1.

JC-ACT5 SCENE1&2
Where does the scene take place?
The scene takes place on the plains of Who enters the scene now?
Cassius and their forces. Philippiwhere Octavius and Antony with their forces
await Brutus,
Octavius and Antony with their army enter the scene
now. They have taker up a strong
2. What does Octavius tell
position in Philippi.
Octavius tells Antony that nowtheirAntony? (1-6)
tothe plains, but instead would hopes are fulfilled. Antony had said that the
remain in enemy would not come
armies are approaching fast. They intend tothe hills and higher regions. He says it has proved otherwise anddown
challenging the latter. challenge them there at Philippi even before they think of their
3. Why had Antony said the
enemywould not come down?
Antony thought that they would stay in Sardis -
because Cassius is an experienced military leader.theHeupper regions and not come down to ihe plains of Philippi.
did not expeot that Brutus would
overrule him.
4. How does Antony reply to
Antony telis him not toworry for heOctavius? (7-12)
can guess at their
They would prefer to gosomewhere else, but they inmost thoughts and he knows why they are doing it.
fear, with the intention of impressing them with have cojne down with adisplay of courage to cover up their
this pretensethat they have courage, which they
possess. really do not
5. What message does a
messenger give them?(13-15)
The messenger tells them to prepare
themselves. Their foes are advancing with a grand display. Their red flag,
the Roman signal for battle is hung out. So something must be done
the Roman signal for battle) immediately. (A scarlet coat hung out was
6. How does Antony react to the
message of the messenger? How does Octavius defy him? What
Octavius assert? What does it reveal about him? does
Antony tells Octavius to lead his army slowly on to the (16-20)
left-hand side cf the
Octavius replies that he willadvance on the right side and that Antony ievel ground.
Octavius asserts that he does not wish to oppose Antony, but he willdo should take the left hand side.
side. what he has said and take the right-hand
This reveals that Octavius is cool and calculating He is a
strong character who insists on having the senior
position. He seems to have a very strong opinion.
7. What is the difference between the left
and right sides of the field?
In the Roman battles, the superior general always fought
on the right side of the field. It was a position of great
honour and responsibility in the Roman army.
8. What does Brutus say? What is a parley? (21)
Brutus says that Octavius and Antony are waiting and wish to have a talk
The leaders of two opposing armies conducted a parley i.e. a (parley) with them.
talk pr a discussion before engaging in actual
fighting according to the custom of medieval armies.
 Rr
eming 6W. h
daote s

tells

now ca
by
Caesar
way
killed
alo

this
him
L
9. Howv does Brutus hegin the parley? What does Octavius reply?
Brutus begins the parley by asking whether they should have words before (27-28)
Octavius replies that it is not that they like words better than action as they blows.
do. He means to say that he and
Antony are men of action while RBrutus and Cassius are mere
boasters.
10. What does Brutus's reply mean when he says that good
When Brutus says that good words are better than bad strokes, he iswords are better than bad strokes? (29)
names to show who should be sentenced to death by proscription at the refer1ing to the strokes made on the list of
refer to the sword thrusts, of the coming battle, hands of the triunnyirs. Bad strokes also ank
which are lacking in skill. the
mid
11. What does Antony say about
Bruus's bad
Antony tells Brutus that in his bad sirokes, he speaksstrokes? (30-32)
good words. He reminds him of the wound he made in
Caesar's heart while flattering him with sweet words like
Long live! Hail Caesar!
12. Explain: Cassius' words The
rob the Hybla bees, / And leave posture of your blows are yet unknown;/But for your
words, they
Cassius taunts Antony saying that they dothem honeyless. (33-35)
friendship for both sides) and how he will not know on which side his blows will fall (for he
fight. As far as his words go, they are so sweet prof:ssd
visited the famous bee-hives of Hybla, (a in Sicily known for its honey) and that he must have
Cassius is referring tothe funeral oration atmountain
the Forum where he flattered the stolen all their honey.
made with the conspirators before it citizens and also to his agreement
after Caesar's
assassination.
13. Explain Antony'sreply: Not stingless too. (36)
Antony's reply means that he has not only robbed the
words could sting the crowds at the Hybla bees of their
hard blows. Forum into action. He also means thathoney but also of their sting. His
Cassius wiil soon feel the sting of his
14. Explaiu Brutus's
words to Antony : '0 yes, and
Antony, /And very wisely threat soundless too: For you have stolen their
Brutus tells Antony that he has not only before you sting:" (37-38) buzzing,
sensible enough to warn them robbed the bees of their stings but also of their buzzing
sting to warn their victims. Thebefore
bees
he attacks them by
are
making a lot of noise like bees
who do
sound. He is
so before they
the enemy with their buzzing noise. wise because they lose their sting if
they use it, so they try to
Similarly, he means to say that Antony is a frighten
is wise lo threaten them coward who tries to frighten his enemies with a lot
that they shallnot be because of he is avoiding the fight by of
talking and boasting uselessly. Henoise. Antony
frightened him for he willnot proveonly to be a good fighter also means
when he is put to the test.
15. How does Antony
Antony now drops his gameangrily describe the way the conspirators had killed
of words and expresses Caesar? (39-44)
Caesar. He calls the conspirators flatterers and directly and passionately his disgust
Antony accuses the conspirators of villains. He shows his scorn and hatred at the murder of
says they grinned like apes, attacking Caesar in a cowardly manner towards them.
feet and all struck crouched at without giving
Caesar's feet dogs and cringed before him him any warning. He
together. The most cowardly of themlikewas
Caesar from behind on his neck. He the cursed Casca who, like like
a
slayes. kissing his
scornfully calls them nothing but empty flatterers. cur or a dog, attacked
 16. What does
Cassius now
Caesar now tells Brutus that he iscomment to Brutus? What does he
remind him of?
this way by calling thein to be blamed for this
insult from Antony. He would not(45-47)
killed along with (Caesar. flatterers
Mark
if Brutus had listened to Cassius's advice that have insulted them in
Antony would not Antony should have
him had been taken. have bcen able to be so
offensive if Cassius' advicebeen
to kill
17. What does
Octavius mean
turn to redder drops:"? by 'Come, come, the cause if arguing make us sweat/ The
By the phrase "the cause', (48-49) proof of it will
to avenge Caesar's death. Ociavius is referring to the main motive why they have now
Octavius
but get down to the main motive. If means to say that they should not
waste
come to Philippi, that is,
only by talking. they become su heated time in useless verbal quarrelling
battlefield, which is much more serious, will turn the drops of sweat into and serious, then fighting on the
drops of blood.
18. What does
Octavius then show them and what does he say
Octavius then shows them his unsheathed about it? (50-55)
sword and states that the Sword
he has avenged the will not be put
of traitors, that is thirty-three wounds of Caesar or illa second Caesar, hirnself has metback into its sheath till
Cassius and Brutus. his death at the hands
19. Explain Brutus's words, '0, if thou wert the noblest of thy
more honourable'. (59-60) strain/ Young man, thou couldst not die
Brutus taunts Octavius that even if he were the
the sword of Brutus. noblest in his family he could not die more
honourably than by
20. How does Cassius
describe
Cassius scornfu!ly describes Octavius Octavius? (61-62)
as a childish schoolboy quite
Brutus's sword. He is one who has unworthy of the honour of dying on
The word 'masker' refers to Antonyjoined Antony, who enjoys masques and noisy merry
who is ahypocrite as he pretended to be making.
their îriend after Caesar's death.
21. What does Antony niean by Old
By the above words, Antony in a Cassius still!"? (63)
sneering tone tells Cassius that he is stillthe same
person they know him to be. mocking, sharp-tongued
22. Howv does Octavius hurl a
challenge at Brutus and Cassius? (64-66)
Calling Brutus and Cassius traitors, Octavius hurls a challenge in their
fight that day, they should come to the field. If very faces. He tells them if they dare to
they do not have the courage to do so, they
they have summoned up enough courage to do so. should come when
23. What does Cassius say after Octavius and
Antony stalk off? What does this show? (67-68)
After Octavius and Antony leave, Cassius says that now it
does not matter how the winds may blow
the waves rise the boat as long as it
remains afloat. The storm has begun to rage and everything now nor how
chance. depends on
This shows Cassius's anxiety and despair about the
24. While Brutus is busy with Lucilius to whom
coming storm, the battle. He feels the trap is closing on him.
does
While Brutus is busy with Lucilius, Cassius turns to Messala,Cassius turn? What does he tell him? (72-89)
his lieutenant and friend. He tells Messala that
that day is his birthday. He gently takes his hand and tells
him to bear
compelled to stake alltheir ventures on this one single battle as Pompeywitness that against his wishes he is
was compelled to.
 h e
p o

b e g

his mocking captainsto fight with his

was forced by where he was completely
At the battlc of Pharsalia, in Thessaly, Pompeyexperienced soldiers in a battle
his
inexperienced soldiers against Caesar and
but now he ic
defeated.
was once a staunch follower of Epicurusand his philoSophy,
e tells Messala that he knows he coming everts.
changing his views and partly believes in signs foretelling
eagles flew down onto their forernost ban1ners, and
sat there
Pinilippifrom Sardis. two huge morning they had
While coming to
their soldiers keep feeding them. Thev followed them all the way to Philippi. That as though
wnile hover over thcir heads, and look down on them
place, ravens, crows and kites
sed and, in their like a canopy foreboding death, under which their
hey are their sure victims. These birds hang over their heads
army lies a man ill in bed, about to die.
25. Who was Epieurus? (77)
Pplcurus was a Greck philosopher who founded the Epicurean School of Philosophy. His theory was that
human happiness and peace of mind, resulting from avirtuous life was the only goal in life He believed that
Omens were not be trusted because they were superstitious.

26. Explain the reference to the eagles and their significance. 81)
ASIIver or bronze figure of an eagle, set on a long staff, was the chief standard or ensign of a Roman legion.
The eagle was also a bird sacred to the Roman god, Jupiter. So, when two mighty eagles sat on the flag, it was a
Sure sign of victory. When they abandoned the army, it was looked upon as an omen of defeat.

27. Explain the reference to ravens, cro:vs and kites and

their significance. (85)
Ravens, black crows, were considered to be birdsof ill omen forecasting death and disaster. Crows and kites are
also birds of ill omen. Both are birds of prey which feed on
So, Cassius feels that their army, which lies dead bodies of animals and men.
under the shadows of these birds of prey, is doomed to
death.
28. What does Cassius wish the gods
may io? Why does he want to decide how
for the worst? (94-97) they wili be prepared
Cassius wishes that the gods may befriend them so that
old age. they, two friends in peace, may yet live as
friends till
Cassius says that since thefuture of men always
prepared for the worst. remains uncertain, they should decide how they will be
29 When Cassius asks
Brutus, what he has decided to do if they are defeated and if
meeting, what does Brutus reply? (101-108) this is their last
When Cassius asks Brutus, what he has
decided to do if they are defeated
Stoicis1n tells him that it is cowardly to lose
life's duration through suicide. patience for fear of what the Brutus says that his philosophy of
According to Stoicism, suicide is a future may bring and thus
law) for doing so rather than being
captured by Caesar. He is cowardly act. He blamed Cato (hisshorten
fixed by the gods who rule their Iife here on this earth. ready nowto wait calmly for his father-in-
destiny already
30. What question does Cassius now ask Brutus
What is Brutus's reply? (109-119) regarding if he llost the battle and
Cassius now asks Brutus if they
t are defeatedl was
through the streets of f Rome bound to the in the battle of
Philippi, whether he would like to be captured?
chariot wheels of Antony and Octavius in
their triumphal dragged
procession.
 pausA verlooked More

Butus tells Cassius, his noble friend, thai

he he will never submit to go to
possesses too noble a mind to suffer such a disgrace. Rome bound in
began on the ides of March, it may be that IHowever, since they must finishchains
the
as a prisoner. for
work that they
final farëwe!l. He wishes Cassius they willnot meet again. Therefore, they
should bid
forever. He says that if they survive that day, they each other a
over it, but if it happens otherwise,goodbye
then they cannot have parted in a better way. will make merrv
31. What does Cassius repeat? What
does their farewell reveal? (120-122)
Cassius reverently repeats Brutus's words of fareweil, word for word.
Their farewellreveals a truly pathetic and touching
words, For ever, and for ever farewell,' gives a sensefarewell between the two friends, The repetition.of the
of great pathos. They believe this is their
which shows they are not confident of victory. last meeting

32. What is the apparent inconsisten cy in Brutus's

views about suicide?
Brutus thinks it is a cowardly and vile for a man to commit suicide for feer of what might happen. However,
later he considers suicide is justifiable when it will prevent a
The discrepancy between these two speeches shows only an certain disgrace.
apparent inconsistency.
33. What does Brutus tell Cassius to do at the
end?
Brutus nowtells Cassius to go forward with his army.
Brutus utters a wish that he could know the result of that day's battle
beforehand. Anyway, they can console,
themselves that the battle has to end when the day will end and the result will be known then. He tells his
soldiers to move away.

MCQ'S
i.Which hopes of Octavius are "answered "?
(a)The conflict between Brutus and Cassius
(b)The armies of the conspirators' advance towards Philippi
(c) The surrender of the armies of the conspirators (d) None of the above

2. What reason does Antony give for the enemy's advance towards Philippi?
(a) To hide their fears and show their unity (b)To hide their conflict and show their unity
c) To show their patriotism and friendship (d) None of the above

3.Cassius compares Antony'ssweet words with which of the following?

(a) Honey made by Sybla bees (b) Honey made by Olympus bees
(c) Honey made by Hybla bees (d) None of the above

4.When does Octavius say his sword willgo back into its sheath?
(a) When Caesar's ghost will disappear (b) When thirty-three wounds of Caesar have been avenged
(c) When another Caesar willappear (d) When he becomes Caesar

5. Who has been described by Cassius as "A peevish schoolboy" ?

(a) Marcus Brutus (b) Mark Antony (c) Octavius Caesar (d) Lucius
6. With whom has Cassius compared himself in this scene?
(a) Brutus (b) Pompey c) Caesar (d) Lucius
 7. Cassius has changed his mind about the doctrine of Epicurus regarding which of the
(a) Superstitions following?
(b)Ghosts () Republicanism (d) Omens and Premonitions
8. Who according to Cassius has forn1ed a "" canopy most
(a) Two huge eagles fatal" over their heads?
(b) Crows and kites (c) Enemy soldiers (d) None of the above
9. How does Brutus define Cato's act of
(a) Mean and short-sighted
committing suicide?
(b) Sensible and timely
(c) Low and cowardly (d) None of the above
10. Why would Cassius and Brutus smile at
each other if they meet again?
(a) It will be after their victory over their
(c) It will mark an end of their differences
enemies (b) It will be their farewell meeting
(d) It will be in ront oftheir armies
PRACTICE ANNOTATIONS
1.OctavIus: They mean towarn us at Philippi here, Answering before we do dem:nd of
Antony: Tut, I am in their bosoms, and Iknow Wherefore them.
they do it: they could becontent To visit other
places; and come down With fearful bravery, thinking by this face To fasten in our
have courage; But tis not so. thoughts that they
a. Who are "they'" referred to in line 1? What warning
would they give? From where would they come to
Philippi?
b Give themeaning of
i.Answering before we do demand of them.
ii.I am in their bosoms.
c.Whose military strategy has dictated that the battle should talke place at Philippi?
What had Brutus argued
regarding this strategy?
i.What did Cctavius hope that the enemy would do? What according to him is the
e.What, according to Antony, is the planning of the enemy? Why does Antony feel intention
of the enemy?
so confident that he knows
what the enemy intends to show?

2.Cassius: Now, Brutus, thank yourself: This tongue had not offended so today, if Cassius
rul'd. might have
Octavius: Come, come, the cause: If arguing make us sweat. The proof of it will turn to
Look, I draw a sword against conspirators; When think you that the sword redder drops.
Caesar's three-and-thirty wounds Be well aveng'd; or till £nother Caesar ave goes up again? Never, till
sword of traitors adaed slaughter to the
a. Whose is the "tongue" of which Cassius
speaks? Give the substances of what the tongue had said which so
"offended" Cassius.
b Give a brief explanation of the earlier episode that
Cassius is referring to when he reminds
only himself to thank for the present situation. Brutus that he has
c.Give the commenis made by Cassius, in his next speech,
d.What does Octavius mean by "the cause"? State in your when he scornfully describes Octavins
own words the meaning of the
passage-"or till another Caesar.. ...sword of traitors". last two lines of
the
 Cassius:
Coming fron Sardis, on our
ng? Gorgingand feeding from our
fed a way and gone; And in soldiers'
former ensign Two mighty
hands;
look on Us, As we their stead do Who to eagles feil'; and there they perch'd,
Philippi
were
sickly
ready to give up the ghost. prey: their ravens, crows,Aand kiteshereFlyconsorted us: This morning are they
Messala: Believe not so. shadows seem canopy most fatal, under which Ourdownward
o'er our heads, and
a.Inthis army lies,
extract,
things earlier in hisCassius narrates something he has seer.
b.Give the
life? why? What is it? Didi he believe in the
meaning of: "AS we were sickly sigrificance such
of
signify? prey:
c.What did Cassius see on
their
shadows seem/ Acanopy most fatal." What do these lines
the
d.How can you conclude from previous day and on that particular morning? What do
e.How does Brutus console what Cassius says, alittle later, that he was
him?
these signs signify?
prepared for
a possible defeat?

4.Cassius: Then, if we lose this battle You are

Rome? contented to be led in triumph Thorough the streets of
Brutus: No, Cassius, no thirk not. thou noble
toogre2t a mind. But this same day Raman. Thatever Brutus willgo bound to
Must end that york the ides of March begun; Rome; He bears
meet again Iknow not. Therefore our Andwhether we shall
a. What has Brutus just said which everlasting farewell take.
makes Cassius sav the words given in the extract? Which
referred to in Cassius' speech? Roman practice is
b.What was begunon the ides of March? How will the
words of
c.Brutus and Cassius are affected by the latest. events. This makes Brutus
them
be prophetic?
act in a different way than their normal
behaviour. Give one incident to illustrate this

5.Cassius : This is my birthday; as this very day Was Cassius born. Give me thy hand,
Messala Be thou my witness
that against my wili, As Pompey was, am Icompell'd to sct Upon one battle all our liberties.
You kncw hat Iheld Epicurus strong, And his opinion: now Ichange my mind; And
partly credit things that do
presage.
() Who was Pompey? Why is he referred to in the extract?
(i) What is Cassius compelled to do? Who has compelled him? How? What would be the outcome of the
decision which
he is compelled to take?
(ii)Who is Epicurus? What was his view? If Cassius held the view point of Epicurus, what makes him now
to change his
mind?
(iv) Give the meaning of: Be thou my witness that against my will, And partly credit things that do
presage.
(v)Comment briefly on the uncertainty which Cassius feels about the outcome of the battle that day. How do Brutus and
Cassius wish each other farewellat the end of the scene?

6. Brutus: Even by the rule of that philosophy By which Idid blame Cato for the death Which he did
give himself: I
knownot how, ButI do find it cowardly and vile, For fear of what might fall, so to prevent
Thetime of life, arming myself with patience, To stay the providence of some high
powers That govern us below.
(i) Who is Cato? Give details of his philosophy.
(ii) Why didn't Cato follow that philosophy till the end of his life? Name two
characters in the play who were the
followers of that philosophy.
(ii) How did Brutus and Cassius bid farewell to each other? Why were
their words at the farewell prophetic?
(iv)Give the meaning of: For fear of what might fall, so to prevent The time of life.
(v) What does Brutus say to indicate that he was true Roman soldier? Do
you think he proved hinself? Give reasons to
justify your answer.
 JC-ACT5 SCENE 2
1.Where does Scene 2 ofAct V take place? When?
Scene 2 of Act Vtakes place on the plains of Philippiafter the parley between the two pairs of leaders is over.
2.What are alarums?
Alarums are sounds of trumpet which give the signal to start the battle.

3.What does Brutus tell Messaia to do?

Brutus tells Messala to ride with all speed to the troops of Cassius on the other side, the left side ofthe field and
to give his written orders containing instructions to tell them to attack the enemy at once.
4.Why does Brutus give these orders?
Brutus is excited at nis chance to be victorious over Octavius's wing. He finds that Octavjus's wing is not very
keen to offer resistance. He is sure that a sudden attack willresult in their utter defeat. So he tellS Mesella to tell
Cassius's troops to come down from their position on the high ground.
5.Who is Messala?
Messala is Cassius's lieutenant. Since the republican army is divided into two wings, let and right, Messala is
the liaison officer between the two wings. Brutus is on the right. Sois Octavius
6.What military error does Brutus make now?
Brutus makes ablunder in misunderstanding Octavius's troops, for Octavius has deliberately shown weakness
as aclever strategy to mislead Brutus. Brutus gives the order for batle too early showing his impatience and
haste. Their armies are thrown into confusion which is revealed in the next scene.

MCQ's
1.Which characteristic trait of Bratus is seen in this scene?
(a) Impulsive (b) Calm (c) Rational (d) Patriotic

2. What message does Brutus give to Messala for Cassius?

(a) Wait for him at Sardis (b) Attack the enemy (c) Send money to him (d) All of the above

3. Which error does Brutus make in this scene?

(a) He misinterprets his army's message (b) He misinterprets his army's strength
He order an attack on Octavius' army too early (d) None of the above.

4.What is referred to by the term "legions'" in this scene?

(a) Areas (b) Troops (c)Boundaries (d) Battlefield