A.7. Q.7. A.6. Q.6. A.5. 2.5. A.4. Q.4. A.3. Q.3. A.2. A.l.

0.2. Q.1.

inwhoBrutus /What Since to He Julius They Whatmurder. The WhatBrutus, Who It

SceneWhere ACT orations.
What Brutus WhatCaesar. funeral because
the been Also, speak only This new The Shakespcare new This This
public make tells is
would contrast
tells does the does tells does are mnood citizens do enter the
two II marked
a Caesar'ssceneCaesar entry cIises is scene The The
there at
it Cassius Cassius does of done
in the day - Caesar' s of lamentation mecting
the to
whyrather Brutus easycrowd Cassius. is
the hethemBrutus an are of to is also is
say
citizens of Act Scene SCENE s come.through hahighly s
Caesar's crowd tells angry scene Brutus contrast a body Octavius' going
for is to they that and the change reveals kept of
listen to say funeral
tell angry Cassius
them go to a II two Now but
that follow and in? they say? throng now? Ides takes 2 rather between to tdramatic.
he up andAntony
death to the into to of - that in not thearrive.
Cassius,those to and them? excited of ActFUNERAL the which
servant force the the
crowd another him are place than Caesar's error
hear
excited of March,
Antony dramatic We and
predictions
was Why?do? determined III relationship
Brutus of
who and mood citizens Cassius. foreshadows
should now? and intake
ofreminds Antony's must Brutus.
for street day assumes and spirit.Brutus
want Brutus listen the ORATIONS
94 the to at us pressure visualize of
enter three.Forum. place? This Cassius. of
go to keep and the to Hewho thatsoliloquy.
public with to a
characters his
Antony
hear makes death have is
major commits
the divide his the When? Caesar's ofthe
evident Brutus's fall. never the
good. him. him crowd explanation. a scene OF over
a of role
He wise the reasonable The plaaction
y
speak, their BRUTUS in in in realised
a family
said now. character
the the blunder audience Caesar'
of s
as
move crowd the even
should beloved next play, drama. all
they small that 1S
byinto explanation AND by not though the body.
scene stood he is
wil stay as
splitting benefactor
it Until
is allowing extinct made
characterS
explain tw o ANTONY he out
had
there possible. containing Caesar
who now to
batches. more struck
for Antony and
up provídes there anticipatecarefullv is
the while hero,
and Caesar' s clearlv
the down that dead
reasons their has
those moo to a
 A.12. Q.12. A1. 0.I1. A10, A.9, 0.9. A.8.
Q.16. A.15. .I5. At3. .13.
A.17. e.17. A.l6. A.14. 0.14
A.18.Q.18. The What
character fo r Brutus
as platform
How The What BrutusCassius Whatreasons The What
Whatuttered they HeHow of
live?
According love IfWhat then Hc Romans,
he What In slew
him.
he he
Brutus Wh y slaves
all
According consideration
tells the third do
second does first does
free
Brutus says may should does does goes
return
gives rejojces for is he does sake requests leavesCassius after citizen
does becausc in th e to and
citizen the the
does says and Rome Brutus' Brutus the citizen
to to is swishes there he a be countrymen of into they
honour for at Brutus asked very ablpeople
e the believe enjoins second says first
that
Brutus self-respecting Brutus, Brutus, if say the the third the with
Cae il. he is to tells and hear says
as there formal to people when causeaudience begin
that some
As would grcater why reply tell to to them citizen thatcitizen
but sar's give weep if how judge everybody
pulpit. Brutus
them that citizen
for love, CaesarCaesar he him is any judgejudge they what heand
his of
if hesay?
his in for, behaveCacsar an
thjoined he anyone dear style, him to to
would that him are believes speech? be say? the do given hesay? will
Brutusreturn loved
was rejoice, citizens is m
hefriendslisten
will
ambition were his his friend each more hijudging says silent that citizens. now? hear
like the asked in and separately.
sheds for brave, him , Caesar lo ve now? and to listen
ofalloweda
love that sentence is in. the
honour conspiracy accurately.
of to him as Brutus
95 he
Caesar's he Rome.
tyrannical fo r why for let him . true Then tells
he have assembly Caesar patiently honourable he to
killstears, weeps to he all and he them
honours and Caesar. Caesar ending is Cassius speak.
live, treated
against joined their let says about
him. for love,
tor to in (Note
his finally dictator. he
was his toand
him him. whom that the senses t hat listen Brutus
to and
fortune,fortune, would the Cacsar, the th at honourable silently.
slay Since as
assembly? way for speak.
but As people conspiracy muchCaesar the be to then
as have it th e him has
he
valour Cacsar Caesar? Brutus' s first alert they
has Caesar Caesar if as begins.) sake Then gone
treated was character patiently
he his. three and
joy. and rose is of he up wil
was were replagainst y especially critical hi s
addresses
For dcad, the to compare
ambition? to sentences be and
his ambitious, people is honourable the
eminence, they
allowed Caesar? the
that so silently public
valour dear, point them
are like to his are that their
 What three questions does Brutus ask the people now? After each question why does
he tell them to speak?
A.19, Brutus asks if there is anyone among the people who is so low that he would willingly
barbarous that he
Ive aIhte of slavery. Then he asks if there is anyone there who is so
does
cdoes not ike to be a fiee Roman. Third, he asks who is there so wretched that he
not love his country.
by Brutus.
Ater each question, he tells them to speak up, for they must be .offended
Q.20. Why does Brutus say, 'I pause for a reply. "?
oratory.
A.20. Brutus says he stops for a reply. This pause is one of the common tricks in
What do the citizens reply?
A.21. The citizens reply that Brutus has offended no one among them.
Q.22. Why is Brutus satisfied with their reply?
Brutus is easily convinced
A.22. Brutus is satistied with their reply because he has offended no one.
of his own motives.
that the mob agrees with him because he firmly believes in the purity
you shall do to Brutus'?
Q.23. What does Brutus mean by 'I have done no more to Caesar than
be a dictator, in the
A.23. Brutus asks the people to kill him if he is ambitious and wanting to
same way as he kìlled Caesar,
people?
Q24. Where is Caesar's death recorded? Whatassurance about itdoes Brutus give the
Capitol.
A.24. The circumstances of Caesar's death have been recorded in the
nor have his faults,
Brutus assures the people that Caesar's glory has not been underrated,
for which he met with death, been magnified.
Q.25. Who enter the scene now?
body.
A.25. Antony and others enter the scene now with Caesar's
Q.26. What does Brutus say at this noment?
brought there, by the
A.26. At this moment. Brutus tells the people that Caesar's body is being
for Caesar's murder,
sorrowing Antony, who, although he is not in any way responsible
death, as the rest of them
will share as equally in the advantages gained from Caesar's
after Caesar's death.
will, in the new republican government to be established
speech?
Q.27. With what words does he end his
as he killed his best friend for the
A.27. He ends his speech with these words, saying that just his death is required
welfare of the Republic, so he has the same dagger for himself, if
for the interest of Rome by the Romans.
0.28. What do all the citizens shout?
A.28. All the citizens shout to Brutus that they want him to live.
honour Brutus?
Q.29. How do they wish to and escort Brutus to
A.29. The first citizen says that they should torm a triumphal procession
they should erect a statue
his house with shouts ot joy. The second citizen suggests that
in his honour and place it among his ancestors, The third
citizen says they should put Brutus
in Caesar's place. The tourth citizen says they
will crown Brutus as a king as he has all
the late Cacsar without any of his faults.
the virtues of

96
Q.30. Why does the second citizen call for silence? What does this show?
A.30. The second citizen calls for silence because Brutus starts to speak again.
This shows that the audience respects him so highly that they call for silence as sOon as
he speaks.
Q.31. What does Brutus now say to the citizens before he leaves the scene?
A.31. Betore leaving the scene, Brutus tells his fcllow-countrymen to let him go alone, and for
his sake. to stay there with Antony. He tells them to honour Caesar's dead body with proper
respect and to listen respectfully to Antony's speech concerning Caesar's glories, which he
is allowed to make by their pernission. He requests them that no one should leave, except
himself. until Antony has spoken. (Note that here Brutus makes his third great mistake
with regard to Antony. He leaves Antony to say what he likes and to have the last word.)
Q.32. Why does Shakespeare make Brutus to speak to his audience in prose rather than in
verse? What does it reveal about him?
A.32. Brutus's speech is cold and without any emotion. So his language conforms to his character,
and with the attitude he here assumes, that of an impartial judge. Brutus does not treat
the matter poetically, or in a manner which will excite his audience.
Brutus's speech in prose suits the serious and orderly form of his statements. He is calm,
prosaic and colourless in his delivery. He gets the attention of the audience by asking them
to be patient and silent, very much like a teacher. His speech sounds like a lecture. He
chooses his words carefully and speaks in a controlled manner. His speech is logical and
rational with parallel constructions like 'loved-weep', 'fortunate-rejoice', 'valiant-honour',
'ambitious-slew'. He is confident that the result of his speech will be favourable.
Brutus's speech is made to stand out in sharp contrast to the eloquent and impassive oration
of Antony, working upon the deepest emotions of the heart.
This speech of Brutus reveals two important errors that he makes. First, he assumes that
his cause is just and he willbe believed when he presents his arguments. Second, he assumes
that all other people will be persuaded by reason, like himself. Because he is a virtuous
man, he assumes that all men have the same virtues. He has no insight into the mind of
the mob, their greed and their emotions.
He misunderstands the crowd's reaction after his speech, especially when they say, 'Let
him be Caesar'. He thinks the people have understood his speech. He innocently leaves
the speaking platform to allow his opponent, Antony, to take charge. This shows his
honourable nature in making the crowd stay and listen to Antony.
Q.33. Describe the effect of Brutus's speech upon the citizens.
A.33. We notice especially that the people are not moved to enthusiasm for Rome of for liberty.
They are willing to transfer their allegiance at once to Brutus, as men bow before the rising
sun. A few moments later they are ready to 'die with' Antony. This shows that the spirit
of freedom no longer existed in them. They must have a ruler, a Caesar, an idol to worship.
They care little whether their leader is Brutus or Antony.
Q.34. After Brutus leaves, what does the first citizen say?
A 34. After Brutus leaves, the first citizen suggests that they should stay behind and hear what
Mark Antony has to say.

97
 )8
Antony A44
as uponlooked Q44.
Onetriend., personal his Caesar did How
lm lo Luandtauthtul was who
Caesar? upon look Antony
honourable also are
men.
others. the all and Brutus of
honourable Brutus
an calls He A.43.
others the all that and man that says Antony point, this AL Q.43.
Caesar's speak
at come
to has he
rmission th
the wifuneral sayAntony does What
point? conspirators
this at the of rest the and Brutus about
punished been has Caesar
offence. hiaccording
s to A.42.
that true were it ilthat says Antony
then
it ammbitious Was Cacsar 0.42.
and lault, serious aWas Antony comment
does What
allegation? Brutus's about make
who there attendants his
happened.) had that alinformed l of him kept rapidly
whole
of the heard not has
one kept hadAntony
ot suggests
that Hunter speech. Brutus's A.41.
says Antony
Antony (Note:ambitious. was Cacsar that them told hadBrutus' noble 'the that 0.41.
noble 'the about sayAntony does What
Brutus'?
Cacsar's revive and praise that
it
to opposite,
side. his onthembring goodness to
sympathy
for sign
of findsa he as As
soon shrewdly.
the just to
dointends Caesar,
he is A.40.
thc rouse to not guard his onAntony
people watching
the is Hehim.against audience Does 0.40.
toand Caesar praise' to'notintend really Antony
goodness? his bury
him made which faults recollect his to
killed. deserve
be to
performed has Caesar that deeds good the let says, he
should
try but
they forgotten be
are domen that deeds good the but dead, are
So, die. they soon as
as forgotten usually
deeds bad thusually
e that says Antony A.39.
long
they alter remembered by
are men committed
Caesar. with be it let /So
The
after lives domen that evil Explain: Q.39.
bones; with
their interred is The them;/
oft good
disarm lines opening His him. praise tonot and Caesar bury to
taway. audience his
andcitizens Roman fellow them calls Thenlisteners.
he
come has and
hethatcountrymen begins
establishes word Thi'friends'.
s audience the calling by Antony A.38.
th
his wiequality Q.38.
straightaway? audience disarm
his toAntony
say does What
oppreSsor. its from saved Rome
is fortunate
that is
doubt no there
is says citizen third thetyrant, was Caesar
a that says
itand that about said
citizen first the When request. Brutus's agreeing
to for them obliged to much very is he
that him tells citizen third Thehearing. his Brutus in about anything say not better
Antony
had hethat says and Brutus about saidAntony what know wants
to citizen fourth The A.37.
side? Brutus's on are they shows which saycitizens the each
of do What Q.37.
him. hear tostaying
on for them
anking by
over them win attempts
to cunningly hostility
and crowd's thc senses Antony
equest. Brutus's granting rcadily sofor them obliged
to much very ishe
that them tel sAntony A.36.
this? like talk hedoes Why reply? Antony's is
What Q.36.
up. go tohim tells and Antony addresses heThenhearing. a
him give wil they platform
and the mount should Antony suggests
that citizen third The A.35.
say? citizen third the does What Q.35.
 99
most the
Rome. in man worthy
weeping. wiswollen
th and red are eyes his for
that says citizen third The proved becan that that if
certainly Antony is have someone
to will
The r
it. fosuffer isThis crown.
the
Antony pities citizen second was Caesar that proof real the Antony Mark
The not himself.).
The
savs now citizen first ambitious. that says citizen fourth
saidAntony (Note place.
- his
accept notwould Caesr His
because
the true come sOon words third The him. todone
ruler
is worse hethat says citizen
than other none afraida is ifthat says citizen
take will Caesar than worse tyrant carefully, matter the about think they The A.51.
first
injustice great had has Caesar sense of lo t athere that says citizen
is Q.51.
Antony what in What
second The saying. is make citizens the comments do
they do What nOw? pausing them,
by
reveal? displaying
hi s and
which
personal them
bound
to is emotion grief showing any not are they why
them.)influence same the At now. sentiments
the of
not he
istime, people.
He
displease tocareful time the them order while
in faor
they whenself-composure. of reminds regain
his to
that (Note sight the says He
of
asks and Caesarcleverlyloved Antony
to
the appeals hascoffin the in dead lying Caesar starts Antony A.50.
hismoved the tells and crying
wait must heand heart patient be people
to does Wlhy Q.50.
for him wit h people the tellAntony
emotional. becoming him? with bear to
havequalities these judgement and
their taken now rebukes Antony A.49.
animals. wild minds
of tresidence
he in Rome citizens
of the
their lost have they thatsaying judgement, Explain:
'O Q.49.
andreason powers
of fled
to arethou
men Andbeasts,/ brutish A.48.
reason!" their lost have now know wants Antony
to
reason
is what .48.
grieving from them stopping does What
Caesar. for now? know want Antony
to
So. do to
point, this At A.47.
formerly people the that says Antony 0.47.
reason every had they and Caesar loved this atsay,Antony does What
feelings former people's the about point, in
Caesar? for people.) of
the hearts the
the
word repeats Antony that
sarcasm
time each
to witha
little 'honourable'
suspicion rouse the tell to there is he but false
about knowspersonally hewhat people honourable an is
(Note Caesar. not is hesays Antony man.
argument Brutus's
beto prove speakingto that shows clearly
Yet,
says Brutus ambitious. not was Caesar
and
Brutus ambitious was he wiath Caesar presented
refused he thrice crown
and thrice
this says, it.
heSo, accept to people the tells Antony
feast the on witnessed
that all they that
Lupercal,
he the of this, spite
of In
anBrutus is ambitious
and was hesays Brutus
man.
Third. honourable Caesar unsympathetic.
Since
ambitious anupon as looked be hecan how kind, was
man. poor the how heard he when
hard-hearted
and usually are peopleAmbitious suffered.
part.Caesar's ambition
on called cannot
be
weep often would Caesar that said Second, he
this surely says Antony Caesar. treasury
by public the input was them fromcollected A.46.
ransom the and Rome towar prisoners of many brought had Caesar that says first Antony
give now Antony
to doesexamples three What 0.46.
ambitious? not was Caesar that prove
Caesar. friend
of true a is though
he evenstatement against
his speak atraid
to is He
A.45.
honourable anBrutusis ambitious
and Caesar calls Brutus that say means to Antony
man.
man.
"?
onourable an
Brutis
us ambitious;
and was he
says Brutus 'But say,Antony does Why
0.45. Why does Antony say, 'But Brutus says he was ambitious; and Brutus is an honourable
man. '?
A.45. Antony means to say that Brutus calls Caesar ambitious and Brutus is an honourable man.
He is afraid to speak against his statement even though he is a truc friend of Cacsar.
Q.46. What three examples does Antony now give to prove that Caesar was not ambitious?
A46. Antony first says that Caesar had brought many prisoners of war to Rome and the ransom
collected from them was put in the public treasury by Caesar. Antony says surely this
cannot be called ambition on Caesar's part. Second, he said that Caesar would often weep
when he heard how the poor suffered. Ambitious people are usually hard-hearted and
unsympathetic. Since Caesar was kind, how can he be looked upon as an ambitious man.
an honourable man. Third,
In spite of this, Brutus says he was ambitious and Brutus is
the Lupercal, he
Antony tells the people that they all witnessed that on the feast of says, this
accept it. So, he
presented Caesar with a crown thrice and thrice he refused to
says he was ambitious and Brutus
clearly shows that Caesar was not ambitious. Yet, Brutus
speaking to prove Brutus's argument to be
is an honourable man. Antony says he is not (Note
personally knows about Caesar.
false but he is there to tell the people what he each time to rouse suspicion
with a little sarcasm
that Antony repeats the word 'honourable'
in the he arts of the people.)
Caesar?
about the people's former feelings for
0.47. What does Antony say, at this point, every reason
this point, Antony says that the people formerly loved Caesar andthey had
A.47. At
to do so.
now?
What does Antony want to know
Q.48.
what reason is stopping them from grieving for Caesar.
Antony wants to know now reason!"
beasts,/ And men have lost their
A.48.
thou are fled to brutish
Q.49. Explain:'0judgement, they have lost their powers of reason
and
of Rome saying that animals.
A.49. Antony rebukes the citizens now taken their residence in the
minds of wild
qualities have
judgement and these
people to bear with him?
0.50. Why does Antony tell the
be patient with him for becoming emotional.
tells the people to and he must wait
A.50. Antony starts crying and lying dead in the coffin has moved his heart appeals to the
Caesar cleverly
He says the sight of his self-composure. (Note that Antony loved Caesar and asks
to regain when they
for a while in orderpeople. He reminds them of the time careful not to displease
sentiments of the same time, he is
showing any grief now. emotionAtthe bound to influence
them.)
they are not which is
them why personal
by pausing and displaying his What do they
reveal?
them, make now? second
the citizens Antony is saying. Theinjustice
What comments do of sense in what great
Q.51.
citizen says that there is a lot matter carefully, Caesar has had take
A.51. The first they think about the tyrant worse than Caesar will
citizen says that if is afraid a none other than
citizen says that he worse ruler is
done to him. The
third
soon come true because the Caesar would not accept
His words Antony said
his place. (Note
- that now says
himself.). The fourth citizen says not ambitious. The first citizen Antony
Mark Antony was second citizen pitiescertainly
is the rcal proof that Caesar for it. The
the crown. This provcd someone will have to
suffer
third citizen saysthat Antonyis
bc
that if that can withweeping. The
red and swollen
for hiscyes are man in Rome.
worthy
the most
99
 AlT (hese commcnts revcal that Antony has now
won ovcr thc crowd to his side, What
Brutus has saidbefore is completely forgotten.
0.52. Explain: But yesterday, the word of Caesar might / Have stood against the
A.S2. world.
Antony is tclling thc pcople that tillthe day beforc his murdcr, Cacsar was thc most
man in the world and his word was
law.
powerful
Q.53. Why is Antony once again drawing the attention of the people towards the
of Caesar? dead body
A.53. Antony is once again drawing the attention of the people towards the dcad body of Cacsar
to appcal to their sentimcnts. This way his specch becomes morc
effective.
Q.54. What does he mean by saying 'and none so poor to do him reverence'?
A.54. Antony means to say that there is no one, even among the lowcst and meanest, to show
him evcn the least respcct. In othcr words, now that Cacsar is dead and no favours to be
reccived from him by the people. no one thinks it is worthwhile to honour him.
Q.55. What does he pretend he does not want to do? What does he really intend to do?
A.55. Antony addresses the crowd as 'masters' and tells them that if he had any intention of exciting
their passions or rousing them to rcbellion, he would be unjust to Brutus and Cassius who
are well-known to them as being men of great honour. He says he will not abuse the favour
done to him by Brutus and Cassius. He says he would rather be unjust to the dead Caesar,
1o himself and to the people than to men of blamelcss character.
Antony is suggesting very cleverly that the people should brcak into a mutiny against Brutus
but he puts his words in a negative form. When he uses the word 'honourable' he now
speaks openly in an ironical tonc. When he says he will not be unjust to the conspirators,
he indirectly wants to tell the people that they have been wronged by them. He intends
to build up a wall of hatrcd against the conspirators.
Q.56. What does Antony now show the people? Why does he show it? What feeling does it
excite in them?
A.56. Antony now shows the people Cacsar's will. It is aparchment with the seal of Caesar which
he found in Cacsar's study.
He shows something concrete becausc all along he has been talking indirectly.
The sight of the will rouses the curiosity of the people. Then he will appeal to their greed
because they are going to inherit something through it.
0.57. Does he tell them immediately about the contents of the will? Why? According to him,
what would the 'commons' do if they were to hear the will of Caesar?
A.57. He does not immediately tell them the contents of the will.
Antony has changed the mob's mind from hostility against Cacsar to sympathy for him.
Now he wants them to turn hostile against the conspirators. He shows them something
concrete as a reward, that is Cacsar's will. This will kcep their emotions at ahigh pitch.
He knows that the mob will soon force him to revcal its contents.
According to Antony, if the 'commons' were to hear the will of Cacsar, they would kiss the
wOunds in the dead body of Caesar out of respect and even soak up his blood with their
handkerchicfs. They would consider themselves lucky if they could obtain even a single hair
of bis head to preserve as a sacred memorial of Caesar. When they would dic, they would
Inake a special mcntion of it in their wills leaving it to their children as a priceless legacy.
I00
 low dothe people react?
A,58. The people clamour for the will and tcll Mark Antony to read it. (This is cxactly what
Anlony wants, Moreover, he has just uscd highly cxaggerated cxpressions which cxcite
thc people.)
259, Whal further reasons
does Antony give now for not reading the will?
tells them to bc paticnt
66 When the people are demanding of Antony to rcad the will, Antony arouscd. Then he gives
knowing very wcll that they will not do SO as their grccd has becn
that they should know how
further rcasons for not reading the will. He says it is not propcr
inanimatc objccts of wood or stonc,
ereat Cacsar's consideration was for them. If they werc human feclings, it will rouses their
mcn with
it would not move them. But sincc they arc
Antony, that they should not know that they
passions and madden them. It is far bctter, says will
rcccivers of Cacsar's propcrty otherwise hc does not know what the outcome
are the should rise in mutiny.)
he. (Antony is clevcrly suggesting to
the peoplc that they
fourth citizen insist?
0.60. What does the wil. He said that all want to
A.60. insists that Antony should rcad the
The fourth citizcn
hear it.
the citizens to be patient, what fears does he express?
0.61. When Antony again hegs paticnt, he says he has gonc too far in telling
the citizens to be
A.61, When Antony again begsthat hc is afraid hc may cause harm to thc honourable gentlemen
themabout the will and audicnce has forgottcn the conspirators but Antony
(Notc that the
who havc killedCacsar, now is the right timc to have them condemned by
knows
will not allow thcm to. Hc
show?
the mob.)
call the conspirutors? In what tone? What does it
citizen
0.62. What does he fourth conspirators traitors and 'honourable' men.
calls the
A.62. The fourth citizen contempt and savagery.
'honourable' with
Hc utters the word itsclf uttered the word 'honourable'
which
in waiting till the crowd
Itshows Antony's skill
times beforc.
he has repcatcd cight does the second citizen call the
conspirators?
denand? What
0.63. What do the citizens now should be rcad.
citizens now demand that the will
A.63. The 'murderers'.
calls the conspirators 'villains' and
The sccond citizen
stand in a circle round Caesar's dead body?
citizens to
.64. Whydoes Antony tell the him to read the will. So he willdo soafter
they arc forcing the man
A.64. Antony tclls the people that Cacsar's dead body because he wants to show them most of
they stand in a circle round having rouscd the passion of the people, makes the at one
who madc thc wilI. Antony, He fccls safe and desccnds from the platform to
be
suspense. Caesar's dead body
thc orator's trick of spcaking of the will, he now shows them his spccch.
with them. But instcad of all the more and incrcase the dramatic cffect of
them
and his mantletoinflamc What is significant about
this?
citizen call Antony?
0.65. What does thesecond
Antony 'nost noble'.
A.65. The sccond citizcn calls who is 'most noble' and not Brutus.
now ilis Antony
This is significant becausc

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Q.66. Why does Antony tell the people if they have tears, they should prepare to shed them now?
A.66. are lacking
Antony wants to appcal to the people's emotions and tells them that if theyshould bring
in fecling what he is about to show them now, that is, the mantle of Caesar,
tears to their eyes.
Q.67. What does Antony say about Caesar's cloak?
overcame
A.67. Antonysays he remembers the first time Caesar wore his cloak. It wason the day he
the Nervii. Then he shows them the hole made by Cassius's dagger. Then he shows another
the
large hole made by the jealous Casca. He points to another hole and says it shows
drewback his
onc through which Caesar was stabbed by his beloved Brutus, and as he
curscd dagger, Cacsar's blood rushed forth as if to see whether it was BrUtus who struck
so cruclly, because it is well-known to all of them that Brutus was Caesar's angel. He says
that only the gods know how deeply Caesar loved Brutus. This was the cruellest blow of
all, for, when the noble Caesar saw Brutus stab him, the shock of Brutus's ingratitude cut
him to the quick. It overpowered Caesar more than the blows of the other assassins around
him and, covering his face with his cloak, the noble Caesar fell at the foot of Pompey's
statuc while his blood kept pouring down.
Q.68. What does Antony now say about Caesar's fall?
A.68. Antony now says that the fall of Caesar was no ordinary fall. The death of Caesar was
such a great calamity that all of them went down with it while the traitors are celebrating
their triumph over them. Since Caesar was the head of the Roman state, he symbolised
its power. So when he died, Rome also dicd a spiritual death.
Q.69. What does Antony now perceive? How is this a contrast to their reaction to Brutus's
speech?
A.69. Antony now perceives that the citizens are weeping. He says that at last their hearts feel
the touch of pity. Hetells them that their tears are sacred and are justified because Caesar's
sacred blood fully deserves the sincere and spontancous mourning of the people whom
he lovcd.

They do not weep during Brutus's spcech because he appeals to their reason and not their
scntiments as Antony does.
Q.70. What does he show them next? What does he say as he shows it?
A.70. Antony next shows them Cacsar's wounded body. He tells them that only by seeing the
holes in Cacsar's cloak, they are wccping. He says he willshow them the whole body of
Cacsar manglcd by traitors. Then, he would see how they could bear to see that terrible
sight. (This step is Antony's trump card.)
0.71. Explain: "Twas on a summer's evening, in his tent / That dayhe overcame the Nervi."
A.71. The Nervii was the most war-like tribe of north-western Gaul. They were living in the
arca which is now Belgium and France. Cacsar defcated this tribe in B.C. 38. This line
is a reference to the battle of the Sambre in 57 B.C. The Roman arnmy almost suffered
terrible defcat, but escaped because of the discipline of the men and Caesar's own courage
and coolness. Finally, Cacsar achieved abrilliant victory. The people rejoiced so much that
they had never done so for any victory before.
Historically, Antony was in Palestine when Julius Caesar led the campaign against the Nervil.
Also. the battle was fought in winter and not in summer.

I02
0.72. Is Antony's deseription of the cloak and wounds authentic?
A.72. At the time of Cacsar's murder, Antony was not present as Trcbonius had taken him out
of the Capitol. The description of the cloak and the wounds are all from the imagination
of Antony. He makes it detailed and vivid.
0.73. Why does Antony speak of Caesar's personal merits?
A.73. Antony spcaks of Caesar's personal merits and his past services to the state because he
wants to invoke the people's pity for him. Brutus uses the principle of patriotism. Since
most people are influenced by the heart and not the head, Antony wins over him. The citizens
by now have forgotten Caesar's ambition and also the wil1.
0.74. When Antony exposes Caesar's body what effect does this have on the audience?
A.74. When Antony exposes Caesar's body, the citizens are deeply stirred. The first citizen says
it is the most sorrowful and cruel sight. The second citizen says they should avenge the
noble Caesar's death. The third citizen says it is a sad day.
Then the whole mob is so full of fury that they are determined to kill all the conspirators
and burn their houses. They now call Antony. and Caesar noble and call the conspirators
traitors and villains.

Q.75. When Antony begins to speak again, what does the second citizen say?
A.75. When Antony begins to speak again, the second citizen says they will hear him, they will
follow him and die for him if necessary.
What does Antony again tell the citizens he does not want to do? Does he mean it?
0.76.
A.76. Antony again tells the citizens, whom he calls good friends and sweet friends,
that he has
no intention of inciting them to rebel against the conspirators.
He does not mean it, because that is exactly what he wants to do.
they have done?
0.77. What does he now say about the conspirators and the deed
honourable. He says he does not
A.77. He now says that the men who have done this deed are
are all men
know what personal grievances they had that led them to do this act. They
doing it.
of wisdom and honour and they will, undoubtedly, give them good reasons for
to an
(This is a sarcastic reference to the speech of Brutus where he gives dry reasons
excited crowd. However, he knew that Brutus did not have any perSonal grudge against
body.)
Caesar which he expresses in his eulogy over Brutus's dead
your hearts'? Is this true?
0.78. What does Antony mean by, 'Icome not, friends, to steal away
them over from the side of the
A.78. Antony tells the people that he has not come to win fcclings.
conspirators to his side, speaking on Cacsar's behalf, by working on their
inflamc them the morc.
This is not true. He pretends to soothe them only to
himself as an orator and what differences between and Brutus
.79. How does Antony describe
does he point out? Is this true?
A.79. Antony says that he does not possess Brutus's
cloquence and that he is a simple, straightforward
thosc who have permitted
man who loved his friend, Caesar. This fact is well known by
say in an ironic tonc
him to spcak in public in praise of his fricnd. Antony continucs to intelligence,
possess eithcr
that it is not in his power to movc men's hearts for he does not
or vocabulary or authority, or gesture, or clocution, or the skills of'
persuasive public speaking
mercly
require to incite feclings and make the peoplc angry. He says he just spcaks dircctly,
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 saying what comes to his mind without artificial techniques like an expert speaker. He is
informing them of those things which they already know about, that is, that Caesar was not
an ambitious man at all and that he was murdered by men who had a personal grudge against
him. He shows them his beloved Caesar's wounds which resemble so many speechless mouths
and leave them to speak to the people in dumb eloquence.
Then he says if he were Brutus with his skills in oratory, and Brutus were Antony, then
there would have been an Antony, who would have raised their passions to the highes
pitch of fury and supplied an cloquent tongue to cach of Caesar's wounds, and even incited
the stones in every Romanstreet to mutiny.
What Antony says about himself as a speaker is not true because he is a better speaker
than Brutus and he knows how to use all the tricks of oratory to influence his audience
Q.80. What is the efect of Antony's statement that the stones would rise in mutiny?
A.80. The Roman citizens become furious and all shout that they will mutiny. The first citizen
says that they willburn the house of Brutus. The third citizen says they will go at once
and search for the conspirators.
Q.81. What does Antony say to them now? Why?
A.S1. Antony tells them that they should wait and listen to him till he has finished his speech.
Then he tells them they are going to do something about which they are uncertain. He
asks them in what way Caesar has deserved their love so much as to justify the action
which they want to perform. After that, he tells them they do not yet know the extent of
what Caesar has done for them to carn their love and respect. He tells them that they haye
forgotten Caesar's will in their excitement.
Antony has not yet read the will to the people. He now proceeds to do so to put afinishing
touch to his speech. He will not let the mob go unless the mischief will work properly.
He must make the action of the mob a permanent one by arousing their greed and self
interest. So he must read the will of Caesar to them.
0.82. According to Caesar's will, how much money has he left to each Roman citizen?
A.82. According toCaesar's will, he has left seventy-five drachmas to each Roman citizen. (This
was a big amount if you take into account the money value of those days.)
Q.83. What is a drachma?
A.83. A drachma was the principal silver coin of ancient Greece. Actually in Caesar's will,
the amount given to each citizen was in 'sestertii', that is, Roman money. Shakespeare
here follows Plutarch exactly. Plutarch mentions the drachma as he usually reckons in
Greek money.
0.84. How do the second and third citizens react on hearing about the money they will receive?
A.84. On hearing about the money they will receive, the second citizen calls Caesar most
magnanimous and says they must avenge his death. The third citizen calls him royal Caesar.
0.85. Moreover, what else has Caesar left the people in his will?
A.85. Moreover, Caesar has left them his pleasure parks, his private avenues and newly planted
orchards, on this side of the Tiber. These were given to them and to their heirs forever.
Over there, they could walk about and refresh themselves.

104
0.86. How does Antony close his speech?
A.86. Antony closcs his spccch by saying this was a Cacsar. He asks them whether they will
evcr sce such a Cacsar again.
0.87. Explain 'on this side Tiber.'
A87. The abovc words mcan on the side of the river Tiber., on the banks of which Rome stood,
(Actually, the gardens were on the Janiculan hill on the other side of the Tiber, that is,
on the west bank. Almost the wholc city of ancicnt Rome, including thc Forum wherc Antony
is speaking, lay on the east bank. Thc mistakc about the position of the gardens was duc
to their mistranslation of Plutarch by the French writer Amyot which North copied and
which Shakespeare borrowed.
The most striking features of a Roman garden werc lincs of large trecs, alleys or walks,
beds of acanthus, rows of fruit trecs, espccially of vincs, with statucs, pyramids, fountains
and summer-houses.)
0.88. After Antony's concluding remark whether they will ever see the like of Caesar ugain,
what is the reaction of the citizens?
A.88. After Antony's concluding remark about Cacsar, thc citizcns arc mad for revenge, prepared
for fire, murder or any acts of cruelty and horror.
The first citizen says they will never meet a person so noble as Cacsar. He tells all the
others tO go with him and burn Caesar's body in the sacred place reserved for this. Then
they will ake some of the burning wood and set fire to the traitors' houses. The second
citizen says they should go and bring fire. The third citizen says they should pull down
benches. The fourth citizen says they should break up benches, windows and anything that
will burn.
Q.89. Where was Caesar's body burnt?
A.89.Caesar's body was burnt in the Forum near the temple of Vesta which contained the sacred
fire. The temple was the most sacred place in ancient Rome. Augustus built a temple to
Caesar in 42 B.C., on the site of the burning.
.90. After the citizens leave the scene with Caesar's body, what does Antony say to himself?
What mood is he in?
A.90. After the citizens leave the scene with Caesar's body, Antony says that the fury he has
incited in the mob should do its own work. The spirit of mischief now walks all over the
place and it does not matter what form it takes.
Antony is delighted to see the effect of his speech. He feels a warm glow of satisfaction,
for he has set the ball of mischief rolling, and it matters little what course it now follows.
The spirit of Caesar rises, strong and terrible, 'ranging for revenge.!'
0.91. Who enters the scene now? What news does he give Antony?
A.91. Octavius's servant enters the scene now.
He tells Antony that Octavius has already reached Rome and that he and Lepidus are at
Caesar's house.

Q.92. Who is Lepidus?

A.92. Lepidus is one of the three triumvirs, the other two being Antony and Octavius. They formed
a triumvirate after the death of Caesar.

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