ACT 4 SCENE 1
Fetch the will hither, and we shall determine
How to cut off some charge in legacies.
1. Who did Antony instruct to get the will from Caesar’s house? Who was present with him at
the time and where were they located?
2. What was the topic of discussion among Antony, Lepidus, and Octavius?
3. Whose will was mentioned earlier, and where is it located? When was it previously referred
to and what was its purpose then?
4. What was included in caesar’s will, why does Antony want to alter it?
5. What does Antony’s behaviour reveal about his character, and what position does he hold in
the group? Why?
Antony : This is a slight unmeritable man.
Meet to be sent on errands : is it fit,
The three-fold world divided, he should stand
One of the three to share it?
Octavius: so you thought him;
And look his voice who should be prick’d to die.
In our black sentence and proscription.
1. How does Antony’s statement about the man being “sent on errands” relate to the idea of
power and division in the world?
2. Why does Octavius agree with Antony’s assessment of the man?
3. In what ways does the conversation between Antony and Octavius reflect the political
climate of the time?
4. How does the mention of the “black sentence and proscription” contribute to the theme of
power and betrayal in the play?
5. Who is Antony referring to? Who is he talking to?
6. Why does he call the man ‘slight unmeritable’? on what errand was he sent? Why?
7. What arguments have been made? Where will the three meet?
8. What are Antony’s intention regarding Lepidus? What is the “three-fold world”?
9. How does Octavius refute what Antony has just said? What arguments does he place after
the extract?
Antony : Octavius, I have seen more days than you:
And though we lay these honours on this man,
To ease ourselves of divers slanderous loads,
He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold………
1. To whom does Antony say “I have seen more days than you” and why?
2. Who is Lepidus, what honours have been given to him, and why have they been given?
3. How does Antony compare Lepidus to an ass, and why?
4. What does Antony’s character reveal about him in three lines?
5. What effect does Antony’s speech have on the audience and their perception of Caesar and
the Roman politicians who have honoured him?
Octavius : you may do your will;
But he’s a tried and valiant soldier.
Antony : so is my horse, Octavius; and for that
I do appoint him store of provender:……
1. What made Octavius say “You may do your will”?
2. How does Antony compare Lepidus to his horse?
3. What does ‘store of provender’ mean? How is the horse’s ‘corporal motion’ govern’d by
“Antony’s spirit”?
4. In what way does Antony further degrade Lepidus? Would you degrade a classmate in the
manner? Write your answer in two sentences.
5. What are the important things Antony wants to speak about? What four things does he
suggest to Octavius to do?
A barren-spirited fellow; one that feeds
On abjects, orts and imitations,
Which, out of use and staled by other men,………..
1. Who is Antony referring to in his conversation with Octavius? What was Antony’s
suggestion, and how did Octavius respond?
2. Can you explain the meaning of “abjects….fashion” as used by Antony?
3. What does Antony inform Octavius of and what course of action does he suggest they take?
4. In what way does Shakespeare’s portrayal of the character as a “ barren-spirited fellow”
affect the audience’s perception of him?
5. What is the significance of the phrase “ feels on abjects, orts and imitations” in describing
the character and his tendencies?
Octavius : let us do so: for we are at the stake.
And bay’d about with many enemies:
1. Who is Octavius addressing and what was their suggestion?
2. What does Octavius mean by “ we are at the stake……… with many enemies” ?
3. What character traits are evident in Octavius based on these lines?
4. What does Octavius mean when he says “ And some that smile have in their hearts, I fear,
millions of mischiefs” ? Who is he referring to and what kind of dangers do they pose?
5. How does Octavius’ statement compare and contract with the statements made by other
characters in the plot, such as Brutus or Cassius, about the nature of their enemies?
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