Welcome to our blog post dedicated to dissecting Act 4, Scene 3 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 3, 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 3. 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 whole scene is called the quarrel scene . Brutus and Cassis continue their conversation within the former’s tent in Sardis. Cassius explains the causes of his annoyance. Lucius Pella has been disgraced by Brutus for taking bribes in Sardis; and Cassius’ letters pleading leniency out of loyalty to Lucius Pella have been brushed aside. Cassius is annoyed because Brutus ignored his opinion and also that Brutus should take so seriously a minor offence when they are facing a military crisis. Brutus accuses Cassius of being susceptible to bribery. He tells Cassius that they killed Caesar in the name of justice and that Caesar had given his protection to robbers. Brutus implies that Cassius is a robber and unworthy of having joined the honourable cause of assassinating Caesar.
Cassius is angry and he declares that if they were not old friends he would certainly kill Brutus for such a slander. Brutus reminds Cassius that he recently sent to him for certain sums of gold to pay his legions and that these amounts were not forthcoming. Cassius denies this, claiming that the messenger who took his answer back had misrepresented it. Cassius then offers his breast to Brutus’ dagger, Brutus stifles his companion’s agitation and the quarrel ends; they shake hands.
Brutus informs Cassius that Portia is dead. Cassius expresses great sorrow and asks the cause of her death. Brutus tells him that, unable to endure her husband’s absence and becoming more anxious on hearing that Antony and Octavius had made themselves so strong, she took her own life by swallowing burning coals. At this point, Lucius enters with bowls of wine, the two leaders drink as a sign of their reconciliation, and are joined by Lucilius, Titinius, and Messala. Messala brings reports that Antony and Octavius are advancing with a mighty power’ in the direction of Philippi, and they have put to death some senators, including Cicero.
Now a plan of action against Antony and Octavius is discussed; and once more, Brutus rejects Cassius’ sound advice. Cassius favours awaiting the enemy at Sardis, forcing Antony and Octavius to stretch their lines of supply. Brutus, however, fears that the local population have no goodwill towards their cause and will certainly join the enemy. So he suggests that they advance to Philippi and engage Antony and Octavius before these people get a chance to switch their loyalties. Reluctantly, Cassius agrees to this strategy. Then Brutus, after sending Lucius for his dressing-gown, bids good-night to the others. Left alone with his servant, Brutus instructs two of his soldiers, Varro and Claudis, to sleep near the entrance of his tent, and asks Lucius to play his instrument.
Once again, Brutus is alone at night and unable to sleep. He sits reading. The ghost of Caesar appears. Brutus wonders whether he is imagining it, but we see the Ghost and hear it speak. It calls itself Brutus’ ‘evil spirit’. All it has come to announce is that Brutus will see it at Philippi. The phrase ‘at Philippi’ is heard three times and then the Ghost vanishes.
Workbook MCQs :
1. According to Cassius, how has Brutus done wrong to him?
(a) By calling him a trusthworthy of Caesar
(b) By condemning Lucius Pela for taking bribes
(c) By brushing aside his letters in defence of Lucius Pela
(d) Both (b) and (c).
Answer :- (d) Both (b) and (c).
2. Why does Brutus remind Cassius of the month of March?
(a) To remind him of his cruelty
(b) To remind him that Caesar was murdered for the sake of justice
(c) To remind him of the similar fate awaiting him
(d)None of the above
Answer :- (b) To remind him that Caesar was murdered for the sake of justice
3. What does Brutus say he would like to be rather than be a Roman with a low character ?
(a) An ass
(b) A horse
(c) A dog
(d) None of the above
Answer :- (c) A dog
4. With whom has Brutus compared Cassius’ irritable mood?
(a) A wasp
(b) A snake
(c)A dog
(d) A lion
Answer :- (a) A wasp
5 In which trait does Cassius say he is better than Brutus?
(a) Soldier
(b) Orator
(c) Planner
(d) Organiser
Answer :- (a) Soldier
6. Why does Brutus ask Cassius for certain sum of money?
(a) He cannot ask anybody else
(b) He cannot take it from Caesar’s legacy
(c) He cannot raise it himself by foul means
(d) All of the above
Answer :- (c) He cannot raise it himself by foul means
7. What would Brutus do to raise money rather than using foul means?
(a) Convert his property into money
(b) Convert his enemies into his friends
(c) Convert his heart into pieces of money
(d) None of the above.
Answer :- (c) Convert his heart into pieces of money
8. Who would overlook a friend’s fault, according to Brutus?
(a) A selfish man
(b) A flatter’s eye
(c) An arrogant man
(d) An evil man
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9. With whom has Brutus compared his gentle nature?
(a) A goat
(b) A mule
(c) Alamb
(d) None of the above
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10. How does Brutus carry anger within his nature?
(a) As a flint carries fire
(b) As a drop of water
(c) As a match stick
(d) As a wick of a candle
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11. Wha reason does Brutus give for his anger?
(a) Hig misfortune
(b) His grief
(c) His failures
(d) None of the above
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12. How did Portia die?
(a) By jumping from Mount Olympus
(b) BY drowning in the sea
(c) By swallowing poison
(d) By swallowing burning coals
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13. What was Brutus’ fear in waiting for the enemy at Sardis?
(a) Local population would attack them
(b) Local population would join the enemy
(c) The enemy would approach them from other side
(d) All of the above.
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14. Messala brings the news of killing of which of the following senators by Antony and Octavius?
(a) Lecilius
(b) Titinus
(c) Cicero
(d) Cassius
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15. What does the ghost of Caesar stand for?
(a) Spirit of Caesar, restless for revenge
(b) Spirit of Caesar, restless for saving Roman Republic
(c) Spirit of Caesar, restless for being betrayed by Brutus
(d) None of the above.
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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 :- Brutus and Cassius are inside Brutus’s tent at Sardis. Brutus accuses Cassius of writing a letter in support of Lucius Pella, a man condemned for taking bribes. Brutus believes Cassius’s actions undermine their cause and show favoritism, which goes against their principles of justice and integrity.
(iI) What had Cassius just complained of, to make Brutus say, “You wronged yourself”? Explain the meaning of Brutus’ words
(iII) What advice is Cassius giving Brutus in this extract? Do you think that Cassius was being practical?
Answer :- Cassius advises Brutus that during such critical times, it is unwise to punish every minor offense. He suggests focusing on larger issues rather than trivial matters. While this advice may seem practical in a time of war, it also reveals Cassius’s willingness to overlook corruption, which undermines their moral cause.
(iV) What did Brutus accuse Cassius of when he said, “Let me tell you yourself…”? How did Cassius react to this?
answer:- Brutus accuses Cassius of having an “itching palm,” meaning he is corrupt and accepts bribes in exchange for official positions. Cassius reacts with anger and defensiveness, feeling insulted by Brutus’s harsh accusations and questioning his loyalty.
(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:- Brutus accuses Cassius of being corrupt and misusing his power to avoid punishment. He also claims Cassius is not as capable a soldier as he thinks. Cassius reacts with frustration and anger, feeling unfairly judged. While Brutus’s accusations may seem severe, they reflect his commitment to justice and integrity, though they may lack understanding of Cassius’s practical challenges.
Question No: 2
Brutus
The name of Cassius honours this corruption,
And chastisement doth therefore hide his head.
Cassius
Chastisement!
Brutus
Remember March, the ides of March remember:
Did not great Julius bleed for justice’ sake?
What villian touch’d his body, that did stab,
And not for justice? What, shall one of us. . .
(i) What sort of corruption is referred to in the extract? What has been the reaction of Cassius, just before this extract, to this accusation?
Answer :- The corruption referred to is Cassius’s alleged acceptance of bribes and misuse of power. Before this extract, Cassius reacts with anger, feeling deeply insulted and questioning Brutus’s loyalty, even threatening to end his own life if Brutus no longer values him.
(iI) What does the ides of March signify to them? For which purpose did Brutus say that Julius bled “for justice sake”?
Answer :- The ides of March signifies the day Caesar was assassinated. Brutus claims that Caesar was killed for the sake of justice, as they believed he had become a tyrant threatening the freedom of Rome. This highlights Brutus’s belief in their noble cause, though it is now tainted by internal conflict.
(iII) Give two examples from this scene to indicate that Brutus was really angry with Cassius.
Answer :- Brutus calls Cassius a “madman” and accuses him of being “waspish” (irritable). He also misinterprets Cassius’s words, claiming Cassius boasts of being a “better soldier,” showing his frustration and anger.
(iV) Explain briefly the bitter irony involved in the quarrel over money between Brutus and Cassius.
answer:- The irony lies in Brutus accusing Cassius of corruption while also demanding money from him to pay his soldiers. This quarrel over money undermines their unity and contrasts with their earlier noble intentions, showing how personal conflicts can weaken a just cause.
(v) State briefly how the disagreement between Cassius and Brutus was resolved.
Answer:- The disagreement is resolved when Cassius offers his dagger to Brutus, asking him to kill him if he no longer trusts him. Brutus calms down, admits to being in a bad mood, and reconciles with Cassius, reaffirming their friendship and shared purpose.
Question No: 3
Brutus
By the gods,
You shall digest the venom of your spleen,
Though it do split you; for, from this day forth,
I’ll use you for my mirth, yea, for my laughter,
When you are waspish.
Cassius
Is it come to this?
Brutus
You say you are a better soldier:
Let it appear so; make your vaunting true,
And it shall please me well. For mine own part,
I shall be glad to learn of noble men.
(i) Give the meaning of: “You shall digest the venom of your spleen,/ Though it do split you.” What does Brutus say he will use Cassius for?
Answer :- Brutus means Cassius should swallow his anger, even if it destroys him. He says he will use Cassius’s irritability as a source of amusement, mocking him when he is “waspish” (irritable).
(iI) Give two examples of the taunts which Brutus had indulged in earlier which makes Cassius say, “Is it come to this”? (Do not use the material used for answering question (i) above.)
Answer :- Brutus taunts Cassius by saying, “Must I give way and room to your rash choler?” and “Shall I be frighted when a madman stares?” These remarks show Brutus’s frustration and provoke Cassius’s reaction.
(iII) Under what conditions had Cassius made the statement that he was a better soldier than Brutus? How accurate is Cassius’ assessment of himself as a soldier? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer :- Cassius claims to be a better soldier when Brutus criticizes him, saying he is “older in practice, abler than yourself.” This assessment is accurate, as Cassius has more battlefield experience and strategic knowledge, making him a more seasoned soldier.
(iV) What is meant by “vaunting”? How could Cassius prove his vaunting at this point of time?
answer:- “Vaunting” means boasting. Cassius could prove his claims by demonstrating his superior skills and experience in battle, showing Brutus that he is indeed a better soldier.
(v) While Brutus and Cassius are arguing, a strange visitor enters the scene. Who is he? What is the purpose of his visit? How does Brutus react to his arrival
Answer:-For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Question No: 4
Cassius
There is my dagger,
And here my naked breast; within, a heart
Dearer than Pluto’s mine, richer than gold:
If that thou be’st a Roman, take it forth.
I, that denied thee gold, will give my heart:
Strike, as thou didst at Caesar; for, I know,
When thou didst hate him worst, thou lov’dst him better
Than ever thou lov’dst Cassius.
(i) In what state is Cassius? Why is his heart richer than gold?
Answer :- Cassius is deeply upset and emotional, offering his dagger to Brutus to prove his sincerity. He claims his heart is “richer than gold” because it is genuine and loyal, contrasting with the material wealth Brutus accuses him of withholding.
(iI) Who is Pluto? Why is Cassius’ heart compared to Pluto’s mine?
Answer :- Pluto is the Roman god of the underworld, associated with wealth from mines. Cassius compares his heart to Pluto’s mine to emphasize its value and richness, suggesting his loyalty and sincerity are more precious than material wealth.
(iII) When did Cassius deny gold to Brutus? Why did the latter need the gold? What explanation did Cassius give for not giving the gold?
Answer :- Cassius denies Brutus gold when Brutus requests funds to pay his soldiers. Brutus needed the gold to maintain his army’s morale. Cassius claims he never denied the gold and blames the messenger for miscommunication, calling him a “fool.”
(iV) What reply does Brutus give to Cassius after this extract?
answer:- Brutus tells Cassius to “sheathe your dagger” and calm down. He compares himself to a lamb with a momentary temper, showing his willingness to reconcile and move past the argument.
(v) What is the dramatic importance of this dialogue? In what way does it influence the subsequent course of action in the play?
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Question No: 5
Cassius
Portia, art thou gone?
Brutus
No more, I pray you.
Messala, I have here received letters,
That young Octavius and Mark Antony
Come down upon us with a mighty power,
Bending their expedition towards Philippi.
Messala
Myself have letters of the self-same tenor.
(i) Where has Portia gone? Why is Brutus so abrupt as to wave aside the though of Portia? What does it show us of his nature?
Answer :- Portia has died by swallowing fire. Brutus dismisses thoughts of her death to focus on the impending war, showing his stoic nature and prioritization of public duty over personal grief.
(iI) Who is Messala? What is the “self-same tenor” of which Messala speaks?
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(iII) What other news does Messala give just after this extract?
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(iV) What does Brutus come to know (from the letters he received) about octavius and Antony? Where does Brutus plan to meet the enemy?
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(v) How strong had Octavius and Antony made themselves ? What was the fate of Cicero ?
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Question No: 6
Brutus
You must note beside,
That we have tried the utmost of our friends.
Our legions are brim-full, our cause is ripe.
The enemy increaseth every day;
We, at the height, are ready to decline.
There is a tide in the affairs of men,
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
(I) To whom is Brutus giving the arguments in the extract? What is meant by“Our legions are brim-full, our cause is ripe”?
Answer :- Brutus is addressing Cassius. “Our legions are brim-full” means their armies are at maximum strength, and “our cause is ripe” suggests the time is perfect to act, as their moral and military position is strong.
(II) Give two arguments of Brutus to indicate that his military strength is in an advantageous position.
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(III)Brutus says , “The enemy increaseth every day.” State how it increases every day
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(iV) “There is a tide in the affairs of men” What comparison is made between the voyage of life and the voyage on sea?
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(v) According to Brutus, “On such a full sea are we now afloat.” How is this statement valid?
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Question No: 7
Brutus
How ill this taper burns—Ha! who comes here?
I think it is the weakness of mine eyes
That shapes this monstrous apparition.
It comes upon me. Art thou any thing?
Art thou some god, some angel, or some devil,
That mak’st my blood cold, and my hair to stare?
Speak to me what thou art.
(i) To whom does Brutus speak in the extract? What is the setting of the scene during this time?
Answer :- Brutus speaks to the ghost of Julius Caesar. The scene is set in Brutus’s tent at Sardis, late at night, with Varro, Claudius, and Lucius asleep nearby.
(iI) What is the “apparition” referred to in the extract? Why is it said to be “monstrous”?
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(iII) What does Brutus wonder about the apparition? What is the effect of the apparition on Brutus?
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(iV) What does the apparition say to Brutus? What is the significance of what the apparition says to Brutus?
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(v) Who else was present at the scene? Did they see the apparition? State whether the apparition was the product of Brutus’ imagination. Give a reason to justify your answer.
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