Welcome to our blog post dedicated to dissecting Act 2, Scene 4 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 2, Scene 4, 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 2, Scene 4. 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 :
It is the ides of March. The time is nine o’clock in the morning. The scene takes place in the street in front of Brutus’ house. Portia urges Lucius to run immediately to the Senate House. As he does not move, she turns to scold him, but he rightfully points out that she has given him no errand. Thereupon, Portia invents an errand—he is to see how his master is and observe what suitors are pressing about Caesar.
The atmosphere in the scene is very tense. Portia cries out in terror as she seems to hear a great noise coming from the Capitol, but Lucius assures her that he hears nothing. They are joined by a soothsayer, who tells her that Caesar has not yet gone to the Senate House. He is waiting for Caesar with a petition that “shall beseech him to befriend himself,” but the soothsayer will add nothing definite of what knowledge he has. He then moves off to a more convenient spot where he hopes to “Speak to great Caesar as he comes along” without getting crushed by Caesar’s followers.
Portia’s fear increases as she hears of the soothsayer’s intention and she almost loses her self-control as she whispers, “O Brutus,/ The heavens speed thee in thine enterprise” Then she catches sight of Lucius watching her suspiciously and gives him the excuse that Brutus has a written request which Caesar refuses to grant. As Portia goes inside, she instructs the servant to run to Brutus with her good wishes.
Workbook MCQs :
1. On which errand does Portia send Lucius?
(a) To see if Calpurnia is there with Caesar.
(b) To see how his master Brutus is.
(c) To observe what suitors are pressing about Caesar.
(d) Both (b) and (c).
Answer :- (d) Both (b) and (c).
2. In what condition is Portia in this scene of the play?
(a) Scared and angry
(b) Nervous and anxious
(c) Excited and fearless
(d) None of the above
Answer :-(b) Nervous and anxious
3. How does Portia react when she hears a noise coming from the Capitol?
(a) Cries out in terror
(b) Goes inside her house
(c) Portia pretends that she has not heard the noise.
(d) None of the above
Answer :-(a) Cries out in terror
4. Whydoes Portia wish to have a mountain placed between her heart and her tongue?
(a) She cannot cry on hearing the noise.
(b) She cannot shriek out of fear
(c) She cannot reveal the secret
(d) She cannot shout at her servant.
Answer :-For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
5. Who says, “I have a man’s mind, but a woman’s might”?
(a) Brutus
(b) Portia
(c) Caesar
(d) Lucius
Answer :-For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
6. What does Portia feel is her weakness?
(a) To easily get excited
(b) To feel stressed at a small difficulty
(c) To keep Brutus’ secret to herself
(d) None of the above
Answer :- (c) To keep Brutus’ secret to herself
7. What does the Soothsayer want to tell Caesar by saying “befriend himself”?
(a) Be true to himself
(b) Be his own friend
(c) Take care of himself
(d) Behave friendly with all
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
8. What is the Soothsayer’s fear about himself?
(a) He would be crushed by the crowd that follows Caesar.
(b) He would not be able to present his petition to Caesar.
(c) He would not be able to see Caesar in the crowd
(d) None of the above.
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
9. What is meant by “throng that follows Caesar at the heels”?
(a) His robe
(b) The crowd
(c) The conspirators
(d) The Senators
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Workbook Questions :
Question No: 1
Portia
I prithee, boy, run to the Senate House;
Stay not to answer me, but get thee gone:
Why dost thou stay?
Lucius
To know my errand, madam.
(i) Where does this scene take place? Give two examples to show that Portia agitated.
Answer :- The scene takes place outside Brutus’ house. Portia’s agitation is evident in her urgent and impatient commands to Lucius, such as “run to the Senate House” and “Stay not to answer me.” Her repeated questioning, “Why dost thou stay?” further shows her anxiety and restlessness. These examples highlight her nervousness and concern for Brutus and Caesar, as she senses impending danger.
(iII) Whom does she meet a little later, which increases her tension? What does that person indicate that there is a possibility of an impending danger?
Answer :- Portia meets the soothsayer, who increases her tension by revealing that he is waiting to warn Caesar of potential danger. The soothsayer’s presence and his intention to speak to Caesar about harm suggest that the threat is real and imminent. This interaction heightens Portia’s anxiety, as she realizes that others are also aware of the danger, but she is powerless to act due to her sworn silence.
(iV) Give two arguments put forward earlier to Brutus by Portia to indicate why she should know his secrets.
answer:- Earlier, Portia argued that as Brutus’ wife, she deserves to share his burdens and secrets. She reminded him of her noble lineage as the daughter of Cato, a man renowned for his high ideals and patriotism. Portia also demonstrated her strength and loyalty by wounding herself to prove her constancy and ability to keep secrets. These arguments highlight her determination to be involved in Brutus’ life and her frustration at being excluded from his plans.
(v) What noise does Portia said to have heard a little later? Does Lucius heard the noise? What can you conclude about this situation?
Answer:- Portia claims to hear a great noise coming from the Capitol, which terrifies her. However, Lucius assures her that he hears nothing. This discrepancy suggests that Portia’s fear and anxiety are causing her to imagine things, reflecting her inner turmoil. The situation builds tension, emphasizing the approaching moment of Caesar’s assassination and Portia’s helplessness in preventing it.
Question No: 2
Portia
I would have had thee there, and here again
Ere I can tell thee what thou shouldst do these
[Aside] O constancy, be strong upon my side;
Set a huge mountain ‘tween my heart and tongue!
| have a man’s mind, but a woman’s might.
How hard it is for women to keep counsel!
Art thou here yet?
Lucius
Madam, what should I do?
(I) Where is Portia sending Lucius? What does she tell Lucius to find out about Brutus and Caesar?
Answer :- Portia sends Lucius to the Capitol to observe Brutus and Caesar and report back what he witnesses. She instructs him to see how Brutus is doing and to note who is pressing around Caesar. Her instructions reflect her concern for Brutus’ safety and her suspicion that something dangerous is about to happen. Portia’s urgency highlights her desperation to stay informed despite her inability to act directly.
(III) Give the meaning of: “Set a huge mountain ‘tween my heart and tongue!” What is the conflict from which Portia suffers as indicated in this statement?
Answer :-The phrase means that Portia wishes there were a barrier between her heart (emotions) and her tongue (speech) to prevent her from revealing the secret she knows. The conflict she suffers is between her desire to share the information and her duty to remain silent. This struggle highlights her loyalty to Brutus and her frustration at being unable to act on her knowledge.
(iV) State in your own words what Portia means by “a mans mind but a woman’s mind.” What does she feel is her weakness? Why?
answer:- Portia means that she has the mental strength and resolve of a man but the physical limitations of a woman. She feels her weakness lies in her inability to act on her knowledge and protect those she loves due to societal constraints. This statement reflects her frustration at being unable to influence events despite her intelligence and determination.
(v) In what way is a sense of urgency indicated in the first two lines of extract? Where else, in the extract, does she show the same attitude ?
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Question No: 3
Soothsayer
None that I know will be, much that | fear may chance
Good morrow to you. Here the street is narrow;
The throng that follows Caesar at the heels,
Of senators, of practors, common suitors,
Will crowd a feeble man almost to death:
I’ll get me to a place more void, and there
Speak to great Caesar as he comes along. [Exit |
(i) Omens and soothsayers play a big role in Julius Caesar. What role does the soothsayer play here? What effect does his presence have on Portia and on the audience?
Answer :- The soothsayer plays the role of a warning figure, attempting to alert Caesar to the danger he faces. His presence increases Portia’s tension, as she realizes that others are also aware of the threat. For the audience, the soothsayer’s appearance heightens the sense of foreboding and inevitability, as his warnings go unheeded, emphasizing the tragic nature of Caesar’s fate.
(iI) To whom does the soothsayer address these words? Explain the first sentencte in the extract in the light of what has already been said to him.
(iii) What is meant by “The ng”? t would the throng witness in a short time?
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(IV) What does the soothsayer want to tell Caesar? Why does he wish to get for himself a “place more void”?
answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(V) Besides the soothsayer, there is another person waiting to communicate on the road with Caesar. Who is he? What does he want to tell Caesar and why?
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
