Welcome to our blog post dedicated to dissecting Act 5, 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 5, 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 5, Scene 3. 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 :
On another part of the battlefield, Antony’s forces have defeated the army led by on us. Cassius and Titinius come in, following their retreating troops. Antony has overthrown their wing of the army. Cassius is in rage and desperate, carrying a standard that he has taken from a fleeing ensign-bearer whom he has killed for running away. Their battle plans have gone wrong. Brutus’ troops, victorious over Octavius, have lost discipline and are looting instead of coming to the help of Cassius’ men. This enabled Antony’s army free to encircle Cassius’ troops.
Cassius sends Titinius towards the soldiers he sees at a distance to know who they are. He also asks Pindarus to mount the hill and watch Titinius. When pindarus reports that he saw Titinius alight from his horse among soldiers who were shouting with joy, Cassius mistakenly concludes that Titinius has been taken prisoner by the enemy. Cassius recalls how he once saved Pindarus from death; it is now time for this debt to be repaid. Giving Pindarus the sword “that ran through Caesar’s bowels,” Cassius commands Pindarus to stab him and dies with the words, “Caesar, thou art revenged!” Having performed this unpleasant duty, Pindarus flees.
Titinius returns with Messala. Pindarus has been mistaken: Titinius had met friends who were seeking Cassius to tell him the good news that Brutus had been victorious over Octavius. Now they find Cassius dead and Messala goes off to report this to Brutus. Titinius, greatly agitated, places a garland on the dead man’s brow and says: “The sun of Rome is set. Our day is gone. . .” Left alone, he takes up Cassius’ sword and kills himself. Brutus comes and finds Cassius dead. He cannot weep yet for Cassius. After brief arrangements made for the funeral, be orders his troops into battle again before night falls.
Workbook MCQs :
1. In what condition were Cassius’ troops in this scene?
(a) Defeated by Antony’s forces they surrendered
(b) They were celebrating their victory over Antony’s forces
(c) Defeated by Antony’s forces they were retreating
(d) None of the above.
Answer :- (c) Defeated by Antony’s forces they were retreating.
2. What were Brutus’ troops doing after their victory over Octavius?
(a) They became indisciplined and started looting
(b) They got too engrossed in celebration
(c) They ran to help Cassius’ troops
(d) None of the above.
Answer :- (a) They became indisciplined and started looting.
3. Who says that he has to act as enemy to his own soldiers?
(a) Brutus
(b) Cassius
(c) Mark Antony
(d) Octavius Caesar
Answer :- (b) Cassius.
4. Cassius tells Pindarus to observe Titinius from a hill because of which deformity of his ( Cassius’) ?
(a) Weak eyesights
(b) Weak legs
(c) Weak heart
(d) None of the above
Answer :- (a) Weak eyesights.
5. According to Cassius, his birthday would also be a day of his
(a) victory over the enemy
(b) death
(c) retreat
(d) surrender
Answer :- (b) death.
6. To whom does Cassius refer to in this scene as his “best friend”?
(a) Brutus
(b) Pindarus
(c) Lepidus
(d) Titinius
Answer :- (d) Titinius.
7. Who says the following sentence: “Caesar thou art revenged?”
(a) Cassius
(b) Brutus
(c) Antony
(d) Ocatvius
Answer :- (a) Cassius.
8. Who has been referred to in this scene as, “The sun of Rome is set”?
(a) Ocatvius
(b) Cassius
(c) Brutus
(d) Pindarus
Answer :- (b) Cassius
9. How does Titinius decide to prove himself as a brave Roman?
(a) By fighting Octavius and Antony
(b) By killing Antony
(c) By killing himself with Cassius sword
(d) None of the above
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
10. Who, is the “last of the brave Romans who have ever lived” as described Brutus?
(a) Cassius
(b) Titinius
(c) Pindarus
(d) All of the above
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11. Which of the following made Cassius commit sucide?
(a) Error of Judgement
(b) Cowardice
(c) Overconfidence
(d) Pride and Arrogance
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12. Cassius’ suicide is in keeping with his desireto —
(a) achieve victory over his enemies
(b) live or die as a free man
(c) die for his friend Titinius
(d) None of the above
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Workbook Questions :
Question No: 1
Cassius
O look, Titinius, look, the villains fly!
Myself have to mine own turn’d enemy;
This ensign here of mine was turning back;
I slew the coward, and did take it from him.
(I) Where does this scene take place? Who was the coward? Why did Cassius slay the coward?
Answer :- This scene takes place on the battlefield where Cassius and Titinius witness the retreat of their enemies. The coward referred to by Cassius is an ensign, a standard-bearer, who was turning back from the battle. Cassius slays the coward because he sees him retreating, which is seen as an act of cowardice.
(II) What did Titinius say about the error committed by Brutus? What were the immediate consequences of the error?
Answer :- Titinius remarks that Brutus’ error has caused their downfall. The immediate consequence of the error is that their enemies have gained an advantage, leading to chaos and retreat among their own forces.
(III) On what errand does Cassius now send Titinius? What does Cassius tell Pindarus to do for him?
Answer :- Cassius sends Titinius to ascertain the identity of the soldiers in the distance. He also asks Pindarus to go up the hill and watch Titinius, indicating his suspicion and fear of potential danger.
(iV) Pindarus, Cassius’ slave enters. What does he say? How does his information seem to confirm Cassius’ fears?
answer:- Pindarus reports that he saw Titinius surrounded by cheering soldiers, leading Cassius to believe that Titinius has been captured by the enemy. This information confirms Cassius’ fears of defeat and betrayal.
(V) ” What does Cassius think aloud while Pindarus is away? Why is the day significant to Cassius, in more ways than one?
Answer:- While Pindarus is away, Cassius reflects on the significance of the day. It is not only a day of battle but also Cassius’ birthday, adding a personal layer of significance to the events unfolding. This dual significance intensifies Cassius’ emotions and sense of urgency.
Question No: 2
Titinius
I will be here again, even with a thought. [Exit]
Cassius
Go, Pindarus, get higher on that hill;
My sight was ever thick; regard Titinius,
And tell me what thou not’st about the field.
(I) Who are Titinius and Pindarus? Where are they at the moment?Why?
Answer :- Titinius and Pindarus are both companions and soldiers serving under Cassius. They are on a hill overlooking the battlefield. Titinius has gone to investigate the identity of some soldiers in the distance, while Cassius instructs Pindarus to observe and report back about Titinius’ movements.
(iI) Explain the meaning of “even with a thought”. Why has Titinius to go?
Answer :- “Even with a thought” implies that Titinius will return very quickly, almost as soon as he thinks about it. Titinius has gone to quickly check on something or someone, likely related to the battle situation or their own troops.
(iII) What report did Pindarus now give about Titinius? How did Cassius interpret this report?
Answer :-Pindarus reports that he saw Titinius surrounded by cheering soldiers, which Cassius interprets as Titinius being captured by the enemy. Cassius, already in a state of distress due to the retreat of their forces, believes that the worst has happened.
(iV) What action did Cassius now take? How did the outcome of this action affect Pindarus? How did (a) Titinius and (b) Brutus react to what Cassius did ?
answer:- Cassius sends Pindarus to get a better view of Titinius and the situation on the field. After seeing what he believes to be Titinius captured, Cassius decides to take his own life, asking Pindarus to do the deed. The outcome affects Pindarus by burdening him with the task of killing his master. When Titinius and Brutus arrive, they are both deeply affected by Cassius’ death, expressing sorrow and regret.
(V) Refer to, or quote, what Cassius said to Brutus earlier in the play to prove that this tragedy could have been avoided. What had Brutus replied to him then? Refer to another occasion when a somewhat similar mistake had been made by Brutus. What is your opinion of Brutus and Cassius in this connection?
Answer:- Earlier in the play, Cassius had warned Brutus about his actions leading to negative consequences, saying, “You have done that you should be sorry for.” Brutus had replied, “I am glad that my weak words have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus.” This shows that Brutus acknowledged Cassius’ concern but did not fully heed it. Additionally, Brutus had made a somewhat similar mistake when he allowed Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral, which ultimately led to trouble for the conspirators. In this connection, Brutus appears to have a tendency to underestimate the potential consequences of his actions, while Cassius is more aware of the risks and challenges they face.
Question No: 3
Cassius
Come hither.
In Parthia did I take thee prisoner
And then I swore thee, saving of thy life,
That whatsoever I did bid thee do
Thou shouldst attempt it. Come now, keep thine oath;
(i) What had Pindarus been looking at? What did he report on what he thought he saw?
Answer :- Pindarus had been looking at Titinius and the soldiers in the distance. He reported to Cassius that he saw Titinius surrounded by cheering soldiers, which Cassius interpreted as Titinius being captured by the enemy.
(iI) What is meant by “I swore thee”? What had Pindarus promised to do? What is he asked to do now?
Answer :- “I swore thee” means that Cassius had previously made Pindarus swear an oath to obey his commands. Pindarus had promised to attempt whatever Cassius instructed him to do. Now, Cassius asks Pindarus to fulfill that oath by assisting him in his suicide.
(iII) Narrate what has happened a few minutes earlier which makes Cassius desperate. Was Cassius noble in taking the final decision about himself? Give a reason to justify your answer.
Answer :- A few minutes earlier, Cassius believed that Titinius had been captured by the enemy, adding to his desperation and sense of defeat. Cassius’ decision to take his own life can be seen as noble in the sense that he chooses to die on his own terms rather than face the humiliation of defeat and capture. However, some may argue that there were other options available, such as continuing to fight or attempting to escape, and thus Cassius’ decision may not be entirely noble.
(iV) What makes it difficult for Pindarus to keep his oath now?
answer:- It is difficult for Pindarus to keep his oath now because it requires him to assist Cassius in his suicide, which is a morally challenging task. Additionally, Pindarus may have conflicting loyalties, feeling obligated to Cassius but also perhaps hesitant to take such drastic action.
(v) What is the evil influence which drives Cassius towards self-destruction Should one believe in such influences? Why?
Answer:- The evil influence that drives Cassius towards self-destruction is his despair and sense of defeat in the face of what he believes to be Titinius’ capture. Whether one believes in such influences is subjective. Some may view Cassius’ actions as a product of his circumstances and emotions, while others may interpret it as a manifestation of superstition or fatalism.
Question No: 4
Titinius
What, Pindarus! Where art thou, Pindarus?
Messala
Seek him, Titinius, whilst I go to meet
The noble Brutus, thrusting this report
Into his ears: I may say, thrusting it;
For piercing steel and darts envenomed
Shall be as welcome to the ears of Brutus
As tidings of this sight.
(i) Where does this scene take place? Who are Titinius and Messala? Why have they come to the scene?
Answer :- This scene takes place on the battlefield where Cassius and Titinius are located. Titinius and Messala are companions of Brutus who have come to the scene to meet him and report on the current situation of the battle.
(iI) Where has Pindarus gone? What has made him go away?
Answer :- Pindarus has gone away to fulfill Cassius’ request to assist him in his suicide. Cassius’ desperate act of suicide, driven by his mistaken belief that Titinius had been captured by the enemy, has made Pindarus leave to carry out Cassius’ final orders.
(iII) What report is Messala going to give to Brutus? Why would the report be like “thrusting something into Brutus’ ear?
Answer :- Messala is going to give Brutus a report about the death of Cassius. The report would be like “thrusting something into Brutus’ ear” because it contains news of Cassius’ death, which would deeply affect Brutus, similar to the impact of piercing steel or envenomed darts.
(iV) Titinius recollects that Brutus has sent a wreath of victory to be given to Cassius. What victory is referred to? What does Titinius do with the wreath? How did Cassius misinterpret the signs of victory?
answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(v) State briefly how Titinius pays his respects to Cassius, his dead friend.
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Question No: 5
Titinius
Alas, thou hast miscounstru’d every thing!
But, hold thee, take this garland on thy brow;
Thy Brutus bid me give it thee, and I
Will do his bidding. Brutus, come apace,
And see how I regarded Caius Cassius.
(i) Where is Titinius at this moment? Whom is he talking to? Why?
Answer :- Titinius is at the scene where Cassius lies dead. He is talking to himself, addressing Cassius. He is expressing his sorrow and regret for the misunderstanding that led to Cassius’ death.
(iI) Explain the meaning of “misconstrued.” What are the things that had been misconstrued? For what reason?
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(iII) What was the “garland” a sign of? Why did Brutus send it?
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(iV) Explain the meaning of “regarded.” How did Titinius now show his regard? What did Brutus say about Titinius and Cassius when he arrived?
answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(v) This scene shows the beginning of the end for the conspirators. What reason does Brutus give for what he saw? Explain how his reason is proved to be true in his own case later
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Question No: 6
Brutus
Are yet two Romans living such as these?
The last of all the Romans, fare thee well!
It is impossible that ever Rome
Should breed thy fellow
(i) Where is Brutus? About whom is he speaking?
Answer :- Brutus is standing near the dead bodies of Cassius and Titinius. He is speaking about Cassius and Titinius.
(iI) To whom does he refer to as “The last of all the Romans” Why?
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(iII) Give a brief but clear account of the events which immediately precede this speech and give rise to it.
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(iV) This event combined with another factor caused the death of Brutus a little later. Explain briefly.
answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(v) What instructions does Brutus now give his friends?
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