Welcome to our blog post dedicated to dissecting Act 3, Scene 1 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 3, Scene 1, 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 3, Scene 1. 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 scene takes place just outside the Capitol. There is a crowd of people in the street leading to the Capitol; among them are Artemidorus and the Soothsayer. Trumpets sound as Caesar approaches, surrounded by nobles and the conspirators. It is said that the hero is blindly driven down to tragedy. Caesar was given many warnings. Fate now gives him two more chances through the Soothsayer and a honest citizen, Artemidorus. As Caesar notices the Soothsayer, the confident and outwardly serene ruler exclaims : “The Ides of March are come,” to which the Soothsayer replies, “Ay, Caesar, but not gone.” Artemidorus presses forward and presents his letter, urging Caesar to read it. Decius is quick to step ahead of him to present a petition from Trebonius. Artemidorus, in despair, calls out to Caesar to read his letter first because it is very important to him personally. Caesar tucks it away to be considered later and says he will deal with other people’s business before he deals with his own. Caesar goes up into the Senate House.
The conspirators crowd around Caesar in support of a petition presented by Metellus Cimber, who, on his knees, asks Caesar to call back from banishment his brother, Publius Cimber. Caesar is disgusted at this un-Roman show of humility and arrogantly refuses to alter his decision. Brutus and Cassius support this plea, but Caesar repels them, declaring that Publius had been banished for good reasons and that he (Caesar) is “constant as the northern star” in the inflexibility of his decisions. As he arrogantly refuses, the conspirators move still nearer, until suddenly Casca draws a knife and stabs Caesar, the others following suit, Brutus last of all; Caesar dies with the phrase Et tu, Brute? (You also, Brutus?) on his lips
Shouts and screams. The senators break and run. The citizens in the streets below “cry out and run/ As it were doomsday.” Brutus and Cassius try to quell the tumult. Brutus ironically remarks that by killing Caesar they have actually done him a great service; men always live in fear of death, but Caesar has been spared many years of such fearing.
At this exact moment, a servant of Antony’s comes in. He says that Antony may come to know why Caesar deserved to die. Brutus is sure he can satisy Antony and promises him safety. When Antony comes he appears overcome with grief, and says that if they hate him they should kill him as well. But Brutus assures him that, though their action may appear bloody, it was motivated by the great injustice done to the Republic. As for Antony, Brutus continues, they have nothing but admiration for him and intend him no harm Antony gives a farewell address to the dead body of Caesar, then he pretends a reconciliation with the conspirators. Antony requests to be allowed to address the crowd in the market-place on the day of Caesar’s funeral. To this Brutus consents, but Cassius objects. Brutus, however, overrides this objection and makes another mistake. Brutus poses conditions for Antony’s speaking : first, Brutus will speak before he does; second, he will not blame the conspirators; third, he will speak all the good he can of Caesar; fourth, he will make the point that he is speaking with conspirators’ permission; and fifth, he will speak from the same platform as Brutus does. Antony accepts. The conspirators leave.
Now that he is alone Antony’s true feelings burst out : He will avenge the noblest man/ That ever lived’; he prophesies that there will be a pitiless civil war. A servant of Octavius Caesar comes with the news that his master is approaching Rome. Antony sends back a message that Octavius should wait a little. But he knows, and we know, that already there is significant opposition to Brutus’ coup, and that there is now the possibility of a counter-coup.
Workbook MCQs :
1. Who among the following is NOT waiting on the road for Caesar to pass?
(a) Soothsayer
(b) Artemidorus
(c) Lucius
(d) Popilius
Answer :-(c) Lucius
2. Why does Artemidorus urge Caesar to go through his letter first?
(a) It is concerned with the conspiracy against Carsar
(b) It is concerning Rome
(c) It is concerns a matter of national importance
(d) It is he who came first to Caesar
Answer :- (a) It is concerned with the conspiracy against Caesar
3. Cassius says that he fears their “purpose is discovered. What is the purpose”
(a) To form a group of conspirators
(b) To murder Caesar
(c) To save Rome from Caesar
(d) To rope in Brutus for their conspiracy
Answer :-(b) To murder Caesar
4. What does Cassius say he would do if their purpose is revealed?
(a) Make another plan
(b) Kill the one who revealed it
(c) Kill Casca
(d) Kill himself
Answer :-(d) Kill himself
5. According to Caesar, what will be the effect of Metellus Cimber’s stooping and cringing on ordinary men?
(a) Incite others to stoop so low
(b) Inflame the pride of ordinary men
(c) Invoke the ordinary men to rebel
(d) None of the above
Answer :-(b) Inflame the pride of ordinary men
6. What would Caesar do with Metellus Cimber if he would pray on his brother’s behalf using humble flattery?
(a) Change the sentence of banishment
(b) Banish him too like his brother
(c) Will not change the sentence of banishment
(d) Reduce his sentence of banishment
Answer :-(c) Will not change the sentence of banishment
7. With whom does Caesar compare himself in this scene of the play?
(a) Lion
(b) Sun
(c) Pole Star
(d) Moon
Answer :-(c) Pole Star
8. How do the conspirators make requests to Caesar regarding Publius Cimber?
(a) Appealing to his divine right
(b) Appealing to his supreme self
(c) Feigned servility
(d) None of the above
Answer :-(c) Feigned servility
9. Which attitude of Caesar is seen in his act of denying Metellus Cimber’s petition?
(a) Arrogance
(b) Pride
(c) Honesty
(d) Modesty
Answer :-(a) Arrogance
10. How do the people of Rome run after Caesar’s murderers?
(a) As if an earthquake had occurred
(b) As if doomsday had come
(c) As if a large building had collapsed.
(d) As if a mountain had fallen on them.
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
11. How according to Brutus, have they helped Caesar by murdering him?
(a) By preventing him from becoming a ruthless dictator
(b) By preventing him from the agony of losing kingship
(c) By saving Rome from being ruined.
(d) By preventing him from living in fear of death.
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
12. According to Cassius, how would the people describe the group of Caesar’s murderers in future?
(a) Liberators of their country
(b) Butchers who slayed Caesar
(c) Savage of the first order
(d) Noble men of Rome
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
13. How does Brutus seem to see the murder of Caesar?
(a) As a solemn act of purification of Rome
(b) As an act of great justice to him
(c) As an act of friendship
(d) All of the above
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
14. According to Antony, how was Caesar brought by?
(a) Like a stag by hounds
(b) Like a dog by hunters
(c) Like a goat by butchers
(d) None of the above.
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
15. What appears as the main cause of Brutus’ failure in this scene of the play?
(a) Lack of experience
(b) Lack of brutality
(c) Error of judgement
(d) None of the above.
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Workbook Questions :
Question No: 1
Caesar
[To the Soothsayer] The ides of March are come.
Soothsayer
Ay, Caesar, but not gone.
Artemidorus
Hail, Caesar! read this schedule.
Decius
Trebonius doth desire you to o’er-read, At your best leisure, this his humble suit.
(i) Where does this conversation take place? Why did Caesar tell the Soothsayer “The ides of March are come”? When had he met the Soothsayer before?
Answer :- This conversation takes place outside the Capitol, just before Caesar enters the Senate House. Caesar tells the Soothsayer “The ides of March are come” to imply that the day of March 15th, the day he was warned about, has arrived. He had previously met the Soothsayer on the Ides of March when he was warned to beware the day.
(iII) Why does Artemidorus request Caesar to read his “schedule” first? With reference to a previous scene, show how Artemidorus’ fears are justified.
Answer :- Artemidorus requests Caesar to read his “schedule” first because it contains crucial information about the conspiracy against Caesar, aimed at saving his life. In a previous scene, Artemidorus had written a letter to Caesar, warning him about the conspiracy and urging him to read it for his own safety. This shows that Artemidorus’ fears are justified because he knows that Caesar’s life is in danger.
(iV) Mention the two reasons given by Caesar for not reading the “schedule” handed over by Artemidorus. Which trait of his personality is revealed by his act?
answer:- Caesar gives two reasons for not reading Artemidorus’ “schedule” first: firstly, he is surrounded by other suitors presenting their petitions, and secondly, he says he will read Artemidorus’ schedule later. This reveals Caesar’s arrogance and lack of concern for his own safety, as he prioritizes the petitions of others over a warning about his life.
(v) Name two people in the scene who are trying to warn Caesar. Name two other people who defeat their efforts to do so. Which theme of the play is highlighted here? Explain it briefly.
Answer:- The two people trying to warn Caesar are the Soothsayer and Artemidorus. However, their efforts are defeated by Decius and Trebonius, who divert Caesar’s attention away from the warnings and present him with other petitions. This highlights the theme of fate versus free will, as Caesar’s fate seems predetermined by the conspiracy despite the attempts of others to warn him and alter his course of action.
Question No: 2
Cassius
Casca, be sudden, for we fear prevention.
Brutus, what shall be done? If this be known,
Cassius or Caesar never shall turn back,
For I will slay myself.
Brutus
Cassius, be constant.
Popilius Lena speaks not of our purposes;
For, look, he smiles, and Caesar doth not change
(i) “If this be known-What does this” refer to? If it would be known what could happen?
Answer :- “If this be known” refers to the plot or conspiracy against Caesar. If their plan is discovered, Cassius fears that either he or Caesar will not have a chance to turn back, implying that they will be committed to their respective courses of action.
(iII) What has Popilius Lena said and done which makes Cassius to fear? What did they think that Lena was saying? How does Brutus show them that there is nothing to fear?
Answer :- Popilius Lena’s smile and demeanor cause Cassius to fear that he knows about their plot and supports Caesar. They interpret Lena’s behavior as indicating that he is discussing their conspiracy with Caesar. However, Brutus interprets Lena’s smile differently, suggesting that Lena’s intentions are not hostile toward them. Brutus points out that Lena’s demeanor remains unchanged, indicating that he is not reacting negatively to their conversation.
(iV) What was the task assigned to Trebonius? What petition did Metellus Cimber present to Caesar? In what way did he flatter Caesar?
answer:- Trebonius is assigned the task of diverting Mark Antony’s attention away from Caesar during the assassination. Metellus Cimber presents a petition to Caesar, requesting the repeal of his brother’s banishment. He flatters Caesar by kneeling before him and demonstrating humility, implying that granting the petition would enhance Caesar’s reputation for generosity and magnanimity.
(v) Give two of the arguments given by Caesar to reject the petition made bry Metellus. Which trait of Caesar’s character is highlighted in these arguments?
Answer:- Two arguments given by Caesar to reject Metellus Cimber’s petition are that he will not change his decision for personal reasons or under emotional pressure, and that he will remain steadfast in his convictions, likening himself to the “northern star” in his unwavering resolve. These arguments highlight Caesar’s pride and inflexibility.
Question No: 3
Caesar
But I am constant as the northern star,
Of whose true-fixd and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament
The skies are painted with unnumberd sparks
They are all fire and every one doth shine.
But there’s but one in all doth hold his place
So in the world; tis furnishd well with men,
(I) What is the “northern star”? Give the meaning of: “Of whose true-fix’d and resting quality/ There is no fellow in the firmament.”
Answer :- The “northern star” refers to the North Star, also known as Polaris, which is a fixed point in the night sky used for navigation. The phrase “Of whose true-fix’d and resting quality/ There is no fellow in the firmament” means that the North Star is unique and unparalleled in its stability and steadfastness among all the other stars in the sky.
(III) State the comparison made by Caesar between the firmament and the world of men ?
Answer :- Caesar compares the firmament, or the sky filled with stars, to the world of men by highlighting the vast diversity and multitude of individuals in the world, similar to the countless stars in the sky. However, he asserts that just as there is only one North Star that holds its position amidst the multitude of stars, there is only one individual who stands out and holds his place amidst the vast array of people in the world.
(iV) Why is Caesar so stubbom in his attitude towards the conspirator ? What purpose does his stubbomness serve on the dramatic effectiveness?
answer:- Caesar is stubborn in his attitude towards the conspirators because he believes in his own invincibility and divine right to rule. His stubbornness serves to heighten the tension and conflict in the play, as it sets him on a collision course with the conspirators and ultimately leads to his downfall.
(v) What horrible event is about to take place in a short time? Who was the first to strike? Why is Antony absent from the scene? What could have happened if Antony were to be present on the scene?
Answer:- The horrible event about to take place is Caesar’s assassination. The first to strike is Casca. Antony is absent from the scene because he has been intentionally kept away by Brutus and the conspirators, who fear his influence and potential to incite a rebellion among the people. If Antony were present on the scene, the situation could have escalated into further violence and chaos, as Antony was a loyal supporter of Caesar and would likely seek revenge for his death.
Question No: 4
Brutus
Fates, we will know your pleasures.
That we shall die, we know; Yis but the time
And drawing days out, that men stand upon.
Cassius
‘Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life
Cuts off so many years of fearing death.
(i) When does this conversation take place? In what state of mind are Brutus and Cassius ?
Answer :- This conversation takes place after the assassination of Caesar, during the aftermath of the event. Brutus and Cassius are in a state of reflection and contemplation, considering the consequences of their actions.
(iII) What positive note does Casca strike in the death of Caesar? What does Brutus feel about it?
Answer :-Casca strikes a positive note by suggesting that by killing Caesar, they have effectively removed the fear of death that Caesar’s rule may have imposed on them. However, Brutus seems to view this differently, perhaps reflecting on the moral and ethical implications of their actions.
(iV) After the extract, what does Brutus ask the Romans to do? In what way does this seem to be a fulfilment of Calpurnia’s dream?
answer:-After the extract, Brutus asks the Romans to understand their motives and intentions, indicating that their actions were not driven by personal gain or ambition but by a sense of duty to Rome. This can be seen as a fulfillment of Calpurnia’s dream, where she envisioned Romans bathing their hands in Caesar’s blood but emerging cleansed and purified, suggesting that Caesar’s death would bring about a renewal or purification of Rome.
(v) State briefly the role played by the assassination of Caesar in the story-line of Julius Caesar.
Answer:- The assassination of Caesar serves as a turning point in the story-line of Julius Caesar. It sets off a chain of events leading to political unrest, civil war, and the downfall of the conspirators. It also explores themes of power, ambition, loyalty, and the consequences of political violence.
Question No: 5
Cassius
Stoop, then, and wash. How many ages hence
Shall this our lofty scene be acted over,
In states unborn and accents yet unknown!
Brutus
How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport,
That now on Pompey’s basis lies along
No worthier than the dust!
Cassius
So oft as that shall be,
So often shall the knot of us be call’d
The men that gave their country liberty.
Decius
What, shall we forth?
Cassius
Ay, every man away:
Brutus shall lead, and we will grace his heels
With the most boldest and best hearts of Rome.
[Enter a Servant]
Brutus
Soft! who comes here?
(i) When Cassius says, “Stoop, then, and wash,” to whom is he speaking? What exactly does he mean? Who had just suggested washing?
Answer :-Cassius is speaking to Brutus, and he is metaphorically suggesting that they should humble themselves and cleanse themselves of their guilt or sins. The suggestion to wash was just made by Brutus.
- “States unborn” refers to future nations or governments that have not yet come into existence.
- “Accents” refers to different languages or dialects spoken by people in the future.
- “Pompey’s basis” likely refers to the pedestal or foundation upon which Pompey’s statue stood, symbolizing his power and influence.
(iII) What does Brutus want to express when he says, “How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport”?
Answer :-Brutus is expressing his concern about the consequences of Caesar’s death becoming a trivialized spectacle, suggesting that Caesar’s blood might be shed casually and without significance.
(IV) What does Cassius believe “the knot of us” will be called and why?
answer:- Cassius believes that they will be remembered as heroes who liberated their country from tyranny, hence the reference to “the knot of us” being called “The men that gave their country liberty.”
(V) The entry of the servant of Antony may be said to mark the turning point of the whole play. Narrate, very briefly, in what way this is so.
Answer:- The entry of Antony’s servant marks the turning point because it sets the stage for Antony’s reaction to Caesar’s assassination, which ultimately leads to the downfall of Brutus and the other conspirators. Antony’s speech at Caesar’s funeral incites the Roman citizens against the conspirators and ignites a civil war.
Question No: 6
Antony
O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?
Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,
Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well.
I know not, gentlemen, what you intend,
Who else must be let blood, who else is rank:
If I myself, there is no hour so fit
As Caesar’s death’s hour; nor no instrument
Of half that worth as those your swords, made rich
With the most noble blood of all this world.
(i) Where does the mighty Caesar lie? What is meant by “this little measure”? Give one example each of Caesar’s conquests and his glories.
Answer :-Caesar lies low on the ground, having been assassinated. “This little measure” refers to Caesar’s current state of being reduced to a small, lifeless body. One of Caesar’s conquests was his victory in the Gallic Wars, and one of his glories was his triumphal return to Rome after defeating Pompey’s forces.
(iII) Give the meaning of: “Who else must be let blood, who else is ran) – What in your opinion, is Antony’s reason for saying so?
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(iV) What does Antony’s expression, “the most noble blood of all this world indicate about Antony’s feelings for Caesar?
answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(v) What did Brutus tell Antony about the conspirator’s feelings for Caesar? Was Brutus honest? Why?
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Question No: 7
Antony
My credit now stands on such slippery ground,
That one of two bad ways you must conceit me,
Either a coward or a flatterer.
That I did love thee, Caesar, O, ‘tis true:
(I)What is meant by the word “credit”? Why does it now stand “on such slippery ground.
Answer :-In this context, “credit” refers to Antony’s reputation or credibility. It stands on “such slippery ground” because he fears that his actions or words might lead people to perceive him negatively, either as a coward or a flatterer.
(iII) What effect do Antony’s action and words have on his listeners?
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(iV) What mistake did Brutus make by granting the request of Antony? What did Cassius warn him then? What was the consequence of the mistake?
answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(v) “How did Antony prove that he could be both a coward and a flatterer?
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Question No: 8
Pardon me, Julius! Here wast thou bay’d, brave hart;
Here did’st thou fall; and here thy hunters stand.
Sign’d in thy spoil, and crimson’d in thy lethe.
O world, thou wast the forest to this hart,
And this, indeed, O world, the heart of thee.
How like a deer, strucken by many princes,
Dost thou here lie!
(i) Who speaks these words: “Here wast thou bay’d?” What is the com implied in the expression? To what custom of the hunters does it refer?
Answer :-These words are spoken by Mark Antony. The expression “Here wast thou bay’d” implies that Julius Caesar was cornered or trapped, similar to how a hunted animal, like a deer, is cornered by hunting dogs. It refers to the custom of hunting, where the hunted animal is driven to a bay or corner by the hunting dogs.
(iII) Who are the hunters in the present crisis? Give the meaning of: “Sign’d thy spoil, and crimson’d in thy lethe.”
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(iV) In what way was the world, “the forest to this hart,” and “this indeed, world, the heart of thee”?
answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(v) What does the speaker arouse Cassius’ suspicion ? What does Cassius ask the speaker as a result of the suspicion?
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Question No: 9
Antony
And Caesar’s spirit, ranging for revenge,
with Ate by his side come hot from hell,
Shall in these confines with a monarch’s voice
Cry “Havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war,
That this foul deed shall smell above the earth
With carrion men, groaning for burial.
(i) Why is Caesar’s spirit “raging for revenge”? When and to whom does Caesar’s spirit appear later in the play?
Answer :-Caesar’s spirit is “raging for revenge” because he has been assassinated by the conspirators, and his spirit seeks vengeance for his murder. Later in the play, Caesar’s spirit appears to Brutus in Act 5, Scene 5.
(iII) “With a monarch’s voice Cry “Havoc!” — This indicates absolute and authoritative royal command for destruction. What does the expression foretell about the things to come?
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(iV) Who are “the dogs of war”? Which foul deed is referred to and how will it “smell above the earth”?
answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(v) What would the consequences of these happenings be for the conspirators and as well as for Antony?
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Question No: 10
Antony
Yet, stay awhile;
Thou shalt not back till I have borne the corpse
Into the market-place: there shall I try,
In my oration, how the people take
The cruel issue of these bloody men…
(i) To whom is Antony speaking? Why is this person here? Where are they?
Answer :- Antony is speaking to a servant or attendent. This person is likely helping Antony with the preparations for Caesar’s funeral. They are currently at the location where Caesar’s body lies.
(iII) Explain the meaning of “oration”. What does this passage reveal to us about what Antony proposed to do?
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(iV) Earlier, Antony said, “Over thy wounds now do I prophesy.” Mention any three points of his prophesy.
answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(v) Which trait of Antony’s nature is shown in this passage? Give examples of two other occasions in the play where a different aspect of his character is shown—distinct from the one shown in this extract.
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
