Book Questions

1. Consult a dictionary and find out the difference between

a) a killing b) an assassination

Ans-
a) a killing – to cause death of a person or a thing
b) an assassination – killing an important or famous person for money or for political reasons.
2. Many popular and powerful leaders have been assassinated in the past and in
recent times. Can you name some of them?
• ……………………………………………………
• ……………………………………………………
• ……………………………………………………
• ……………………………………………………
• ……………………………………………………
Ans- Mahatama Gandhi
Indira Gandhi
Siddhu Moosewala
Phoolan Devi
President Abraham Lincoln
Martin Luther King Jr.

3. Answer the following questions by selecting the correct options.

1. How does Caesar sound when he says, “Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace to-
Night”?
a) worried b) angry c) joyous d) frightened Ans- a) worried
2. Caesar’s reference to the senators as ‘graybeards’ shows his____________.
a) confidence b) cowardice c) arrogance d) ambition Ans- c) arrogance
3. Decius Brutus changes Caesar’s mind about going to the Senate by appealing to
his______________.
a) ambition b) vanity c) greed d) generosity Ans- b) vanity
4. Select the option that correctly displays the offer that Cassius makes to Antony after Caesar’s
assassination.
a) The conspirators would like to be friends with him
b) He may take Caesar’s body to the pulpit and speak to the crowd praising Caesar for his achievements
c) His recommendations will be as strong as that of the conspirators while distributing the powers and
benefits to friends
d) He may join the conspiracy against Caesar
Ans- a) The conspirators would like to be friends with him
5. Why does Cassius try to stop Brutus from letting Antony speak at Caesar’s funeral?
He knows that_______________.
a) the Roman mob loves Caesar and Antony b) Brutus is not a good orator
c) they should not have killed Caesar d) Antony is a good orator who can sway the mob
Ans- d) Antony is a good orator who can sway the mob
6. What prophecy does Antony make over Caesar’s dead body?
a) Romans will see Caesar’s ghost roaming on the streets
b) Rome will experience fierce civil war in which many people will die
c) Rome will be ruled by Ate d) Roman women will smile at the death of Caesar
Ans- b) Rome will experience fierce civil war in which many people will die
7. After listening to Brutus’ speech, the Third Citizen says ‘Let him be Caesar’. This clearly shows
he________________.
a) has not understood Brutus’ reason for killing Caesar b) loved Caesar more than he loves Brutus
c) loves Brutus more than he loved Caesar d) thinks Brutus killed Caesar to assume power.
Ans- a) has not understood Brutus’ reason for killing Caesar
8. Identify Antony’s tone when he calls the conspirators, ‘honourable men’.
a) admiring b) flattering c) angry d) mocking
Ans- d) mocking
9. Antony’s reference to Caesar’s conquest of the Nervii is to _______________.
a) remind the mob of Caesar’s greatness as a warrior
b) make the mob feel afraid of being attacked by the war-like race
c) make the crowd weep for Caesar who died at war
d) stop and collect his emotions as he is feeling very upset
Ans- a) remind the mob of Caesar’s greatness as a warrior
10. Antony remarked :
Mischief, thou art afoot,
Take thou what course thou wilt!.
What does this show him to be?
a) a ruthless manipulator b) an honourable man c) a loyal friend d) a tactful man
Ans- c) a loyal friend
4. Answer the following questions briefly.
a) How do the heavens ‘blaze forth’ the death of Julius Caesar?
Ans- The watchman observes terrible and terrifying things. In the streets, he witnessed a lioness giving
birth, powerful warriors engaging in deadly combat and blood pouring onto the Capitol, ghosts screeching
and squealing, and the dead emerging from the grave. In addition to this, Calpurnia experienced terrifying
nightmares. All of these events were out of the ordinary and implied bad luck. As a result, heavens “blaze
forth” Julius Caesar’s demise.
b) What does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar of?
Ans- Calpurnia tries to convince Caesar that he should not go out of the house that day as some mishap may
occur. She tells Caesar about her terrifying nightmares and believes they are a bad omen. She advises him
not to leave the house for the sake of his safety.
c) Why does Calpurnia say Caesar’s ‘wisdom is consumed in confidence’? What does she mean?
Ans- Calpurnia says that Caesar’s ‘wisdom is consumed in confidence’ because Caesar decides to go to the
Senate ignoring all the signs which foretell him about threat. In Calpurnia’s opinion, Caesar had become
overconfident and was unable to recognise that his life was in danger. Julius doesn’t behave wisely and
rejects the thought of waiting since doing so would make him look like a coward.
d) What does Calpurnia dream about Caesar? How does Decius Brutus interpret the dream?
Ans- Calpurnia had a dream that blood was coming from a hundred different locations and that many
Romans had come to wash their hands in it. According to Decius Brutus, it was a fortunate dream. He
predicts a new era for both Rome and the Roman people. Great men will assemble around Caesar, smearing
his blood on their handkerchiefs. Distinguished men will get honour at his hands and everything relating to
him will be held in utmost admiration.

e) What are the arguments put forward by Decius Brutus to convince Caesar to go to the Capitol?
Ans- Decius Brutus is a cunning man. Decius Brutus argued that because the Senate had already resolved to
give Caesar a crown, they might change their minds if he didn’t go. In light of this, Caesar decides to visit
the Capitol.
f) Why is Decius more successful than Calpurnia in persuading Caesar?
Ans- Decius Brutus can flatter people quite well. Due to the fact that his argument plays on Caesar’s pride,
he is more successful in convincing Caesar than Calpurnia. Calpurnia wants Caesar to stay at home after she
had nightmares, while Decius Brutus regards the dreams as lucky and fortunate. He believes they represent
Caesar’s might and authority. He bolsters Caesar’s ego. Caesar chooses to visit the Capitol after becoming
completely fascinated by his speech.
g) What is the petition put before Caesar by the conspirators? How does Caesar respond to it?
Ans- The conspirators want that Caesar should call Publius Cimber home as he had banished him. They ask
him to reconsider his prior decision. Caesar, though, is in no mood to compromise. He claims to be firm like
a Pole Star. His heart will not be softened by bowing and stooping activities and if Mettellus Cimber
continues such activities, he would turn him away like a street dog.
h) Who says “Et tu Brute”? When are these words spoken? Why?
Ans- When Brutus and other conspirators stab Caesar, Caesar utters these words. In the Senate House,
Caesar was stabbed, and Brutus follows suit. Caesar had not anticipated Brutus to act in such a sly manner.
With his crushed heart, Caesar cries out “Et tu Brute” as he attempts to protect himself.
i) In the moments following Caesar’s death what do the conspirators proclaim to justify Caesar’s
death? Ans- Following Caesar’s passing, the conspirators assert that tyranny in Rome has come to an end.
They yell out slogans like “Peace, Liberty, Freedom, and Enfranchisement.” Caesar was an outstanding
leader, but some claim he had grown overly ambitious.
j) Seeing the body of Caesar, Antony is overcome by grief. What does he say about Caesar?
Ans- When Antony sees the strong Caesar on the ground, he is overcome with anguish and despair. “O
mighty Caesar!” he exclaims. Are all of your victories, triumphs, and riches reduced to this little scale by
how low you are lying down? Goodbye. He claimed to know nothing about the conspirator’s plans. He’s
prepared to perish at their hands. His life is not as valued as Caesar’s, thus he will consider it a blessing if he
dies with the same weapon that murdered Caesar. He bade Caesar a tearful goodbye. He believed that
Caesar brought glories, victories and gains in war to the city of Rome.
k) Whom does Antony call ‘the choice and master spirits of this age”? Why?
Ans- Antony calls the conspirators “the choice and master spirits of this age”. He says this because they had
just killed the leader of the Roman Empire.
l) How do Brutus and Cassius respond to Antony’s speech?
Ans- After listening to Antony’s speech, Brutus assures him that even though the act seems bloody, their
intentions were noble. Their pity for the common people of Rome overrode their pity for Caesar. Cassius
offers Antony a new job in the government administration.
m) Why does Cassius object to allowing Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral? How does Brutus
overcome this objection?
Ans- Cassius does not believe Antony should speak at Caesar’s funeral because he would influence the
attendees’ opinions. But Brutus insists that Antony would only speak if they allowed him to, that he will
speak first, and that his speech will list the reasons why Caesar had to be killed.
n) What are the conditions imposed by the conspirators before allowing Antony to speak at Caesar’s
funeral?
Ans- Mark Antony was given the directive to only praise Caesar and not point the finger at the conspirators
in his eulogy. He was required to address the crowd from the same platform as Brutus and explain that he
was given permission to do so by the conspirators.
o) When he is left alone with the body of Caesar, what does Antony call Brutus and the others?
Ans- Antony begs Caesar to pardon him if he has been meek and compassionate with his assassins. Antony
calls Caesar the most legendary man the world has ever known. He curses the men who have killed Caesar.
p) What prediction does Antony make regarding the future events in Rome?
Ans- Antony says that the Romans will pay for the sin they have committed by murdering Caesar. Then they
shall be cursed. Numerous awful things will befall to the Romans. The nation will experience a violent civil
war that will result in death and damage. Many cruel acts will be carried out. Mothers will see the
dismemberment of their loved ones. Caesar’s ghost will wander in search of vengeance for his death.
q) What reasons does Brutus give for murdering Caesar?
Ans- According to Brutus, he murdered Caesar because the latter had grown arrogant and desired to rule
Rome. He assassinated Caesar in order to strengthen Rome. He was also prepared to give his life in defence
of his nation. Caesar was respected as long as he was valiant, but when he turned ambitious, he was slain.
r) Who says, “Let him be Caesar”? What light does this throw on the speaker?
Ans- The third citizen says “Let him be Caesar” after Brutus has finished his speech justifying Caesar’s
killing. Brutus in his speech proclaims that the public can kill him if he too becomes ambitious like Caesar.
He has the same dagger for himself and he is willing to lay down his life for his country. The citizens are
fully satisfied. They praise Brutus and show their sympathy for the act.
s) Why is Antony’s speech more effective?
Ans- Antony’s speech is more effective because it is genuine and full of emotions and feelings for Caesar.
He very skillfully informs the audience that Caesar was not ambitious but rather had turned down the crown
three times. He enhanced the glory of Rome with his victories. He specified in his testament that each
Roman would get 75 drachmas. He gave his property and gardens to the general public for use. He tries to
gain the sympathy of the people through displaying Caesar’s injured body. After Antony’s speech, the mob
gets furious and rushes to murder the conspirators.
t) What is the fate of Brutus and Cassius, at the end of the scene?
Ans- After Antony’s speech, the crowd is outraged. They move quickly to murder the assassins. Their
homes are set on fire. Inside a tent, Cassius and Brutus prepare to confront the adversary and discuss their
plan of attack. However, they quickly become friends after their intense arguments. Cassius kills himself
because he can’t tolerate losing. Brutus is troubled by Caesar’s apparition. Brutus knows his end is near. He
requests that Starto hold his sword before running over it and killing himself.
5. Julius Caesar and Antony reveal something about their character in their words and actions. We
also learn about them from what other people say. Can you pick out the words that describe them
from the box given below? Also, pick out lines from the play to illustrate your choice.
6. In the play ‘Julius Caesar’, we meet the Roman mob. We find that as Brutus and Antony speak, the
mob displays certain qualities and characteristics.
Given below are some characteristics of the mob. Complete the table by quoting the lines wherein
these are revealed.
7. Antony employs a number of devices to produce the desired effect on the mob.
These devices maybe described as rhetorical devices. He first speaks in such a manner that it seems to
the mob that he is in full agreement with Brutus about Caesar. Then step by step he moves away from
Brutus’ position, depicting Brutus as a villain and Caesar as a wronged man. Copy and complete the
following table by showing how Antony builds the argument in Caesar’s favour

8. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. CAESAR Cowards die many times before their deaths;
The valiant never taste of death but once.
Of all the wonders that I yet have heard.
It seems to me most strange that men should fear;
Seeing that death, a necessary end,
Will come when it will come.

a) Choose the option that is relevant to [A] Assertion and [R] Reason.
[A] A brave person dies only once. [R] A brave person faces any difficult situation or challenges.
A. Both [A] and [R] are true and [R] is the correct explanation of [A].
B. Both [A] and [R] are true and [R] is not the correct explanation of [A].
C. [A] is true but [R] is faise. D. [A] is false but [R] is true.
Ans- A. Both [A] and [R] are true and [R] is the correct explanation of [A].
b) The strangest thing that Caesar ponders is why___________.
A. cowardly people die again and again B. brave people die only once
C. men are afraid of death D. death is inevitable Ans- C. men are afraid of death
c) What fears has the listener expressed? Ans- Calpurnia has expressed a fear that the ominous
signs during the night might mean that Caesar’s life is in danger.
d) What is the basis for the fears expressed? Ans- The basis of her fears are the unearthly events
during the previous night and the strange dream which she had.
e) Why has death been called a ‘necessary’end? Ans- “Death, a necessary end, will come when it will
come.” (Julius Caesar)Human beings are motral and thus for them, death is inescapable. As Caesar explains
in Julius Caesar, there is no use worrying about it. We can only live our lives to the fullest until then.

2. But here’s a parchment with the seal of Caesar;

I found it in his closet, ’tis his will:
Let but the commons hear this testament–
Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read–
And they would go and kiss dead Caesar’s wounds
a) select the option that appropriately fills the blank. parchment:_____________: will: testament
A. dry land B. front area C. pulp D. paper Ans- D. paper
b) Antony says he doesn’t mean to read the will because
A. he feels it is confidential. B. he finds the contents inappropriate.
C. the Romans will grieve for Caesar’s death. D. the Romans will kiss Caesar.
Ans- C. the Romans will grieve for Caesar’s death.
c) What are the contents of Caesar’s will that he is referring to?Ans- Caesar has given sevent y-five
drachmas to every Roman. He has left all his walks, orchards on the side of the Tiber to the common men.
d) Why does the speaker read Caesar’s will to the citizens? Ans- The speaker reads Caesar’s will to
the audience to play on their sympathy, and to make Caesar look like a great, benevolent ruler.
e) Identify the option that this the technique used by Antony in the given extract.
A. reverse psychology B. rhetoric C. dramatic contrast D. persuasion
Ans- A. reverse psychology
f) Choose the option that lists the emotion of the citizens after listening to the ‘will’.
1. Aggressive 2. Nervous 3. Enraged 4. Berserk 5. Powerful
Ans- 1. Aggressive 3. Enraged 4. berserk
9. Questions for Further Study : Given below are some questions based on reading of the play ‘Julius
Caesar’. These questions are not for testing in the Exam. These are for a deeper understanding of the
play and the characters.
a) Why was the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar hatched? Ans- The conspiracy to assassinate
Caesar was hatched to prevent him from being crowned the king of Rome. Brutus and Cassius had animosity
against Caesar and they wished to have the control of Roman empire in their hands rather than with Caesar.
b) Was Caesar really ambitious? Find evidence from the play to support your answer.
Ans- Caesar was not ambitious. He provided Rome and the Romans several wins and triumphs. He was a
compassionate leader and. He refused the crown thrice. Caesar had a lot of empathy. He was aware of how
the underprivileged felt. He promised each Roman 75 drachmas.
c) What was Cassius’ motive for murdering Julius Caesar? Ans- Cassius was envious of Caesar’s rise to
prominence and power. In actuality, he didn’t want people to think of Caesar as the great global conqueror.
He wanted to assassinate Caesar because he did not want him to have power over the Romans.
d) Why was it essential for the conspirators to include Brutus in the conspiracy?
Ans- Brutus was a fervent patriot. Caesar, in his opinion, was a tyrant. Although he was close to Caesar, he
teamed up with the conspirators to free Rome from the dictator’s rule. He believed that killing Caesar was
important for the welfare, liberty, and freedom of Rome. It was necessary for the conspirators to include
Brutus as he was friends with Caesar and Caesar could count on him and trust him completely.
e) What were the mistakes made by Brutus that led to the failure of the conspiracy?
Ans- Jealous of Caesar’s increasing authority, Casca, Cinna, and Cassius plan to kill him. Brutus, on the
other hand, wishes to see an end to Caesar’s rule over the Roman people. He makes the decision to murder
Caesar along with other conspirators. Caesar is taken to Capitol by Cassius and Brutus, who then stab him.
The scheme to murder Caesar is revealed to Antony. Antony asks Brutus for approval so that he might speak
at Caesar’s burial. Brutus agrees and after his speech, Antony speaks. Antony incites the people to attack the
conspirators. Brutus and Cassius are made to commit suicide. The mistake of letting Antony address the
mob led to the failure of conspiracy.
f) Comment on Caesar’s friendship with Antony. Ans- Antony was a dear friend of Caesar. He disagreed
with Brutus that Caesar was a self-centered individual who desired to rule over Rome. He claimed that
Caesar was actually willing to sacrifice his life for Rome. Following Brutus’ remarks at Caesar’s burial,
Antony makes a moving address. He claims that Caesar was not at all ambitious. Caesar refused the crown
three times. He said that Caesar had left each Roman 75 drachmas. Antony played on the emotions of the
crowd and even displayed Caesar’s disfigured corpse. After hearing Antony’s speech, the mob turned
against the conspirators. By doing this, Antony honoured and respected Caesar.
g) Write a brief character sketch of Antony. Ans- Antony is a dear friend of Caesar. He is totally
committed to Caesar. He desires that Caesar be proclaimed king. He is also a great orator and craftsman. He
mostly engages in celebration and musical entertainment. He sees life as a celebration. A clever man,
Antony, is successful in fooling Brutus into believing that he is with the conspirators after the death of
Caesar. He gives a powerful speech that convinces the mob that there was a plot to kill Caesar. He truly
cares about Caesar and wants to get revenge against the conspirators. His speech is to blame for the
conspirators’ defeat.
h) What is the role of Julius Caesar’s ghost in the play, Julius Caesar?
Ans- In the play, Julius Caesar’s ghost makes appearance twice: the first is when Brutus is asleep in his tent
and it stands by his bedside silently. The second occurrence is during the war in Philippi,the ghost appeared
in front of Antonius and Octavius. It did not speak anything. The ghost’s goal was to convince Brutus of his
error. His emotions overcame him, and he joined the conspirators. Rome saw upheaval and instability after
Caesar’s death. Brutus, who is upset by everything, kills himself with his own sword.
i) Why does Antony call Brutus ‘the noblest Roman of them all’?
Ans- The phrase “the noblest Roman of them all” used by Antony to describe Brutus is sarcastic. He
actually wants to inform the populace that, contrary to Brutus’ assertion, Caesar was not at all ambitious, but
he holds off on saying this outright in favour of citing examples and provoking the audience gently and
methodically. Antony is a convincing speaker. In order to attract the public’s attention and compassion, he
initially refers to Brutus as the noblest Roman. Slowly he reveals to the populace that Brutus’ personal
vendetta against Caesar, not Caesar’s ambition, was what ultimately led to Caesar’s death. By turning the
mob against the conspirators, Antony is able to get revenge for the death of his dear friend.
j) How do Brutus and Cassius meet their end?
Ans- Brutus wants that their forces should move to Philippi and attack the enemy. Cassius rejects the idea
and walks away. Brutus and Cassius lead their forces to the armies of Octavius and Antony on the fields of
Philippi. Octavius’ intervention puts a halt to their wrongdoing. The troops of Cassius and Antony then
engage in combat, with Antony winning. Cassius kills himself because he was unable to accept his defeat.
Brutus too is disheartened and kills himself with his own sword.

10. A reporter covers the event of the assassination of Julius Caesar in the senate.
Giving graphic details and a catchy headline, write the newspaper report in about 200 words.
End of a legend
Today was a dark day in the history of Rome. Julius Caesar, an accomplished son of the land, was murdered
in broad daylight. Caesar came to the Capitol to be crowned the king.
The details of his death are really disturbing. Metellus Cimber petitioned Caesar to overturn his brother’s
exile in the early hours of the morning as he was just taking his seat in the Senate. Caesar declined to grant
his request. Then, a large group of senators who were all involved in the criminal scheme gathered around
him and urged him to revoke the order. When Caesar again declined, they all stabbed him with daggers that
were concealed under their clothing, one by one.
Brutus was a close friend of Caesar’s. When Brutus, one of the assailants, stabbed Caesar, Caesar collapsed
and cried out, “Et tu Brute”, meaning “You too Brutus”
Read the extract and answer the questions that follow-
CAESAR: “Cowards die many times before their deaths;
The valiant never taste of death but once.
Of all the wonders that I yet have heard.
It seems to me most strange that men should fear;
Seeing that death, a necessary end,
Will come when it will come.
Re-enter Servant
What say the augurers?”
Q1. Who is Caesar speaking to? Why does he say these words? Caesar is speaking to his wife Calpurnia.
He says these words because Calpurnia wants him to stay at home as she feels his life is in danger.
Q2. How do cowards die and why? Cowards die many times before their deaths because they are always
scared as to when death might come to them.
Q3. When does the valiant taste death? The valiant never tastes death but only once in life.
Q4. Choose the most suitable meaning of the word “augurers”.
Ans- I. One who foretells the future from the behavior of birds.
B. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow-
“A lioness hath whelped in the streets;
And graves have yawn’d, and yielded up their dead;
Fierce fiery warriors fought upon the clouds,
In ranks and squadrons and right form of war ,
Which drizzled blood upon the Capitol;
The noise of battle hurtled in the air,
Horses did neigh, and dying men did groan,
And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the streets.
O Caesar! these things are beyond all use ,
And I do fear them.”
Q1. Name the speaker. Why does she say these lines?Ans- Calpurnia speaks these lines to her husband
Julius Caesar. She is describing to him the nightmare that she saw the previous night.
Q2. What happened to the graves?
Ans- The graves opened up and the dead roamed around the streets of Rome.
Q3. What happens on the clouds?Ans- Fierce warriors fought in the clouds in ranks and squadrons—the
usual military formations—until blood drizzled down from the sky onto the Capitol.
Q4. Find a word that means the same as “give birth to” Ans- whelped
C. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow-
“ CAESAR And you are come in very happy time ,
To bear my greeting to the senators
And tell them that I will not come to-day:
Cannot, is false, and that I dare not, falser:
I will not come to-day: tell them so, Decius.
CALPURNIA Say he is sick.
CAESAR Shall Caesar send a lie?
Have I in conquest stretch’d mine arm so far,
To be afraid to tell graybeards the truth?
Decius, go tell them Caesar will not come.
Q1. Where are the speakers? Who has come to meet Caesar?
Ans- The speakers are at Caesar’s house. Decius Brutus has come to meet Caesar.
Q2. What message does Caesar wish to send? To whom?
Ans- Caesar wishes to send a message to the senators, saying that he will not come to the senate that day.
Q3. Who are the ‘greybeards’? Why is Caesar not afraid of them?Ans- Caesar mockingly calls the
senators old men or ‘greybeards’. He is not afraid of them because he is a mighty conqueror.
Q4. What is the lie mentioned in the above lines`?Ans- Calpurnia, Caesar’s wife tells Decius to tell a lie
to the senators that Caesar will not come as he is lying sick. In reality, Caesar is not sick.
D. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow-
‘But I am constant as the northern star,
Of whose true-fix’d and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament. I was constant Cimber should be banish’d,
And constant do remain to keep him so.’
Q1. Who is “I” in the first line?Ans- Julius Caesar
Q2. Why does Caesar compare himself to the ‘northern star’? What is the occasion?Ans- Caesar
compares himself to the ‘northern star’ because he does not change his mind and remains unshakeable.
Q3. State the comparison made by Caesar between the firmament and the world of men.
Ans- Caesar draws a comparison between the firmament and the world of men, noting that while the sky
was studded with countless stars that were all brilliantly glowing, there was only one that did not move—the
pole star. Similar to this, there were other powerful and brilliant beings in the world of mankind, but only
Caesar remained steadfast in his beliefs.
Q4. Find a word which means the same as “heavens or sky” Ans- Firmament

E. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow-

“O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?
Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils ,
Shrunk to this little measure ? Fare thee well.
I know not, gentlemen, what you intend,
Who else must be let blood, who else is rank:
If I myself, there is no hour so fit
As Caesar’s death hour, nor no instrument
Of half that worth as those your swords, made rich
With the most noble blood of all this world.
I do beseech ye, if you bear me hard ,
Now, whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke,
Fulfil your pleasure. Live a thousand years,
I shall not find myself so apt to die:
No place will please me so, no mean of death,
As here by Caesar, and by you cut off,
The choice and master spirits of this age.
Q1. Who is the speaker of above lines? Ans- Antony
Q2. Where does the mighty Caesar lie? What is meant by ‘this little measure’? The mighty Caesar lay
on the ground at the foot of Pompey’s statue. ‘This little measure’ means this small piece of land.
Q3. Who are the gentlemen Antony addresses?
Ans- The gentlemen that Antony addresses are the conspirators standing next to Caesar’s body.
Q4. Write the meaning of the following words.Ans- Dost- do Thou – you Thy – your Thee – you
1. How do the heavens 'blaze forth' the death of Julius Caesar?
The watch (watchman) sees horrible and frightening things. He saw a lioness giving birth on the streets,
fierce warriors fighting a bloody fight and blood falling on the Capitol, ghosts shrieking and squealing in the
streets, the dead coming out of the grave. Apart from this, Calpurnia saw frightening dreams. All these were
unnatural happenings and indicated bad omen. Thus, heavens “blaze forth” the death of Julius Caesar.
2. What does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar of? Calpurnia tries to convince Caesar that he should not
go out of the house that day as some mishap might happen. She describes her frightening dreams to Caesar
and tells him that they indicate bad omen. She tells him for his safety he should not step out of the house.
3 Why does Calpurnia say Caesar's 'wisdom is consumed in confidence'? What does she mean?
Calpurnia says that Caesar's 'wisdom is consumed in confidence' because Caesar decides to go to the Senate
ignoring all the signs which foretell him about danger. Calpurnia felt that Caesar had become overconfident
and because of this he couldn’t understand there was a threat to his life. Julius doesn’t act wise and declines
the idea of staying back because if he did so, he would be considered a coward.
4 What does Calpurnia dream about Caesar? How does Decius Brutus interpret the dream? Calpurnia
dreamt that Caesar’s statue spouted blood from a hundred places and many Roman people came and washed
their hands in it. Decius Brutus interprets it as a lucky and fortunate dream. He says that Rome and Romans
will get a new life. Great man shall gather around Caesar and stain their handkerchief in his blood. Distin
guished men will get honour at his hands and everything relating to him will be held in utmost reverence.
5 What are the arguments put forward by Decius Brutus to convince Caesar to go to the Capitol?
Decius Brutus is a clever man. The arguments put forward by Decius Brutus were that the Senate had
decided to present Caesar a crown and if he did not go, then they might change their minds. All this
convinces Caesar to go to the Capitol.
6 Why is Decius more successful than Calpurnia in persuading Caesar? Decius Brutus is a great
flatterer. He is more successful in persuading Caesar than Calpurnia because his argument appeals to
Caesar’s pride.While Calpurnia wishes that Caesar stay at home after seeing horrible dreams,
Decius Brutus interprets the dreams lucky and fortunate. According to him, they signify Caesar’s power and
influence. He gives Caesar’s ego a boost. Caesar is totally carried away by his words and decides to go to
the Capitol.
7. What is the petition put before Caesar by the conspirators? How does Caesar respond to it?
The conspirators want that Caesar should call Publius Cimber home as he had banished him. They request
him to review his earlier decision. However, Caesar is no mood to relent. He tells the conspirators that he is
firm like a Pole Star. His heart will not be softened by bowing and stooping activities and if Mettellus
Cimber continues such activities, he would turn him away like a street dog.
8. Who says "Et tu Brute"? When are these words spoken? Why?
These words are spoken by Caesar when Brutus along with other conspirators stabs Caesar. Caesar was
stabbed in the Senate House and Brutus too stabs him. Caesar had not expected Brutus to behave in such a
treacherous manner. As he tries to defend himself, with his broken heart, he says ‘Et tu Brute’.
9. In the moments following Caesar's death what do the conspirators proclaim to justify Caesar's
death? After Caesar’s death, the conspirators claim that with Caesar’s death tyranny has ended in Rome.
They shout slogans like ‘Peace, Liberty, Freedom and Enfranchisement’. They say that although Caesar was
a great man, he had become too ambitious.
 10 Seeing the body of Caesar, Antony is overcome by grief. What does he say about Caesar?
Antony is filled with grief and sorrow on seeing mighty Caesar lying on the ground. He says “O mighty
Caesar! Dost thou lie so low?/ Are all they conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,/ Shrunk to this little
measure?/ Fare thee well.” He said he was totally ignorant of the conspirator’s intentions. He is willing to
die at their hands. His life is not as valuable as Caesar’s and he will think himself as fortunate if he is killed
by the same sword as the one which killed Caesar. He bids Caesar a sorrowful farewell. He believed that
Caesar brought glories, victories and gains in war to the city of Rome.
11 Whom does Antony call 'the choice and master spirits of this age"? Why?
Antony calls the conspirators “the choice and master spirits of this age”. He says this because they had just
killed the leader of the Roman Empire.
12. How do Brutus and Cassius respond to Antony's speech?
After listening to Antony's speech, Brutus assures him that even though the deed seems bloody, their
intentions were worthy. Their pity for the common people of Rome overrode their pity for Caesar. Cassius
offers Antony new position in the government.
13. Why does Cassius object to allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral? How does Brutus
overcome this objection? Cassius does not think it would be proper Antony should speak at Caesar’s
funeral as his speech may change the mind of the audience. But Brutus tells that Antony would only speak
with their consent and he will speak first and his speech will enumerate reasons for Caesar’s death.
14 What are the conditions imposed by the conspirators before allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's
funeral? The conditions imposed on Mark Antony were that in his funeral speech he would not blame the
conspirators, but speak all good things about Caesar. He had to speak from the same pulpit as Brutus and tell
the people that he did so by the conspirators’ permission.
15 When he is left alone with the body of Caesar what does Anthony call Brutus and the others?
Antony prays that Caesar will pardon Antony if he has been meek and gentle with his murderers. Antony
calls Caesar the most illustrious man the world has ever known. He curses the men who have killed him.
16 What prediction does Antony make regarding the future events in Rome?
Antony says that the Romans will pay for the sin they have committed by murdering Caesar. A curse will
fall upon them. The Romans will suffer from various terrible happenings. A furious civil war with bloodshed
and destruction will occur in the country. Cruel deeds will be committed frequently. Mothers shall see their
near and dear ones cut to pieces before their eyes. The soul of Caesar will roam to seek revenge of his death.
17. What reasons does Brutus give for murdering Caesar?
Brutus tells that he killed Caesar because he had become ambitious and wanted to be the king of Rome. He
killed Caesar for the betterment of Rome. He was also ready to lay down his life for his country. He
honoured Caesar as long as he was heroic but when he became ambitious he killed him.
18. Who says, "Let him be Caesar"? What light does this throw on the speaker?
The third citizen says "Let him be Caesar" after Brutus has finished his speech justifying Caesar’s killing.
Brutus in his speech proclaims that the public can kill him if he too becomes ambitious like Caesar. He has
the same dagger for himself and he is willing to lay down his life for his country. The citizens are fully
satisfied. They praise Brutus and show their sympathy for the act.
19. Why is Antony's speech more effective? Antony speech is more effective because it is genuine and full
of emotions and feelings for Caesar. He very cleverly tells the crowd that Caesar was not ambitious rather he
had refused the crown thrice. He enhanced the glory of Rome with his victories. He left 75 drachmas in his
will to be given to every Roman. He left his gardens and property for the common use of the people. He tries
to gain the sympathy of the people by showing Caesar’s wounded body. The mob is filled with anger after
Antony’s speech and they rush to kill the conspirators.
20 At the end of the scene what is the fate of Brutus and Cassius?
After Antony’s speech, the mob is filled with anger. They rush to kill the conspirators. They burn their
houses. Cassius and Brutus plan to face the enemy and discuss their strategy inside a tent. However, both
start to quarrel violently but soon become friends. Cassius cannot handle defeat and commits suicide. The
ghost of Caesar haunts Brutus. Brutus knows his end is near. He asks Starto to hold his sword, runs on it and
dies.
Long Answer Questions
Q 1. What does Antony say in his speech? Why is it more effective than that of Brutus?
Ans. Antony addresses the Roman crowd directly after reaching an agreement with the conspirators and
receiving their approval. He makes the excuse that he is not there to talk poorly of Brutus and the others
while praising Caesar. He does the exact opposite, though. He begins by recounting the victories, triumphs,
and awards that Caesar brought to Rome. He brought many captives, received ransoms and tributes. He
grieved for the underprivileged and their cause. He dedicated his own garden and parks to the Romans in his
will. He had the Roman populace as heirs. Caesar declined the throne that was three times offered to him.
He clearly demonstrated that Brutus and the other conspirators were murderers and liars. He was successful
in inciting the mob to feel compassion for Caesar and to turn their wrath on the conspirators.
Q 2. Caesar’s end was tragic. He did a lot for the people of Rome but still he was murdered by his
friends. How did they justify his murder? Ans. A number of powerful and influential people were jealous
of Caesar’s growing power and popularity. They all decided to finish him off. They had their personal
grudges and jealousies. Being the scheming kind, they were not respected by the people. They hatch a plot
to kill Caesar. To give credence to their act and to justify themselves, they poisoned the mind of Brutus, the
noble and most trusted and respected man in Rome. They made him believe, Caesar was ambitious and in
the interest of Rome, he should be finished. Brutus, who loved Rome more than anything else, agreed and
joined the conspirators. Caesar was murdered by his own friends.
Q3. Loyalty is inherent in friendship. A friend is expected to avenge the hurt caused to his friend.
Describe how Antony proves his loyalty to Julius Caesar by bringing the conspirators to justice.
Ans. Caesar was a victim of a conspiracy. Mark Antony, a very close friend and confidant of Caesar, a true
patriot in his own right, was shocked and mourned when he got to know about the horrific crime. He
demonstrates to the Romans that the accusations made against Caesar by the conspirators were false by
making an incredibly moving funeral address.
He outraged and incited his fellow Romans to rise up in rebellion against the conspirators. After that, there is
civil strife and violence, and the conspirators are killed. When confronted with harsh disappointment, Brutus
and Cassius take their own lives. As a result, Antony exacted revenge on Caesar. He demonstrates that
friendships are based on loyalty and that it was his moral duty as a friend to bring the conspirators to justice.
Q4. Was assassinating Caesar the right decision?
Ans. The conspirators use the preservation of the Roman Republic, in which there is no monarch and all
members of the ruling aristocracy are equal, as justification for assassinating Caesar. The Roman Republic
as people know it would come to an end if Caesar declared himself king and assumed ultimate authority.
First of all, the assassination fails to achieve the goals of the conspirators; the Republic is never reinstated,
Antony and Octavius seize power, and Octavius goes on to become the first Roman Emperor.
Second, the play portrays Brutus as finally making the decision to kill Caesar, and that choice is depicted as
a tragic error, a dark decision with evil results. The audience witnesses Brutus being duped by Cassius’s
deceptions into believing that the Roman populace wants him to assassinate Caesar. The actual decision is
taken under ominous conditions—during a storm, with the conspirators masked. This choice, like all
tragedies, brings about Brutus’s inevitable downfall and death.
Q5. Who do you believe is the antagonist of the play Julius Caesar? In Julius Caesar, Cassius, Antony,
and Caesar himself are all possible antagonists. Cassius fabricates false evidence to persuade Brutus to
participate in the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar. The moral purity of Brutus’ motivations (defending the
populace against tyranny) contrasts sharply with Cassius’ motivations (envy of Caesar). The play’s
remaining events begin when Cassius uses Brutus’ desire to defend Rome as a tool. While Cassius persuades
Brutus to take on Caesar, Antony plots Brutus’s downfall and death. The Romans first accept Brutus’
justification for Caesar’s murder, but after Antony passionately addresses the audience, they reconsider and
determine that Caesar’s killing was not justified. Antony’s ability to manipulate the crowd leads to civil war
and Brutus’s suicide. Caesar, though, could end up being the play’s most significant antagonist. He dies
before the audience discovers whether power could actually corrupt him, as Brutus and the conspirators fear.
Caesar is, nevertheless, sufficiently portrayed by Shakespeare to show that he harbours ambition and a
desire for power.
Q6. What are Flavius and Murellus angry about at the beginning of the play?
Flavius and Murellus are initially angry because they see a number of commoners neglecting their work. They
learn that the commoners are celebrating Caesar’s defeat of his archrival Pompey. Flavius and Murellus
wonder why Pompey’s death should be considered a good thing, considering the people of Rome used to adore
him. They are upset that the people turned their affections so quickly to Caesar, and that Caesar is becoming
too self-important. Even though Flavius and Murellus do not appear again in the play, they are the first to
voice the distrust of Caesar that eventually leads to his murder later in the play.
Q7. Why does Caesar decide to go to the Senate despite his wife’s warnings?
Caesar goes to the Senate because his ambition surpasses his desire to comfort his wife. After Calpurnia’s
terrifying nightmare that portends Caesar’s assassination, Caesar initially agrees to stay home, despite his
belief that nothing can change his fate. Midway through the scene, Decius—one of the conspirators—arrives
to escort Caesar to the Senate. Not wanting to lie about the reason he refuses to attend, Caesar informs Decius
of Calpurnia’s dream. Knowing that he needs to convince Caesar to come, Decius tells two lies. First, he
reinterprets Calpurnia’s vision, insisting that the blood in her dream does not represent death, but instead
represents the life and renewal Caesar will bring about for the Romans. Second, Decius says the Senate plans
to crown Caesar the first emperor of Rome. Decius’s two lies stoke Caesar’s thirst for power and convince
him to go to the Senate despite Calpurnia’s warnings, ultimately leading to Caesar’s doom.

Q8.Why does Brutus allow Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral?

Brutus allows Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral in the hopes that doing so will work to the conspirators’
benefit. Brutus plans to make a speech to the Roman people, outlining the reasons for Caesar’s death, and he
tells Antony that he can speak afterward. Brutus instructs Antony to speak well of the conspirators: “You shall
not in your funeral speech blame us, / But speak all good you can devise of Caesar, / And say you do ’t by our
permission.” Cassius strongly objects to this plan, pointing out that there’s no way to know “how much the
people may be moved / By that which he will utter.” Brutus insists, however, that having Antony speak at
Caesar’s funeral will help justify the conspirators’ actions in the eyes of the Roman people. Later, this plan
goes awry. Although Brutus’s words temporarily win the crowd’s sympathies, Antony goes on to deliver a
moving speech full of masterful rhetoric that quickly turns the Roman people against the conspirators, leading
to a riot and, later, war. Brutus’s mistake in letting Antony speak derails the conspirators’ cause and leads to
tragedy.

Q9. How does Cassius die?

Cassius kills himself with the same sword that killed Caesar because he believes his friend Titinius has been
captured by enemy troops. Cassius sends Titinius to ride to a distant camp and determine whether the camp
belongs to friends or enemies. Pindarus, Cassius’s servant, reports that a group of men on horseback surround
Titinius and take him captive. Aggrieved and ashamed that he should “live so long / To see my best friend
ta’en before my face,” Cassius decides he too must die. However, Cassius doesn’t take his own life, technically
avoiding suicide as he instructs Pindarus to “guide” the sword. The audience learns immediately after Cassius
dies that Titinius was never captured and is alive among friends. Cassius thus kills himself for no good reason.
Although he appeared politically savvy and cunning throughout the play, Cassius proves in the final act he is
not as shrewd as the audience is led to believe.

Q10.Was assassinating Caesar the right decision?

The conspirators justify the assassination of Caesar by claiming that they want to preserve the Roman
Republic, in which no one is king and the ruling aristocrats are equals. If Caesar claims absolute power and
becomes crowned as king, the Roman Republic will end as they know it. While Julius Caesar does show that
the conspirators have some valid reasons to fear Caesar—mainly because Caesar really does regard himself
as superior—the play presents this decision as a mistake in several ways. First, the assassination does not
accomplish what the conspirators intended to do—the Republic is never restored, and Antony and Octavius
rise up to take Caesar’s place as rulers, with Octavius eventually becoming the first Roman Emperor. Second,
the play presents the decision to assassinate Caesar as ultimately Brutus’s decision, and that decision is
portrayed as a fateful mistake, a dark choice with sinister consequences. The audience sees Brutus tempted by
Cassius’s lies and stratagems, misleading him into thinking the Roman people want him to kill Caesar. The
decision itself is made in sinister circumstances, in the midst of a storm and with the conspirators masked. As
with any tragedy, this decision leads to Brutus’s inevitable downfall and death.
Q.11Why does Cassius hate Caesar?
Cassius hates Caesar because he is jealous of Caesar’s power and he believes that Caesar is a weak man and,
therefore, undeserving of the power and admiration he has been given by the Roman citizens. To highlight his
feelings, Cassius describes to Brutus how he once saved Caesar’s life when the two raced each other across
the Tiber River. While he tells the story, he reveals his anger and resentment toward Caesar when he suggests
that Caesar “[i]s now become a god, and Cassius is / A wretched creature [who] must bend his body” to him.
During this conversation with Brutus, Cassius goes on to spitefully explain Caesar’s epileptic fits as another
sign of the would-be emperor’s weakness. Caesar’s physical weakness, in contrast with his overreaching
power, leads Cassius to judge Caesar as a danger to Rome and the Republic; he fears that Caesar will become
emperor and strip the senators of their power, essentially enslaving them.

Q.12 What is the significance of the comet?

The comet’s appearance mainly serves as an omen foreshadowing Julius Caesar’s impending assassination.
However, Shakespeare also uses the comet to characterize Caesar’s ego as his tragic flaw. Calpurnia suggests
the comet’s purpose when she explains, “When beggars die there are no comets seen. / The heavens themselves
blaze forth the death of princes” (2.2.29–31). Such a description sets the comet up as one of three omens that
portend the death of Caesar (the others are the Soothsayer’s prophecy and Calpurnia’s dream). By having
Caesar flippantly ignore these three blatant omens, Shakespeare highlights Caesar’s ego as a central factor in
his downfall.

Q.13 Why does Caesar refuse the crown when Antony offers it to him?
There are differing responses to this question, depending on which character provides the answer. Casca
explains to Brutus and Cassius that, in the arena, Caesar refused the crown every time Antony offered it
because each time he refused, the crowd responded uproariously. Casca observes that “he would fain have
had it,” implying that Caesar’s refusal was, essentially, theater and that he was simply pandering to the crowd.
On the other hand, Antony uses the same incident to reveal that Caesar refused the crown because he was not
ambitious or power-hungry. However, it’s more likely that Caesar’s motivations were as Casca implies:
Caesar theatrically refused the crown to further secure the hearts and minds of the people, and he fully intended
to accept the crown when the senate officially offered it to him.

Q.14 What happens to Murellus and Flavius?

Casca explains to Brutus and Cassius that “Murellus and Flavius, for pulling scarfs off Caesar’s images, are
put to silence.” Interpretations of this line vary. There is the obvious euphemistic interpretation that silence
means death, suggesting Caesar had the two tribunes killed for speaking out against him in public. Yet other
theories suggest that the pair may have been stripped of rank and possibly tortured, having their tongues cut
out, or that they were simply threatened, stripped of rank, and forced to stop publicly opposing Caesar.

Q.15 Why does Antony shake hands with the conspirators?

Antony shakes hands with the conspirators to make them believe that he does not have ill intentions toward
them. He ultimately desires to take a brutal revenge against the group, but he is aware that confronting them
directly after Caesar’s murder would likely prove fatal for him. Showing great wisdom, inner resolve, and
patience, Antony “makes nice” with the conspirators and relies on his unassuming reputation in order to bide
his time, turn the people against the conspirators, and raise an army to enact his revenge against them.

Q.16 Why does Caesar’s will have such a powerful impact on the plebeians?
It is not the actual contents of Caesar’s will that have a powerful impact on the plebeians, but rather it is
Antony’s reading of the will. He essentially uses the will as a rhetorical device that symbolizes Caesar’s love
for the plebeians and the betrayal he endured at the conspirators’ hands, which gives the will the power to
truly move the plebeians to rise up in mutiny. First, Antony primes the plebeians by telling them exactly what
the will represents: Caesar’s love for them and all of Rome. He then states that he “must not read it” and
cleverly implies how people should react if they were to hear its contents: “It is not meet you know how Caesar
loved you. / You are not wood, you are not stones, but men. / And, being men, hearing the will of Caesar, / It
will inflame you, it will make you mad.” Essentially, Antony tells the plebeians that Caesar loved them and
suggests that the will is proof of this love.
Q.17 What happens to Portia?
Unable to handle Brutus’s absence and all that is happening in Rome, Portia commits suicide. During their
dispute in Act 4, scene 3, Brutus informs Cassius that Portia is dead. He explains her despair over the recent
events, including “grief that young Octavius with Mark Antony / Have made themselves so strong.” Brutus
then explains that when Portia’s servants were not around, she killed herself by swallowing hot coals.

Q.18 How are Octavius and Caesar related?

Julius Caesar is Octavius’s great-uncle, as Octavius’s grandfather married one of Caesar’s sisters. However,
at some point Caesar adopts Octavius as his son. Caesar’s will states that Octavius is the heir to the empire.

Q19 Why does Brutus refuse to swear an oath?

Brutus refuses to swear an oath because he believes that his doing so will belittle the great enterprise that he
and the other conspirators have taken upon themselves. He feels that the righteousness of their intentions is
enough to keep them all honest and that if they were to swear an oath, it would suggest that their resolve is
weak and would dishonor their purpose, which he believes is to protect Rome from tyranny.

Q 20 Why does Brutus kill himself?

In ancient Rome, it was considered more honorable for a Roman leader to commit suicide rather than face the
humiliation of capture. If Brutus were taken prisoner, he would have likely been chained and paraded down
the streets of Rome as a trophy, and he would ultimately have been executed for his crimes, so Brutus likely
chose suicide to avoid such suffering and shame. Also, since Julius Caesar is based on historical events,
Shakespeare simply presents this historical fact in his play.
Short Answer Questions
Q 1. What is your impression about Julius Caesar’s character?
Ans.: In all of Rome, Julius Caesar stands out as a courageous competent leader. He participated in several
battles. His kingdom grew by his victories. His overconfidence and haughtiness end up becoming his flaws.
Because of his passion for flattery, Decius was able to get him to the senate on that fateful day.
Q 2. What had the senators decided to do that day?
Ans. Decius Brutus said that the senators had chosen to make Caesar the new ruler of Rome. They could
reconsider if Caesar stayed back home. Decius informs Caesar and he agrees to go.
Q 3. What was Metellus Cimber’s plea?
Ans. Cimber wished to get his brother’s expulsion from Rome reversed. He wished for his brother to be
pardoned and permitted to return to Rome as a legitimate citizen.
Q 4. Why is Antony ‘meek and gentle’ with the ‘butchers’?
Answer: Antony knew he was alone, and the conspirators were in large numbers. However, he was clever
and was buying time. He presents himself as “meek” and “gentle,” but on the inside, he is outrageous and
seeks revenge in any circumstance.
Q5. Why does Cassius caution Brutus against allowing Antony to speak in the funeral of Caesar?
Ans. Cassius was fully aware of Antony’s oratory prowess. Additionally, he was aware of Antony’s
intelligence and his capacity to use this knowledge against them. He worries that he would inspire the
populace to oppose them. His worries prove to be accurate.
Q6. How did Brutus convince Cassius?
Ans. Cassius received Brutus’ assurance that nothing would transpire since Antony would inform the
populace that he was present with their consent. First, Brutus would speak from the pulpit and make sure
Antony didn’t say anything negative about them.
Q7. How did Antony prove Brutus wrong?
Ans. Antony, true to his words, does not blame Brutus or the conspirators right away. But he employs all
available rhetorical strategies, reveals the truth to the populace over time, and does a very smart job of
exposing the murderers.
Q8. How does Antony show them the cuts and the most unkind cut of all? Antony shows them the
mantle with cuts made at different places by the conspirators, then the cut through which Brutus had stabbed
Caesar. This was the most unkind cut as Brutus was his loved one and his betrayal was the cause of Caesar’s
death.
Q9. Why did Brutus kill Caesar? Although Brutus adored Caesar, he loved Rome more. The Romans
would have been made into slaves if Caesar had survived. Caesar had to be put to death because of his
overambition. Caesar had to be killed if the Romans were to succeed.
Q10. What was Antony’s purpose behind the funeral speech?
Ans. The intention was to incite the irrational masses to seek vengeance by fighting the conspirators. He is
successful as the populace prepares to rebel and rises up to set the traitors’ homes on fire.
Q11. Do you think the people were fickle-minded? Why do you think so? When Brutus speaks, people
immediately and without hesitation agree with all he says. When Antony enters, they change their minds.
Q.12. How was Caesar’s murder avenged? The enraged mob rushes to find the conspirators as they get
irrational. There is civil strife. Later, Antony and Octavius beat Brutus and Cassius in a battle. Having no
other option, they kill themselves. Caesar’s assassination was thus avenged.
Q13. How does Decius Brutus interpret Calpumia’s dream?
Ans. According to Decius Brutus, the dream has been misinterpreted. He very carefully and skilfully gives
the dream a new meaning by labelling it fortunate. He argues that the Romans would receive fresh life and
vigour from Caesar’s blood. They would preserve the aristocratic blood for posterity by dipping their
handkerchiefs in it. The blood would be used to adorn their military badges, mementos, and coat of arms.
Q14. What argument did Brutus put forward in defence of Caesar’s murder? Brutus was good friends
with Caesar and a man of high ideals. Unfortunately, he agreed with the conspirators who said that Caesar
was overly ambitious and a danger to the democracy and freedom of the Roman people. In order to justify
the killing, he makes the claim to the Romans that he loved Rome more than he did Caesar.
Q15. Why is Cassius not in favour of Antony addressing the Roman mob?
Ans. One of the conspirators, Cassius, opposed Antony speaking before the Romans. He was worried that
Antony, a devoted friend of Caesar and a skilled orator, would incite the people to rebel against the
conspirators and seek revenge for Caesar’s murder.
Q16. What arguments does Antony put forward to refute the charge that Caesar was an ambitious
man? Ans. The conspirators’ claim that Caesar was ambitious is strongly refuted by Mark Antony.He
pointed out to the Romans how after each victory, Caesar stuffed the coffers. Three times the crown had
been given to him, but each time he had declined. He also impressed upon the crowd the generosity of their
leader who had passed on his belongings to the people of Rome.
Q17. Why does Brutus kill himself? In ancient Rome, it was considered more honorable for a Roman
leader to commit suicide rather than face the humiliation of capture. If Brutus were taken prisoner, he would
have likely been chained and paraded down the streets of Rome as a trophy, and he would ultimately have
been executed for his crimes, so Brutus likely chose suicide to avoid such suffering and shame. Also, since
Julius Caesar is based on historical events, Shakespeare simply presents this historical fact in his play.