Welcome to the Julius Caesar Workbook Answer (Evergreen): Act 2 Scene 1! This blog provides accurate and detailed solutions to the Evergreen Publishers workbook for Julius Caesar, specifically designed for ICSE Class 9 and 10 students. Understanding Shakespeare’s classic play and answering workbook questions correctly is crucial for scoring high marks in your exams. Here, you’ll find well-explained, step-by-step answers to all the questions from Act 2, Scene 1, ensuring clarity and helping you grasp key themes, characters, and literary devices. Whether you’re revising or preparing for your tests, these solutions will guide you toward excellence. Let’s dive in and master Julius Caesar with confidence!
( Updated For ICSE 2026 Session )
Table of Contents
Workbook Summary :
PLOT DEVELOPMENT – BRUTUS JOINS THE CONSPIRACY
It is the middle of the night and Brutus is alone in his garden. He has stolen away from his bed because he is unable to sleep. In the soliloquy of Brutus, he is seeking to master himself in solitude as his mind has been thrown into disorder by the suggestions of Cassius. He calls his servant, Lucius, to light a candle in his study. Lucius comes back with a letter which he gives to Brutus. He claims to have found it while searching for a candle at the window. It is an anonymous letter which Cassius had written in different handwritings to incite Brutus to join the conspiracy. By the light of the meteors Brutus reads the letters and takes a decision. While speaking to himself, Brutus says that he has no personal grudge against Caesar but in order to save Rome from the tyrannical rule of Caesar the latter needs to be killed.
Cassius arrives at Brutus’ house with the other conspirators, Casca, Decius, Cinna, Metellus and Trebonius. Cassius suggests that they take an oath, since they are all working for the good of their country, but Brutus does not feel the need of doing so as he feels that they are true Romans and their cause is just. Brutus also goes against Cassius when the latter brings up the topic of allowing Cicero to join the conspiracy. Brutus reminds them that Cicero will not understand the gravity of their enterprise as he had no part in it from the beginning. The other conspirators accept Brutus’ decision as they respect him highly. Brutus does not understand Cicero’s worth and his oratory skills.
Cassius feels that Mark Antony ‘So well beloved of Caesar’ should not be allowed to live, but Brutus overrides Cassius and reasons out that once Caesar is dead, Antony will be powerless as he is ‘but a limb of Caesar’ and once the head is cut off the limb is of no use He underestimates Antony’s strength by stating that Antony should not be taken seriously as he is too devoted “to sports, to wildness and much company”.
It is now three o’clock. The question arises whether Caesar would go to the Senate, as, taking into consideration the unnatural happenings, he may refuse to attend. It appears that Caesar had become superstitious of late. Decius takes upon himself the responsibility of bringing Caesar to the Senate by flattering him which was Caesar’s weakness.
Portia joins Brutus once the conspirators leave and she voices her anxiety regarding the behaviour of Brutus which has been very absurd lately. She begs him on bended knees to confide in her and even reveals to Brutus that that she has made a voluntary wound on her thigh to prove that if she can bear this pain then she can also keep her husband’s secrets. She tells him that she is the daughter of Cato, a noble man, and above all she is the wife of an honourable man like Brutus, Brutus is deeply touched and promises to share his secrets with her.
They are interrupted by another knocking at the gate. Ligarius enters with a bandage on his head. He claims that he has risen from a sick bed only to follow Brutus in his enterprise. Brutus asks Ligarius to follow him, obviously with an intent of telling him everything.
Workbook MCQs :
1. This Scene in the play is important because it is here that
a. the conspiracy to murder Caesar is hatched
b. Portia complains to Brutus
c. we get to know of Brutus’ harsh nature
d. the plan to save Caesar is made
Answer:- a. the conspiracy to murder Caesar is hatched
2. Brutus is in his ………. at the middle of the night.
a. bedroom
b. courtyard
c. orchard (garden)
d. office
Answer:- c. orchard (garden)
3. What is the time?
a. it is mid day
b. it is midnight
c. it is early morning
d. it is evening
Answer:- b. it is midnight
4. Which of the following statements is NOT true of Brutus?
a. Brutus is in a calm and serene state of mind.
b. he is in an angry state of mind
c. he is in a greatly disturbed state of mind
d. he is very upset but looks calm
Answer:- a. Brutus is in a calm and serene state of mind.
5. Lucius in Latin means
a. darkness
b. light
c. loose
d. liberty
Answer:- b. light
6. Compared to Brutus’ mental condition, Lucius is
a. calm but worried
b. calm and serene with no worries
c. upset and angry
d. sleepy and irritated
Answer:- a. calm but worried
7. Since when has Brutus not been able to sleep peacefully?
a. since the time Cassius has complained to him about Mark Antony
b. since Cassius has complained to him about Caesar’s growing powers.
c. since the time Cassius the time has criticized him (Brutus)
d. since the time Cassius has criticized Portia.
Answer:- b. since Cassius has complained to him about Caesar’s growing powers.
8. Brutus fears that Caesar might
a. help democracy to flourish in Rome
b. become a tyrant once he has absolute powers as a king.
c. forget him, Brutus, and not love him
d. give more importance to Cassius.
Answer:- b. become a tyrant once he has absolute powers as a king.
9. Brutus thinks of Caesar as a
a. serpent’s egg
b. serpent’s shell
c. serpent’s sting
d. serpent’s skin
Answer:- a. serpent’s egg
10. The anonymous letter (written by Cassius) urges Brutus to
a. save himself from Caesar
b. save Rome
c. save Portia
d. save Caesar
Answer:- b. save Rome
11. Brutus’ reason for wishing to get rid of Caesar is purely based on
a. what the Soothsayer had said about the Ides of March
b. his mere suspicion that Caesar might become a tyrant in future
c. his having full proof that Caesar will become a tyrant.
d. his own ambitions of becoming a king
Answer:- b. his mere suspicion that Caesar might become a tyrant in future
12. Although Brutus takes a decision to kill Caesar he has
a. a personal grudge against Caesar
b. no personal grudge against Caesar
c. no idea about what he is doing
d. no love for Rome
Answer:- b. no personal grudge against Caesar
13. Conspiracy is so evil that it chooses to roam freely
a. during the day
b. on the street
c. during the night
d. on the battlefield
Answer:- c. during the night
14. Why does Cassius fear Mark Antony?
a. because of his deep love for sports and plays
b. as he has a deep dislike for Julius Caesar
c. due to his deep devotion and loyalty to Julius Caesar
d. because of his deep knowledge of Julius Caesar’s character
Answer:- c. due to his deep devotion and loyalty to Julius Caesar
15. Why does Brutus make three vital errors of judgement?
a. for being too philosophical and a bad judge of character
b. because he may be a philosopher but he is a good judge of character
c. as he is well suited to plotting and planning-murders
d. because he is not right in all the three decisions he took
Answer:- a. for being too philosophical and a bad judge of character
16. According to the idealistic Brutus, Caesar’s murder will be.
1. a spiritual act
2. a purifying act
3. a brutal act
4. an act of cruelty
a. 1 and 2
b. 2 and 3
C. 3 and 4
d. 1 and 4
Answer:- d. 1 and 4
17. takes the responsibility of making sure that Caesar goes to the Capitol.
a. Cassius
b. Casca
c. Trebonius
d. Decius
Answer:- d. Decius
18. How is Metellus instrumental in the murder of Caesar?
a. he is very much part of the conspiracy
b. he is ready to do anything for Brutus whom he admires
c. he is the one to plead with Caesar for the repeal of his banished brother.
d. he is the main conspirator who is jealous of Caesar
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19. Just before leaving when Cassius says, ‘The morning comes upon’s’: by ‘morning’ he is referring to
a. the Ides of March, the day of Caesar’s assassination
b. the 14th of February, the feast of the Lupercal
c. the morning when Caesar was offered the crown
d. the morning when the Soothsayer warned Caesar about the Ides of March.
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20. What special human quality does Brutus reveal when he lets Lucius enjoy the honey-heav dew of slumber?
a. His affection for Lucius.
b. His disgust for Lucius sleeping so soundly
c. His irritation to see Lucius fast asleep.
d. His tolerance
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21. Portia enters the orchard
a. at one’clock in the morning when it is dark
b. at two’clock in the morning when it is dark
c. at three ‘clock in the morning when it is dark
d. at six’clock when it is turning bright
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22. Brutus shows his deep concern about Portia rising so early because
a. he is afraid that she has got to know about the conspiracy
b. he feels that the damp, cold morning is not good for her bad health
c. she has been advised to sleep longer
d. he does not wish to be disturbed
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23. Brutus tells Portia that she is as precious to him as the drops of blood that visit his ‘sad’ heart. His heart is ‘sad’ because
a. he cannot share the plan of killing Caesar with her
b. for the good of Rome he is going to kill his dear friend, Caesar
c. he cannot take her with him when he goes with others to kill Caesar
d. he is tired of her interfering ways
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24. Why does Portia consider herself to be a cut above other women?
a. she feels she is better looking and richer than other women
b. she is Lord Brutus’ wife.
c. she is Cato’s daughter.
d. she is not only Lord Brutus’ wife but also Cato’s daughter.
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25. By giving herself a self-inflicted wound on her thigh Portia wants to prove to her beloved husband that
a. she is capable of drawing his attention to herself.
b. she is feeling lonely and sad without him.
c. if she can endure the pain, she is also capable of keeping his secret.
d. she is free to do as she pleases with her life.
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26. Write the following statements in their correct order:
1. Portia comes to Brutus deeply concerned about her beloved husband’s recent unnatu behaviour.
2. The other conspirators led by Cassius, join Brutus in the orchard and Cassius speaks of the taking an oath.
3. Brutus is in his orchard and he asks Lucius to put a taper (candle) in his study.
4. Brutus, after deep thought, on mere suspicion that Caesar might become too ambitious, decic that Caesar must be assassinated.
a. 1,2,3,4
b. 4,3,2,1
c. 3,4,2,1
d. 2,1,4,3
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27. Ligarius is ready to blindly follow Brutus because
a. of his deep faith in the honourable Brutus as his leader
b. Brutus is his only friend
c. of his deep distrust in others
d. of his fear of Caesar
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Workbook Questions :
Question No: 1
BRUTUS – It must be by his death; and, for my part,
I know no personal cause to spurn at him, But for the general.
He would be crown’d :- How that might change his nature”.
1. Where is Brutus? Why is Brutus unable to sleep?
Answer:- Brutus is in his orchard. He is unable to sleep because his mind is disturbed on Caesar becoming a tyrant and the design of the conspirators to kill Caesar.
2. Whose death is Brutus speaking about? What are Brutus’ fears about the change in ‘his nature”?
Answer:- Brutus is speaking about Caesar’s death. He fears that Caesar’s nature will change once he (Caesar) is crowned because his vast powers will turn his head and he will become tyrannical.
3. What danger does Brutus foresee if the person is crowned king? What does this reveal about Brutus’ character?
Answer:- Brutus foresees his apprehension that Caesar will be tyrannical if he is crowned. It reveals that Brutus, though Caesar’s friend, is a lover of republicanism.
4. What examples does Brutus cite to express his fears? Mention any two.
Answer:- First, Brutus compares Caesar to a serpent’s egg; if it is hatched it will surely bite. So, it should be killed before it comes out of its egg. Second, an ambitious person like Caesar is humble during his struggle but turns haughty and arrogant once he attains his goal.
5. Who enters after the extract? What does he bring to Brutus? Where had he found the object?
Answer:- Lucius enters after this extract. He brings a sealed paper while searching for a flint. He had found it in Brutus’ study.
Question No: 2
BRUTUS – Tis good. Go to the gate; somebody knocks.
(Exit Lucius)
Since Cassius ….. against Caesar,
I have not slept
Between the acting of a dreadful thing
And the first motion, all the
……., or a hideous dream:
1. Complete the lines in the extract. Explain the lines after completing the extract.
Answer:- ………….first did whet me …………
…………interim is like a phantasma ……………
Since Cassius incited Brutus against Caesar he had been facing sleepless nights. The interval between the first thought and the execution of a dreadful act is like a nightmare.
2. What is the purpose of the people who come to meet Brutus? How have they disguised themselve
Answer:- The conspirators arrive disguised to meet Brutus. Their hats are pulled down over their ears and their faces are hidden in their cloaks, difficult to be recognised.
3. What does Brutus say about the conspiracy? What advice does he give?
Answer:- He says that conspiracy is afraid and ashamed to show its face by night when evil things are all over. His advice is that it should hide its face in smiles and pleasantness.
4. What is the figure of speech used by Brutus to describe the conspiracy? Explain.
Answer:- The figure of speech used to describe conspiracy is personification. He gives conspiracy the name of the dangerous night and makes it look alive like the night.
5. Name the conspirators who enter.
Answer:- The conspirators who come are Cassius, Casca, Decius Brutus, Cinna, Metellus Cimber and Trebonius.
Question No: 3
BRUTUS – No, not an oath: if not the face of men
The sufferance of our souls, the time’s abuse,-
If these be motives weak, break off betimes
And every man hence to his idle bed;
1. Who suggests that an oath should be taken? What does this show about the person’s foresightedness?
Answer:- Cassius suggests that an oath should be taken before the dangerous enterprise. It shows his foresightedness to ensure that those who are connected with this enterprise remain loyal and committed.
2. Who according to Brutus swears an oath?
Answer:- According to Brutus, priests, cowards, deceitful persons, old worthless creatures patiently take oaths.
3. Why does Brutus feel that swearing an oath is not necessary?
Answer:- Brutus feels that swearing an oath is not necessary when honest persons committed to a great cause are involved in a noble cause.
4. What is the next instance in which Brutus contradicts Cassius? In what way does this blunder committed by Brutus surface in the play?
Answer:- Brutus contradicts, Cassius who suggests that Antony, should also be killed. Sparing the life of Antony later on spells a doom for the conspirators. Brutus has to pay a heavy price for this blunder.
5. How does Cassius show his farsightedness regarding the killing of Mark Antony? How correct was Cassius in his assessment of Mark Antony?
Answer:- Cassius shows his farsightedness regarding the necessity of killing Antony along with Caesar because he knows that Antony is the most trusted and beloved friend of Caesar, and not ‘just limb of Caesar. He proves to be correct when Antony became so powerful that he could not be subdued.
Question No: 4
DECIUS – Shall no man else be touch’d but only Caesar?’
CASSIUS – Decius, well urg’d: I think it is not meet
Mark Antony, so well belov’d of Caesar,
Should outlive Caesar: We shall find of him
A shrewd contriver;
1. Why does Cassius feel that Decius is right?
Answer:- Cassius thinks that Decius is right because it is not advisable that Antony, who is the right hand of Caesar should be allowed to live. Antony might prove dangerous for the conspirators. To prevent it he should be killed.
2. Why does Brutus contradict him?
Answer:- Brutus contradicts him with the plea that if they kill Antony also, their action will make them appear butchers not sacrificers.
3. What are the reasons given by Brutus not to kill Mark Antony?
Answer:- Brutus is against the killing of Mark Antony. He feels that if they kill him, the act will appear to be motivated by jealously as well as anger. They must present the murder of Caesar as a sacrificial act at the altar of freedom. Killing of Antony would be a brutal act.
4. How does Brutus try to justify that their act will appear ‘too bloody’?
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5. What is Brutus’ assessment regarding Mark Antony? How sound is his judgement? Give reasons.
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Question No: 5
TREBONIUS- ‘Tis time to part.
CASSIUS – But it is doubtful yet.
Whether Caesar will come forth to-day or no;
For he is superstitious grown of late,
Quite from the main opinion he held once.
1. What are Cassius’ fears as to whether Caesar will come or not? What has given rise to this fear? State how Decius can “o’ersway” him. What promise does he make?
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2. Another person’s name is mentioned after the extract. Who is he? Why is he not suitable to be a part of the plot? What is Brutus’ reaction to this proposal?
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3. What advice does Brutus give to the others before parting? How does he show his affection towards Lucius?
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4. Who enters the scene a little later? Whose daughter is this person?
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5. What does the person say to Brutus?
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Question No: 6
PORTIA – Dwell I but in the suburbs
Of your good pleasure? If it be no more,
Portia is Brutus’ harlot, not his wife.
1. How does Portia assess Brutus’ ill health? Is she correct in her assessment? Give reasons for you answer.
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2. How does Portia show her love and submissiveness to Brutus? What fears does she voice Brutus?
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3. How does Portia prove to Brutus that she is stronger than any other woman?
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4. Who intrudes the conversation of Portia and Brutus? What does Brutus promise Portia?
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5. Before this extract, Portia appealed to Brutus in such a way that she played on his emotions. Which part of her reasoning has appealed most to you? Give reasons for your answer.
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