Welcome to our blog post dedicated to dissecting Act 4, Scene 2 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 2, 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 2. 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 whole of the play up to this point has been set in Rome. Now, we switch to a new location, Sardis (which is in Asia Minor). Here the two armies in exile meet. Brutus and Cassius are in command of the armies which they have recruited separately in the various Roman provinces and kingdoms of Asia Minor. They are joining at Sardis on their way to meet Antony and Octavius. In front of Brutus’ tent, Brutus, accompanied by his servant Lucius and his friend Lucilius, greets Titinius and Pindarus who have just arrived from Cassius’ camp located nearby.
Titinius and Pindarus, representing Cassius, are informed by Brutus that he is less than happy with Cassius. Lucilius confides to Brutus that Cassius is less friendly than he has been. When Cassius enters, his first words to Brutus are a blunt reproach, an entirely new tone in their relationship-Most noble brother, you have done me wrong.’ He calls him brother because they are not only leaders of the conspiracy but brothers-in-law as well. Brutus denies the allegation and urges Cassius to keep calm in front of their soldiers. They retire to the privacy of Brutus’ tent where Cassius can air his grievances to the full. Shakespeare ensures that the quarrel is seen by us as a private feud between brothers-in-law as well as the falling out of political leaders.
Workbook MCQs :
1. Who is referred to as Pindarus’ master?
(a) Brutus
(b) Cassius
(c) Antony
(d) Octavius
Answer :- (b) Cassius
2. According to Brutus, what does a friend begin to do when his love begins to decline and deminish?
(a) He tries to part ways
(b) He uses corrupt means
(c) He uses forced formalities
(d) He does not bother for anything
Answer :- (c) He uses forced formalities
3. With whom has Brutus compared an insincere man?
(a) Worthless horse
(b) Worthless runner
(c) Worthless friend
(d) None of the above
Answer :- (a) Worthless horse
4. Which allegation is made by Cassius against Brutus?
(a) He has forgotten him
(b) He has wronged him
(c) He has betrayed him
(d) He has unnecessarily blamed him
Answer :- (b) He has wronged him
5. What reply does Brutus give for Cassius’ accusation against him?
(a) He has returned what Cassius gave him
(b) He cannot do any wrong with his relatives
(c) He cannot do any wrong even to his enemies.
(d) None of the above.
Answer :- (c) He cannot do any wrong even to his enemies.
6. According to Cassius, what hides the wrong done by Brutus?
(a) Dignified appearance
(b) His fear
(c) His outer personality
(d) None of the above
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
7. Why does Brutus tell Cassius to discuss his grievances in private?
(a) Their dispute should not reach their wives ears.
(b) The morale of their armies does not diminish.
(c) Their dispute is no dispute at all.
(d) None of the above.
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
8. What change is noticed in Brutus’ behaviour from the earlier scenes?
(a) He has become more relaxed and organised
(b) He has became drastically serious
(c) He has became impatient and suspicious
(d) None of the above.
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Workbook Questions :
Question No: 1
Brutus
You wrongd yourself to write in such a case.
Cassius
In such a time as this it is not meet
That every nice offence should bear his comment.
Brutus
Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself. . .
(i) Where are Brutus and Cassius at this time? State briefly what charge Brutus lays against Cassius.
Answer :- Pindarus is a servant, and his master is Cassius. He conveys a message of greeting from Cassius to Brutus.
(iII) What advice is Cassius giving Brutus in this extract? Do you think that Cassius was being practical?
Answer :- Two reasons for the actions or inactions of Cassius could be:
- Changes in his own attitude or behavior (his own change)
- Influence or interference from dishonest subordinates or assistants (ill officers)
(iV) What did Brutus accuse Cassius of when he said, “Let me tell you yourself…”? How did Cassius react to this?
answer:- Pindarus informs Brutus that Cassius is nearby, and he received Lucilius courteously. Cassius sent Pindarus to deliver his salutations to Brutus.
(v) In the argument which continues between these two, Brutus accuses Cassius of other faults. Point out two of these faults, and say how Cassius reacted to these accusations. Do you think Brutus was being fair to Cassius?
Answer:- This scene takes place in Sardis, where Brutus and Cassius have gathered with their armies. They are meeting to discuss their plans and strategies before facing Antony and Octavius.
Question No: 2
Brutus
Thou hast describ’d
A hot friend cooling; ever note, Lucilius,
When love begins to sicken and decay,
It useth an enforced ceremony.
There are no tricks in plain and simple faith:
But hollow men, like horses hot at hand,
Make gallant show and promise of their mettle;
But when they should endure the bloody spur
They fall their crests, and, like deceitful jades.
Sink in the trial. Comes his army on?
(i) Who has just described whom? What is meant by “A hot friend cooling ?
Answer :- Brutus has just described the phenomenon of a once enthusiastic friend losing interest. “A hot friend cooling” refers to a friend who was once fervent and passionate but is now becoming less committed or enthusiastic.
(iII) Explain how men who are insincere in their friendship may be compared to a horse.
Answer :- Men who are insincere in their friendship may be compared to a horse in the sense that they initially put on a gallant show and promise great things (like a horse displaying its mettle), but when faced with challenges or difficulties (symbolized by the “bloody spur”), they falter and fail to live up to their earlier promises, just like a deceitful horse might falter in a trial.
(iV) Whom is Brutus referring to as an insincere friend? What has happened their relationship now? Why?
answer:- Brutus is referring to Cassius as an insincere friend. Their relationship has deteriorated, and Cassius’ recent actions or behavior have led Brutus to question his sincerity. Cassius may have shown signs of wavering loyalty or commitment, prompting Brutus to express his doubts.
(v) Compare the relationship between Brutus and Cassius to that between Antony and Octavius.
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Question No: 3
Cassius
Brutus, this sober form of yours hides wrongs;
And when you do them—
Brutus
Cassius, be content,
Speak your griefs softly; I do know you well.
Before the eyes of both our armies here,
Which should perceive nothing but love from us,
Let us not wrangle: Bid them move away;
Then in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your griefs,
And I will give you audience.
(i) Which “sober form” of Brutus is referred to by Cassius? What are the wrongs? How does the sober form hide wrongs?
Answer :- Cassius is referring to Brutus’ composed and restrained demeanor, which conceals any wrongdoing or grievances he may have. The wrongs could refer to any grievances or issues between Cassius and Brutus, which Cassius believes Brutus is hiding behind his calm exterior. The sober form hides wrongs by presenting a facade of calmness and composure, making it difficult for others to discern any underlying issues or conflicts.
(iI) What does Brutus say before this extract about the wrongs done by him? How is it an irony?
(iII) Which two armies are referred to? Why should they perceive “nothing but love”?
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(iV) What is meant by “enlarge your griefs,/ And I will give you audience? Why does the speaker want to give audience to Cassius in the privacy of his tent?
answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(v) How does this extract compare the fortunes of Brutus and Cassius with that of Antony and Octavius in the earlier scene?
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
