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.
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 :- (c) Cut down the amount of money bequeathed by Caesar.
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 :- (b) To do odd jobs
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 :- (b) A donkey who carries a load of gold
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 their names have been marked or listed for execution. These names are marked because they belong to individuals who are considered enemies or threats to those in power. This practice reflects the custom of Elizabethan times where lists of condemned individuals were often created before executions. It demonstrates the ruthless nature of political power struggles during that era.
(iII) What opinion does Antony hold of Lepidus? What does he propose to do with him after making use of him?
Answer :- Antony holds a low opinion of Lepidus, describing him as “a slight unmeritable man” and “a barren-spirited fellow.” He sees Lepidus as a mere instrument for achieving power, someone to be used for their own purposes but ultimately discarded. Antony proposes to use Lepidus to carry out their “mean work” and take the blame for unpopular decisions, after which they plan to force him into retirement.
(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 the will. This action demonstrates Antony’s cunning and manipulative nature as he uses Lepidus to obtain important documents that could further their political agenda.
(v) State briefly the comparison hinted between Brutus and Antony in this scene.
Answer:- The comparison hinted between Brutus and Antony in this scene suggests that both are engaged in power struggles and political manipulation. While Brutus is portrayed as honorable but naive, Antony is depicted as ruthless and pragmatic, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, even if it means sacrificing others.
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 are Antony, Lepidus, and Octavius. They are likely in a room, possibly in Antony’s house or another location where they are discussing their plans. They have formed a coalition or alliance known as the Second Triumvirate. Antony declares that someone referred to as “he” shall not live, indicating that they have decided on the execution of an individual.
(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 :- In this context, “determine” means to decide or settle upon a course of action, while “charge” refers to the financial obligations or expenses mentioned in the legacies. Antony’s character trait of pragmatism and cunning is shown in lines 3 and 4 as he focuses on finding ways to reduce the financial burden mentioned in Caesar’s will for their own benefit.
(iV) What does Octavius say in defence of Lepidus to Antony?
answer:- Octavius defends Lepidus to Antony by suggesting that they may find Lepidus either at their current location or at the Capitol, indicating that Octavius trusts Lepidus to carry out his assigned task effectively and promptly.
(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
