JC Sem paper
q1 Here are the answers to the questions based on the given extract from Julius
Caesar:
(i) How does the second citizen respond to what the first citizen has said in the
above extract?
• The first citizen calls for silence and asks the crowd to listen to
Antony.
• The second citizen responds with great enthusiasm, saying, “We’ll hear
him, we’ll follow him, we’ll die with him.”
• This shows that Antony has successfully won over the crowd, and they
are now completely devoted to him.
(ii) What were the citizens about to do that made Antony say the line in the
extract?
• The citizens were filled with rage and excitement after Antony’s
speech.
• They were ready to riot and take violent action against the
conspirators.
• Antony tells them to stay because he wants to guide their anger and
ensure they act in a way that benefits him.
(iii) Discuss the character traits of Mark Antony based on this scene.
• Persuasive – Antony skillfully manipulates the crowd with his speech.
• Clever and Strategic – He builds suspense, revealing Caesar’s will at
the right moment to stir emotions.
• Emotional and Charismatic – He uses dramatic gestures, like showing
Caesar’s wounds and cloak, to move the people.
• Vengeful – He indirectly incites the citizens to revolt against the
conspirators.
(iv) What information does the last person to enter this scene give Antony?
• The last person to enter the scene is a messenger who informs Antony
that Octavius Caesar has arrived in Rome.
• This news is important because Octavius joins Antony to fight against
Brutus and Cassius, leading to the battle at Philippi.
(v) As per Caesar’s will, what had he bequeathed to the citizens of Rome?
• 75 drachmas (a form of money) to each Roman citizen.
• His private gardens and orchards for public use.
• This act of generosity makes the crowd even more furious at the
conspirators, as they realize Caesar truly cared for them.
q2 Here are the answers to the questions based on the given extract from Julius
Caesar:
(i) Where are Brutus and Cassius at this time? What has Brutus accused Cassius of
just before the above lines?
• Brutus and Cassius are in a tent at Brutus’s camp near Sardis.
• Brutus has accused Cassius of corruption and accepting bribes.
• He is angry that Cassius has been involved in dishonest dealings while
they are fighting for justice.
(ii) At the beginning of the scene, why was Cassius upset with Brutus?
• Cassius was upset because Brutus had publicly condemned Lucius Pella
for taking bribes.
• Cassius had tried to defend Pella, but Brutus refused to excuse any
corruption, which offended Cassius.
• Cassius also felt that Brutus no longer valued their friendship and was
treating him unfairly.
(iii) Why does Brutus refer to the Ides of March?
• Brutus reminds Cassius of the Ides of March (March 15) to recall the
day they killed Caesar to end corruption and tyranny.
• He argues that if they fought against corruption in Caesar, they should
not allow it within their own ranks.
• This shows Brutus’s strict moral code and belief in justice.
(iv) What does Brutus sarcastically comment about Cassius’ anger?
• Brutus sarcastically says that Cassius’s anger is not as powerful as he
thinks and will not frighten him.
• He mocks Cassius by implying that his threats and outbursts are
meaningless.
• This adds tension to their argument, showing Brutus’s pride and refusal
to be intimidated.
(v) Later in the scene, why does Cassius say that he is aweary of the world?
• Cassius feels betrayed and heartbroken by Brutus’s accusations.
• He says he is “aweary of the world” because he believes his closest
friend, Brutus, has turned against him.
• He even offers Brutus his dagger, suggesting that if Brutus no longer
trusts him, he might as well kill him.
• This moment highlights Cassius’s emotional nature and
vulnerability
