Welcome to our blog post dedicated to dissecting Act 4, 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 4, 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 4, 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 :
This is another unpleasant scene which takes place in a room in Mark Antony’s house. The raging passion of the mob is now replaced by the cold-hearted ruthlessness of those who have profited by anarchy. In a play which highlights the concept of honour, the behaviour of Antony here seems less than honourable Brutus and Cassius have fled Rome, and in their place the Second Triumvirate (the name used by historians to refer to the joint rule of Antony, Octavius and Lepidus )have gained power. Antony and Octavius are together with Lepidus, reading a list They are purging Rome of those who led the coup which toppled Caesar. They are even trading their own relations as the number of those condemned grows larger.
Lepidus is then sent to Caesar’s house to fetch the will so that they can decide how to cut down the payment of some of the monies bequeathed by Caesar. Alone with Octavius, Antony describes Lepidus as “a slight unmeritable man” and “a barren-spirited fellow,” fit only to be their instrument for gaining full power. Octavius protests that Antony has already treated Lepidus as an equal by giving him a say in the lists of those to be condemned. Antony explains that they are using Lepidus to do their mean work and to take the blame for their unpopular decisions; and that later they will force him into unrewarded retirement. Again Octavius protests, saying that Lepidus is a good soldier, but Antony insists that Lepidus is a mere follower and imitator. It is clear that Lepidus’ days are numbered. The new set of conspirators are beginning to fall out, and the Triumvirate will never last.
Workbook MCQs :
1. The raging passion of the mob in the earlier scene is replaced by which of the following in this scene?
(a) Hot-headedness of the conspirators
(b) Cold-hearted ruthlessness of the anarchists
(c) Peace and calm on the battlefield
(d) None of the above
Answer :- (b) Cold-hearted ruthlessness of the anarchists
2. Who among the following is NOT a part of the Second Triumvirate? (a) Antony
(b) Brutus
(c) Octavius
(d) Lepidus
Answer :- (b) Brutus
3. What does the list that Antony and Octavius are reading together contain?
(a) The names of Brutus’ friends
(b) The names of Caesar’s friends
(c) The names of people to be executed
(d) None of the above
Answer :- (c) The names of people to be executed
4. “Your brother too must die.” Whose brother is referred to?
(a) Antony’s
(b) Lepidus’
(c) Octavius’
(d) Brutus’
Answer :- (b) Lepidus’
5. On what condition does Lepidus agree that his brother should be executed?
(a) Mark Antony’s sister’s son should also be executed
(b) All the leaders of the coup should be executed
(c) All of Brutus’ friends should be executed.
(d) None of the above
Answer :- (a) Mark Antony’s sister’s son should also be executed
6. What does Antony ask Lepidus to do?
(a) To execute all those who supported the coup
(b) To arrest all those who supported the coup
(c) To get Caesar’s sword from his house
(d) To get Caesar’s will from his house
Answer :- (d) To get Caesar’s will from his house
7. What does Antony intend to do after getting Caesar’s will?
(a) Change Caesar’s will to fund the civil war
(b) Read it publicly
(c) Cut down the amount of money bequeathed by Caesar.
(d) Replace it with a fake will
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
8. To whom does Antony refer to as “unmeritable man”?
(a) Lepidus
(b) Cassius
(c) Octavius
(d) Brutus
Answer :- (a) Lepidus
9. According to Antony, what is this “unmeritable man” fit for?
(a) To run here and there
(b) To do odd jobs
(c) To act as a messenger
(d) None of the above
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
10. To whom does Antony compare Lepidus in this scene?
(a) A horse who runs away from the master
(b) A donkey who carries a load of gold
(c) A poor man who does not know the value of gold
(d) None of the above
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
11. Which of the following adjectives is NOT used by Mark Antony for Lepidus?
(a) Store of provender
(b) Unmeritable man
(c) A property
(d) Barren-spirited fellow
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
12. What does Octavius say about Lepidus in this scene?
(a) He is good for nothing
(b) He is a good task-master
(c) He is a good soldier
(d) He is a good organiser
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
13. Which of the following is hinted in this scene?
(a) Tensions within the Second Triumvirate
(b) Tensions between Brutus and Cassius
(c) Mob, fury
d) None of the above
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
14. Which characteristic trait of Mark Antony is highlighted in this scene ?
(a) passionate and patriotic
(b) Ruthless ands this Seen,
(c) Faithful and loyal
(d) None of the above
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
15. Mark Antony’s dismissal of Lepidus reflect which of the following traits of this personality ?
(a) Shrewd manipulator
(b) Power hungry
(c) Betrayer of friendship
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Workbook Questions :
Question No: 1
Antony
These many, then, shall die; their names are prickd.
Octavius
Your brother too must die; consent you, Lepidus?
Lepidus
I do consent
Octavius
Prick him down, Antony.
Lepidus
Upon condition Publius shall not live,
Who is your sister’s son, Mark Antony.
(i)What is meant by “their names are prick’d”? Why are these names prick’d ? What does this show regarding the custom of Elizabethan times?
Answer :- “Their names are prick’d” means that the names of those condemned to death are marked on a list. These individuals are targeted for elimination because they are seen as threats to the new power structure formed by Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus. This reflects the Elizabethan custom of using lists to mark enemies or traitors, showing the political ruthlessness and the practice of eliminating opposition to maintain control.
(iII) What opinion does Antony hold of Lepidus? What does he propose to do with him after making use of him?
Answer :- Antony considers Lepidus as “a slight unmeritable man, meet to be sent on errands.” He views Lepidus as insignificant and only useful for minor tasks. After using him, Antony plans to discard Lepidus, leaving him unrewarded and treating him as expendable, which reveals Antony’s manipulative and opportunistic nature.
(iV) Why did Antony send Lepidus to Caesar’s house? Which characteristic trait of Antony is revealed here?
answer:- Antony sends Lepidus to Caesar’s house to fetch his will, intending to reduce the financial burden of Caesar’s legacies. This reveals Antony’s shrewd and calculating nature, as he prioritizes saving money and manipulating resources to strengthen his political position.
(v) State briefly the comparison hinted between Brutus and Antony in this scene.
Answer:- Antony is portrayed as shrewd and self-serving, taking advantage of situations for personal gain. In contrast, Brutus is depicted as honorable and selfless, acting solely for the welfare of Rome. This comparison highlights the difference between Antony’s manipulative tactics and Brutus’s noble intentions.
Question No: 2
Antony
He shall not live; look, with a spot I damn him.
But, Lepidus, go you to Caesar’s house;
Fetch the will hither, and we shall determine
How to cut off some charge in legacies.
Lepidus
What, shall I find you here?
Octavius
Or here or at the Capitol.
(i) Where are the three persons? What have they formed? Who “shall not Live ?
Answer :- The three persons—Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus—are forming the Second Triumvirate, a political alliance to consolidate power. Publius, Antony’s nephew, is the one who “shall not live,” as he is marked for death to satisfy Lepidus’s condition.
(iII) Explain the meanings of “determine” and “charge”. What trait of Antony character is shown in lines 3 and 4 of the given extract?
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(iV) What does Octavius say in defence of Lepidus to Antony?
answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(v) State the three things that Antony says about Lepidus after his departure What does it show about Antony’s character?
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
