Here we have given important question answers from the play Julius Caesar, a tragedy in five acts by an English playwright, poet and actor William Shakespeare.
Julius Caesar By William Shakespeare
Important Question Answers
Q1: Consult a dictionary and find out the difference between:
(a) killing
(b) murder
(c) assassination
Ans:
(a) Killing − to deprive of life in any manner
(b) Murder − killing of another human being
(c) Assassination − to murder by a surprise attack, especially for political purposes
Q2: Popular and powerful leaders have been assassinated in the past as well as in recent times. Can you name some of them?
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy.
Q3: Discuss in groups the reasons why the leaders you named in (2) were assassinated. Is assassination the end to a problem?
Ans: The above leaders were assassinated for political reasons or targeted by groups. These leaders were driven by truth, non-violence, patriotism but some anti-social elements didn’t want them to establish a peaceful society, hence assassinated them. Assassination or violence is not an end to a problem rather it leads to more turmoil and unrest. Objectives and aims can be achieved peacefully rather than resorting to violence and more dangerous measures such as assassination.
Q 5(1): When Caesar says “Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace to-night” he sounds-
(a) worried
(b) angry
(c) joyous
(d) frightened
Ans: (a) worried
Q5(2): Caesar’s reference to the senators as ‘graybeards’ shows his-
(a) confidence
(b) cowardice
(c) arrogance
(d) ambition
Ans: (c) arrogance
Q5(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: (a) vanity
Q5(4): The offer that Cassius makes to Antony after Caesar’s assassination is that-
(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
Q5(5): Cassius tries to stop Brutus from letting Antony speak at Caesar’s funeral as he-
(a) knows the Roman mob loves Caesar and Antony
(b) knows Brutus is not a good orator
(c) knows they should not have killed Caesar
(d) knows Antony is a good orator who can sway the mob
Ans: (d) knows Antony is a good orator who can sway the mob
Q5(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
Q5(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
Q5(8): When Antony calls the conspirators ‘honourable men’ his tone is-
(a) admiring
(b) flattering
(c) angry
(d) mocking
Ans: (b) flattering
Q5(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
Q5(10): Antony’s remark Mischief, thou art afoot, Take thou what course thou wilt!, shows him to be-
(a) a ruthless manipulator
(b) an honourable man
(c) a loyal friend
(d) a tactful man
Ans: (c) a loyal friend
Q6(a): How do the heavens ‘blaze forth’ the death of Julius Caesar?
Ans: 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.
Q6(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 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.
Q6(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 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.
Q6(d): What does Calpurnia dream about Caesar? How does Decius Brutus interpret the dream?
Ans: 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.
Q6(e): What are the arguments put forward by Decius Brutus to convince Caesar to go to the Capitol?
Ans: 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.
Q6(f): Why is Decius more successful than Calpurnia in persuading Caesar?
Ans: 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.
Q6(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 request him to review his earlier decision. However, Caesar is no mood to relent. He tells the conspirators that he is rm 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.
Q6(h): Who says “Et tu Brute”? When are these words spoken? Why?
Ans: 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’.
Q6(i): In the moments following Caesar’s death what do the conspirators proclaim to justify Caesar’s death?
Ans: 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.
Q6(j): Seeing the body of Caesar, Antony is overcome by grief. What does he say about Caesar?
Ans: 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.
Q6(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.
Q6(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 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.
Q6(m): Why does Cassius object to allowing Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral? How does Brutus overcome this objection?
Ans: 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.
Q6(n): What are the conditions imposed by the conspirators before allowing Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral?
Ans: 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.
Q6(o): When he is left alone with the body of Caesar what does Anthony call Brutus and the others?
Ans: 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.
Q6(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. 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.
Q6(q): What reasons does Brutus give for murdering Caesar?
Ans: 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.
Q6(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.
Q6(s): Why is Antony’s speech more effective?
Ans: 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.
Q6(t): At the end of the scene what is the fate of Brutus and Cassius?
Ans: 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.
Q10(1): 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) Whom is Caesar speaking to? Why does he say these words?
(b) What fears has the listener expressed?
(c) What is the basis for the fears expressed?
Ans: (a) Caesar is speaking to his wife Calpurnia. He speaks these words in response to Calpurnia’s pleadings that he should not go out of the house as his life might be in danger.
(b) Calpurnia has expressed a fear that the ominous signs during the night might mean that Caesar’s life is in danger.
(c) The bases of her fears are the unearthly events during the previous night and the strange dream which she had.
Q10(2): But here’s a parchment with the seal of Cesar;
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 Cesar’s wounds
(a) Who speaks these words? Where is the speaker at this moment?
(b) What are the contents of Caesar’s will that he is referring to?
(c) Why does the speaker read Caesar’s will to the citizens? (d) What is the reaction of the listeners to the reading of the will?
Ans: (a) Mark Antony speaks these words. He is in the market place pulpit.
(b) The contents of Ceasar’s will were as follows:
To every Roman citizen he gave seventy-five drachmas. In addition to this, all his walks, orchards and gardens were to be opened to the public.
(c) The speaker reads Caesar’s will to the audience to play on their sympathy, and to make Caesar look like a great, benevolent ruler.
(d) On hearing the will, the citizens call Caesar noble, and pledge to avenge his death.
Q12(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 a grudge against Caesar and they wished to have the power in their hands rather than with Caesar.
Q12(b): Was Caesar really ambitious? Find evidence from the play to support your answer.
Ans: Caesar was not ambitious. He brought many glories and victories to Rome and Romans. He was kind and sympathetic person. He refused the crown thrice. Caesar was very compassionate. He understood the plight of the poor. He promised seventy-five drachmas to every Roman.
Q12(c): What was Cassius’ motive for murdering Julius Caesar?
Ans: Cassius was jealous of Caesar’s growing power and influence. In fact he didn’t wish to see him as the great conqueror of the world. He didn’t want that Caesar should rule the Romans and that is why he wished to murder him.
Q12(d): Why was it essential for the conspirators to include Brutus in the conspiracy?
Ans: Brutus was a staunch patriot. He thought that Caesar was a dictator. He was a great friend of Caesar but he joined hands with the conspirators to free Rome from Caesar’s tyranny. He felt that for the welfare, liberty and freedom of Rome, it was necessary that Caesar should be killed. It was necessary for the conspirators to include Brutus as he was friends with Caesar and Caesar would trust him completely.
Q12(e): What were the mistakes made by Brutus that led to the failure of the conspiracy?
Ans: Casca, Cinna, and Cassius jealous of Caesar’s growing power decide to murder him. Meanwhile, Brutus wants that the Romans should be free from the tyranny of Caesar. He, along with other conspirators, decides to kill Caesar. Cassius and Brutus take Caesar to Capitol and stab him. Antony realizes the conspiracy to kill Caesar. He seeks Brutus’ permission to speak at Caesar’s funeral. Brutus agrees and after his speech, Antony speaks. Antony instigates the mob against the conspirators. Brutus and Cassius are forced to kill themselves. The mistake of letting Antony address the mob led to the failure of conspiracy.
Q12(f): Comment on Caesar’s friendship with Antony.
Ans: Antony was a dear friend of Caesar. He did not agree with Brutus that Caesar was an ambitious person who wanted to rule over Rome. In fact he was ready to lay down his life for Rome. After Brutus’ speech at Caesar’s funeral, Antony delivers an emotional speech. He tells the mob that Caesar was not at all ambitious. He refused the crown three times. He said that Caesar had left 75 drachmas for every Roman. Antony appealed to the sentiments of the mob and even showed the wounded corpse of Caesar. The mob was so influenced by Antony’s speech that they turned against the conspirators. Thus, Antony showed his affection and respect for Caesar.
Q12(g): Write a brief character sketch of Antony.
Ans: Antony is a dear friend of Caesar. He is also a great orator and craftsman. He spends most of his time in revelry and listening to music. He looks upon life as a celebration in which he has a distinguished part to play. He is extremely devoted to Caesar. He wishes that Caesar should be crowned the king. A clever man, Antony, is successful in fooling Brutus into believing that he is with the conspirators after the death of Caesar. He delivers an influential speech which makes the mob realize conspiracy behind Caesar’s murder. He has genuine love and affection for Caesar and wishes to avenge his death. It is because of his speech, the conspirators are crushed.
Q12(h): What is the role of Julius Caesar’s ghost in the play, Julius Caesar?
Ans: The ghost of Julius Caesar appears twice in the play: once before Brutus when he is sleeping in his tent, it stood by his bed side and said nothing. The second time it appears in a battle at Philippi. The ghost appeared in front of Antonius and Octavius. It did not say anything. The purpose of the ghost was to make Brutus realize his mistake. He was carried away by emotions and joined hands with the conspirators. Caesar’s death led to turmoil and unrest in Rome. Brutus is unhappy seeing all this and kills himself with his own sword.
Q12(i): Why does Antony call Brutus ‘the noblest Roman of them all’?
Ans: Antony’s comment that Brutus is ‘the noblest Roman of them all’ is laced with sarcasm. Actually he wishes to tell the public that Caesar was not at all ambitious as pointed by Brutus but he does not say this immediately rather he cites instances and instigates audience slowly and logically. Antony is a great orator. He first calls Brutus the noblest Roman in order to gain attention and sympathy of the public. Slowly he tells the public that it was not Caesar’s ambition but Brutus’ personal grudge against Caesar that made him kill Caesar. Thus he is able avenge his friends’ death as the mob after hearing Antony’s speech turns against the conspirators.
Q12(j): How do Brutus and Cassius meet their end?
Ans: Brutus wants that their forces should move to Philippi and attack the enemy. Cassius does not agree and leaves alone. On the plains of Philippi, Brutus and Cassius reach with their forces where there are the armies of Octavius and Antony. With the interference of Octavius their wrong doing comes to an end. Then the forces of Cassius and Antony fight in which Antony emerges victorious. Cassius could not accept this defeat and commits suicide. Brutus too is disheartened and kills himself with his own sword.
I hope that you would have enjoyed the play Julius Caesar By William Shakespeare. If you have any query regarding this chapter, please feel free to get in touch with me through comment box or social media and I assure you to resolve all your queries related to the topic as soon as possible.
