Welcome to our blog post dedicated to dissecting Act 5, Scene 5 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 5, 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 5. 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 :
Brutus and a handful of his soldiers are exhausted and are resting on a rock. Brutus believes he is doomed. Caesar’s ghost fulfilled its prophecy and reappeared last night. Brutus seeks someone to help him end his life, but Clitus, Dardanius and Volumnius all refuse to oblige him. As the enemy approaches, he persuades all except Strato to escape. After taking his leader’s hand Strato holds the sword, and Brutus, falling on it, speaks his last words :
‘Caesar, now be still;
I killed not thee with half so good a will.’
Then, as the retreat sounds, Octavius, Antony, Messala, Lucilius, and the army march on. Strato tells them the manner of Brutus’ death. Lucilius praises and thanks the dead Brutus for being true to himself. A mood of generosity is shown by the victors and the vanquished. Octavius offers service to all who have served Brutus and takes Strato into his household on Messala’s recommendation.
Octavius takes command. The body of Brutus shall lie in state in his tent for the night while the victory is celebrated. Octavius is magnanimous in victory, but is outdone by Antony. He has been looking at the body of Brutus whom Caesar loved more than himself (i.e. Antony). Now Brutus is dead and Antony pays tribute to him by referring to him, as the noblest Roman of them all,’ a man motivated by a general honest thought/ And common good to all’, a ‘gentle’ life yet so complete that Nature might boast, “This was a man!”, A man perfect in every way. Here ends the tragedy with the resolution of the main action. Caesar has been avenged. Brutus has won more honour by his defeat than Octavius and Antony by their victory.
Workbook MCQs :
1. How did Clitus, Dardanius and Volumnius refuse to oblige Brutus?
(a) To help Brutus flee from there
(b) To change sides with enemy
(c) To help Brutus end his life
(d) None of the above
Answer :- (c) To help Brutus end his life
2. Who among the following was NOT among the “poor remains of friends a referred to by Brutus?
(a) Dardanius
(b) Clitus
(c) Statilius
(d) Strato
Answer :- (c) Statilius
3. Who is referred to by Clitus as “noble vessel full of grief”?
(a) Brutus
(b) Cassius
(c) Antony
(d) Lepidus
Answer :- (a) Brutus
4. To whom does Brutus refer to as his school fellow?
(a) Strato
(b) Volumnius
(c) Dardanius
(d) Cato
Answer :- (b) Cassius
5. Brutus says that he would attain greater glory than the “vile conquest” of whom
(a) Octavius and Antony
(b) Caesar and Pompey
(c) Old Cato and his son
(d) None of the above
Answer :- (a) Octavius and Antony
6. Who say, “I kill’d not thee with half so good a will”?
(a) Cassius
(b) Casca
(c) Cicero
(d) Brutus
Answer :- (d) Brutus
7. What does Octavius say he would do with all those who were serving Brutus?
(a) Kill them
(b) Make them prisoner of war
(c) Make them his slaves
(d) Take them in his service
Answer :- (d) Take them in his service
8. Whom does Octavius take to serve him into his household?
(a) Lucilus
(b) Strato
(c) Messala
(d) None of the above
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
9. What tribute does Antony pay to Brutus?
(a) As a true gentleman
(b) As a true Roman
(c) As the noblest Roman
(d) As an honourable man.
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
10. According to Antony, how would Nature describe Brutus?
(a) Noble man
(b) Perfect man
(c)Gentleman
(d) True Roman
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Workbook Questions :
Question No: 1
Brutus
Nay, I am sure it is, Volumnius.
Thou seest the world, Volumnius, how it goes;
Our enemies have beat us to the pit:
It is more worthy to leap in ourselves,
Than tarry till they push us.
(I) Who is Volumnius? Why does Brutus show intimacy to him? What favour does Brutus expect from him?
Answer :- Volumnius is one of Brutus’ trusted friends and comrades in arms. Brutus shows intimacy to him because he trusts him and values his opinion. Brutus expects Volumnius to assist him in ending his life.
(II) The ghost of Caesar appeared to Brutus twice. What did the ghost tell Brutus in Sardis? What does it indicate here in Philippi?
Answer :- The ghost of Caesar appeared to Brutus in Sardis and warned him that they would meet again at Philippi. This indicates that the events leading to the battle at Philippi were predetermined and that Brutus was fated to meet his end there.
(III) Name two of Brutus’ friends who have already refused to kill him. What does Volumnius say for not agreeing to carry out Brutus’ wish?
Answer :- Two of Brutus’ friends who have already refused to kill him are Clitus and Dardanius. Volumnius refuses to carry out Brutus’ wish because he fears the consequences and does not want to be responsible for his friend’s death.
(iV) Give the meaning of “Thou seest the world, Volumnius, how it goes; Our enemies have beat us to the pit.”
answer:- “Thou seest the world, Volumnius, how it goes; Our enemies have beat us to the pit.” means that Brutus acknowledges the dire situation they are in. He believes that their enemies have gained the upper hand and that they are facing imminent defeat.
(v) Briefly state the misfortunes enumerated by Brutus to Volumnius.
Answer:- Brutus enumerates the misfortunes they have faced: their enemies have beaten them to the battlefield, their troops are weary and disheartened, and their cause seems lost. Additionally, Brutus mentions the appearance of Caesar’s ghost, which he interprets as a bad omen.
Question No: 2
Brutus
Countrymen,
My heart doth joy that yet in all my life,
I found no man but he was true to me.
I shall have glory by this losing day,
More than Octavius and Mark Antony
By this vile conquest shall attain unto.
(i) Where and when is Brutus speaking? About whom is he speaking and to whom?
Answer :- Brutus is speaking on the battlefield of Philippi, during or shortly after the battle. He is addressing his fellow countrymen, his soldiers, and perhaps anyone else present. He is speaking about his comrades and the loyalty he has experienced from them.
(iI) What recent events have prompted Brutus to say, “I found no man but he was true to me”?
Answer :- The recent events that prompted Brutus to say, “I found no man but he was true to me,” include the loyalty and support he received from his soldiers and comrades during the battle, despite the fact that they were facing defeat.
(III) Would you include Cassius among those who were “true” to Brutus? Give your reasons briefly.
Answer :- Yes, Cassius should be included among those who were “true” to Brutus. Despite their disagreements and conflicts, Cassius remained loyal to Brutus and fought alongside him until the end. Cassius’ commitment to their cause and his willingness to follow Brutus into battle demonstrate his loyalty.
(iV) Who finally serves Brutus before Octavius and Mark Antony arrive on the scene?
answer:- The person who finally serves Brutus before Octavius and Mark Antony arrive on the scene is Strato. He assists Brutus in his suicide, holding the sword while Brutus falls upon it.
(V) Do the speeches of Antony and Octavius which end the play prove Brutus’ words to be true as quoted in the last three lines of the above extract?
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Question No: 3
Antony
This was the noblest Roman of them all,
All the conspirators, save only he,
Did that they did in envy of great Caesar;
He only, in a general honest thought,
And common good to all, made one of them.
His life was gentle, and the elements
So mix’d in him, that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world, “This was a man!”
(i) When does Antony speak these words? Who was “the noblest Roman of them all” ? Which people are included in the word, “all”?
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(iI) Give the meaning of :
He only, in a general honest thought,
And common good to all, made one of them.
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(iII) By referring to the Elizabethan way of thinking, state in what way was the “noblest Roman” a perfect human being.
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(iV) What does Octavius order with regard to the funeral of the noblest Roman? Does he deserve such a burial? Give a reason to justify your answer.
answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(v) Briefly state how the play propagates the idea that disloyalty and conspiracy do not succeed.
Answer:- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
