2 JULIUS CAESAR

äää By William Shakespeare

INTRODUCTION
Julius Caesar is a historical play which depicts events that took place around 42 B.C. Shakespeare has very
deftly presented this political drama which is punctuated by personal strifes and moral dilemmas, faced by the main
characters of the play.
Julius Caesar is an able general, statesman and an immensely popular Roman. He returns to Rome amidst cheers
and adulation after defeating the sons of Pompey. The Romans turn up in large numbers to cheer him since he has
filled up the coffers of Rome. Caesar refuses the crown, which is offered to him three times. But it is feared that he
may one day ascend the throne and revoke the privileges of men like Cassius. The threat that Caesar was moving away
from the ideals of Roman principles towards an empire ruled directly by himself, is the chief reason that Brutus joins
the conspirators. Brutus is the most trusted, respected and ‘noble of all Romans’, but has a false conception of honour.
He is an idealist, but is not shrewd enough to sense the purpose of the conspirators like Cassius.

SUMMARY
Caesar wanders about in his night-gown and is
kept awake by Calpurnia’s nightmares. She called out in
her sleep about supernatural omens that spelled disaster.
Calpurnia believes that such bad omens are a premonition
of evil and some harm would befall Caesar. Caesar rebuffs
her, refusing to give in to fear. Caesar deems the signs to
apply to the world in general and refuses to believe they
bore ill for him personally. Finally, Calpurnia prevails
upon Caesar to stay at home. Decius Brutus jeopardises
Calpurnia’s plan and forces Caesar to go to the Senate,
where the senators were waiting to offer a crown to him.
On his way, Caesar rejects the petition of Cimber to revoke
the orders for his brother’s banishment. This proves to be
the last nail in his coffin. Immediately afterwards, Casca
and other senators along with Brutus stab Caesar. Caesar’s
last words are, “Et tu Brute?”
The conspirators turn to the plebians and start
shouting slogans of “Liberty, Freedom and
Enfranchisement” as if they were safeguarding the rights
of all the Romans.
Mark Antony is too dumbstruck to see Caesar’s
dead body in a pool of blood, but tactfully restrains himself
from making any statements. He requests Brutus for
allowing him to make a funeral speech. Dismissing
Cassius’ objection, Brutus allows him but only after he has WORD–MEANINGS
himself addressed the plebians. Antony uses his excellent Whelped : Cried  Yawned : opened up  Portents : ill-
oratorical skills very cleverly and succeeds in inciting the omens  Imminent : going to occur  Cognisance :
mob to mutiny and wreck havoc against the conspirators. notice  Puissant : powerful  Couchings : bowing
Brutus and others have to flee for their lives and Octavious  Decree : judicial decision  Pre-ordinance : before

Caesar arrives to clinch the victory for Antony and save authoritative order  Cur : dog  Enfranchisement :
Caesar’s honour. right to vote  Strife : War  Coffers : treasury.
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 SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS (SOLVED)
6. Answer the following questions briefly. (e) What arguments did Brutus and other
(a) How do the heavens ‘blaze forth’ the death of conspirators give to justify the killing of
Caesar? [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
Julius Caesar? [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
Ans. Calpurnia sees ill-omens that predict the death Ans. Julius Caesar is an able general and a mighty
of Caesar beforehand. The heavens predict the death of conqueror who has brought great glory to Rome. It is
princes and great kings. There were fierce battles, blood believed by many that Caeser is too ambitious and would
rained, ghosts were seen, graves opened up, battle cries one day be the Roman emperor and a dictator. Jealous
were heard. All this signalled that someone as powerful as of Caesar’s growing power, Cassius instigates a conspirary
Caesar was bound to suffer. to murder Caesar. The conspirators were unhappy with
Caesar’s obstinacy and egoistic behaviour. Cassius was
(b) What does Calpurnia convince Caesar of?
jealous of Caesar’s soaring power and popularity. According
Ans. She convinces Caesar to avoid going to the
to Cassius, Caesar was a tyrant who wanted to treat the
senate. She believed that Caesar would be safe if he stays
Romans as slaves and that Roman liberty and democracy
at home.
were under threat from Caesar. Brutus stabbed Caesar
(c) Why does Calpurnia say Caesar’s ‘wisdom is because he was an idealist and believed that ambition and
consumed in confidence?’ What does it mean? tyranny should be nipped in the bud but Cassius killed
Ans. When Caesar is adamant about going to the Caesar because he wanted to be a part of the Roman
senate, Calpurnia dissuades him. But Caesar believes that triumvirate.
ill-omens are for the weak and not for the mighty like him. (f) Why is Decius more successful than Calpurnia
Then Calpurnia says that Caesar’s over confidence has in persuading Caesar? [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
clouded his wisdom. He was so confident that he refused
to see reason nor understood the indication behind the ill- Ans. Decius interprets Calpurnia’s dream as a fair
omens. and fortunate vision. He says that the vision of Romans
bathing in Caesar’s blood signifies Caesar’s spirit or
(d) What was Calpurnia’s dream? How was it influence will increase manifold. Basically he boosts
interpreted by Decius Brutus? Caesar’s ego, flatters his greatness and might and makes
[C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)] him feel more powerful. So Caesar is happier with his
Ans. Calpurnia sees a terrifying dream in which version.
Caesar is murdered, his statue is gushing blood and many (g) What is the petition put before Caesar by the
smiling Romans are bathing their hands in his blood. conspirators? How does Caesar respond to it?
Calpurnia was not superstitious but earlier in the night Ans. The conspirators want Caesar to pardon Publius
she had a nightmare comprising the dead man walking Cimber and recall the order of his banishment. Caesar
about. She felt that the dream was a premonition of the refuses the request and says that his order cannot be changed
evil that was going to befall Caesar. So she forbids Caesar and he will stick to his decision.
to go to the Senate. But Decius cleverly interprets it
(h) Who says ‘Ete tu Brute’? When and why?
positively. He says that the vision of Romans bathing in
Caesar’s blood signifies that Caesar’s spirit or influence Ans. Caesar utters these words which mean, “you
will touch many lives; staining their handkerchieves in too, Brutus”. These are uttered when Brutus stabs Caesar
Caesar’s blood indicates reverence, dedication and a token and Caesar is too hurt to see that even his dear friend
of memory on part of the Romans. Brutus could resort to such treachery.

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 (i) In the moments following Caesar’s death, how Antony’s request for giving a speech? What
do the conspirators proclaim to justify are the conditions imposed by them.
Caesar’s death? [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)] Ans. Cassius is very much against Antony’s idea of
Ans. The conspirators wish to justify Caesar’s death speech but Brutus feels that no harm can befall him and
by announcing their love and loyalty to Rome. They say others with just a speech. Brutus says that he will give a
that Caesar was very ambitious and Romans would have speech first and justify Caesar’s death so there will not be
become slaves under his autocratic rule. According to a problem, if Antony delivers his speech later. Moreover
Brutus, Caesar was a tyrant and Roman liberty and Antony is had agreed to deliver the speech from the same
democracy was under threat and Caesar wished to become platform and not talk against them.
an Emperor.
(n) When he is left alone with the body of Caesar
(j) What does Antony say after Caesar’s death, what does Antony call Brutus and others?
when he sees the body of Caesar? Ans. Antony curses the murderers and he seeks
Ans. Antony apologises to Caesar’s body for being forgiveness for being polite to them. He calls them
meek and gentle with his murderers. He curses the hands ‘butchers’ who killed the noblest of men.
that killed such a noble man. He also requests them to kill
(o) What prediction does Antony make regarding
him for he cannot tolarate Caesar’s death.
the future events in Rome?
(k) How do Brutus and Cassius respond to Ans. Antony prophesies that Rome will be ravaged
Antony’s speech? with civil war, violence and extreme blood shed will leave
Ans. Both Brutus and Cassius request Antony not to the earth full of dead bodies. Goddess of revenge will
plead for his own death. They offer him authority and descend on earth with Caesar’s spirit and the stench of
good position and ask for his support in the murder of dead bodies will fill the earth.
Caesar.
(p) Who says “let him be Caesar”? What light
(l) Whom does Antony call “the choice and does this throw on the speaker?
master spirits of this age.” Why? Ans. The 3rd citizen says this. This statement reflects
Ans. Antony calls Brutus and Cassius the most the vulnerability of the mob who believe, whatever is told
powerful people after Caesar’s death; they have all the to them. They say that Brutus should be put in place of
power. Moreover, he wants to flatter their ego, to pretend Caesar, after being impressed by his speech. Later
that he is not against them. they turn towards Mark Antony and are ready to kill Brutus
(m) How do Brutus and Cassius respond to and others.
7. Julius Caesar and Antony reveal something about their character in their words and actions. We also learn
about them from what other people say. Can you pick out the words that describe them from the box given
below? Also, pick out lines from the play to illustrate your choice.
superstitious arrogant loyal clever
overconfident manipulative good orator ambitious
brave great conqueror generous fearless
loves flattery firm shrewd crafty

Person Extract from play What it tells us

about the character
Julius Caesar 1. the things that threaten’d me arrogant
Ne’er look’d but on my back; when they shall see over confident
The face of Caesar, they are vanished.
2. Cowards die many times before their deaths Brave
The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes
3. We are two lions littered in a day fearless
And I the elder and more terrible
4. Thy brother by decree is banished firm
If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him

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 5. She dreamt tonight she saw my statue superstitious
Which, like a fountain with a hundred spouts
Did run pure blood
6. No, Caesar shall not; danger knows full well overconfident
That Caesar is more dangerous than he
Mark Antony 1. Of half that worth as those your swords, made rich loyal
With the most noble blood of all this world
2. Produce his body to the market place shrewd
And in the pulpit, as becomes a friend
Speak in the order of his funeral
3. Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood crafty
Over thy wounds now do I prophecy
A curse shall light the limbs of men
4. I come here to bury Caeser, not to praise him manipulative
The evil that men do lives after them
. . . . And Brutus is an honourable man
5. Kind souls, what weep you when you but behold good orator
Our Caesar’s vesture wounded? Look you here,
Here is himself, marred, as you see, with trailers.

8. In the play ‘Julius Caesar,’ we meet the Roman mob. We find that as Brutus and Antony speak, the mob
displays certain qualities and characteristics.
Given below are some characteristics of the mob. Complete the table by quoting the lines wherein these
are revealed.

Words actions of the mob Characteristics

1. The mob first believes Brutus that Caesar was Foolish, fickle, easily manipulated
ambitious and later believes Antony.
2. They forget Caesar’s achievements Does not understand the ideals of democracy
3. Give him a statue with our ancestors Emotional
Let him be Caesar

4. Read the will, the testament Greedy

They are happy to know that Caesar left them money

5. Me thinks there is much reason in his saying Fickle

Caesar has had great wrong

6. We will be revenged
Seek ‘Burn! Fire! kill! slay! Violent

9. Antony employs a number of devices to produce the desired effect on the mob. These devices may be
described as rhetorical devices. He first speaks in such a manner that it seems to the mob that he is in full
agreement with Brutus about Caesar. Then step by step he moves away from Brutus’ position, depicting
Brutus as a villain and Caesar as a wronged man. Copy and complete the following table by showing how
Antony builds the argument in Caesar’s favour.
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 Antony’s words Argument
1. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. Does not wish to eulogise Caesar
2. The noble Brutus Seemingly agrees with Brutus
Hath told you Caesar was ambitious: Ironical.
If it were so, it was a grievous fault,
And grievously hath Caesar anser’d it.
3. I thrice presented him the crown, he refused it Pretends to say that Caesar was ambitious
Yet Brutus says that he was ambitious Clever
4. I rather choose to wrong the dead and you He does not intend to wrong Irony
Then I will wrong such honourable men Brutus and Cassius
5. If Brutus so unkindly knocked, or no Brutus was greatly loved by Caesar
For Brutus was Caesar’s angel (hints at his treachery) manipulative

SOME IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

1. “What can be avoided mob can turn the tide, depending upon who proves to be
Whose end is purposed by the mighty gods.” clever to exploit it to his advantage.
The above statement reflects Caesar’s dignity and 3. Compare and contrast the characters of Brutus
wisdom that the hour of death cannot be averted and Mark Antony. [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
and is decided by God. Keeping the above Ans. Brutus is a powerful public figure, a dignified
statement in mind, discuss the circumstances that military leader and a loving friend. The conflicting value
led to Caesar’s death. systems that battle with each other, in the play, are enacted
Ans. Caesar is fearless, valiant and believes that the fixed on a micro level in Brutus’ mind. Even after the murder
hour of death decided by heavens cannot be averted. This of Caesar has been committed, questions remain whether
proves true in his case. He is persuaded by Calpurnia to it was a noble, selfless act or failure of a great nobleman
avoid going to the Senate due to ill-omens. Caesar had and friend.
nearly succumbed to Calpurnia’s entreaties, but Decius Brutus’ rigid idealism is both his greatest virtue and
Brutus ignites Caesar’s pride, vanity and overconfidence his most deadly flaw. He lives up to Antony’s elegiac
proves to be his failing. Despite the premonitions, he description as ‘the noblest of Romans.’ His commitment
proceeds towards the Senate. He haughtily rejects the to principles leads him to miscalculations: wanting to curtail
petition of Metellus Cimber to revoke his brother’s violence, he ignores Cassius’ advice and does not kill
banishment. The conspirators are ready to kill Caesar. Casca Antony as well. In another moment of naive idealism, he
is the first one to stab Caesar, followed by Brutus and allows Antony to give his funeral oration over Caesar’s
others. body. So he forfeits the authority of having the last word
2 What characteristics are displayed by the Roman on the murder and allows Antony to incite the plebeians
mob in the play? Discuss how the mob changes to riot against him. He later endangers his good relationship
the fate of the main characters of the play? with Cassius by self-righteously condemning the fund-
raising tactics.
Ans. Mob is of strategic importance in the plays of
Shakespeare. It gives us a deep insight of the main So Brutus acts out of a desire to limit the self-
characters and is instrumental in turning the tide of events. serving aspects of his actions, ironically in each incident
The mob is full of hero worship. They glorify Caesar when he dooms the very cause, he seeks to promote, thus serving
he brings victory and fills the coffers of Rome. They rejoice no one.
in his honour, worship him and put him on a pedestal 4. How was Antony successful in instigating the
as a hero. But the commoners are too gullible, very easily people of Rome against the conspirators?
swayed and exhibit ‘herd-mentality.’ When Brutus convinces
Or
them that Caesar’s murder was justified in the interest of
Rome, they believe him, but when Mark Antony plays on Antony displays lot of maturity in the way he
their emotions, they rise in mutiny. They are overwhelmed befriends the conspirators in order to average
to hear of Caesar’s will and cause heavy destruction. So Caesar’s death. Explain. [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
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 Ans. Mark Antony is a clever statesman and a good friend Not too scrupulous to stoop to deceit and duplicity, as Brutus
of Caesar. He is foresighted enough to judge that Brutus claims to be, Antony proves himself to be a consummate
is a famous public figure and has already won the approval politician, using gestures and rhetoric to his advantage. He
of the plebeians, instead of censure, after killing Caesar. graphically displays all the stabs, Brutus and others have
Now it is upto him to turn the tide, which threatens to inflicted on Caesar’s body and uses Caesar’s body to exploit
flow on the side of the conspirators. the plebeians emotionally. He responds to subtle cues, tailors
his words very deftly and uses the most appropriate actions
Antony proves strong in all the ways while Brutus to incite the people. He deliberately thrusts the words
manipulating nature serves
proves weak. His impulsive, improvisatory ‘mutiny’ and ‘riot’ at them and gets the desired results.
him perfectly to persuade the conspirators that he is on Unlike Brutus, who prides himself on solely acting with
their side, thus gaining leniency. Throughout his speech, respect to virtue and blinding himself to his personal
he keeps repeating, ‘Brutus is an honorable man.’ “I come concerns. Antony never separates his private affairs from
to bury Caesar, not to praise him,” whereas he does just his public actions. So Antony’s eulogy at Caesar’s funeral
the opposite. He is able to persuade the plebeians of the is a master-stoke, and the mention of Caesar’s will that
conspirators’ injustice and gains mass support. He leaves money and his property for all Romans, acts as the
contradicts the charges of Brutus that Caesar was ambitious final nail in the coffin of the conspirators. So Antony’s
by pointing out that Caesar had refused the crown twice, speech is a combination of wit, irony, sarcasm, pathos and
had filled the coffers of Rome and wept for all Romans. satire.

REFERENCE TO CONTEXT – MCQS—MCQs

Read the following and write the most appropriate (a) Brave do not think of death
option from the ones given to you : (b) Brave are always ready to die
1. Calpurnia : When beggars die, there are no comets (c) Brave are always thinking of death
seen, the heavens themselves blaze (d) Death always favours the brave
forth the death of princes.
Caesar : Cowards die many times before their (iv) What does the above conversation reflect
deaths; about Caesar’s character?
The valiant never taste of death but (a) proud (b) selfless
once. (c) fearless (d) superstitious
(i) Why does Calpurnia make the above Answers : (i) (c) (ii) (b) (iii) (a) (iv) (c)
observation?
(a) She is a coward 2. Your statue spouting blood in many pipes
(b) She is unsure of Caesar’s capability In which so many smiling Roman’s bathed
(c) She wishes to stop Caesar from going to Signifies that from you great Rome shall suck
the senate Reviving blood, and that great man shall press
(d) She is superstitious For tinctures, stains, relics and cognisance.
(ii) How do heavens differentiate between the (i) Who is the speaker and who is being
death of a prince and a beggar? addressed here?
(a) Heavens are indifferent (a) Caesar—Calpurnia (b) Caesar—Antony
(b) There are ill omens when the mighty are (c) Decius—Caesar (d) Calpurnia–Decius
going to fall (ii) What is the context of this speech?
(c) Beggars and poor are given special (a) Calpurnia’s dream
preference (b) Caesar’s statue spouting blood
(d) It is the duty of Heavens to show some (c) Caesar’s visit to Senate
omens (d) Some personal problem between Caesar
(iii) What is Caesar’s logic for not fearing and Calpurnia
death? (iii) How will Rome be benefitted as a result?

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 (a) Caesar’s enemies will decrease 4. O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,
(b) He will become more powerful That I am meek and gentle with these batchers
(c) Rome will gain strength and sustenance Thou art the ruins of the noblest man
from Caesar that ever lived in the tide of times.
(d) Caeser will exploit the weak. woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!
(iv) What is the effect of this speech on the over thy wounds now do I prophecy, –
listener? [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
(a) Caesar is shocked (i) Who is referred to as ‘bleeding piece of
(b) Calpurnia is amazed earth’?
(c) Caesar looks up to Decius in disbelief (a) Rome (b) Caesar’s dead body
(d) Caesar is full of praise for Decius
(c) Brutus (d) Caesar’s home
Answers : (i) (c) (ii) (b) (iii) (c) (iv) (d) (ii) What crime have the ‘Butchers’ committed?
3. I must prevent thee, Cimber. (a) tyranny against Rome
These couchings and these lowly courtesies (b) Shed blood of Romans
Might fire the blood of ordinary men, (c) killed Caesar
(d) looted the coffers of Rome
And turn pre-ordinance and first decree
into the laws of children. (iii) The speaker is full of grief at the death of
Caesar, but his behaviour is very meek and
(i) What is the reason for this speech? gentle towards the conspirators? Why?
(a) Caesar’s anger at Cimber’s request
(a) He is afraid of them
(b) Caesar’s politeness to pardon Cimber’s
(b) His own life is in danger
brother
(c) He wishes to sidetrack them
(c) Cimber’s audacity to provoke Caesar
(d) He is calm by nature
(d) Caesar’s ignorance of the rules of Rome.
(iv) What prophecy does the speaker make?
(ii) What kind of behaviour is disliked by the
(a) Rome will be destroyed
speaker?
(b) Caesar will be grieved
(a) giving compliments (c) Conspirators will meet their doom soon
(b) bowing and bending to impress (d) Rome will not be at peace ever
(c) acts of cowardice
(d) acts of defiance and opposition (v) Who are the conspirators?
(a) Brutus and Antony
(iii) What is the speaker’s conception of law? (b) Cassius and Brutus
(a) Laws are a child’s play (c) Caesar and Calpurnia
(b) Laws cannot be changed at will (d) Antony and Cimber
(c) Laws should be flexible
(d) Laws can be bent to save the guilty Answers : (i) (b) (ii) (c) (iii) (c) (iv) (c) (v) (b)

(iv) What light does the above speech throw 5. Brutus:

on his character? Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved
(a) kind and compassionate Rome more.
(b) anthoritative Had you rather Caesar were living and die all
(c) strict and law-abiding slaves, than that
(d) fickle-minded Caesar were dead, to live all free man? As
(v) What is the reason for Cimber’s behaviour? Caesar loved me
(a) He is afraid of Caesar I weep for him, as he was fortunate, I rejoice at
(b) He wishes to plead for his brother it, as he was
(c) He wishes to lay a trap for Caesar valiant, I honour him.
(d) He hates Caesar (i) Why does Brutus make the above speech?
Answers : (i) (c) (ii) (b) (iii) (b) (iv) (c) (v) (c) (a) To plead and justify himself
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 (b) to provoke the conspirator (iii) Mark Antony’s conception of ‘ambitious’
(c) he is afraid of Mark Antony is to have
(d) he wishes to prove his nobility (a) selfish motives (b) materialistic gains
(c) wage wars (d) love for Rome
(ii) Why does Brutus need to reaffirm and
(iv) What attitude of Mark Antony is reflected
emphasise his love for Caesar?
by the above speech?
(a) He was considered Caesar’s best friend (a) cleverness (b) great oratorial skills
(b) No one could ever associate him with (c) bravery (d) vanity
murder
(c) He was weak Answers : (i) (a) (ii) (c) (iii) (d) (iv) (b)
(d) He wished to prove his love for Rome
7. Antony :
(iii) What reasons does Brutus offer for killing But here’s a parchment with the seal of Caesar;
Caesar? I found it in his closet, ‘tis his will : ..............
(a) Caesar was too dominating which, pardon me, I don’t mean to read –
(b) Roman liberty and democracy were at And they would go and kiss dead Caesar’s wounds
stake under Caesar And dip their napkins in his sacred blood.
(c) Caesar was too strict in implementing laws (i) What secret does Antony reveal to the
(d) He was ruthless and unkind people of Rome?
(iv) Mention a praiseworthy quality of Caesar (a) That Caesar left a will for Romans to read
which Brutus speaks about despite killing (b) That Caesar was a very honest man
him. (c) That Caesar was misguided
(a) Authoritative (b) Ruthless (d) That Caesar stabbed Rome in the back
(c) Brave (d) Kind (ii) What would be the effect of Caesar’s
(v) How important was honour to Brutus? will?
(a) important (b) most important (a) Romans would protest and revolt against
(c) least important (d) indifferent to it the conspirators
(b) They will feel guilty
Answers : (i) (a) (ii) (d) (iii) (b) (iv) (c) (v) (b) (c) They will feel happy at Caesar’s death
(d) They will kiss Caesar’s wounds
6. Mark Antony :
But Brutus says he was ambitious, (iii) Why does Antony show hesitation in
And Brutus is an honourable man. reading Caesar’s will?
He hath brought many captives home to Rome (a) He does not wish to reveal the will
Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill; (b) He is unhappy at Caesar’s will
Did this in Caesar seem ambitious? (c) It is a part of his acting and pretension
(d) He does not wish Romans to know about
(i) Why does Mark Antony keep repeating it
that ‘Brutus is an honourable man’? (iv) What are the contents of Caesar’s will?
(a) Because his is clever (a) Caesar wished to be remembered as a hero
(b) Not to sound disagreeable to the crowd (b) Caesar wished his statue to be built in the
(c) Because he is patriotic centre of Rome
(d) Because he respects Brutus (c) He had left all his money, perks etc. for
(ii) Quote one example from the above speech Romans
that is in praise of Caesar? (d) He had left everything to Calpurnia
(a) he waged wars
Answers : (i) (a) (ii) (b) (iii) (c) (iv) (c)
(b) punished the captives of war
(c) filled the coffers of Rome by bringing 8. Antony :
captives to Rome Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up
(d) he was ambitious To such a sudden flood of mutiny

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 They that have done this deed are honourable (ii) How does Brutus justify the assassination
What private griefs they have, alas, I know not of Caesar?
That made them do it. (a) Brutus said that Caesar was ambitious.
(b) Brutus said that he would enslave Rome.
(i) What is the occasion of Mark Antony’s
(c) Brutus said that he would become a tyrant.
speech?
(d) All of the above
(a) Caesar’s birthday
(b) Anniversary of Roman invasion (iii) How did the mob react to the speech given
(c) Caesar’s murder by Brutus?
(d) Antony’s celebration (a) The mob revolted against Brutus.
(ii) What does the use of ‘stir’ and ‘muting’ (b) The mob agreed with Brutus’ decision.
reveal about the purpose of Antony’s (c) The mob criticised Brutus’ decision
speech? (d) None of the above.
(a) It is a wake-up case for Romans Answers : (i) (a) (ii) (d) (iii) (b) (iv) (b)
(b) He wants them to rise up and revolt
(c) He wants most of them to bow before 10. You know not what you do. Do not
Caesar’s statue Consent that Antony speak in his funeral.
(d) He does not want anything from the (i) funeral is being talked about.
Romans (a) Cassius’s (b) Caesar’s
(c) Brutus’s (d) none of the above
(iii) What is meant by ‘private griefs’?
(a) virtues (ii) The person had been
(b) personal problems (a) killed in the war
(c) professional jealousy (b) poisoned
(d) treason against Rome (c) killed by his own friends
(d) killed by a wild animal
(iv) Who are the ‘sweet friends’ Antony wishes
to address? (iii) The speaker did not want Antony to speak
(a) Brutus and Cassius because :
(b) Romans (a) he was not a good speaker.
(c) Decius (b) he might instigate the public.
(c) he will not let anyone else speak.
(d) Calpurnia and Caesar’s relatives
(d) none of the above.
Answers : (i) (c) (ii) (b) (iii) (b) (iv) (b) Answers : (i) (b) (ii) (c) (iii) (b)
9. If there by any in this assembly, any dear friend 11. Calpurnia : What mean you, Caesar? Think you to
of Caesar’s to him I say, that work forth? You shall not stir of your
Brutus’ love to Ceasar was no less than his. If house today
then that friend demand why Brutus rose Caesar : Caesar shall forth.
against Caesar, this is my answer. Not that I loved (i) Calpurnia stopped Caesar from going out
Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more. Had you of the house because
rather Caesar were living and die all slaves, than
(a) Caesar’s enemies were out to kill him
that Caesar were dead, to live all free men?
(b) Caesar war not well
(i) Why according to Brutus, did he kill (c) Calpurnia saw Caesar being killed in her
Caesar? dream
(a) Brutus wanted to save Rome from slavery (d) it was raining heavily
(b) Brutus hated Caesar. (ii) Caesar wanted to go out of the house
because
(c) Cassius forced Brutus to kill Caesar
(a) he didn’t care about his wife
(d) Brutus himself wanted to become the king (b) he wanted to throw the enemies of Rome
of Rome. out of the country
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 (c) he was worried about the safety of the (d) Antony
common man (ii) What does this tell us about the character
(d) he had to attend an important meeting of the speaker?
(iii) These lines tell us about Caesar that he (a) He / She is nervous
(a) was a superstitious person (b) He / She is superstitious
(b) was a coward (c) He / She is rational
(c) was proud (d) He / She is strong and bold
(d) was soft-hearted (iii) They in the above extract refer to some
Answers : (i) (c) (ii) (c) (iii) (c) sights seen by his wife. What are they?
(a) graves opening and yielding the dead
12. Caesar, I have never stood on ceremonies, (b) lightning shattering the skies
Yet now they fright me (c) a lioness giving birth in the street
(i) who says these words to Caesar? (d) all of the above
(a) Calpurnia, his wife Answers : (i) (a) (ii) (b) (iii) (d)
(b) Decius
(c) The watchman

REFERENCE TO CONTEXT – NON-MCQs

Read the following extracts and answer the questions (a) Who is ‘fixed’ like the star?
that follow : Ans : Julius Caesar himself.
1. What can be avoided (b) Discuss the context of the above.
Whose end is proposed by the mighty Gods? Ans : Brutus is making a request to Caesar to grant
(a) Who makes the above comment? pardon to Publius Cimber.
Ans : Julius Caesar makes this comment. (c) What qualities of the speaker are quoted
(b) Discuss the context of the above remark? above?
Ans : Calpurnia had witnessed some ill omens, so she Ans : He is law-abiding and believes that one must
does not wish Caesar to go to the Senate. never change oneself for rules.
(c) Do you believe that the speaker’s belief is 4. O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?
justified in the end? How? Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils
Ans : Yes, it proves true because it was God’s will for
Shrunk to this little measure.
Caesar got murdered.
(a) Identify the speaker.
2. “And many lusty Romans
Came smiling and did bathe their hands in it” Ans : Mark Antony is the speaker.
And these she applies for warnings (b) Why is Caesar lying so low?
(a) Identify the speaker and the listener. Ans : Caesar has been murdered by the conspirators.
Ans : The speaker is Caesar and the listener is Decius (c) Why have his achievements come to naught
Brutus. according to the speaker?
(b) What do the warnings indicate? Ans : Since Caesar is killed, his achievements have
Ans : The warnings indicated future tragedy for come to a standstill.
Caesar, i.e., death. 5. For your part
(c) How does the above remark prove to be true? To you our swords have leaden points, Antony
Discuss? Our arms, in struggle of malice and our hearts
Ans : Caesar got stabbed by other conspirators when
Of brothers’ temper
he went to the Senate.
(a) Who is the speaker and the listener?
3. But I am constant as the northern star
Of whose true-fixed and resting quality Ans : The speaker is Brutus and the listener is Mark
Antony.
There is no fellow in the firmament

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 (b) What is the assurance, the speaker is giving For when the noble Caesar saw him stales
to the listener? Ingratitude, more strong than traitors’ arms
Ans : Brutus assures Antony that they have no Quite vanquished him.
dangerous designs or ill-will against him. (a) What was the unkindest cut? Who gave it?
(c) What support is required by the speaker? Ans : The most unkind cut was the wound caused by
Ans : He seeks support from Antony for the murder of Brutus.
Caesar. (b) Whose sight pained Caesar the most? Why?
6. Had you rather Caesar were living and die all Ans : The sight of Brutus attacking him.
slaves, (c) What is ingratitude according to Antony.
Than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men? Ans : Ingratitude is treachery of a dearest friend,
which causes maximum pain.
(a) Identify the speaker?
Ans : Brutus is the speaker. 9. Caesar : And you are come in happy time,
To bear my greeting to the senators
(b) Discuss the context of the above remark.
And tell them that I will not come today.
Ans : Brutus in his funeral speech blames Caesar for
Calpurnia : Say he is sick
being dictatorial.
(a) Who is Caesar speaking to?
(c) What kind of situation is presented by the Ans : He is speaking to Desius Brutus.
speaker? Is it true and justified? (b) What message does Caesar want to send to
Ans : He says that Caesar wanted to make all Romans the senators?
slaves and he wished to become an Emperor himself. No Ans : He wanted to tell the senators that he was not
it is not true, because Caesar had given no evidence of well.
doing so. (c) What makes Caesar change his mind?
7. The evil that men do lives after them Ans : His wife’s pleadings forced him to change his
The good is oft interred with their bones; mind.
So let it be with Caesar. 10. Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace tonight:
(a) Who is the speaker and what is the context? Thrice hath Clapurnia in her sleep cried out,
Ans : Antony is delivering his speech on the death of Help, ho! they murder Caesar!” Who’ within?
Julius Caesar. (a) Who is Calpurnia?
Ans : She is Caesar’s wife.
(b) What good had Caesar done according to the
(b) What does the disturbance in the sky
speaker?
indicate?
Ans : Caesar had done lot of good for Rome.
Ans : It indicates that something bad is going to
(c) What evidence does the speaker give to prove happen.
it? (c) Does Calpurnia’s dream come true?
Ans : He reads out Caesar’s will to prove it. Ans : Yes, it comes true. Her husband, Caesar, gets
8. That was the most unkindest cut of all murdered.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Brutus was not shrewd and foresighted enough gullible. After killing Caesar, Brutus justifies his act by
to cash in upon the conspiracy and the killing calling Caesar ‘ambitious’ and that he wished to be the
of Caesar. Discuss how did his miscalculations Roman Emperor. He told the mob that Caesar wanted to be
affect the conspirators. an Emperor and was an enemy to Roman liberty and
democracy. Antony proved all these claims wrong and
Ans : Brutus was an idealist and a zealous Roman. He
Brutus’ greatest mistake was to allow Antony to give a
was not a good judge of human psychology and was very
speech over Caesar’s body.
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 2. Give two examples of supernatural elements 4. What are the contents of Caesar’s will that
from the play. Mark Antony refers to? [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
Ans : Calpurnia sees many ill-omens in her dreams. They Ans : Antony uses emotional blackmail to provoke the
are mostly supernatural elements used to predict the future. Romans against the conspirators. He exploits their
The examples are as follows: sentiments by saying that Caesar was not money-minded
l A lioness lays a litter in a city street. and he has left all his riches for the Romans in his will. He
elaborates that Caesar has left all his walks, gardens,
l Graves opened, the dead walked and there were
private chambers and newly planted orchards on the bank
fierce battles fought in the skies.
of Tiber for them. This revelation makes the Romans very
3. How does Caesar react to Cimber’s pleadings emotional.
to recall his brother from banishment? 4. Why does Brutus kill Caesar?
Ans : Caesar is very arrogant and conceited of his [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
judgement and his decisive nature. He not only refuses to Ans : Brutus is Caesar’s friend. He has great Re-
pardon Cimber’s brother from being banished but he also publican zeal, noble idealism and he is a great moralist. He
refuses to listen to the entreaties of Brutus. He is obstinate is a champion of public liberty and freedom. But he is not
and infuriates Cimber and Brutus with his rudeness. He a good judge of psychology. He gets misled by the
calls himself ‘a fixed star’ and abuses Cimber by calling conniving nature of the conspirators and joins them to kill
him a dog and insulting him. He refuses to accept their Caesar because of his love for the liberty and bright future
‘bows’ and ‘respects’ and stays adament on his decision. of Rome.

LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Brutus’ character is a conflict between his siding with Antony and change their stand. During his life-
notions of honour and friendship of Caesar. time, Caesar had few enemies and critics but all them
Discuss how he resolves this conflict and why become emotional to see his dead body. So Antony
he is unsuccessful. exploits this to the maximum. Seeing Caesar’s blood, the
Ans : Brutus has great Republican zeal, noble idealism mob gets ready to mutiny.
and he is a great moralist. He is a champion of public
3. Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot,
liberty and freedom. It is this love for liberty that urges
him to join the conspirators for the murder of Caesar. He Take thou what course thou wilt!’
is an idealist and a dreamer of the bright future of Rome. Who says the above lines? How does he succeed
Being honourable, he fails to see the dishonourable nature in instigating the people of Rome against the
of Casius and others. Even Antony calls him the noblest of conspirators?
souls. But he is not at all practical. He gets misled by the OR
conniving nature of the conspirators and sides Cassius in Antony in his speech presents Caesar as “a
killing Caesar. He sacrifices his love and friendship for the paragon of virtue and patriotism.” Discuss the
sake of Rome. So he is equally responsible for this glowing tributes he paid to Caesar in his
tragedy. funeral speech. [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
2. “Caesar’s dead body could accomplish what Ans : Antony is his speech, highlights the positive
Caesar could not do in his life time.” Discuss qualities of Julius Caesar. Caesar was a great warrior, a
the strategic importance of Caesar’s dead body formidable General who brought captives to Rome and
and how it is exploited to the maximum. filled its coffers. He was valiant and fearless. Moreover, he
Ans : Mark Antony takes full advantage of Caesar’s was not ambitious, as projected by the conspirators. He
dead body and exploits this situation to the hilt. Caesar’s had thrice refused the crown when he was offered.
dead body emotionally grieves the Romans, his stabs cause Caesar’s heart bled for the welfare of Rome and he had
them pain. Antony points out the wounds and this physical Roman interests on top of any other consideration. He had
evidence turns the tide. The Romans psychologically start also bequeathed all his property, money, walks, chambers

Literature D – 141
and orchards for the people of Rome. He was a champion Antony respects Caesar and his love is proved
of Roman liberty and wanted to make Rome a very by his tribute offered to Caesar on his funeral.
powerful nation. Hearing all this, mob feel emotionally
7. Caesar had done a lot of good things for
supportive of Antony and he was able to provoke them to
rise against Brutus and others. the people of Rome. Yet he got nothing but
death. Do you think his end was justified?
5. What are the contents of Caesar’s will? What Explain.
effects do these exert on the attitude of the [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
Romans? Ans : Caesar was a great diplomat and a zealous
Ans : Antony shows Caesar’s will gradually by Republican. He is ambitious, dominant and often
increasing the suspense and by asking the conspirators to aggressive and rude. He is also haughty, boastful and
circle around it. First he shows his unwillingness to reveal arrogant. He calls men like Decius Brutus ‘curs’ and calls
it, which makes the Romans very excited. They are the senators ‘grey beards’. He succumbs to flattery and
pleasantly surprised to discover that Caesar has left all his that proves to be his undoing. Though he has the welfare
riches and belongings to them. All his walks, gardens, of Rome at his heart but he comes across as very arrogant
chambers, orchards for the use of local Romans. This who would never change himself for anything and anyone.
makes all the Romans very emotional and they feel that He is insulting to many and this infuriates people like
Caesar has been wronged and rise to mutiny. The mob is Decius Brutus. However, his murder is not justified in any
basically fickle-minded. Firstly, they are swayed by the way because he was a true Roman and a benefactor of the
emotions of Brutus and support him. Later they feel common people.
emotionally supportive of Antony and get provoked to rise
against Brutus and others. 8. Why did Calpurnia try to prevent Caesar from
going to the senate house? Did she succeed in
6. Discuss the character of Caesar in the light of her mission? Why/Why not?
the following : [C.B.S.E. 2012 (T-2)]
(a) As a husband
Ans : Caesar is a fearless valiant and believes that the
(b) As a statesman
fixed hour of death cannot be averted. When Caesar is
(c) As a friend adamant about going to the Senate, Calpurnia dissuades
Ans :(a) Caesar is a concerned husband and gives due him pleading that she has seen a terrifying dream in which
regard to Calpurnia’s fears by refusing to go Caesar is murdered, his statute is gushing blood and many
to the senate. He is thoughtful of her smiling Ramans are bathing their hands in his blood. She
considerations and does believe that she has only also sees a dead man walking about. She feels that the
his true interests at heart. dream was premonition of the evil that was going to befall
(b) Caesar is an able general, very valiant and bent Caesar.
upon the welfare of Rome. He has waged wars, So she forbids him to go to the senate. But she
brought many captives and filled the coffers of doesn’t succeed in her attempt because Decius Brutus
Rome. He is conceited but not unmindful of the cleverly interprets it positively. He says that the vision of
liberty of local people. He had refused to become Romans bathing in Caesar’s blood signifies that Caesar’s
the Emperor of Rome, thrice. spirit or influence will touch many lives, and are indicates
(c) Caesar was a true friend of Antony and Brutus. reverence and dedication for Caesar on part of the
He was very loyal and was most hurt to see Romans. Caesar comes under the flatery of Brutus and
that even his dear friend Brutus had stabbed him. refuses the requests of Calpurnia and leaves for the Senate.

Literature D – 142
 FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
1. Make a PROJECT on ‘Art of Public Speaking’.
You can collect evidence and give examples of famous leaders and orators.
2. Match List B with List A.
LIST A LIST B
Famous Speeches Dates / Years Speakers
1. Declaration of War on U.S. 11-12-1941 Mother Teresa
2. Quit India 8-8-1942 Martin Luther King
3. D-Day Order 6-6-1944 John Kennedy
4. Iron-Curtain Speech 5-3-1946 Martin Luther King
5. No Easy Walk to Freedom Speech 21-9-1953 M.K. Gandhi
6. Birth of New Nation 7-4-1957 Hitler
7. Ask What Your Country can Do for You 20-6-1960 Nelson Mandela
8. We Choose to Go to the Moon 22-10-1962 Winston Churchill
9. I Have a Dream 28-8-1963 Eisenhower
10. Nobel Lecture 11-12-1979 John Kennedy

Literature D – 143