not talk insincere or false things. He is a trusted
friend who is loyal in friendship.
5. How does Brutus portray himself to be truly concerned
about the present condition prevailing in Rome?
Answer: Brutus portrays himself as a well-wisher of the common
people. He is ready to stake his honour for the fame fitfaces
tyranny.
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 after the exit of
Caesar at the Lupercal festivities because they are discussing the
affairs of the state in the wake of Caesar s triumph over Pompey
and his sons
2. Why is Brutus not in favour of Caesar becoming king?
Answer: Brutus is not in favour of Caesar becoming king because
he fears republicanism can be in danger if all powers are vested in
one person.
3. What two weaknesses of Caesar does Cassius highlight
to Brutus?
Answer: (a) he proved to be poor swimmer when challenged to
leap into the turbulent waters of the river Tiber and
(b) Caesar cried like a helpless girl when he was stricken with
fever in Spain
4. How does Cassius compare the names of 'Brutus' and
'Cassius' to that of the name of 'Caesar'?
Answer: Cassius compares 'Brutus and Cassius' that when
pronounced they have the same emphasis and sound as good as
that of 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: The word 'fear' signifies some happening unfavorable to
the individual as well as to any well wisher of the state. Cassius
interprets the word 'fear to arouse Brutus' spirits to rise against
Caesar.
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: Cassius speaks these lines. Aeneas was the founder of
Rome When the Greeks burned and looted Troy after ten years of
seize. Aeneas rescued his father Anchises carrying him on his
back
2. Why does Cassius compare himself to Aeneas?
Answer: Cassius compares himself to Aeneas because just as
Aeneas saved his father in crisis. in the same way he (Cassius)
saved Caesar from being carried away by the strong waves of the
river Tiber
3. Who is this 'man' referred to in the fourth line of the
extract? What grudge does the speaker bear against this
"man"?
Answer: This man referred to here is Caesar. The speaker bears a
grudge against Caesar who is not stronger or better than him in
any way.
4. How does the speaker compare this man to God?
Answer: The speaker (Cassius) compares Caesar to God
sarcastically, meaning that Caesar is no God at all.
5. What does this speech reveal about the speaker?
Answer: This speech of the speaker shows his jealousy for Caesar
whom he does not consider so great as he has been made to
believed.
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: The word Jealous in this context means doubt, so nothing
jealous means without doubt or very sure.
2. Brutus is aware of Cassius 'motive, What is the motive?
Answer: Brutus is aware that he has the complete understanding
of Cassius' motive, which is to seek Brutus approval and consent
to join his enterprise in killing Caesar
3. What does Brutus assure Cassius of, after the extract,
that makes Cassius 'glad"?
Answer: Brutus assures Cassius that he will think over the plan
chalked out by Cassius sincerely and seriously. This makes
Cassius glad
4. Who enters after the extract?
Answer: Caesar accompanied by his followers enters the scene
soon after Brutus and Cassius have discussed the plan.
5. Who does Cassius decide to 'pluck'? Why?
Answer: Cassius decides to pluck i.e., stop Casca by the sleeve to
know from him what happened that day.
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 words to Mark Antony. Antony
tries to assure Caesar that Cassius is not a dangerous person he is
inclined to do good.
2. Why is Caesar not convinced?
Answer: Caesar is not convinced by Antony's words because he
wishes that Cassius should have been fat. Lean or hungry looks of
a man are dangerous, according to Caesar
3. What reasons does Caesar give for fearing the person in
question?
Answer: Caesar explains why such a person is to be feared
Cassius reads too much. He is a great observer and his sharp eyes
can read the character of men and discover their motives. Men
Such as Cassius who have no smiles and love no music are
dangerous
4. Which weakness of Caesar is shown after the extract?
Answer: A little later we are told that Caesar could not bear the
foul smell of the shouting crowds. He suffered from falling
sickness i.e., epileptic fit. His mouth was foaming and he was
unable to speak.
5. How is Caesar shown to be far-sighted and wise in his
judgment of character?
Answer: Caesar truly judged Cassius character. It was Cassius who
became dangerous out of his jealousy towards Caesar.
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 chanced.
1. What had changed that day as described by Casca?
Answer: Casca described that Caesar was offered a crown thrice
at the feast though it was declined each time it was offered.
2. In what way was the incident a 'mere foolery? Give
three instances.
Answer: Casca says that offering the crown and its decline by
Caesar was all a more foolery. First, it was not a crown, it was just
a garland of flowers. Second. Caesar rejected it, though he wished
to have it. Three, he fell into falling sickness at the frenzy of the
crowd.
3. What information did Casca give about Flavius and
Marullus?
Answer: Casca gave the information that the tribunes - Flavius
and Marullus, were dismissed from their posts for pulling down
decoration from Caesar image.
4. What is Brutus' assessment of Casca when he leaves?
How does Cassius contradict Brutus about his
assessment?
Answer: Brutus had a poor opinion of Casca, According to him,
Casca had grown into a dull and stupid fellow, though he was
quite sharp when he was at school Cassius contradicts Brutus by
saying that Casca is still quite dependable.
5. How does Cassius judge Brutus' character at the end of
the scene? What do you think of Cassius from this
judgment?
Answer: At the end of the scene Cassius says that though Brutus
is a noble person, he is easily influenced by persons like him.
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 person who called out to Caesar was a soothsayer.
He warned Caesar to "Beware the Ides of March," which means
that something bad might happen to him on the 15th of March.
2. What is the meaning of 'Press'? Give another meaning
of 'Press
Answer: Here 'Press' means crowd. Another meaning of 'press' is
the mob, the big crowd of the common people.
3. Why is Caesar "turn'd to hear? How does Caesar
challenge the speaker?
Answer: Caesar being deaf of one ear turns his other ear to listen.
He challenges the speaker warning him to come to his face and
say what he has to say
4. How does Caesar react to the warning of the speaker?
Answer: Caesar does not take the warning of the speaker
seriously. He just dismisses the speaker calling him a dreamer not
to be taken notice of.
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: Ans. It is his wife who later warns Caesar as she had a
terrible dream of Caesar's death. Caesar is shown as haughty and
boastful.
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 at a public place. It is the
occasion of the feast of Lupercal. The scene is soon after Caesar
exists.
2. What has Cassius told Brutus regarding the latter's
attitude towards him?
Answer: Cassius has observed lately that Brutus' manner has
become hard and he lacks the gentle look of friendship.
3. What reason does Brutus give to Cassius for not going
to the games? With whom does Brutus compare himself
to?
Answer: Brutus says that he is in no mood for games and frivolous
activities. He tells Cassius that he lacks lively temperament which
Antony has.
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 suffering from internal
conflict. That is why his attitude towards his friends has changed.
It means no offence or neglect to friends, but he has failed to
show customary respect and courtesies to others.
5. What is Cassius' motive in showing his friendship
towards Brutus? How is Cassius shown to be a schemer?
Answer: Cassius has his own selfish motive in showing his
friendship towards Brutus. He wants to poison Brutus' mind by
speaking about the growing powers and popularity of Caesar
whereas Brutus is no less than Caesar in anyway.
QUESTION 3
CASSIUS'T is 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 to tell Brutus that people hold him
(Brutus) in high esteem and Brutus in unaware of his goodness
and nobility. People are lamenting that the oppression by Caesar
is not being noticed by Brutus.
2. What 'dangers' does Brutus refer to after the extract?
Answer: Brutus refers to the dangerous insinuations made by
Cassius. Brutus says that he is not aware of what oppression is
there because being a close friend of Caesar, he does not notice
Caesar's tyranny.
3. How does Cassius offer to show the brothers his true
worth?
Answer: Cassius offers to be Brutus mirror to reflect the latter's
virtues about which Brutus is still unaware.
4. How does Cassius convince Brutus not to doubt him?
Answer: Cassius assures Brutus that he (Cassius) is never non-
serious. He does not talk insincere or false things. He is a trusted
friend who is loyal in friendship.
5. How does Brutus portray himself to be truly concerned
about the present condition prevailing in Rome?
Answer: Brutus portrays himself as a well-wisher of the common
people. He is ready to stake his honour for the fame fitfaces
tyranny.
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 after the exit of
Caesar at the Lupercal festivities because they are discussing the
affairs of the state in the wake of Caesar s triumph over Pompey
and his sons
2. Why is Brutus not in favour of Caesar becoming king?
Answer: Brutus is not in favour of Caesar becoming king because
he fears republicanism can be in danger if all powers are vested in
one person.
3. What two weaknesses of Caesar does Cassius highlight
to Brutus?
Answer: (a) he proved to be poor swimmer when challenged to
leap into the turbulent waters of the river Tiber and
(b) Caesar cried like a helpless girl when he was stricken with
fever in Spain
4. How does Cassius compare the names of 'Brutus' and
'Cassius' to that of the name of 'Caesar'?
Answer: Cassius compares 'Brutus and Cassius' that when
pronounced they have the same emphasis and sound as good as
that of 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: The word 'fear' signifies some happening unfavorable to
the individual as well as to any well wisher of the state. Cassius
interprets the word 'fear to arouse Brutus' spirits to rise against
Caesar.
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: Cassius speaks these lines. Aeneas was the founder of
Rome When the Greeks burned and looted Troy after ten years of
seize. Aeneas rescued his father Anchises carrying him on his
back
2. Why does Cassius compare himself to Aeneas?
Answer: Cassius compares himself to Aeneas because just as
Aeneas saved his father in crisis. in the same way he (Cassius)
saved Caesar from being carried away by the strong waves of the
river Tiber
3. Who is this 'man' referred to in the fourth line of the
extract? What grudge does the speaker bear against this
"man"?
Answer: This man referred to here is Caesar. The speaker bears a
grudge against Caesar who is not stronger or better than him in
any way.
4. How does the speaker compare this man to God?
Answer: The speaker (Cassius) compares Caesar to God
sarcastically, meaning that Caesar is no God at all.
5. What does this speech reveal about the speaker?
Answer: This speech of the speaker shows his jealousy for Caesar
whom he does not consider so great as he has been made to
believed.
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: The word Jealous in this context means doubt, so nothing
jealous means without doubt or very sure.
2. Brutus is aware of Cassius 'motive, What is the motive?
Answer: Brutus is aware that he has the complete understanding
of Cassius' motive, which is to seek Brutus approval and consent
to join his enterprise in killing Caesar
3. What does Brutus assure Cassius of, after the extract,
that makes Cassius 'glad"?
Answer: Brutus assures Cassius that he will think over the plan
chalked out by Cassius sincerely and seriously. This makes
Cassius glad
4. Who enters after the extract?
Answer: Caesar accompanied by his followers enters the scene
soon after Brutus and Cassius have discussed the plan.
5. Who does Cassius decide to 'pluck'? Why?
Answer: Cassius decides to pluck i.e., stop Casca by the sleeve to
know from him what happened that day.
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 words to Mark Antony. Antony
tries to assure Caesar that Cassius is not a dangerous person he is
inclined to do good.
2. Why is Caesar not convinced?
Answer: Caesar is not convinced by Antony's words because he
wishes that Cassius should have been fat. Lean or hungry looks of
a man are dangerous, according to Caesar
3. What reasons does Caesar give for fearing the person in
question?
Answer: Caesar explains why such a person is to be feared
Cassius reads too much. He is a great observer and his sharp eyes
can read the character of men and discover their motives. Men
Such as Cassius who have no smiles and love no music are
dangerous
4. Which weakness of Caesar is shown after the extract?
Answer: A little later we are told that Caesar could not bear the
foul smell of the shouting crowds. He suffered from falling
sickness i.e., epileptic fit. His mouth was foaming and he was
unable to speak.
5. How is Caesar shown to be far-sighted and wise in his
judgement of character?
Answer: Caesar truly judged Cassius character. It was Cassius who
became dangerous out of his jealousy towards Caesar.
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 chanced.
1. What had changed that day as described by Casca?
Answer: Casca described that Caesar was offered a crown thrice
at the feast though it was declined each time it was offered.
2. In what way was the incident a 'mere foolery? Give
three instances.
Answer: Casca says that offering the crown and its decline by
Caesar was all a more foolery. First, it was not a crown, it was just
a garland of flowers. Second. Caesar rejected it, though he wished
to have it. Three, he fell into falling sickness at the frenzy of the
crowd.
3. What information did Casca give about Flavius and
Marullus?
Answer: Casca gave the information that the tribunes - Flavius
and Marullus, were dismissed from their posts for pulling down
decoration from Caesar image.
4. What is Brutus' assessment of Casca when he leaves?
How does Cassius contradict Brutus about his
assessment?
Answer: Brutus had a poor opinion of Casca, According to him,
Casca had grown into a dull and stupid fellow, though he was
quite sharp when he was at school Cassius contradicts Brutus by
saying that Casca is still quite dependable.
5. How does Cassius judge Brutus' character at the end of
the scene? What do you think of Cassius from this
judgement?
Answer: At the end of the scene Cassius says that though Brutus
is a noble person, he is easily influenced by persons like him.
