(a) How
do the heavens 'blaze forth' the death of Julius Caesar?
Answer-Calpurnia sees ill-omens that predict the death of Caesar beforehand. The heavens predict the death princes and great kings. She 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. All these were unnatural happenings and indicated bad omen. Thus heavens “blaze forth” the death of Julius Caesar. All this signalled that someone as powerful as Caesar was bound to suffer.
(b) What does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar of?
Answer-Calpurnia tries to convince Caesar of an ill-omen that she has seen her nightmares, which does mean a grave danger to Caesar’s life. She tries to convince Caesar not to go out as she fears he nightmares might turn true and Caesar might face danger for his life.
(c) Why does Calpurnia say Caesar's 'wisdom is consumed in confidence'? What does she mean?
Answer-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.
(d) What does Calpurnia dream about Caesar? How does Decius Brutus interpret the dream?
Answer-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. Distinguished men will get honour at his hands and everything relating to him will be held in utmost reverence.
(e) What are the arguments put forward by Decius Brutus to convince Caesar to go to the Capitol?
Answer-Decius Brutus, being a flatterer, interprets Calpurnia's dream as fair and fortunate one. Caesar's statue spouting blood from hundred places signifies his influence and reverence for him. He further says that the Senate has concluded to crown him. In case Caesar doest no go to the Senate House that day, they may change their mind and he may miss such a golden oppurtunity to be the Roman king.
(f) Why is Decius more successful than Calpurnia in persuading Caesar?
Answer-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.
(g) What is the petition put before Caesar by the conspirators? How does Caesar respond to it?
Answer-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.
(h) Who says "Et tu Brute"? When are these words spoken? Why?
Answer-Caesar utters these words which mean, “You too, Brutus”. These are uttered when Brutus stabs Caesar and Caesar is too hurt to see that even his dear friend Brutus could resort to such treachery.
(i) In the moments following Caesar's death what do the conspirators proclaim to justify Caesar's death?
Answer-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.
(j) Seeing the body of Caesar, Antony is overcome by grief. What does he say about Caesar?
Answer-Antony is overwhelmed with grief on seeing Caesar's dead body. He exclaims that inspite of Caesars' conquests, glories, triumphs and spoils, he lies so "low". He offers to be killed and lie by Caesar's side whom he calls the choice and master spirits of this age and "most noble".
(k) Whom does Antony call 'the choice and master spirits of this age"? Why?
Answer-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?
Answer-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.
(m) Why does Cassius object to allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral? How does Brutus overcome this objection?
Answer-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.
(n) What are the conditions imposed by the conspirators before allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral?
Answer-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.
(o) When he is left alone with the body of Caesar what does Anthony call Brutus and the others?
Answer-Antony curses the murderers and he seeks forgiveness for being polite to them. He calls them ‘butchers’ who killed the noblest of men.
(p) What prediction does Antony make regarding the future events in Rome?
Answer-Antony prophesies that Italy will be ravaged with civil war, violence and extreme blood shed will leave the earth full of dead bodies. Goddess of revenge will descend on earth with Caesar’s spirit and the stench of dead bodies will fill the earth.
(q) What reasons does Brutus give for murdering Caesar?
Answer-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.
(r) Who says, "Let him be Caesar"? What light does this throw on the speaker?
Answer-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?
Answer-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.
(t) At the end of the scene what is the fate of Brutus and Cassius?
Answer-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.
Answer-Calpurnia sees ill-omens that predict the death of Caesar beforehand. The heavens predict the death princes and great kings. She 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. All these were unnatural happenings and indicated bad omen. Thus heavens “blaze forth” the death of Julius Caesar. All this signalled that someone as powerful as Caesar was bound to suffer.
(b) What does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar of?
Answer-Calpurnia tries to convince Caesar of an ill-omen that she has seen her nightmares, which does mean a grave danger to Caesar’s life. She tries to convince Caesar not to go out as she fears he nightmares might turn true and Caesar might face danger for his life.
(c) Why does Calpurnia say Caesar's 'wisdom is consumed in confidence'? What does she mean?
Answer-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.
(d) What does Calpurnia dream about Caesar? How does Decius Brutus interpret the dream?
Answer-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. Distinguished men will get honour at his hands and everything relating to him will be held in utmost reverence.
(e) What are the arguments put forward by Decius Brutus to convince Caesar to go to the Capitol?
Answer-Decius Brutus, being a flatterer, interprets Calpurnia's dream as fair and fortunate one. Caesar's statue spouting blood from hundred places signifies his influence and reverence for him. He further says that the Senate has concluded to crown him. In case Caesar doest no go to the Senate House that day, they may change their mind and he may miss such a golden oppurtunity to be the Roman king.
(f) Why is Decius more successful than Calpurnia in persuading Caesar?
Answer-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.
(g) What is the petition put before Caesar by the conspirators? How does Caesar respond to it?
Answer-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.
(h) Who says "Et tu Brute"? When are these words spoken? Why?
Answer-Caesar utters these words which mean, “You too, Brutus”. These are uttered when Brutus stabs Caesar and Caesar is too hurt to see that even his dear friend Brutus could resort to such treachery.
(i) In the moments following Caesar's death what do the conspirators proclaim to justify Caesar's death?
Answer-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.
(j) Seeing the body of Caesar, Antony is overcome by grief. What does he say about Caesar?
Answer-Antony is overwhelmed with grief on seeing Caesar's dead body. He exclaims that inspite of Caesars' conquests, glories, triumphs and spoils, he lies so "low". He offers to be killed and lie by Caesar's side whom he calls the choice and master spirits of this age and "most noble".
(k) Whom does Antony call 'the choice and master spirits of this age"? Why?
Answer-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?
Answer-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.
(m) Why does Cassius object to allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral? How does Brutus overcome this objection?
Answer-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.
(n) What are the conditions imposed by the conspirators before allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral?
Answer-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.
(o) When he is left alone with the body of Caesar what does Anthony call Brutus and the others?
Answer-Antony curses the murderers and he seeks forgiveness for being polite to them. He calls them ‘butchers’ who killed the noblest of men.
(p) What prediction does Antony make regarding the future events in Rome?
Answer-Antony prophesies that Italy will be ravaged with civil war, violence and extreme blood shed will leave the earth full of dead bodies. Goddess of revenge will descend on earth with Caesar’s spirit and the stench of dead bodies will fill the earth.
(q) What reasons does Brutus give for murdering Caesar?
Answer-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.
(r) Who says, "Let him be Caesar"? What light does this throw on the speaker?
Answer-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?
Answer-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.
(t) At the end of the scene what is the fate of Brutus and Cassius?
Answer-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.
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