JULIUS CAESAR

ACT 1 SCENE 2:

EXTRACT 1:

Caesar

Forget not, in your speed, Antonius,

….Soothsayer

Caesar

Q(i). Where does the scene take place? Why have the characters referred
to in the extract gone there?

Ans1: The scene takes place in a public place in Rome.

The characters referred to in the extract go there to celebrate the feast of

Luprecal which is a festival dedicated to fertility.

Q(ii). What is the “holy chase”? Who is assigned to take the “holy chase”?
What is its significance?

Ans(ii): “holy chase”, is a race where young men run through the city
touching spectators with leather straps. It is a part of the feast of Luprecal.

Mark Anthony and Caesar are assigned to take the holy chase.

It is believed that in this holy race, barren women so touched would be

cured of infertility.

Q(iii). What instructions did Caesar give to Calpurnia earlier regarding the
holy chase? Which characteristic trail of Caesar is revealed by his
instructions?

Ans(iii): Caesar asks Calpurnia earlier to stand directly in Anthony’s path so

that he could not touch her and cure her of her infertility.
This reveals Caesar’s superstitious nature and belief in omens.

Q4. Give the meaning of:

a) Shake off their sterile curse: Cure the curse of infertility ( i.e being
sterile)

b) “Do this”, it is perform’d: Whatever Caesar says is immediately

performed.

Q5. According to the extract, explain the type of relationship that existed
between Caesar and Antony.

Ans5: Caesar and Antony’s relationship as apparent from the given extract
is of authority and loyalty. Caesar, from his position of power, orders Antony
to carry out a task. Calpurnia, who is Caesar's wife, is barren. Caesar
instructs Antony to remember to touch Calpurnia as he departs on the “holy
chase”.

EXTRACT 2:

Soothsayer

Beware the ides of March

…Cassius

Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar.

Q1. What is meant by “beware the Ides of March”? What is its significance
in the play Julius Caesar?

Ans1: “Beware the Ides of March” a soothsayer’s warning to Caesar, of

impending danger to him on 15th of March (Ides of March).
 Its significance in the play is that it foreshadows the assassination of
Caesar that takes place on the Ides of March. It gives a hint to the
audience that something harmful is going to occur to Caesar in the near
future. It builds up the anticipation among the onlookers.

Q2. What was Caesar’s reaction to the Soothsayer’s warning? What light
did his reaction throw on Caesar’s character?

Ans2: Caesar asks him to step out from the crowd and calls him a
“dreamer” and walks off.

This shows his arrogance and disregard for the warning from a common
man. It also shows that while Caesar is ready to believe omens and
superstitions, he ignores warnings given by soothsayers.

Q3. What, in your opinion, is the Soothsayer’s motive in warning Caesar to

“beware of the Ideas of March”? Which theme in the play is revealed
through the Soothsayer’s warning and Caesar’s denial of it?

Ans3: The motive behind the Soothsayer’s warning to Caesar to “beware of

the Ides of March” is to avert a tragedy and bloodshed that would
ensue.Also, to warn of the impending danger to his life.

The theme revealed through the Soothsayer’s warning and Caesar’s denial
of it is of the sense of fate and the limitations of human agency. The play
explores the idea that events may be predetermined or influenced by
supernatural forces beyond human control.

Q4. Why does Caesar want the Soothsayer to look at him? What does
Caesar think of the Soothsayer?

Ans4: Caesar wants the soothsayers to look at him to ascertain if he had

the powers to foresee the future.

Caesar called him a dreamer who need not be taken seriously.

Q5. Give two other examples of warning about the danger which is in store
for Caesar.
Ans5: The examples are:

a) Calpurnia’s dream- Calpurnia has a dream where she sees a statue of

Caesar pouring blood and people rejoicing in it. She interprets this as a
warning of danger to Caesar’s life, urging him not to go to the Senate on
the ides of March.

b) Artemidorus’s letter- Artemidorus writes a letter to Caesar, naming the

conspirators and their plot to harm him. However, due to the chaos and
distractions, Caesar doesn’t get a chance to read it, remaining unaware
of the impending danger.

(These occur later o in the play and are not relevant to Act 1)

There are several warnings which happen in this act- scene-3 which could
pertain to Caesar’s life being in peril. The are as follows:

The bird of the night, hooting and screeching in the marketplace at noon.

A lion walking arrogantly near the Capitol, ignoring the men who are
nearby.

EXTRACT 3:

Cassius

Brutus, I do observe you now of late:

…Brutus

Which give some soil, perhaps, to my behaviours;

Q1. Where are Brutus and Cassius at this time? What does Cassius
observe about Brutus?
Ans1: Brutus and Cassius are at a public place in Rome. While Caesar and
his entourage are celebrating the feast of Lupercal. Cassius observes that
Brutus has been displaying unfriendly and cold behaviour towards him.

Q2. Why does Brutus not go along with Caesar to the games? With whom
does Brutus contrast himself? Why?

Ans2: Brutus does not go along with Caesar to the games because Brutus
is troubled by conflicting emotions regarding the Roman state. He also
states that he is not interested in sports/games.

He compares himself to Antony saying he (Brutus) is not interested in

sports nor does he have active energy like Antony.

Q3. What does Cassius accuse Brutus of? What reply does Brutus give?

Ans3: Cassius accuses Brutus of being cold and unfriendly towards

Cassius and of not revealing his true feelings. He says he has recently
observed Brutus that his eyes do not have the expression of gentle feelings
and love which he used to have from him.

Brutus has been preoccupied with his own conflicting emotions so he

forgets about others' affection towards him and forgets to show his
affections to his friends as well..

Q4. Give the meaning of :

a) You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand

b) “Vexed I am/of late with passions of some difference”

Ans: a) You are like a rider who is unfamiliar (strange) with his horse but is
strict (stubborn) in handling it. It means, Brutus’ behaviour appears too
strict and strange towards a friend who loves him.

c) I am troubled lately with conflicting emotions.

Q5. What, do you think, is the motive of Cassius in professing friendship to

Brutus? What type of a person is Cassius?
Ans5: Cassius’s motive in professing friendship to Brutus is to gain Brutus’s
support in the plot to assassinate Caesar because Brutus is highly
respected and honoured in Rome.

-Cassius is a clever manipulator who is practical and ambitious in nature.

EXTRACT 4:

Brutus

What means this shouting? I do fear, the people

…Brutus

I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well

Q(i). Where are Brutus and Cassius at this time? Why have they come
together? Who are shouting?

Ans(i): At this time, Brutus and Cassius are at a public place in Rome at a
distance from Caesar’s entourage.

They separated from Caesar’s entourage to discuss their concerns about

Caesar’s growing power and ambition.

The crowd is shouting and celebrating the Feast of Lupercal.

Q(ii). What reason does Brutus give here for the “shouting”? what was the
real reason?

Ans(ii) Brutus gives the reason for the “shouting” as the people choosing
Caesar for their king. The reason Brutus gives for the shouting is that the
people have chosen Caesar.

However, the real reason for the shouting is Caesar had refused the crown
and the crowd cheered .
Caesar’s immense popularity and influence among the common people,
contributes to Brutus’s unease.

Q(iii) Why was Brutus afraid that Caesar might become king? Why did he
not want Caesar to become king?

Ans(iii): Brutus was afraid that Caesar might become king because he
believed it would lead to the downfall of the Roman Republic and the
establishment of a monarchy. Brutus, being a staunch supporter of the
republican ideals of Rome, valued the system of government where power
was shared among the Senate and elected officials.

He feared that a monarchy under Caesar’s rule would concentrate too

much power in one individual, potentially leading to tyranny and the loss of
individual liberties. Hence, Brutus did not want Caesar to become king.

Q(iv). When Brutus says, “I would not Cassius, yet I love him well” he is
undergoing a conflict of two emotions. What are they?

Ans(iv): The two emotions that Brutus undergoes a conflict between are his
love for Caesar as an individual and his sense of duty and loyalty to Rome
and the Roman republic. Brutus genuinely cares for and loves Caesar as a
friend. On the other hand, his devotion to Rome and his belief in the
principles of the Republic lead him to question and resist Caesar’s potential
rise to kingship, as he sees it as a threat to democratic values.

Q(v). How did Cassius finally convince Brutus that Caesar should be killed?

Ans(v): Cassius, a clever manipulator, incites Brutus under the pretext of

honor, and freedom, especially with freedom from Caesar. In order to
convince Brutus, Cassius shows that Caesar is a weak and vulnerable
mortal. Furthermore, Brutus is reminded of how his ancestor defended the
freedom of Rome by driving away Tarquin kings.

EXTRACT 5:
Cassius

I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor,

…if Caesar carelessly but nod at him

Q(i). Who was Aeneas? Which legendary incident connected with Aeneas
is referred to in the extract?

Ans(i): Aeneas, who was the founder of Rome and the ancestor to all
Romans. He was a Trojan who, when Troy was captured, escaped from the
burning city carrying his father, Anchises, on his back.

Q(ii). Why does Cassius compare himself to Aeneas? Who is “this man”?
What grudge does Cassius harbor against “this man?

Ans(ii): Cassius compares himself to Aeneas, the legendary hero of Troy, to

highlight his own role in saving and supporting Caesar (like Aeneas, he
bent his body and carried Caesar across the river Tiber when Caesar was
drowning).

“This man” refers to Caesar himself. Cassius harbors a grudge against

Caesar because he believes that Caesar’s rise to power has diminished his
own status and authority. Cassius resents the fact that he must humble
himself and bend to Caesar’s will, even at a mere nod from him.

Q(iv). Just before the extract Cassius states that he is equal to Caesar in
three aspects. What are these three aspects?

Ans4: The three aspects are:

. Born free: Cassius asserts that he is as noble and of equal birth as

Caesar, suggesting that there is no inherent superiority

. Fed well: Cassius asserts that he has been nourished and provided for
just as well as Caesar, suggesting that they have had similar opportunities
and privileges.
. Endure winter’s cold well: Cassius states that he is as resilient and
capable as Caesar in enduring hardships and challenges, symbolized by
the ability to withstand the harshness of winter.

Q(v). In his speech, Cassius refers to an incident in which he was much

superior to Caesar. Narrate the incident. What conclusions did Cassius
draw about Caesar from that incident?

Ans(v): Cassius refers to an incident where Caesar dared Cassius to swim

in the Tiber that was flooded and in fury. Caesar started sinking and
Cassius saved him from drowning, even though Caesar was a stronger
swimmer. Cassius draws the conclusion that Caesar is not as great as he is
made out to be and that his success is due to luck and opportunity rather
than his own abilities.

EXTRACT 6:

Cassius

When went there by an age, since the great flood,

…As easily as a king

Q(i). What is referred to as “the great flood”? Why is this expression used in
the text?

Ans(i): According to classical mythology, Zeus was determined to destroy

the world because of the sins of men. “The great flood” refers to a historical
event of the Biblical story of Noah’s Ark when God sent a flood to wipe out
all of humanity. He spared a pious couple, Deucalian and Pvrrha.

It implies that since time immemorial there has never been an age as
shameful as the present one which will only be known by Caesar’s name.

Q2. Who is referred to as “one only man”? Why is he so referred to?

Ans2: “One only man” refers to Caesar. The phrase “one only man”
emphasizes Caesar’s uniqueness and the idea that he was a remarkable
individual unlike any other. He is so powerful that it appears he is the only
man in Rome. Caesar is referred to show his immense popularity and
growing political power in Rome. People of Rome could never say before
this that Rome had only one great son to boast of. Now it is a Rome in
which there is room enough only for Caesar. Cassius is jealous of this.

Q3. What arguments does Cassius give (just before the extract) to show
Caesar is not superior to Brutus?

Ans3: Cassius argues that Caesar isn’t superior to Brutus by pointing out
that their names sound similar and are equally effective for summoning
spirits or inspiring brave men. He suggests that there’s no inherent
greatness in the name “Caesar” and that both names are essentially the
same when it comes to their impact.

Q4. “There was a Brutus”. Who was this Brutus? What would he have done
in Rome?

Ans4: Reference to Lucius Junius Brutus, who was responsible for

expelling the Tarquins, the king of Rome in 510 B.C. Brutus in the play
claimed to have descended from him. Lucius Junius Brutus would have
easily tolerated the devil to be the ruler of Rome if he had to tolerate a king
to be ruler.

Q5. With reference to one incident, state how Cassius was a shrewd
manipulator.

Ans5: When he responds, “Do fear the people choose Caesar for the king”.
His involuntary reaction gives Cassius an opportunity to question him
directly and to allow Brutus to state openly his opposition to Caesar being
crowned king.

EXTRACT 7:
Caesar

He reads much

…whiles they behold a greater than themselves…

Q1. Of whom is Caesar speaking? Which two traits of the man is he talking
about?

Ans1: Caesar is speaking of Cassius.

He is a great observer and he judges the motives of men in their actions.

Cassius smiles rarely and does not enjoy life, such a man, as he, is never
satisfied when he sees somebody greater than himself, and hence he is
dangerous.

Q2. Do the earlier episodes in the play suggest that Caesar has judged this
person’s character accurately? Explain briefly.

Ans2: Yes, earlier episodes in the play suggest that Caesar has judged this
person’s character accurately.

Cassius observed Brutus’s reaction to the sound of crowds cheering and

manipulated Brutus to join in his plot of assassinating Caesar. Jealousy is
the strongest motive of Cassius. He has hatched the conspiracy against
Caesar, who “Is now become a God” and he is a wretched creature.

Q3. Immediately before this speech, what type of man has Caesar said he
prefers? How is the man referred to in this extract different from that?

Ans3: Caesar prefers men that are fat, and sleek-headed. Men who sleep
soundly at night. Cassius has a lean and hungry look and thinks too much.

Q4. What personal physical weakness is revealed by Caesar in the

remaining part of this speech? What contrast is created by this revelation
with the last two lines of this extract?
Ans4: Caesar cannot hear from his left ear. This is his personal physical
weakness. Caesar has a physical deformity that can be explored but he is
dismissive of his weakness in other men, for example, Cassius has a lean
and hungry look. This contrast is created by this revelation in the last two
lines of the extract.

Q5. Give two other examples of Caesar’s physical weakness mentioned

earlier in this scene.

Ans5: Caesar was sinking while trying to swim in the flood water of Tiber,
he did not have the physical strength and stamina to reach. When he was
in span, he had a fever and when the attack was on him, he shook, his lips
lost their color and became pale. He was so weak that he lacked the power
of resistance. Caesar is also incredibly prone to seizures.