Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s

· Workbook Summary :
· Workbook MCQs :
· Workbook Questions :

Workbook Summary :

C a e s a r i s a t t h e h e i g h t o f h i s p o w e r a n d g l o r y . H e h a s e x t e n d e d t h e b o u n d-
aries of Roman rule, defeated Pompey in a civil war and is now the master
o f R o m e . H e i s c e l e b r a t i n g a t r i u m p h a l p r o c e s s i o n i n R o m e a f t e r h e h a s d e-
f e a t e d P o m p e y ’ s s o n s , t h u s p u t t i n g a n e n d t o c i v i l w a r s . T h e r e i s s t i f f o p p o-
sition to Caesar ’s authoritative rule.

T h e p l a y o p e n s w i t h t h e s t r e e t s c e n e i n R o m e . T h e c o m m o n R o m a n c i t i-
zens are thronging the streets of the capital in holiday attire. The day is
F e b r u a r y 1 5 t h , 4 4 B . C . , a n d t h e y a r e a l l a n x i o u s t o w i t n e s s C a e s a r ’ s t r i u m-
p h a n t r e t u r n t o t h e c i t y, f o l l o w i n g h i s s u c c e s s f u l c a m p a i g n s a g a i n s t
Pompey’s sons. Their holiday mood is rudely interrupted by the Tribunes
— Flavius and Marullus.

The Tribunes ask some citizens to name their trades and to explain their
a b s e n c e f r o m w o r k . T h e  r s t c o m m o n e r a n s w e r s s t r a i g h t f o r w a r d l y, b u t t h e
second� commoner answers with a string of puns that he is a cobbler and
that he and his fellow workmen have gathered to see Caesar and to rejoice
in his triumph.

Marullus accuses the workmen of forgetting that they are desecrating the
g r e a t P o m p e y, w h o s e t r i u m p h s t h e y o n c e c h e e r e d s o e n t h u s i a s t i c a l l y. H e
blames them for wanting to honour the man who is celebrating a victory in
battle over Pompey’s sons. He commands them to return to their homes
and to ask forgiveness of the gods for their offensive ingratitude. Flavius
orders them to assemble all the commoners and take them to the banks of
the Tiber and ll it with their tears of remorse for the dishonour they have
s h o w n t o P o m p e y.

T h e c o m m o n c i t i z e n s , a s h a m e d o f t h e i r b e h a v i o u r, g o a w a y. T h e t w o
Tribunes decide to strip all adornments and decorations from the statues
o f C a e s a r. M a r u l l u s d o u b t s w h e t h e r i t i s l e g a l t o d i s r o b e t h e s e i m a g e s o n
the Feast of the Lupercalia. Flavius reassures him and points out that if
such steps are not taken, Caesar will soon have them all living “in servile
fearfulness.”
Workbook MCQs :
1. What is the rule that Marullus refers to?
(a) Workers ought to wear signs of their trade
(b) A carpenters foot rule
(c) Citizens should bow before ofcials
(d) All of the above

Answers : (b) A carpenters foot rule

2. What sarcastic reason does the cobbler give Flavius for leading citizens on the
street?
(a) To get himself more work�(b) To rejoice in Caesar ’s Triumph

(c) To celebrate the feast (d) Both (b) and (c)

Answers : (a) To get himself more work�

3. What does the cobbler say to show that he is a master craftsman?

(a) He is a surgeon of old shoes
(b) He mends soles
(c) Every shoe-wearing gentleman has worn his handiwork
(d) He needed more work

Answers : (c) Every shoe-wearing gentleman has worn his handiwork

4. Why, according to Marullus, would there be a plague?

(a) Due to the crowding in the sheets
(b) Due to the ingratitude of citizens
(c) Due to the hollow banks of the Tiber
(d) Due to the owers strewn on the way.

Answers : (b) Due to the ingratitude of citizens

5. Why did Flavius consider it necessary to remove all the decorations with
Caesar ’s statues?
(a) To turn the people against him
(b) To replace them with new decorations
(c) To quell Caesar ’s ego and popularity
(d) None of the above

Answers : (c) To quell Caesar ’s ego and popularity

6. According to Marullus for whom had the citizens of Rome waited patiently earlier?
(a) Caesar (b) Brutus
(c) Pompey (d) Antony

Answers : (c) Pompey

7. What did Marullus ask the commoners of Rome to do?

(a) To pray for Caesar ’s well-being
(b) To run away to their houses
(c) To pray to God to avert their punishment
(d) Both (b) and (c)�
Answers : (d) Both (b) and (c) – To run away to their houses and To pray to God to avert
their punishment

8. Why did Flavius ask the commoners to shed tears of remorse?

(a) For the dishonor shown to Pompey
(b) For the rise of a dictator
(c) For the loss of their liberty
(d) For making Caesar too powerful

Answers : (a) For the dishonor shown to Pompey

9. Which quality of the common man is reected in this scene?

(a) Admiration for Caesar�(b) Fickleness

(c) Hatred for Caesar (d) Fear of Caesar

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10. Which type of atmosphere in Rome is seen in Act I, Scene 1 of the play?
(a) Peace and happiness (b) Confusion and chaos
(c) Strife and disunity (d) None of the above

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11. What is the central theme of the play reected in this scene?
(a) Conict between monarchists and republicans
(b) Conict between anarchy and democracy
(c) Conict between dictatorship and democracy
(d) None of the above.

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12. The opening scene of the play reects on which of the following causes that let to
the development of the play?
(a) Caesar ’s triumph over Pompey’s sons
(b) Caesar ’s suspicions
(c) Mounting hostilities to Caesar ’s rule
(d) Fear of Caesar

Answers :�For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF –�View
Workbook Questions :
Question No: 1

Flavius
Hence! home, you idle creatures, get you home.
Is this a holiday? What, know you not.
Being mechanical, you ought not walk
Upon a labouring day without the sign
Of your profession? Speak, what trade art thou?

First Citizen
Why, sir, a carpenter.

Marullus
Where is thy leather apron and thy rule?
What dost thou with thy best apparel on?
You, sir, what trade are you?

(i) Who are Flavius and Marullus? Where are they and what are they doing there?
Why?

Answer :- Flavius and Marullus are characters from William Shakespeare’s play “Julius
Caesar.” They are tribunes of Rome, ofcials appointed to protect the rights of the com-
mon people. In the opening scene of the play, Flavius and Marullus are in a public
place in Rome, specically on a street. They are there to observe the citizens and en-
sure order, as well as to express their disapproval of the citizens’ behavior.

Flavius and Marullus are perturbed because they see commoners celebrating Julius
Caesar ’s recent victory and return to Rome. They are concerned about the citizens’ sud-
den change in loyalty and their forgetfulness of previous loyalties to Pompey, Caesar ’s
rival. They question why the citizens are not working and are instead out on the streets
celebrating as if it were a holiday. Flavius and Marullus consider this behavior disre-
spectful to Pompey’s memory and dangerous for the stability of Rome.

�(II) Who are the “idle creatures”? Why are they called so? What makes the
speaker ask if it is a holiday?�Answer :-�The “idle creatures” referred to by Flavius
are the common citizens of Rome who are out on the streets celebrating Caesar ’s re-
turn and victory. They are called “idle creatures” because Flavius sees them as ne-
glecting their duties and responsibilities by not working and instead indulging in festivi-
ties. Flavius considers their behavior irresponsible and disrespectful, particularly be-
cause it is a regular working day, not a holiday.�The speaker asks if it is a holiday be-
cause he nds it perplexing and inappropriate that the citizens are roaming the streets
and celebrating as if it were a special occasion. He questions whether the citizens are
aware that it is a regular laboring day and suggests that their behavior is not tting for
such a day. Flavius is astonished by the sight of the citizens neglecting their work and
responsibilities, hence his inquiry about whether they think it’s a holiday.�(iII) Give
the meaning of the following:

(a) Being Mechanical – In this context, “being mechanical” refers to being a worker or
laborer who is involved in manual labor or trades that require physical work. It sug-
gests that the citizens should be engaged in their respective professions or trades
rather than idly wandering the streets.

(b) A Labouring Day – This phrase refers to a regular working day, a day when people
are expected to engage in their occupations or labor. Flavius questions why the citi-
zens are out celebrating when it is a day meant for work and productivity.
(c) Sign of Your Profession – This phrase indicates the characteristic items or attire
associated with a particular occupation or trade. For example, a leather apron and a
rule (measuring tool) would be typical signs of a carpenter ’s profession. Flavius asks
the citizens about the symbols or indicators of their trades to emphasize that they
should be visibly engaged in their work rather than idling about.

(iV) Whom does Marullus address in the last line of the extract? What reply does
he get? How does he react to the reply?

answer:-�Marullus addresses a citizen in the last line of the extract. The citizen re-
plies that he is a carpenter. Marullus reacts by questioning why the carpenter is not
wearing his leather apron and carrying his rule, which are typical symbols of his profes-
sion. Marullus is surprised and disappointed by the citizen’s lack of adherence to the
expectations of his trade.

(v) Giving an example each, show how Flavius and Marullus are men in authority.
Who among them, do you think, exercises greater authority? Why?

Answer:-�Flavius and Marullus both exhibit authority in their interactions with the citi-
zens of Rome. An example of Flavius exercising authority is when he commands the citi-
zens to “Hence! home, you idle creatures, get you home.” He demonstrates his author-
ity by ordering the citizens to return home and not behave inappropriately.

Similarly, Marullus exercises authority when he questions the citizens about their pro-
fessions and criticizes their behavior. For instance, he asks the carpenter why he is not
wearing his leather apron and rule, indicating his expectation that citizens should visi-
bly represent their trades.

In terms of greater authority, Marullus appears to exercise more direct authority in this
particular scene. He is more assertive in his questioning and commands, while Flavius
mainly echoes Marullus’s sentiments. However, both characters represent the author-
ity of the tribunes in maintaining order and upholding the traditions of Rome.
Question No: 2

Second Citizen

A trade, sir, that I hope I may use with a safe conscience; which is, indeed, sir, a
mender of bad soles.

Marullus

What trade, thou knave? thou naughty knave, what trade?

Second Citizen

Nay, I beseech you, sir, be not out with me: yet, if you be out, sir, I can mend you.

(i) What is meant by a “trade”? Of which trade is the second citizen? What is the
pun involved with the word “soles”?

Answer :-�a) A “trade” refers to a particular occupation or profession that a person

practices to earn a living. The Second Citizen mentions that he is a “mender of bad
soles,” indicating that he is a cobbler or shoemaker who repairs damaged shoe soles.

b) The pun involved with the word “soles” is that it sounds like “souls.” While the
Second Citizen is referring to repairing shoe soles, there’s a playful suggestion that he
is also metaphorically “mending” or repairing souls, implying a moral or spiritual dimen-
sion to his work.

(II) Why does the Second Citizen think that he “may use” the trade with a safe
conscience?�Answer :-�The Second Citizen believes he can use the trade with a
safe conscience because he is engaged in a morally upright profession. Cobbling, or re-
pairing shoes, is not considered a dishonorable or unethical occupation. Therefore, the
Second Citizen feels that he can practice his trade without compromising his morals or
ethics, hence the expression of using the trade with a safe conscience.�(III) What is
meant by “naughty knave” ? What does this expression tell us about the attitude
of the Romans towards artisans? Give two more examples of such expressions
from the scene.

�Answer:-�“Naughty knave” is an expression used to reprimand or scold someone, in

this case, the Second Citizen. “Naughty” implies mischievous or disobedient behavior,
while “knave” is a term used to address a dishonest or untrustworthy person. In this con-
text, Marullus uses the expression to express his frustration and disdain towards the
Second Citizen’s response.

This expression suggests that the Romans, or at least Marullus in this instance, hold a
somewhat condescending attitude towards artisans or commoners. The use of “naughty
knave” indicates a dismissive and derogatory perception of the Second Citizen’s occu-
pation as a cobbler.

Two more examples of such expressions from the scene are:

1. “What, know you not, being mechanical, you ought not walk upon a labouring
day without the sign of your profession?” – Flavius questions the citizens’ lack of
adherence to their trades, implying that they are neglectful and unworthy of their
occupations.
2. “You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things!” – Marullus in-
sults the citizens, likening them to inanimate objects devoid of intelligence or un-
derstanding, further demonstrating a disdainful attitude towards them.
(iV) Give the double meaning intended in the following expression:

……..be not out with me: yet, if you be out, sir, I can mend you.

answer:-�The double meaning intended in the expression “be not out with me: yet, if
you be out, sir, I can mend you” is as follows:

Literal meaning: The Second Citizen is pleading with Marullus not to be angry or upset
with him. He suggests that even if Marullus is indeed “out” or angry, the Second Citizen
can mend or repair the situation, perhaps by offering his services as a cobbler.

Figurative meaning: The phrase “if you be out” can also be interpreted as meaning “if
you are lacking or decient,” suggesting that if Marullus is in need of improvement or re-
pair, the Second Citizen can mend or improve him in some way. This interpretation
adds a humorous and somewhat cheeky tone to the Second Citizen’s response.

(v) Give two characteristic traits, each with an example, of the common people in
this scene.

Answer:-�Two characteristic traits of the common people in this scene, along with ex-
amples, are as follows:

1. Fickleness:

� �– Example: The common people, who were previously loyal to Pompey, quickly
shift their allegiance to Caesar upon his return to Rome. They celebrate Caesar ’s tri-
umph without considering their previous loyalties, demonstrating their ckleness in
their loyalties and allegiances.

2. Deance:

� �– Example: Despite being questioned and scolded by Flavius and Marullus for
their behavior, the common people show deance and cheekiness in their responses.
For instance, the Second Citizen responds to Marullus’s questioning with a witty retort,
indicating a reluctance to comply with authority and a willingness to stand up for them-
selves.
Question No: 3

Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home?

What tributaries follow him to Rome,
To grace in captive bonds his chariot wheels?
You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things!
O you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome,
Knew you not Pompey?

(i) Who speaks these lines? To whom are these words addressed? What type of re-
joicing is referred to in the extract?

Answer :-�a) The lines are spoken by Marullus.b) Marullus addresses the common
people of Rome.c) The rejoicing referred to in the extract is the celebration of Caesar ’s
return and victory.�(iI) Who is “he” referred to in the rst line of the extract? What
message does the speaker want to convey to his listeners through these
questions?�Answer :-�a) The “he” referred to in the rst line of the extract is Julius
Caesar.b) Through these questions, the speaker (Marullus) wants to convey to his lis-
teners that they are celebrating Caesar ’s return and victory without understanding the
implications of their actions. He questions the reasoning behind their rejoicing and
aims to make them reect on their loyalty and allegiance.�(iII) What is the conquest
refered to in the extract? Why has the conqueror not brought any territory to
Rome by his conquest?

�Answer:-�a) The conquest referred to in the extract is Caesar ’s victory over his ad-
versaries, particularly Pompey.

b) The conqueror, Caesar, has not brought any territory to Rome by his conquest be-
cause he has not conquered any foreign lands or enemies. Instead, his victory is over
his fellow Romans, including Pompey, in a civil war.

(iV) Give the meaning of :

What tributaries follow him to Rome,

To grace in captive bonds his chariot wheels?

answer:-��a) “What tributaries follow him to Rome, to grace in captive bonds his char-
iot wheels?” refers to Marullus questioning whether any defeated enemies or con-
quered territories are following Caesar to Rome as captives or offerings.

b) The phrase “tributaries” here refers to conquered people or territories that would tra-
ditionally pay tribute or submit to the victorious leader. Marullus wonders if Caesar ’s tri-
umph includes the display of captives or spoils of war being paraded in chains behind
his chariot as a symbol of his victory.

(v) Who are referred to as “the cruel men of Rome”? Why are they called so ?

Answer:-�a) “The cruel men of Rome” refers to the citizens of Rome who are celebrat-
ing Caesar ’s return without regard for their previous allegiance to Pompey.

b) They are called “cruel” because they are deemed to be heartless and ungrateful for
forgetting Pompey, who was once a revered leader of Rome. Marullus implies that their
celebration of Caesar ’s triumph is a betrayal of Pompey’s memory and a display of cal-
lousness towards their former loyalty.