Welcome to our blog post dedicated to dissecting Act 5, Scene 4 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 4, 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 4. 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 :
This is another battle scene. In the midst of fighting, Brutus enters with young Cato, Lucilius and others. He tells them to be brave. Young Cato shouts Brutus’ name and confirms his loyalty to Rome. He is slain by the enemy.
One of Brutus’ officers, Lucilius, is captured by Antony’s soldiers, who think, through an error, that he is Brutus. One of the soldiers go to Antony to report the matter. When Antony comes to the scene, Lucilius pretending to be Brutus tells him that Brutus is alive and will never be taken prisoner. Antony recognises Lucilius, whom he orders to be treated well.
Workbook MCQs :
1. Who refers to himself as “A for to tyrants” in this scene?
(a) Brutus
(b) Cato
(c) Lucilius
(d) Antony
Answer :- (b) Cato
2. Young Cato died following which of the following ideals proclaimed by his father?
(a) Stoicism
(b) Republicianism
(c) Epicureanism
(d) None of the above
Answer :- (a) Stoicism
3. Who among the following impersonates Brutus to give him (Brutus) time to flee?
(a) Cato
(b) Cassius
(c) Lucilius
(d) None of the above
Answer :- (c) Lucilius
4. Which theme of the play is reflected by Lucilius’ act of risking his life by pretending as Brutus?
(a) Deception
(b) Sin and Suffering
(c) Wrong Moral Choices
(d) Loyalty
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
5. Luciliug say, “The god defend him from so great a shame.” What is the shame Lucilius is referring to?
(a) Being taken as a prisoner
(b) Being killed by the enemy
(c) Being defeated by the enemy
(d) Being defeated by the tyrants
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
6. Whom does Antony describe as “a prize no less in worth”?
(a) Brutus
(b) Cassius
(c)Loot
(d) Cato
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Workbook Questions :
Question No: 1
Lucilius
O young and noble Cato, art thou down?
Why, now thou diest as bravely as Titinius,
And mayst be honour’d, being Cato’s son.
First Soldier
Yield, or thou diest.
Lucilius
Only I yield to die:
There is so much that thou wilt kill me straight,
[Offering money]
Kill Brutus, and be honourd in his death:
(i) Who is young Cato? What reference was made in the play earlier about his father?
Answer :- Young Cato is the son of Marcus Cato, a renowned Roman senator known for his staunch opposition to tyranny and his dedication to the Roman Republic. Earlier in the play, Marcus Cato is referred to as “a foe to tyrants and my country’s friend,” highlighting his noble and patriotic character. Young Cato, following in his father’s footsteps, fights bravely alongside Brutus and Cassius, embodying the same ideals of freedom and justice.
(iI) In what respect, the death of young Cato is similar to that of Titinius?
Answer :- The death of young Cato is similar to that of Titinius in that both die bravely on the battlefield, upholding their honor and loyalty to their cause. Titinius took his own life out of grief and loyalty to Cassius, while young Cato fought valiantly until his death, refusing to yield to the enemy. Both deaths reflect their unwavering commitment to their principles and their willingness to sacrifice themselves for what they believe in.
(III) Why would the enemy soldiers not wish to kill Lucilius ? Why would Lucilius want to be killed? How does Lucilius escape death?
Answer :- The enemy soldiers do not wish to kill Lucilius because they mistake him for Brutus, a high-value target whose capture would bring them honor and reward. Lucilius, however, prefers death to the dishonor of being taken captive, as he values his honor above his life. He escapes death when Antony recognizes him and orders his soldiers to treat him kindly, acknowledging Lucilius’s nobility and preferring to have such men as friends rather than enemies.
(iV) What is meant by “Only I yield to die: There is so much that then wilt kill me straghit “?
answer:- Lucilius means that he surrenders only to die, as he would rather be killed than captured alive. He offers money to the soldiers, urging them to kill him immediately, as he believes that death is preferable to the shame of being taken prisoner. This statement reflects his deep sense of honor and his refusal to endure the humiliation of captivity.
(v) Who discovers that Lucilius was pretending to be Brutus? What does that person think of Lucilius?
Answer:- Antony discovers that Lucilius was pretending to be Brutus. He thinks highly of Lucilius, calling him a “prize no less in worth” and ordering his soldiers to treat him with kindness. Antony admires Lucilius’s bravery and nobility, stating that he would rather have such men as friends than enemies. This shows Antony’s respect for Lucilius’s loyalty and courage.
Question No: 2
Lucilius
Safe, Antony; Brutus is safe enough:
I dare assure thee that no enemy
Shall ever take alive the noble Brutus:
The gods defend him from so great a shame!
When you do find him, or alive or dead,
He will be found like Brutus, like himself.
(i) In what sense is Brutus safe enough? How are the second and the third lines of the extract prophetic, i.e., indicative of what is going to take place?
Answer :- Brutus is “safe enough” in the sense that he has not been captured by the enemy and remains free to continue fighting. The second and third lines are prophetic because they foreshadow Brutus’s eventual fate: he will not be taken alive by the enemy. Instead, he will choose to end his own life, ensuring that he dies with honor and avoids the shame of captivity.
(iI) Who has just been killed when Lucilius is captured? Who has captured Lucilius? What have they done with him?
Answer :- Young Cato has just been killed when Lucilius is captured. Lucilius is captured by Antony’s soldiers, who mistake him for Brutus. Instead of killing him, they take him prisoner, and Antony orders them to treat him kindly, recognizing Lucilius’s nobility and bravery.
(iII) “The gods defend him from so great a shame!” What was considered shameful according to the Roman custom?
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(iV) What is happening on the battlefield? Who is emerging victorious?
answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(v) There seems to be two objectives in Lucilius’ impersonating Brutus. What do you think are these objectives?
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
