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.
( Updated For ICSE 2026 Session )
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 :-For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
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 :-For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
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 :-For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
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
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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
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19. For whom does Caesar say that ‘Seldom he smiles”?
(a) Antony
(b) Brutus
(c) Cassius
(d) None of the above.
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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
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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 :- The scene takes place in a public place in Rome. The characters, including Caesar and Antony, have gathered there to celebrate the feast of Lupercal. This festival is a significant event in Roman culture, and Caesar is participating in the festivities to strengthen his public image and connect with the people.
(iII) What instructions did Caesar give to Calpurnia earlier regarding the holy chase ? Which characteristic trait of Caesar is revealed by his instructions?
Answer :-Caesar instructed Calpurnia to stand in Antony’s path during the holy chase so that Antony could touch her and cure her of infertility. This reveals Caesar’s superstitious nature, as he believes in the power of rituals and traditions to influence fate and health.
(iV) Give the meaning of:
(a) Shake off their sterile curse:
Answer :- (a) It means to cure the curse of infertility, allowing barren women to conceive.
(b) “Do this”, it is perform’d:
Answer :- (b) It means that whatever Caesar commands is immediately carried out, showing his authority and the obedience of those around him.
(v) According to the extract, explain the type of relationship that existed between, Caesar and Antony.
Answer:- The relationship between Caesar and Antony is one of trust and loyalty. Caesar relies on Antony to perform important tasks, such as participating in the holy chase to cure Calpurnia’s infertility. Antony’s immediate response, “When Caesar says ‘Do this,’ it is performed,” highlights his unwavering obedience and dedication to Caesar.
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 by the soothsayer to Caesar, predicting danger on March 15th. This line is significant as it foreshadows Caesar’s assassination on that day, emphasizing the theme of fate and the inevitability of his 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 is to warn Caesar of impending danger and prevent his assassination. The theme of fate versus free will is highlighted here, as the soothsayer’s warning suggests that Caesar’s fate is predestined, while Caesar’s denial reflects his belief in his own power to control his destiny.
(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 to assess whether he has the ability to foresee the future. Caesar thinks of the soothsayer as a “dreamer” and does not take his warning seriously, showing his skepticism and lack of belief in prophecies.
(v) Give two other examples of warning about the danger which is in store for Caesar.
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
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 :- Brutus and Cassius are in a public place in Rome, away from Caesar’s procession. Cassius observes that Brutus has been distant and unfriendly lately, lacking the warmth and affection he once showed. This change in behavior troubles Cassius.
(iII) What does Cassius accuse Brutus of? What reply does Brutus give?
Answer :- Cassius accuses Brutus of being cold and distant, treating him with stubbornness and strangeness despite their friendship. Brutus replies that his troubled demeanor is due to his internal conflicts and personal concerns, not a lack of affection for Cassius.
(iV) Give the meaning of:
(a) You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand:
Answer :- (a) It means Brutus is behaving like a strict and unfamiliar rider, treating Cassius with coldness and distance.
(b) “Vexed I am/Of late with passions of some difference:
Answer :- (b) It means Brutus is troubled by conflicting emotions and personal concerns, which affect his behavior.
(v) What, do you think, is the motive of Cassius in professing friendship to Brutus ? What type of a person is Cassis ?
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
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 :- Brutus and Cassius are in a public place in Rome, away from Caesar’s entourage. They have come together to discuss their concerns about Caesar’s growing power. The crowd is shouting, celebrating Caesar’s refusal of the crown.
(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:- Brutus is torn between his love for Caesar as a friend and his duty to Rome. He fears that Caesar’s ambition could threaten the Republic, creating a conflict between personal loyalty and political responsibility.
(v) How did Cassius finally convince Brutus that Caesar should be killed ?
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
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 was a Trojan hero and the legendary ancestor of the Romans. The incident referred to is when Aeneas carried his father, Anchises, on his back while escaping the burning city of Troy, symbolizing duty and sacrifice.
(iI) Why does Cassius compare himself to Aeneas?
(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?
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(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 ?
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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 great flood” refers to the mythological flood sent by Zeus to destroy humanity, from which only Deucalion and Pyrrha survived. Cassius uses this expression to emphasize that no age has ever been dominated by a single man, unlike Rome under Caesar.
(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:- Cassius manipulates Brutus by observing his reaction to the crowd’s cheers and using it to plant doubts about Caesar’s ambition. He skillfully exploits Brutus’s sense of honor and duty to convince him to join the conspiracy against Caesar.
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?
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(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
