Q. Why does Cassius object to allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral?

How does Brutus

overcome this objection?

A. Cassius fears Antony and his ability as a skilled orator. But Brutus insists that he will speak before
Antony and explain the cause and need of Caesar's killing, and also said that Antony's speech would
cause no problem, as he would be asked only to pay tribute to Caesar.

Q. What predictions does Antony make regarding the future events in Rome?

A. Mark Antony curses the conspirators for sharing Caesar's blood and swears upon his wounds and
makes a prophecy that there will be a Civil War in the country. Bloodshed will become so common
that numerous awful things will be fall on the romance. Mothers will only smile to see their babies
put to death. Caesar's spirit and the goddess of revenge 'Ate' will revenge Caesar's killing.

Q. Who says 'Let him be Caesar'. What light does this throw on the speaker?

A. One of the citizens says this. It shows the ficklemindedness and ignorance of the Romans. First
they were in favour of Brutus but then got influenced by Antony.

Q. Why is Antony's speech more effective?

A. Antony's speech is more effective because it appeals to the emotions of the mob (crowd)
by the use of irony, sarcasm and figurative language. He also created images of unrest in the
minds of listeners.

Q. What is the fate of Brutus and Cassius at the end of this scene?

A. They were attacked by the mob who rushed to put their houses on fire. Brutus and Cassius
fall apart as the idealist in Brutus is outraged by Cassius' practicality. Both Brutus and Cassius
were defeated in the end at Philippi and Sardis and they both committed suicide.

Q. Why was the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar?

A. The conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar was hatched to prevent him from being
crowned as the king of Rome. Moreover, Decius Brutus, Metellus Cimber and Cassius had
their own personal grudge against Caesar and they worried over his growing popularity. They
wished to have the power in their hands rather than Caesar.

Q. Was Caesar ambitious?

A. No, Caesar was not ambitious. He brought many glories and victories to Rome and
Romans. He was kind and empathetic. He refused the crown thrice when offered by Mark
Antony. He was very compassionate and understood the plight of the poor people. He
promised 75 drachmas to every Roman and had given away all his gardens and wealth to the
Romans in his will.
Q. Why was it essential for the conspirators to include Brutus in the conspiracy?
A. Brutus was a staunch patriot (firm believer) and he thought that Caesar would become a
dictator if he gets power. He was a great friend of Caesar, but he joined hands with the
conspirators to free Rome from Caesar's tyranny. He also felt that for the welfare, liberty and
freedom of Rome, it was necessary that Caesar should be killed. Therefore, it became
important for the conspirators to include such an idealistic person who is not only a friend of
Caesar but also the most trustworthy person. So, in order to justify the cold blooded murder
of Caesar, it became necessary to make Brutus a part of their team.

Q. What were the mistakes made by Brutus that led to the failure of the conspiracy?
A. Jealous of Caesar’s increasing popularity, Casca, Cinna, and Cassius planned to kill him.
Brutus, on the other hand, wished to see an end to Caesar’s rule over the Roman people. He
made the decision to murder Caesar along with other conspirators. Caesar was taken to
Capitol by Cassius and Brutus, who then stabbed him. The scheme to murder Caesar was
revealed to Antony. Antony asked Brutus for approval so that he might speak at Caesar’s
burial. Brutus agreed and after his speech, Antony spoke. Antony incited the people to attack
the conspirators. Brutus and Cassius were made to commit suicide. The mistake of letting
Antony address the mob led to failure of the conspiracy.

Q. Comment on Caesar’s friendship with Antony.

A. 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.

Q. Write a brief character sketch of Antony.

A. 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.

Q. What is the role of Julius Caesar’s ghost in the play, Julius Caesar?
A. 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.

Q. Why does Antony call Brutus ‘the noblest Roman of them all’?
A. The phrase “the noblest Roman of them all” used by Antony to describe Brutus is
sarcastic. He actually wants to inform the people that contrary to Brutus’ assertion, Caesar
was not at all ambitious, but instead of saying this outright, he chooses to cite examples and
provoke 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 Romans that Brutus’ personal grudges 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.

Q. How do Brutus and Cassius meet their end?

A. 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.