Welcome to our blog post dedicated to dissecting Act 1, Scene 2 of William Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, Julius Caesar. As avid learners and educators, we understand the importance of grasping the nuances of Shakespearean literature, and that’s why we’ve curated this comprehensive guide specifically tailored to the ICSE curriculum.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the depths of Act 1, Scene 2, utilizing the meticulously crafted workbook provided by Morning Star publishers. Our aim is to not only provide you with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and long-form answers but also to empower you with a deeper understanding of the themes, characters, and language intricacies within this iconic play.
It’s important to note that while we offer structured responses based on the workbook, we encourage students to use this resource as a foundation for their own exploration. Shakespeare’s works are renowned for their richness and versatility, allowing ample room for interpretation and analysis. Therefore, feel free to adapt and modify our insights to suit your individual learning style and requirements.
So, whether you’re a student looking to ace your exams or a literature enthusiast eager to unravel the mysteries of Julius Caesar, join us on this enlightening journey through Act 1, Scene 2. Let’s embark on an adventure where words transcend time, and the legacy of Shakespeare continues to captivate minds across generations.
Table of Contents
Workbook Summary :
The plot moves ahead with the mob making way for the triumphal procession Here is great Caesar himself with his wife Calpurnia; Brutus, reserved and thoughtful, with his wife Portia; Cicero, the eminent writer and Senator; Decius Brutus, courtier, flatterer and conspirator; Cassius, thin and restless, the master plotter; the Young, soldier, Mark Antony—stripped for the holy race of the Lupercalia; cynical Casca and other nobility of Rome.
The first twenty-four lines show us the absolute mastery of Caesar. His every wish is anxiously met. When he speaks the music is stilled. His name is repeated again and again. And yet the scene shows the human vulnerability of this demi-god. He is superstitious and believes in omens and portents. Since he has no child, he orders Antony to touch Calpurnia in the sacred race. He is not divine but mortal, and as the warning of the soothsayer reminds him, he is in danger
Cassius and Brutus enter into a private conversation. Cassius tells Brutus that he saw in him less affection than he once showed for him. Cassius asks whether Brutus can really see himself; there are many, who, seeing the yoke which is fastened upon Rome, wish that the noble Brutus had his eyes open. Cassius goes
on to interpret the vague disturbance that oppresses Brutus, and to serve him as a mirror in which he may view his thoughts.
The two men hear shouts in the distance and Brutus expresses the fear that the people are acclaiming Caesar as their king. Grasping this opportunity, Cassius dilates on the tyranny exercised by the dictator, Caesar, and his human frailties. He recounts how he once saved Caesar from drowning in the Tiber, and nursed him in Spain when he groaned and shook with fever. Yet, Cassius continues Caesar has now become a god, bestriding “the narrow world like a Colossus.”
Cassius says that Caesar is mortal, subject to sickness and death, like anyone else. But now he is the only man who counts in Rome, a giant, a hero, a god . Everyone, even Brutus, is overshadowed; Rome is disgraced, reduced to one Roman. Once there was a Junius Brutus, who never would have allowed any man to be a king in Rome. In reply, Brutus says that he has some inkling of the weighty matters Cassius has been hinting at and he promises to consider them further. Brutus feels that he would rather be a poor villager than a proud citizen of Rome if dictatorship is going to hold sway. Cassius is pleased to have ‘struck fire’ in Brutus.
Now Caesar and his men come back from the games. As Caesar exits, Brutus and Cassius stop Casca and converse with him. Casca tells them that Mark Antony offered the crown to Caesar three times, but Caesar rejected it each time and then fell down in an epileptic fit. The three men agree to think further about the matter, and when Casca and Brutus have gone, Cassius in a brief soliloquy indicates his plans to win over Brutus for the conspiracy against Caesar. Cassius will further his work on Brutus to their side by placing anonymous messages in Brutus’ house, encouraging his republican pride, and hinting at Caesar’s tyranny.
Workbook MCQs :
1. Caesar dismissed the soothsayer when he warned him of the “ides of March” as a ?
(a) a daydreamer
(b) an ignorant
(c) a superstitious
(d) a feeble creature
Answer :- (a) a daydreamer
2. What would happen when Antony would touch Calpurnia during the traditional footrace?
(a) She would be cured of insomnia
(b) She would be cured of epilepsy
(c) She would be cured of infertility
(d) She would be cured of timidity
Answer :- (c) She would be cured of infertility
3. In this scene who has been compared to a rider of a stubborn horse?
(a) Caesar
(b) Cassius
(c) Brutus
(d) Casca
Answer :- (c) Brutus
4. According to Brutus, which trait of Antony does he lack?
(a) Bravery
(b) Liveliness
(c) Tactfullness
(d) None of these
Answer :-(b) Liveliness
5. What did Cassius accuse Brutus of in this scene?
(a) Being unfriendly towards him
(b) Being too selfish
(c) Being too busy
(d) Being irrational
Answer :-(d) Being irrational
6. What reason did Brutus give for being unfriendly towards Cassius?
(a) Triumphant return of Caesar
(b) Fear of losing his freedom
(c) His own conflicting emotions
(d) None of the above
Answer :-(c) His own conflicting emotions
7. What is meant by ‘age’s yoke’ as spoken by Cassiuss ?
(a) Oppression under Caesar’s rule
(b) The age of burden under monarchists
(c) The era of end of republicanism
(d) None of the above
Answer :- (a) Oppression under Caesar’s rule
8. What does Cassius say to manipulate Brutus to his side?
(a) Brutus is God-like
(b) Brutus cannot see his own worthiness
(c) Brutus is more noble than Caesar
(d) None of the above
Answer :-(b) Brutus cannot see his own worthiness
9. ‘To all the rout, then hold me dangerous.” What is meant by rout and whom does it hold dangerous?
(a) Group; Caesar
(b) Enemy; Brutus
(c) Mob; Cassius
(d) Tribunes; Cassius
Answer :-(c) Mob; Cassius
10. For whom does Brutus say, ‘ I love him well’?
(a) Antony
(b) Casca
(c) Cassius
(d) Caesar
Answer :-(d) Caesar
11. Which virtue’ of Brutus is Cassius talking about in this scene?
(a) He loves Caesar more than himself
(b) He loves honour more than he fears of death
(c) He prefers death more than money
(d) None of the above.
Answer :-(b) He loves honour more than he fears of death
12. Cassius compares himself to which ancestor of his when he talks about saving Caesar from drowning?
(a) Aeneas
(b) Prometheus
(c) Achilles
(d) Aphrodite
Answer :-(a) Aeneas
13. According to Cassius, Caesar is mortal because he is subject to
(a) drowning and fever
(b) sickness and death
(c) temptation and fear
(d) superstition and fate
Answer :-(b) sickness and death
14. What does Cassius convince Brutus of by giving examples of Caesar’s drowning and sickness episodes?
(a) Caesar is brave and sturdy
(b) Caesar is prone to diseases
(c) Caesar is not liked by people
(d) Caesar is weak and vulnerable
Answer :-(d) Caesar is weak and vulnerable
15. Which trait of Cassius’ personality is revealed in this scene?
(a) Clever opportunistic
(b) Clever Manipulator
(c) Fair idealistic
(d) Passionate politician
Answer :- (b) Clever Manipulator
16. Which characteristic trait of Brutus is revealed when he is confronted with
making moral choices?
(a) Slow, confused idealist
(b) Quick, active thinker
(c) Slow, deliberate thinker
(d) None of the above.
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
17. Cassius says that Rome has space only for one great man. Who is the man Cassius is referring to?
(a) Brutus
(b) Caesar
(c) Antony
(d) Octavius
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
18. What does Caesar think about Cassius in this scene?
(a) He thinks too much and is dangerous
(b) He is too thin to be a capable warrior
(c) He is too passive to be given a task
(d) He is too passive to be a warrior
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
19. For whom does Caesar say that ‘Seldom he smiles”?
(a) Antony
(b) Brutus
(c) Cassius
(d) None of the above.
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
20. Casca’s description of Caesar declining the crown thrice, tell us which Characteristic trait of Casca ?
(a) He was a gossip-monger
(b) He had an irrational prejudice against Caesar
(c) He had a favourable impression about Caesar
(d) None of the above
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
21. What Does Cassius soliloquy at the end od the scene predict ?
(a) Brutus’ will not join them
(b) Caesar would quell their conspiracy
(c) Troublesome times ahead
(d) None of the above.
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Workbook Questions :
Question No: 1
Caesar
Forget not, in your speed, Antonius,
To touch Calpurnia; for our elders say,
The barren, touched in this holy chase,
Shake off their sterile curse.
Antony
I shall remember;
When Caesar says “Do this,” it is perform’d.
Caesar
Set on; and leave no ceremony out.
Soothsayer
Caesar!
(i)Where does the scene take place? Why have the characters referred to in the extract gone there ?
Answer :- a) The scene takes place in a public place, likely outdoors in Rome.
b) The characters referred to in the extract have gone there to participate in or observe the traditional Roman festival known as the Feast of Lupercal.
(iII) What instructions did Caesar give to Calpurnia earlier regarding the holy chase ? Which characteristic trait of Caesar is revealed by his instructions?
Answer :- a) Caesar instructed Calpurnia earlier to stand in Antony’s way during the holy chase so that he could touch her, believing it would cure her infertility.
b) This instruction reveals Caesar’s superstitious nature and his belief in omens and rituals to ensure his and his wife’s well-being.
(iV) Give the meaning of:
answer:- a) “Shake off their sterile curse” means to rid oneself of the inability to conceive or bear children.
b) “Do this, it is perform’d” means that whenever Caesar gives an order or instruction, it is promptly carried out without question or hesitation.
(v) According to the extract, explain the type of relationship that existed between, Caesar and Antony.
Answer:- The relationship between Caesar and Antony, as depicted in the extract, is one of authority and obedience. Antony acknowledges Caesar’s authority and promptly agrees to carry out his instructions, demonstrating loyalty and subservience to Caesar’s commands.
Question No: 2
Soothsayer
Beware the ides of March.
Caesar
What man is that?
Brutus
A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.
Caesar
Set him before me; let me see his face.
Cassius
Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar.
(i) What is meant by “Beware the ides of March What is its significance in the play, Julius Caesar?
Answer :- “Beware the ides of March” is a warning given to Caesar by the soothsayer, indicating that Caesar should be cautious on the 15th of March. The ides of March was the day on the Roman calendar corresponding to March 15th and was infamous for being associated with significant events, including Caesar’s assassination. Its significance in the play is that it foreshadows the impending danger and Caesar’s eventual downfall.
(iII) What, in your opinion, is the soothsayer’s motive in warning Caesar to “beware the ides of March” Which theme in the play is revealed through soothsayer’s warning and Caesar’s denial of it?
Answer :- The soothsayer’s motive in warning Caesar to “beware the ides of March” is likely a genuine attempt to caution Caesar about the impending danger and perhaps to prevent his assassination. The theme of fate versus free will is revealed through the soothsayer’s warning and Caesar’s denial of it. The warning represents the idea that fate cannot be escaped, while Caesar’s refusal to heed the warning reflects his belief in his ability to control his destiny through his actions.
(iV) Why does Caesar want the soothsayer to look at him? What does Caesar think of the soothsayer?
answer:- Caesar wants the soothsayer to look at him because he is intrigued by the warning and wants to assess the soothsayer’s demeanor and credibility. Caesar likely views the soothsayer with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, considering him merely as a common fortune-teller rather than someone with genuine prophetic abilities.
(v) Give two other examples of warning about the danger which is in store for Caesar.
Answer:- Two other examples of warnings about the danger in store for Caesar are:
- The dream of Calpurnia, Caesar’s wife, in which she sees Caesar’s statue running with blood. This dream serves as a warning of Caesar’s impending death.
- The letter received by Artemidorus, a loyal supporter of Caesar, warning him of the conspiracy against Caesar and urging him to warn Caesar. This letter is another attempt to alert Caesar to the danger he faces.
Question No: 3
Cassius
Brutus, I do observe you now of late:
I have not from your eyes that gentleness
And show of love as I was wont to have.
You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand
Over your friend that loves you.
Brutus
Cassius,
Be not deceivd if I have veil’d my look,
I turn the trouble of my countenance
Merely upon myself. Vexed I am
Of late with passions of some difference,
Conceptions only proper to myself,
Which give some soil, perhaps, to my behaviours;
(i) Where are Brutus and Cassius at this time? What does Cassius observe about Brutus?
Answer :- a) Brutus and Cassius are likely having a private conversation, perhaps in a secluded area or within a private residence.
(iI) Why does Brutus not go along with Caesar to the games? With whom does Brutus contrast himself ? How ?
(iII) What does Cassius accuse Brutus of? What reply does Brutus give?
Answer :- Cassius accuses Brutus of being too stubborn and distant in his behavior towards him, suggesting that Brutus is not showing the same level of affection and friendship as before.
Brutus replies by attributing his behavior to his recent inner turmoil and personal struggles, indicating that his distant demeanor is not intentional but rather a reflection of his own inner conflicts.
(iV) Give the meaning of:
answer:- a) “You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand” means that Cassius perceives Brutus as being too obstinate and distant in his behavior towards him, indicating a lack of warmth and affection.
b) “Vexed I am/Of late with passions of some difference” means that Brutus is currently troubled by conflicting emotions and inner turmoil, which may be affecting his behavior and interactions with others.
(v) What, do you think, is the motive of Cassius in professing friendship to Brutus ? What type of a person is Cassis ?
Answer:- Cassius’s motive in professing friendship to Brutus is likely to gain his support and allegiance in his plot against Caesar. Cassius is depicted as a cunning and manipulative individual who is willing to use flattery and persuasion to achieve his goals. He sees Brutus as a key ally in his conspiracy due to Brutus’s reputation for honor and integrity. Cassius is portrayed as a shrewd and ambitious person who is willing to exploit relationships for his own political gain.
Question No: 4
Brutus
What means this shouting? I do fear, the people
Choose Caesar for their king.
Cassius
Ay, do you fear it?
Then must I think you would not have it so.
Brutus
I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well.
(i) Where are Brutus and Cassius at this time? Why have they come together? Who are shouting?
Answer :- a) Brutus and Cassius are likely in a public place, possibly a forum or gathering place in Rome.
b) They have come together to discuss their concerns about Caesar’s growing power and influence.
c) The people are shouting, possibly expressing their support or excitement for Caesar.
(iII) Why was Brutus afraid that Caesar might become king? Why did he not want Caesar to become king?
Answer :- Brutus is afraid that Caesar might become king because he fears that Caesar’s absolute power could lead to tyranny and the end of the Roman Republic. He does not want Caesar to become king because he values the principles of republicanism and believes in the idea of shared governance among the Roman senators.
(iV) When Brutus says, “I would not Cassius; yet I love him well” he is undergoing a conflict of two emotions. What are they?
answer:- When Brutus says, “I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well,” he is undergoing a conflict between his loyalty to Caesar as a friend and his concern for the well-being of Rome. On one hand, he cares for Caesar and does not want to betray him; on the other hand, he recognizes the potential dangers of Caesar’s unchecked ambition and power.
(v) How did Cassius finally convince Brutus that Caesar should be killed ?
Answer:- Cassius convinces Brutus that Caesar should be killed by appealing to his sense of duty to Rome and his fear of tyranny. He presents Caesar as a threat to the Republic and argues that killing him would be a necessary sacrifice to preserve the liberty and democracy of Rome. Cassius also manipulates Brutus’s sense of honor and patriotism, convincing him that Caesar’s death is a noble and just act for the greater good of Rome.
Question No: 5
Cassius
I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor,
Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder
The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber
Did I the tired Caesar. And this man
Is now become a god, and Cassius is
A wretched creature, and must bend his body,
If Caesar carelessly but nod on him.
(i) Who was Aeneas? Which legendary incident connected with Aeneas is referred to in the extract?
Answer :- Aeneas, a legendary figure in Greek and Roman mythology, was a Trojan hero and the son of Anchises and the goddess Aphrodite (Venus). The legendary incident connected with Aeneas referred to in the extract is his escape from the burning city of Troy during the Trojan War. As Troy was being sacked and consumed by flames, Aeneas carried his elderly father Anchises on his shoulder, leading a group of survivors to safety. This act of filial piety and bravery symbolizes Aeneas’s role as a leader and a protector of his family and people.
(iII) Who is “this man”? What grudge does Cassius harbour against “this man”?
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(iV) Just before the extract Cassius states that he is equal to Caesar in three aspects. What are these three aspects?
answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(v) In his speech, Cassius refers to an incident in which he was much superior to Caesar. Narrate the incident. What conclusion did Cassius draw about Caesar from that incident ?
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Question No: 6
Cassius
When went there by an age, since the great flood,
But it was fam’d with more than with one man?
When could they say, till now, that talk’d of Rome,
That her wide walls encompass’d but one man?
Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough,
When there is in it but one only man.
O, you and I have heard our fathers say,
There was a Brutus once that would have brook’d
Th’ eternal devil to keep his state in Rome
As easily as a king.
(i) What is referred to as “the great flood”? Why is this expression used in the text?
Answer :- The expression “the great flood” likely refers to a significant historical event or metaphorical occurrence that had a profound impact. In this context, it could symbolize a time of immense change or upheaval in history. Cassius uses this expression to emphasize the rarity and significance of the current situation, suggesting that the current state of affairs is unprecedented and transformative, akin to a monumental event like a great flood that reshapes the landscape.
(iII) What arguments does Cassius give (just before the extract) to show Caesar is not superior to Brutus?
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(iV) “There was a Brutus.” Who was this Brutus? What would have he done in Rome?
answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(v) With reference to one incident, state how Cassius was a shrewd manipulator.
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Question No: 7
Caesar
He reads much;
He is a great observer, and he looks
Quite through the deeds of men; he loves no plays,
As thou dost, Antony; he hears no music:
Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort
As if he mock’d himself, and scorn’d his spirit
That could be movid to smile at any thing.
Such men as he be never at heart’s ease
Whiles they behold a greater than themselves…
(i) Of whom is Caesar speaking? Which two traits of the man is he talking about?
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(iII) Immediately before this speech, what type of man has Caesar said he prefers? How is the man referred in this extract different from that?
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(iV) 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 the extract?
answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
