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.
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 :- (d) Loyalty
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 the famous Roman statesman Cato the Younger. Earlier in the play, Cato the Younger is mentioned as a symbol of stoic virtue and staunch republicanism.
(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 terms of bravery and honor. Both of them face death bravely, refusing to surrender to the enemy.
(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 would not wish to kill Lucilius because they believe he is Brutus, and killing Brutus would bring them honor and glory. Lucilius pretends to be Brutus to divert attention away from the real Brutus and give him a chance to escape. Lucilius escapes death by offering money to the soldiers and convincing them to kill Brutus instead.
(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 only surrenders to die, but there is a condition attached to his surrender: the soldiers must kill Brutus instead of him.
(v) Who discovers that Lucilius was pretending to be Brutus? What does that person think of Lucilius?
Answer:- The soldiers who captured Lucilius discover that he was pretending to be Brutus when Antony arrives at the scene. Antony recognizes Lucilius and orders his men to treat him well, acknowledging his bravery and loyalty.
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 or killed by the enemy. The second and third lines of the extract are prophetic because they foreshadow the events that will occur shortly after. Despite Lucilius’ brave words, he is captured by Antony’s soldiers, who mistakenly believe him to be Brutus. This sets the stage for the unfolding events where the real Brutus will face capture and death.
(iI) Who has just been killed when Lucilius is captured? Who has captured Lucilius? What have they done with him?
Answer :- Lucilius has just been captured by Antony’s soldiers. They have mistaken him for Brutus and have captured him with the intention of presenting him to Antony as their prisoner.
(iII) “The gods defend him from so great a shame!” What was considered shameful according to the Roman custom?
Answer :- In Roman culture, being captured alive by the enemy was considered a great shame for a warrior or leader. It was seen as a sign of weakness and dishonor to be taken alive instead of dying honorably in battle.
(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
