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.
( Updated For ICSE 2026 Session )
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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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 :- The conversation takes place in Rome, in front of the Capitol. Caesar tells the Soothsayer, “The ides of March are come,” because earlier, in Act I, Scene 2, the Soothsayer had warned him to “beware the Ides of March.” Caesar’s statement is a reminder that the predicted day has arrived, and he is unharmed, showing his confidence and dismissal of the warning. This reflects Caesar’s arrogance and belief in his invincibility, which ultimately leads to his downfall.
(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 urgent and personal information that directly concerns Caesar’s safety. His fears are justified in Act II, Scene 4, where Portia and the Soothsayer also sense impending danger. The tension and foreboding in these scenes emphasize the real threat posed by the conspirators, making Artemidorus’ warning crucial. However, Caesar’s dismissal of the schedule seals his fate.
(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 the schedule:
1. Whatever affects him personally will be addressed last.
2. Official petitions should be presented at the Capitol, not in the street.
This reveals Caesar’s sense of duty and his belief in prioritizing public matters over personal concerns. However, it also highlights his overconfidence and inability to recognize the immediate danger, which proves fatal.
(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:- Two people trying to warn Caesar are the Soothsayer and Artemidorus. Two people who defeat their efforts are Decius and Publius, who distract Caesar and prevent him from reading the warning. The theme highlighted here is the conflict between fate and free will. Despite multiple warnings, Caesar’s overconfidence and the conspirators’ manipulation ensure that fate takes its course, leading to his assassination.
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 :- “This” refers to the conspiracy to kill Caesar. If the plot were known, Cassius believes that he and the other conspirators would face severe consequences, including death. Cassius even declares that he would kill himself rather than face capture or punishment. This reflects the high stakes and the conspirators’ fear of failure.
(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 tells Cassius, “I wish your enterprise today may thrive,” which makes Cassius fear that Lena knows about the conspiracy and may warn Caesar. However, Brutus reassures Cassius by pointing out that Lena is smiling and Caesar’s expression remains unchanged, indicating that Lena has not revealed the plot. This moment highlights the tension and paranoia among the conspirators.
(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’ task was to distract Mark Antony and keep him away from Caesar during the assassination. Metellus Cimber presented a petition to Caesar, asking for the repeal of his brother’s banishment. He flattered Caesar by kneeling and using humble gestures, appealing to Caesar’s ego and sense of power. This flattery is part of the conspirators’ plan to lower Caesar’s guard.
(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:- Caesar rejects Metellus’ petition with two arguments:
1. He states, “Caesar doth no wrong,” emphasizing his belief in his own infallibility.
2. He adds, “Nor without cause will he be satisfied,” meaning he will not change his decisions without a valid reason.
These arguments highlight Caesar’s steadfastness and arrogance, as he refuses to yield to flattery or reconsider his decisions, even when it puts him at risk.
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, which is constant and unchanging in the sky. The phrase means that the North Star is unique in its fixed and unwavering position, with no other star in the sky matching its stability. Caesar uses this metaphor to compare himself to the North Star, emphasizing his constancy and unshakable nature.
(III) State the comparison made by Caesar between the firmament and the world of men ?
Answer :- Caesar compares the firmament (sky) filled with countless stars to the world filled with men. Just as the North Star is unique in its fixed position among the stars, Caesar sees himself as unique and unchanging among men. This comparison underscores his belief in his own superiority and constancy, even as it isolates him from those around him.
(iV) Why is Caesar so stubbom in his attitude towards the conspirator ? What purpose does his stubbomness serve on the dramatic effectiveness?
answer:- Caesar’s stubbornness stems from his arrogance and belief in his own infallibility. He refuses to yield to the conspirators’ flattery or reconsider his decisions, even when it puts him at risk. This stubbornness heightens the dramatic tension, as it seals his fate and makes his assassination inevitable. It also emphasizes the tragic flaw in his character, leading 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?
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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 just after the assassination of Julius Caesar. Brutus and Cassius are in a jubilant and triumphant state of mind, believing that they have saved Rome from tyranny. Their confidence and sense of accomplishment are evident in their words, as they reflect on their actions and the future of Rome. However, their jubilation is short-lived, as the consequences of their actions soon unfold.
(iII) What positive note does Casca strike in the death of Caesar? What does Brutus feel about it?
Answer :-Casca, as the first to strike Caesar, sees the assassination as a necessary act to free Rome from tyranny. Brutus feels that killing Caesar was a noble and justified act, believing it was done for the greater good of Rome. He views the assassination as a way to end Caesar’s potential tyranny and restore freedom to the Roman Republic. However, his idealism blinds him to the chaos and bloodshed that will follow.
(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:-Brutus asks the Romans to “Stoop, Romans, stoop, and let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood.” This act symbolizes their commitment to the cause and their belief in the righteousness of their actions. It also fulfills Calpurnia’s dream, in which she saw Caesar’s statue bleeding like a fountain, with Romans bathing their hands in his blood. This eerie parallel underscores the tragic nature of Caesar’s death and the consequences of the conspirators’ actions.
(v) State briefly the role played by the assassination of Caesar in the story-line of Julius Caesar.
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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 the conspirators and the Romans present at the scene. He means that they should dip their hands in Caesar’s blood as a symbolic act of commitment to their cause. Brutus had just suggested this act, urging the Romans to bathe their hands in Caesar’s blood to show their dedication to freedom and the Republic. This macabre ritual reflects their belief in the righteousness of their actions.
Answer :-
- – “States unborn” refers to future nations or societies that do not yet exist.
- – “Accents” refers to languages or dialects that are not yet known.
- – “Pompey’s basis” refers to the base or pedestal of Pompey’s statue, where Caesar’s body lies after his assassination. These terms emphasize the timeless and far-reaching impact of Caesar’s death, suggesting that it will be remembered and reenacted for generations to come.
(iII) What does Brutus want to express when he says, “How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport”?
Answer :-Brutus is expressing the idea that Caesar’s assassination will become a historical event, reenacted in plays and performances for entertainment (“in sport”). He believes that their act will be remembered and celebrated as a noble sacrifice for the freedom of Rome. This statement reflects Brutus’ idealism and his belief in the righteousness of their cause, even as it foreshadows the tragic consequences of their actions.
(IV) What does Cassius believe “the knot of us” will be called and why?
answer:- Cassius believes that the conspirators will be called “the men that gave their country liberty.” He sees their act as a heroic effort to free Rome from Caesar’s potential tyranny and restore the Republic. This belief reflects Cassius’ pride in their actions and his hope that history will remember them as liberators rather than murderers.
(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.
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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 :-The mighty Caesar lies at the foot of Pompey’s statue after his assassination. “This little measure” refers to the small space where Caesar’s body now lies, contrasting with his former greatness. An example of Caesar’s conquests is his victory over Pompey’s sons, and an example of his glories is his reputation as a powerful and influential leader who placed public welfare above personal concerns.
(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?
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(iV) What does Antony’s expression, “the most noble blood of all this world indicate about Antony’s feelings for Caesar?
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(v) What did Brutus tell Antony about the conspirator’s feelings for Caesar? Was Brutus honest? Why?
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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 :-The word “credit” refers to Antony’s reputation and standing. It stands “on such slippery ground” because Antony is now in a precarious position after Caesar’s assassination. By aligning himself with the conspirators, he risks being seen as either a coward (for not avenging Caesar) or a flatterer (for appeasing the conspirators). This reflects Antony’s struggle to navigate the dangerous political landscape while maintaining his loyalty to Caesar.
(iII) What effect do Antony’s action and words have on his listeners?
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(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?
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(v) “How did Antony prove that he could be both a coward and a flatterer?
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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 :-Antony speaks these words. The expression “Here wast thou bay’d” compares Caesar to a stag hunted by hounds, with the conspirators as the hunters. It refers to the hunters’ custom of chasing a deer to a bay (a place where it cannot escape) and killing it. This metaphor emphasizes the brutality of Caesar’s assassination and the conspirators’ betrayal.
(iII) Who are the hunters in the present crisis? Give the meaning of: “Sign’d thy spoil, and crimson’d in thy lethe.”
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(iV) In what way was the world, “the forest to this hart,” and “this indeed, world, the heart of thee”?
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(v) What does the speaker arouse Cassius’ suspicion ? What does Cassius ask the speaker as a result of the suspicion?
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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 was betrayed and murdered by those he trusted. His spirit appears later in the play to Brutus in his tent at Sardis, warning him that they will meet again at Philippi. This apparition foreshadows Brutus’ eventual defeat and death, emphasizing the theme of vengeance and the consequences of betrayal.
(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?
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(iV) Who are “the dogs of war”? Which foul deed is referred to and how will it “smell above the earth”?
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(v) What would the consequences of these happenings be for the conspirators and as well as for Antony?
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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 Octavius Caesar’s servant. The servant has come with a message from Octavius, informing Antony that he is on his way to Rome. They are near Caesar’s dead body in front of the Capitol. This moment marks the beginning of Antony’s alliance with Octavius, which will play a crucial role in the events to come.
(iII) Explain the meaning of “oration”. What does this passage reveal to us about what Antony proposed to do?
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(iV) Earlier, Antony said, “Over thy wounds now do I prophesy.” Mention any three points of his prophesy.
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(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.
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