Welcome to our blog post dedicated to dissecting Act 5, 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 5, 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 5, 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 fifth Act takes place at Philippi in Macedonia. In this first scene, the two forces meet. Octavius and Antony enter first and Octavius expresses surprise that Brutus and Cassius should openly challenge them rather than wait on the hills. A messenger arrives with the news that the enemy advances in full array, and Octavius and Antony disagree as to which side of the field each should cover. Their argument is cut short by the appearance of Brutus and Cassius, with whom they enter into pre-battle arguments.
A battle of words follows. Antony accuses Brutus of hypocrisy in the assassination, and blames the conspirators for the cowardly way in which they killed Caesar. Cassius accuses Antony of using deceit in his meeting with the conspirators following the assassination. The taunting between the pairs of generals takes the form of accusations of cowardice and flattery, as well as silly personal abuse.
Cassius confides to Messala that it is his birthday, but he fears it will be his death day too. Despite his previous belief in the philosophy of Epicurus, who had no time for omens and portents, Cassius has now changed his mind and takes notice of signs of ill omen. Cassius then recalls that two great eagles had flown above them as they marched from Sardis but in the morning they flew away, and in their places came “ravens, crows and kites” who seemed to foretell defeat and death. Brutus joins Cassius and is asked what his intentions are if they are defeated. Brutus says that he does not believe in suicide and thinks one should have patience to live through anything the gods ordain. On the other hand, he will never allow himself to be led in chains to Rome.
Then follows a touching farewell between Brutus and Cassius, in case they do not see each other again. They go into battle with this negative attitude.
Workbook MCQs :
1. Which hopes of Octavius are “Answered”?
(a) The conflict between Brutus and Cassius
(b) The armies of the conspirators’ advance towards Philippi
(c) The surrender by the armies of the conspirators
(d) None of the above
Answer :- (b) The armies of the conspirators’ advance towards Philippi
2. What reason does Antony give for the enemy’s advance towards Philippi?
(a) To hide their fears and show their unity
(b) To hide their conflict and show their unity
(c) To show their patriotism and friendship
(d) None of the above.
Answer :- (a) To hide their fears and show their unity
3. Cassius compares Antony’s sweet words with which of the following?
(a) Honey made by Sybla bees
(b) Honey made by Olympus bee,
(c) Honey made by Hybla bees
(d) None of the above
Answer :- (c) Honey made by Hybla bees
4. When does Octavius say his sword will go back into its sheath?
(a) When Caesar’s ghost will disappear
(b) When thirty-three wounds of Caesar have been avenged
(c) When another Caesar will appear
(d) When he becomes Caesar
Answer :- (b) When thirty-three wounds of Caesar have been avenged
5. Who has been described by Cassius as “A peevish schoolboy”?
(a) Marcus Brutus
(b) Mark Antony
(c) Lucius
(d) Octavius Caesar
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6. With whom has Cassius compared himself in this scene?
(a) Brutus
(b) Pompey
(c) Caesar
(d) Lucius
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7. Cassius has changed his mind about the doctrine of Epicurus regarding which of the following?
(a) Superstitions
(b) Ghosts
(c) Republicanism
(d) Omens and Premonitions
Answer :- (d) Omens and Premonitions
8. Who according to Cassius has formed a “canopy most fatal” over their heads?
(a) Two huge eagles
(b) Crows and kites
(c) Enemy soldiers
(d) None of the above
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9. How does Brutus define Cato’s act of committing suicide?
(a) Mean and short-sighted
(b) Sensible and timely
(c) Low and cowardly
(d) None of the above
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10. Why would Cassius and Brutus smile at each other if they meet again?
(a) It will be after their victory over their enemies
(b) It will be their farewell meeting
(c) It will mark an end of their differences
(d) It will be in front of their armies.
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Workbook Questions :
Question No: 1
Octavius
They mean to warn us at Philippi here
Answering before we do demand of them
Antony
Tut, I am in their bosoms, and I know
Wherefore they do it: they could be content
To visit other places; and come down
With fearful bravery, thinking by this face
To fasten in our thoughts that they have courage;
But ’tis not so.
(i) Who are “they” referred to in line 1? What warning would they give? From where would they come to Philippi?
Answer :- “They” refers to Brutus and Cassius, the leaders of the opposing forces. The warning signifies their intention to wage war against Octavius and Antony, taking the initiative to confront them before being provoked. They are advancing from Sardis to Philippi, where they plan to engage in battle. This move demonstrates their strategic decision to confront their enemies head-on rather than waiting for Octavius and Antony to make the first move.
(iI) Give the meaning of :
(a) Answering before we do demand of them.
(b) I am in their bosoms.
Answer :- (a) “Answering before we do demand of them” means that Brutus and Cassius are taking the initiative to attack before Octavius and Antony can challenge them. This reflects their proactive approach to warfare, aiming to strike first and gain an advantage.
(b) “I am in their bosoms” means that Antony believes he understands the inner thoughts and intentions of Brutus and Cassius. He feels confident in his ability to predict their actions and motivations, as if he can read their minds.
(iII) Whose military strategy has dictated that the battle should take place at Philippi? What had Brutus argued regarding this strategy?
Answer :- Brutus’s military strategy dictates that the battle should take place at Philippi. He argued that their armies are at their peak strength and that marching to Philippi would prevent Octavius and Antony from gaining additional support. By confronting their enemies directly, Brutus believes they can maintain their advantage and avoid giving their opponents time to strengthen their forces. This strategy reflects Brutus’s belief in seizing the right moment to act.
(iV) What did Octavius hope that the enemy would do? What according to him is the intention of the enemy?
answer:- Octavius hoped that Brutus and Cassius would meet them on the plains of Philippi and initiate the battle. He believes their intention is to display false bravery and intimidate them with their presence. Octavius thinks that Brutus and Cassius are trying to project an image of courage, even though they may not truly possess it. This reflects Octavius’s confidence in his own forces and his belief that the enemy’s actions are more about appearance than substance.
(v) What, according to Antony, is the planning of the enemy? Why does Antony feel so confident that he knows what the enemy intends to show?
Answer:- According to Antony, the enemy’s planning revolves around displaying an act of courage to intimidate them. He believes that Brutus and Cassius are using “fearful bravery” to create the illusion of strength and confidence. Antony feels confident in his understanding of their intentions because he claims to be “in their bosoms,” meaning he knows their thoughts and motivations. His confidence stems from his belief that he can see through their facade and recognize their true weaknesses.
Question No: 2
Cassius
Now, Brutus, thank yourself :
This tongue had not offended so today,
If Cassius might have rul’d.
Octavius
Come, come, the cause : If arguing make us sweat.
The proof of it will turn to redder drops.
Look, –
I draw a sword against conspirators;
When think you that the sword goes up again?
Never, till Caesar’s three-and-thirty wounds
Be well aveng’d; or till another Caesar
Have added slaughter to the sword of traitors.
(i) Whose is the “tongue” of which Cassius speaks? Give the substances of what the tongue had said which so “offended” Cassius.
Answer :- The “tongue” Cassius refers to is Antony’s. Antony had offended Cassius by calling the conspirators “villains” and accusing them of stabbing Caesar without warning. He further criticized them for flattering Caesar while secretly plotting against him, comparing their actions to those of deceitful dogs. These harsh words deeply offended Cassius, who feels that Antony’s speech has turned public opinion against them and exposed their actions in a negative light.
(iI) Give a brief explanation of the earlier episode that Cassius is referring to when he reminds Brutus that he has only himself to thank for the present situation
Answer :- Cassius is referring to the earlier episode where he had suggested killing Antony along with Caesar to eliminate all potential threats. However, Brutus overruled him, arguing that Antony posed no danger and that killing him would make them appear too ruthless. Cassius now blames Brutus for their current predicament, as Antony’s survival allowed him to turn the public against them and rally support for Octavius. This decision has led to their current struggle for survival.
(iII) Give the comments made by Cassius, in his next speech, when he scornfully describes Octavius.
Answer :- Cassius scornfully describes Octavius as a young and inexperienced leader who relies on Antony’s guidance. He mocks Octavius for being a mere puppet in Antony’s hands, suggesting that he lacks the strength and wisdom to lead on his own. Cassius’s comments reflect his disdain for Octavius and his belief that the young leader is not a formidable opponent. However, this underestimation of Octavius proves to be a critical mistake.
(iV) What does Octavius mean by “the cause”? State in your own words the meaning of the last two lines of the passage—“or till another Caesar… sword of traitors.”
answer:- By “the cause,” Octavius refers to their mission to avenge Caesar’s death and defeat the conspirators. The last two lines mean that Octavius will not sheathe his sword until Caesar’s thirty-three wounds have been avenged, or until another leader like Caesar has been killed by the traitors. This shows Octavius’s determination to seek revenge and his commitment to eliminating those who betrayed Caesar.
(v) Was Octavius successful in his task of vengeance? How does the play end ?
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Question No: 3
Cassius
Coming from Sardis, on our former ensign
Two mighty eagles fell’; and there they perch’d,
Gorging and feeding from our soldiers’ hands;
Who to Philippi here consorted us:
This morning are they fled away and gone;
And in their stead do ravens, crows, and kites
Fly o’er our heads, and downward look on us,
As we were sickly prey: their shadows seem
A canopy most fatal, under which
Our army lies, ready to give up the ghost.
Messala
Believe not so,
(i) In this extract, Cassius narrates something he has seen. What is it? Did he believe in the significance of such things earlier in his life? Why?
Answer :- Cassius narrates that he saw two mighty eagles perched on their ensign (flag) during their march from Sardis to Philippi. These eagles fed from the soldiers’ hands, symbolizing strength and support. However, on the morning of the battle, the eagles disappeared, replaced by ravens, crows, and kites, which are birds of ill omen. Earlier in his life, Cassius did not believe in such omens, as he followed the philosophy of Epicurus, which rejected superstition. However, the dire situation has made him reconsider.
(iI) Give the meaning of : “As we were sickly prey : their shadows seem/ A canopy most fatal.” What do these lines signify?
Answer :- These lines mean that the birds of prey hovering above them make the soldiers appear like weak and dying animals. The shadows of these birds create a “canopy most fatal,” symbolizing death and doom. This imagery signifies Cassius’s growing fear that their army is destined for defeat and that the omens are predicting their inevitable downfall.
(iII) What did Cassius see on the previous day and on that particular morning? What do these signs signify?
Answer :- On the previous day, Cassius saw two mighty eagles accompanying their army, symbolizing strength and victory. However, on the morning of the battle, the eagles were replaced by ravens, crows, and kites, which are birds associated with death and misfortune. These signs signify a shift from hope to despair, suggesting that their fortunes have turned for the worse and that defeat is imminent.
(iV) How can you conclude from what Cassius says, a little later, that he was prepared for a possible defeat?
answer:- Cassius’s words reveal his acceptance of the possibility of defeat. He says, “Our army lies, ready to give up the ghost,” indicating that he believes their forces are on the brink of collapse. Additionally, he mentions, “Let’s reason with the worst that may befall,” showing that he is mentally preparing himself and his men for the worst outcome. This reflects his growing pessimism and readiness to face defeat.
(v) How does Brutus console him?
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Question No: 4
Cassius
Then, if we lose this battle,
You are contented to be led in triumph
Thorough the streets of Rome?
Brutus
No, Cassius, no think not, thou noble Roman
That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome;
He bears too great a mind. But this same day
Must end that work the ides of March begun,
And whether we shall meet again I know not.
Therefore our everlasting farewell take.
(I) What has Brutus just said which makes Cassius say the words given in the extract? Which Roman practice is referred to in Cassius’ speech?
Answer :- Brutus has just expressed his opposition to committing suicide, stating that he is ready to face his destiny bravely. Cassius responds by questioning whether Brutus would be content to be paraded through the streets of Rome as a prisoner of war if they lose the battle. This refers to the Roman practice of leading defeated enemies in triumph through the city, a humiliating and degrading experience.
(iI) State briefly to what extent Brutus bears a great mind.
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(iII) What was begun on the ides of March? How will the words of Brutus be prophetic?
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(iV) Do Cassius and Brutus meet again? Why?
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(v) Brutus and Cassius are affected by the latest events. This makes them act in a different way than their normal behaviour. Give one incident to illustrate this.
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