Act II scene i
Passage 1
BRUTUS- it must be by his death, and, for my
part,
I know no personal cause to spur at him, but for the general.
He would be crowned how that might change his nature"
1. Where is Brutus? Why is Brutus unable to sleep?
Ans: Brutus is in his orchard. He is unable to sleep because his
mind is disturbed on Caesar becoming a tyrant and the design of
the conspirators to kill Caesar.
2. Whose death is Brutus speaking about? What are Brutus' fears
about the change in ‘his nature'?
Ans: Brutus is speaking about Caesar's death. He fears that
Caesar's nature will change once he (Caesar) is crowned because
his vast powers will turn his head and he will become tyrannical.
3. What change does Brutus foresee if the person is crowned king?
What does this reveal about Brutus' character?
Ans: Brutus foresees his apprehension that Caesar will be
tyrannical if he is crowned. It reveals that Brutus, though Caesar's
friend, is a lover of republicanism.
4. What example does Brutus cite to express his fears? Mention
any two.
Ans: First, Brutus compares Caesar to a serpent's egg; if it is
hatched it will surely bite. So, it should be killed before it comes out
of its egg. Second, an ambitious person like Caesar is humble
during his struggle but turns haughty and arrogant once he attains
his goal.
5. Who enters after the extract? What does he bring to Brutus?
Where had he found the object?
Ans: Lucius enters after this extract. He brings a sealed paper while
searching for a flint. He had found it in Brutus' study.
Passage 2
BRUTUS- this is good. Go to the gate, somebody knocks.
(Exit Lucius)
Since Cassius first did
Or a hideous dream.
1. Complete the lines in the extract. Explain the lines after
completing the extract.
Ans: Lucius informs Brutus that fifteen days of March are gone,
meaning thereby it is the Ides of March. To this Brutus says that it is
good that Ides of March has come.
2. Who come to meet Brutus? How have they disguised
themselves?
Ans: The conspirators arrive to meet Brutus disguised. Their hats
are pulled down over their ears and their faces are hidden in their
dark cloaks, difficult to be recognised.
3.What does Brutus say about conspiracy? What advice does he
give?
Ans: He says that conspiracy is afraid and ashamed to show its
face by night when evil things are all over. His advice is that it
should hide its face in smiles and pleasantness.
4. What is the figure of speech used by Brutus to describe
conspiracy? Explain.
Ans: The figure of speech used to describe conspiracy is
personification. He gives conspiracy the name of the dangerous
night and makes it look alive like the night.
Passage 3
BRUTUS- no, not an oath; if not the face of men The sufferance of
our souls, the times abuse If there be motive weak, break off be
times And every man hence to his idle bed.
1. Who suggests that an oath should be taken? What does this
show about the pekson's foresightedness?
Ans: Cassius suggests that an oath should be taken before the
dangerous enterprise. It shows his foresightedness to ensure that
those who are connected with this enterprise remains loyal and
committed.
2.Who according to Brutus swears an oath?
Ans: According to Brutus, priests, cowards, deceitful persons, old
worthless creatures patiently take oaths.
3.Why does Brutus feel that swearing an oath is not necessary?
Ans: Brutus feels that swearing an oath is not necessary when
honest persons committed to a great cause are involved in a noble
cause.
4. What is the next instance in which Brutus contradicts Cassius? In
what way does this Brutus' blunder surface in the play?
Ans: Brutus contradicts, Cassius who suggests that Antony, should
also be killed. Sparing the life of Antony later on spells a doom for
the conspirators. Brutus has to pay a heavy price for this blunder.
5. How does Cassius show his farsightedness regarding the killing
of Mark Antony? How correct was Cassius in his assessment of
Mark Antony?
Ans: Cassius shows his farsightedness regarding the necessary of
killing Antony along with Caesar because he knows that Antony is
the most trusted and beloved friend of Caesar, and not 'just limb of
Caesar. He proves to be correct when Antony became so powerful
that he could not be subdued.
Passage 4
DECIUS- shall no man else be touched but only Caesar?
CASSIUS- Decius, well urged - I think it is not meet
Mark Antony, so well loved outlive of Caesar should
We shall find of him a shrewd contriver.
1.What does Cassius suggest? Why does Brutus contradict him?
What are the reasons given by Brutus not to Kill Mark Antony?
Ans: Cassius suggests that Mark Antony should also be killed along
with Caesar. Brutus contradicts him by saying that Antony is just 'a
limb' of Caesar and once the head is cut off the limb is of no use.
2.How does Brutus try to justify that their Act will appear 'too
bloody'?
Ans: Brutus is against the killing of Mark Antony. He feels that if
they kill him, the act will appear to be motivated by jealousy as well
as anger. They must present the murder of Caesar as a sacrificial
act at the altar of freedom. Killing of Antony would be a brutal act.
3.What is Brutus' assessment regarding Mark Antony? How sound
is his judgement? Give reasons.
Ans: Brutus underestimated Mark Antony and his capabilities. His
assessment of him proves to be wrong. It is Antony who, after
Caesar's death, instigates people against the conspirators. Brutus'
irrational advice brings about their downfall.
Passage 5
TREBONIUS- This time to part.
CASSIUS- but it is doubtful yet.
Whether Caesar will come forth today or no For he is superstitious
grown off late; Quite from the main opinion he held once.
1. What are Cassius' fears as to whether Caesar will come or not?
What has given rise to this fear? State how Decius can "o'ersway"
him. What promise does he make?
Ans: Cassius doubts whether Caesar will come to Senate because
Caesar has grown superstitious lately which is quite contrary to the
opinion he once held so strongly in regard to such things. Cassius
fears that the advice of his chief advisors will prevent him from
going to the capitol.
Decius promises that he will bring Caesar to the Senate. He knows
Caesar's weakness for flattery. He will so flatter him that he will
forget all bad omens.
2.Another person's name is mentioned after the extract. Who is he?
Why is he not suitable to be a part of the plot? What is Brutus'
reaction to this proposal?
Ans: He is Cassius Ligarius who has strong dislike for Caesar. The
proposal to make him a part of the conspiracy against Caesar,
though not good, is supported by Brutus. Brutus promises that he
will prevail upon him to join their enterprise.
3. What advice does Brutus give to the others before parting? How
does he show his affection towards Lucius?
Ans: Brutus advices the conspirators to look bright and cheerful for
they must not betray themselves through their looks but behave as
the Roman actors, with tireless spirit and firm determination.
4. Who enters the scene a little later? What does the person say to
Brutus?
Ans: Portia, Brutus' wife, enters a little later. She asks Brutus about
his strange behaviour of late as he had suddenly left the table,
absorbed in his thoughts. She could not understand this sudden
change in his behaviour.
Passage 6
PORTIA- dwell I but in the suburbs Of you good pleasure? If it be
no more, Portia is Brutus' harlot, not his wife.
1. How does Portia assess Brutus' ill health? Is she correct in her
assessment? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans: Portia makes different guesses about Brutus' health. Yes, she
is correct in her assessment. Brutus' changed and abnormal
behaviour is beyond her understanding. She cannot find any clue to
his annoying behaviour. She thinks that it could be some mental
pressure. But what it is she fails to understand.
2.How does Portia show her love and submissiveness to Brutus?
What fears does she voice to Brutus?
Ans: Portia shows her love and submissiveness by reminding
Brutus of the vows of marriage that she is her better half and
deserves to share his worries, problems or anything that concerns
them both.
3.How does Portia prove to Brutus that she is stronger than any
other woman?
Ans: Portia tries to prove to Brutus that she is stronger than any
other woman by inflicting a wound on her thigh that she has the
endurance of man.
4. Who intrudes the conversation of Portia and Brutus? What does
Brutus promise Portia?
Ans: This conversation is intruded by the entry of Lucius and
Ligarius. Brutus promises Portia that he will prove himself worthy of
such a noble wife and share all his secrets with her.
5. Before this extract, Portia appealed to Brutus in such a way that
she played on his emotions. Which part of her reasoning has
appealed most to you? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans: Earlier Portia tried to play upon Brutus' emotions by tugging
him to let her enter his innermost thoughts if only she had the
slightest seat in his heart. If he does not love her, then she Ceases
to be his wife. This is the most powerful plea that a woman can
make and this succeeds invariably. No man can deny this.
