Multiple Choice Questions I

1. The three triumvirs who are seated at a table are

A. Antony, Octavius and Lepidus B. Cassius, Brutus and Lucilius C. Cicero,

Publius and Casca D. The high priests

Answer: A. Antony, Octavius and Lepidus

2. Lepidus is sent on an errand to

4. fetch Caesar’s will B. find out who are levying powers C. find out who is
prick’d to die D. search for Brutus and Cassius

Answer: A. fetch Caesar’s will

3. The meaning of prescription is

A. an official list of those who are to be killed B. list of those who will rule
Rome C. list of honourable men of Rome D. list of powerful Romans

Answer: A. an official list of those who are to be killed

4. According to Octavius, Lepidus is

A. a useless man B. a tried and valiant soldier C. unfit to be a part of the

triumvirate D. an inexperienced soldier

Answer: B. a tried and valiant soldier

5. Antony considers Lepidus to be

A. a barren spirited fellow B. one who feeds on objects arts and imitations C.
a property D. a useless person

Answer: A. a barren spirited fellow

Context questions I

I. ANTONY – This is a slight unmeritable man Meet to be sent on errands. Ls it

fit The threefold world divided, he should stand One of the three to share it?
OCTAVIUS – So you thought him?

1. Who is Antony referring to? Who is he talking to?

Answer: Antony is referring to Lepidus and he is talking to Octavius,

2. Why does he call the man ‘slight unmeritable? On what errand was he
sent? Why?
 Answer: Antony calls the man ‘slight unmeritable because he views Lepidus
as insignificant and not deserving to share the power of the triumvirate. He
was sent to fetch Caesar’s will, to possibly alter it to their advantage.

3. What arguments have been made? Where will the three meet?

Answer: Antony argues that Lepidus does not deserve an equal share in the
triumvirate's power. They plan to meet either at the current location or at the
Capitol.

4. What are Antony's intentions regarding Lepidus? What is the 'threefold

world'?

Answer: Antony's intentions are to use Lepidus for their immediate needs
and then discard him. The 'threefold

world' refers to the divided control of the Roman

Empire among the triumvirs

5. How does Octavius refute what Antony has just said? What arguments
does he place after this extract?

Answer: Octavius refutes Antony by defending Lepidus acknowledging him

as a tried and valiant soldier, thus challenging Antony's negative view of
Lepidus.

2. OCTAVIUS - You may do your will; But he's a tried and valiant soldier
ANTONY - So is my horse, Octavius; and for that 1 do appoint him store of
provender

1. What made Octavius say You may do your will`?

Answer: Octavius says 'You may do your will'` in response to Antony's

criticism of Lepidus, indicating that Antony has the freedom to act as he
pleases but reminding him of Lepidus' value as a soldier.

2. How does Antony compare Lepidus to his horse?

Answer: Antony compares Lepidus to his horse by implying that both are
useful for their service and loyalty, but not for their intellect or decision-
making abilities.

3. What does ‘store of provender’ mean? How is the horse’s corporal motion’
governed by Antony’s spirit?
 Answer: ‘Store of provender’ means a supply of food. Antony suggests that
just as he controls and directs his horse’s physical actions, he can similarly
manipulate Lepidus.

4. In what way does Antony further degrade Lepidus? Would you degrade a
classmate in this manner? Write your answer in two sentences.

Answer: Antony degrades Lepidus by reducing him to an asset or tool,

likening him to a horse that can be directed at will. I would not degrade a
classmate in this manner as it disrespects their autonomy and contribution.

5. What are the important things Antony wants to speak about? What four
things does he suggest to Octavius to do?

Answer: Antony wants to discuss the threat posed by Brutus and Cassius
and suggests combining their forces, making alliances, stretching their
means, and devising strategies for both covert operations and addressing
open threats.

Multiple Choice Questions II

1. The raging passion of the mob in the earlier scene is replaced by which of
the following in this scene?

(a) Hot-headedness of the conspirators (b) Cold-hearted ruthlessness of the

anarchists (c) Peace and calm on the battlefield (d) None of the above

Answer: (b) Cold-hearted ruthlessness of the anarchists

2. Who among the following is NOT a part of the Second Triumvirate?

(a) Antony (b) Brutus (c) Octavius (d) Lepidus

Answer: (b) Brutus

3. What does the list that Antony and Octavius are reading together contain?

(a) The names of Brutus’ friends (b) The names of Caesar’s friends (c) The
names of people to be executed (d) None of the above

Answer: (c) The names of people to be executed

4. “Your brother too must die.” Whose brother is referred to?

(a) Antony’s (b) Lepidus (c) Octavius (d) Brutus’

Answer: (b) Lepidus

5. On what condition does Lepidus agree that his brother should be
executed?

(a) Mark Antony’s sister’s son should also be executed (b) All the leaders of
the coup should be executed (c) All of Brutus’ friends should be executed (d)
None of the above

Answer: (a) Mark Antony’s sister’s son should also be executed

6. What does Antony ask Lepidus to do?

(a) To execute all those who supported the coup (b) To arrest all those who
supported the coup (c) To get Caesar’s sword from his house (d) To get
Caesar’s will from his house

Answer: (d) To get Caesar’s will from his house

7. What does Antony intend to do after getting Caesar’s will?

(a) Change Caesar’s will to fund the civil war (b) Read it publicly (c) Cut
down the amount of money bequeathed by Caesar. (d) Replace it with a fake
will

Answer: (c) Cut down the amount of money bequeathed by Caesar.

8. To whom does Antony refer to as “unmeritable man”?

(a) Lepidus (b) Cassius (c) Octavius (d) Brutus

Answer: (a) Lepidus

9. According to Antony, what is this *unmeritable man” fit for?

(a) To run here and there (b) To do odd jobs (c) To act as a messenger (d)
None of the above

Answer: (b) To do odd jobs

10. To whom does Antony compare Lepidus in this scene?

(a) A horse who runs away from the master (b) A donkey who carries a load
of gold (c) A poor man who does not know the value of gold (d) None of the
above

Answer: (b) A donkey who carries a load of gold

11. Which of the following adjectives is NOT used by Mark Antony for
Lepidus?
 (a) Store of provender (b) Unmeritable man (c) A property (d) Barren-spirited
fellow

Answer: (d) Barren-spirited fellow.

12. What does Octavius say about Lepidus in this scene?

(a) He is good for nothing (b) He is a good task-master (c) He is a good

soldier (d) He is a good organiser

Answer: (c) He is a good soldier.

13. Which of the following is hinted in this scene?

(a) Tensions within the Second Triumvirate (b) Tensions between Brutus and
Cassius (c) Mob, fury (d) None of the above

Answer: (a) Tensions within the Second Triumvirate.

14. Which characteristic trait of Mark Antony is highlighted in this scene?

(a) passionate and patriotic (b) Ruthless ands this Seen, (c) Faithful and loyal
(d) None of the above

Answer: (b) ruthless.

15. Mark Antony’s dismissal of Lepidus reflect which of the following traits of
this personality ?

(a) Shrewd manipulator (b) Power hungry (c) Betrayer of friendship (d) Both
(b) and (c)

Answer: (d) Both (b) and (c).

Context Questions Il

1.Antony

These many, then, shall die; their names are prickd.

Octavius

Your brother too must die; consent you, Lepidus?

Lepidus

I do consent Octavius Prick him down, Antony.

Lepidus

Upon condition Publius shall not live, Who is your sister’s son, Mark Antony:
(i) What is meant by "their names are prick'd"? Why are these names
prick'd? What does this show regarding the custom of Elizabethan times?

Answer: The phrase "their names are prick'd" refers to the practice of
marking or selecting certain individuals for death. In this context, Antony,
Octavius, and Lepidus are deciding who among their political enemies should
be executed. The act of "pricking" names on a list was a method used to
signify those chosen for execution or some form of punishment. This shows
that during Elizabethan times, the rulers had the power to arbitrarily decide
the fate of individuals, often for political purposes, without a formal trial or
process, reflecting the ruthlessness and political machinations common in
that era.

(ii) What was Antony's reply to the condition put forward by Lepidus? What
does Antony ask Lepidus to do then? Why?

Answer: Antony agrees to Lepidus's condition that his sister's son, Publius,
should be executed. Antony then instructs Lepidus to go to Caesar's house to
fetch Caesar's will so they can determine how to reduce the legacies
(bequests) to save money. Antony's instruction to Lepidus shows his cunning
and manipulative nature as he uses Lepidus to carry out a mundane task,
highlighting Antony's intent to minimize Lepidus's involvement in more
critical decisions.

(iii)What opinion does Antony hold of Lepidus? What does he propose to do

with him after making use of him?

Answer: Antony holds a low opinion of Lepidus, considering him a “slight,

unmeritable man,” fit only to run errands. He compares Lepidus to an ass
(donkey) that carries gold, suggesting that Lepidus is a beast of burden who
will be discarded once he has served his purpose. Antony plans to use
Lepidus for their immediate needs and then cast him aside when he is no
longer useful, reflecting Antony’s manipulative and utilitarian approach to
alliances.

(iv) Why did Antony send Lepidus to Caesar’s house? Which characteristic
trait of Antony is revealed here?

Answer: Antony sent Lepidus to Caesar’s house to fetch Caesar’s will. This
action reveals Antony’s characteristic of being manipulative and strategic.
He uses Lepidus to perform tasks that keep him occupied while Antony and
Octavius handle more important and confidential matters. Antony’s actions
show his desire to control and dominate, ensuring that Lepidus remains a
subordinate figure in their alliance

(v) State briefly the comparison hinted between Brutus and Antony in this
scene.

Answer: The scene hints at a comparison between Brutus and Antony,

contrasting their natures and leadership styles. Brutus is depicted as
honorable and driven by principles, making decisions based on what he
believes is right for Rome. In contrast, Antony is shown as pragmatic,
ruthless, and manipulative, willing to sacrifice others and use them as tools
to achieve his ambitions. This comparison underscores the moral and ethical
differences between the two characters, with Antony being more willing to
engage in deceit and treachery to secure power

2.Antony

He shall not live; look, with a spot I damn him. But, Lepidus, go you to
Caesar's house; Fetch the will hither, and we shall determine

Lepidus

How to cut off some charge in legacies.

Octavius

What, shall I find you here?

Or here or at the Capitol.

(i) Where are the three persons? What have they formed? Who "shall not
Live?

Answer: The three persons, Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus, are meeting to
make decisions about those who may oppose them. They have formed a
triumvirate. a political alliance to consolidate power after Caesar's death.
The person who "shall not live" is Publius, who is Mark Antony's sister's son.

(ii) On a previous occasion, Antony has referred to Caesar's will, when

talking to the Roman citizens. Show the contrast between that reference and
this

Answer: Previously, Antony referred to Caesar's will in his speech to the

Roman citizens to incite them against the conspirators by highlighting
Caesar's generosity, as the Will left wealth and land to the people of Rome.
In contrast, in this scene, Antony shows a more manipulative and self-serving
side by planning to alter the will to reduce the legacies, demonstrating his
willingness to betray Caesar's original intentions for his own benefit.

(ill) Explain the meanings of "determine" and "charge". What trait of Antony
character is shown in lines 3 and 4 of the given extract?

Answer: In this context, "determine" means to decide or settle on a course

of action, and "charge" refers to the financial burden or cost associated with
the legacies left in Caesar's will. The trait of Antony's character shown in
these lines is his ruthlessness and cunning. He is willing to alter Caesar's will
to lessen the financial burden on the state, showing his manipulative nature.

(iv) What does Octavius say in defence of Lepidus to Antony?

Answer: Octavius defends Lepidus by acknowledging him as a "tried and

valiant soldier." This implies that Lepidus has proven his loyalty and bravery
in battle, making him worthy of some respect, even if Antony dismisses him
as unimportant

(v) State the three things that Antony says about Lepidus after his
departure What does it show about Antony's character ?

Answer: Antony says the following about Lepidus

• He is a ‘slight, unmeritable man,” suggesting that Lepidus is insignificant

and unworthy.

• Lepidus is compared to a beast of burden, like an ass, that carries loads for
others and is discarded once his usefulness ends.

• Lepidus is described as a “barren-spirited fellow,” who only follows trends

and imitates others without original thoughts.

These statements reveal Antony’s disdain for Lepidus and his manipulative,
power-hungry nature. Antony sees Lepidus as a tool to be used and
discarded, showing his calculating and dismissive attitude toward those he
considers inferior.