Questions and Answers:

1. Questions and Answers:

1. What two reasons did Caesar give for not reading the
schedule given by Artemidorus?
Ans. Caesar says that whatever affect him shall be dealt with last
and that official petition shall be put up in the Capito and not be
given in the street. Caesar a king who is highly acclaimed by the
people and revered by all of Rome places the public grievances
before himself.
2. What does Popiulius Lena say that makes Cassius fear? How
did Brutus calm Cassius?
Ans. Popilius Lena says to Cassius, "I wish your enterprise today
may thrive." This alarms Cassius because it suggests that their
conspiracy has been discovered. Cassius fears that their plan to
assassinate Caesar has been revealed and that they might be
arrested before carrying it out.
3. Explain Cry “Havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war,
Ans. "Cry 'Havoc!'" was a military command used in ancient
times to signal soldiers to begin looting and destruction. "Let slip
the dogs of war" is a metaphor suggesting the unleashing of
chaos, violence, and revenge. Antony says this line after Caesar’s
assassination, during his monologue over Caesar’s dead body. He
is heartbroken, angry, and vengeful. Though he has just
pretended to be friendly with the conspirators, deep inside he is
planning to stir up a civil war to avenge Caesar’s death. He says
this to express his intention to cause chaos and destruction in
Rome. By “crying havoc” and letting loose the “dogs of war,”
Antony means that he will incite violence, turn the citizens
against the conspirators, and plunge Rome into conflict. It shows
the beginning of Antony’s shift from diplomacy to revenge.
Extract:
“Be not fond, To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood
That will be thawed from the true quality With that
which melteth fools, I mean sweet words, Low-crooked
curtsies and base spaniel fawning.”
1. Where does this scene take place?
Ans. The scene takes place inside the Capitol.
 2. Who is Caesar speaking to? What has just been said that
makes him say this?
Ans. Caesar speaks to Metellus Cimber.
3. Just before the given extract what does Caesar say?
Ans. Just before the given extract, Caesar says that Metellus
Cimber's brother shall not be repealed (recalled from
banishment). He declares that his decision is firm and that he
does not make unjust decisions or change them without just
cause.
4. What does Caesar mean by the line that follow the given
extract; “Low-crooked curtsies and base spaniel fawning?”
Ans. Caesar is saying that he is not weak or easily swayed by
flattery or servile behavior. "Low-crooked curtsies" refers to
excessive bowing, and "base spaniel fawning" likens the act of
begging to the way a dog grovels to its master. He rejects such
dishonorable attempts to manipulate him.
5. Who else pleads with Caesar?
Ans. Brutus pleads along with Metellus Cimber.
6. What is Caesar’s reaction to their appeal?
Ans. Caesar remains firm and unyielding. He refuses to pardon
Metellus Cimber's brother and says that he is as constant as the
Northern Star, meaning he cannot be moved by pleas or
emotions.
7. What does Caesar mean by: ‘I could well be mov’d, if I were as
you; If I could pray to move, prayers would move me.’
Ans. Caesar means that if he were like the other men, susceptible
to persuasion or begging, then prayers might move him. But since
he himself does not beg or change easily, others' prayers cannot
sway him either.
8. What is Olympus? Explain.
Ans. Olympus refers to Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in
Greece, which in mythology is the home of the gods. Caesar uses
it metaphorically to indicate that his position and power are
mighty and untouchable.
9. How does Caesar react when Brutus strikes him?

Ans. Caesar is shocked and heartbroken. Seeing Brutus among

his attackers, he utters the famous words “Et tu, Brute?”
expressing disbelief and betrayal, then gives up dies.
 [Link] do the senators and the people and the conspirators
react as soon as Caesar dies?
Ans. The conspirators rejoice and justify the killing as a noble act
for Rome. Some senators flee in fear, and there is general chaos
and confusion among the people.
11. What does Cassius announce?
Ans. Cassius proclaims that tyranny is dead and that they have
liberated Rome by killing Caesar. He calls it a victory for freedom.
12. What assurance does Brutus give?
Ans. Brutus assures the people that Caesar's death was
necessary for the good of Rome and that no one else will be
harmed.
13. What does Casca tell Brutus to do?
Ans. Casca tells Brutus to lead the way in calming the people and
showing that their deed was justified.
14. What does Decius say?
Ans. Decius suggests that they should announce Caesar's death
publicly and justify it to the people to prevent panic.
15. Who is Publius? What does Cinna say ‘about him’?
Ans. Publius is Metellus Cimber’s brother. He was banished by
Caesar for reasons unknown. Cinna says they should ensure that
Publius is safe so that no one thinks he was involved in the
conspiracy.
16. What does Brutus say to Metellus? Why?

Ans. Brutus tells Metellus to stand firm and not fear because their
act was done for the greater good of Rome.
17. How does Brutus cheer up Publius?
Ans. Brutus tells Publius not to be afraid and assures him that
they have not harmed him and that their intentions were noble.
Why does Cassius tell Publius to leave? What does Brutus
18.
advise him?
Ans. Cassius tells Publius to leave to avoid any harm and
suspicion. Brutus advises him to not get involved and to assure
others that he is safe and uninvolved.
[Link] Trebonius re-enters, what does Cassius ask him? What
is his reply?
Ans. Cassius asks Trebonius if Antony has been taken care of.
Trebonius replies that Antony is safely away and will not cause
any immediate trouble.
20. What is doomsday?
Ans. Doomsday refers to the Day of Judgment or the end of the
world, symbolizing final reckoning. In the play, it also suggests
the beginning of chaos after Caesar's death.
Brutus addresses the Fates now, what does he tell them?
21.
What does it reveal about him?
Ans. Brutus says, “Let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood...and
walk forth to the marketplace,” suggesting they proudly own their
deed. This shows his belief that their action was righteous and for
the good of Rome.
22. Explain: ‘As fire drives out fire’

Ans. This means that one strong emotion or action can replace
another. Here, it means that killing Caesar (a violent act) is used
to remove the tyranny he brought.
23. What assurance does Brutus give Antony now?
Ans. Brutus assures Antony that they will not harm him and that
he is safe. He explains that their intentions were only against
Caesar, not his friends.
[Link] does Cassius say to Mark Antony? What does this
reveal of Cassius’s character?
Ans. Cassius invites Antony to join them and promises him
safety. This shows Cassius’s cunning nature—trying to win Antony
over to prevent opposition and make the people of Rome think
that even Caesar’s prodigy has joined hands with them because
what they did was for the good of Rome.
[Link] does Antony address them after shaking hands with
them? Why? Explain the irony here.
Ans. Antony addresses them as “noble,” but there is irony
because while he pretends to accept them, he is actually planning
revenge. His flattery is sarcastic.

26. Why is Cassius not convinced of Antony’s friendship?

Ans. Cassius is wary that Antony while speaking at Caesar’s
funeral may sway the crowd against them.
 27. What are the three things that Brutus asks Antony to do in
his speech?
Ans. Brutus asks Antony not to blame them in his funeral speech
and speak all good of Caesar that he can think of and also
mention that he does so with the permission of Brutus and the
conspirators. He also asks him to speak from the same pulpit
where he would make speech from.
“Here was thou bayed, brave hart, Here didst thou fall,
and there thy hunters stand Signed in thy spoil, and
crimsoned in they lethe.”
1. Who is the speaker and whom is he addressing?
Ans. The speaker of these lines is Mark Antony. He addresses
these words to the corpse of Julius Caesar which is lying at the
base of Pompey’s statue in a small area.
2. Explain the imagery in the given extract.
Ans. Antony calls Caesar who is heart of the world, suggesting
that he is loved by all the humans around. He compares Caesar to
‘hart’ a deer. A deer is brought to bay while it is being hunted. He
calls Ceasar’s assassinators the hunters who killed him when he
was vulnerable and not able to defend himself. He calls the world
a forest where Caesar was the deer. He also calls Caesar the
heart of the world.
3. Who expresses doubt on the speaker’s loyalty hearing these
words? What does that person say? How does the speaker
respond to this?
Ans. Cassius suspects Antony’s loyalty hearing these words. He
suspects Antony when Antony glorifies Caesar. He asks Antony if
he would want to join the murderers as a friend and go and
address the public or shall they not depend on him and continue
with their plot?
Antony says that he is surely one amongst them and hence did he
shake their hands. But for a moment he got diverted by looking
down at Caesar. He adds that he is friends with them. And he
loves them, but he also wants them to give him reasons of why
and how was Caesar dangerous.
4. What are the two requests that the speaker makes to the
conspirators a little later in the same scene?
Ans. The two requests that Antony makes to the conspirators are
that firstly he would want to know the reason of why and how was
Caesar a danger to Rome and the other request was to take away
his body and keep it in the market-place for a ceremonial burial
befitting the ruler of Rome.
5. Explain: ‘Sign’d in they spoil and crimson’d in thy lethe.
Ans. Antony says that Caesar’s killers have marked themselves
(signed) with his spoils (his blood), and are drenched in the
oblivion (lethe) of his death—meaning they are guilty and will be
remembered for this bloodshed. He compares the conspirators to
hunters who mark and stab on different parts of Caesar by
stabbing him to death and then drench their hands with his blood
as if it was an honourable act. The word ‘lethe’ means life blood.
It is a term used by hunters to signify the blood shed by the deer
at its fall which they smear themselves with
Popilius - I wish your enterprise today may thrive.
Cassius- What enterprise, Popilius?
Popilius- Fare you well. [Advances to Caesar]
1. Where are the speakers? What day was it? Who else had
accompanied Caesar that day?
Ans. The speakers are in front of the Capitol, in Rome. It was the
ides of March. Caesar was accompanied by Brutus, Cassius,
Casca, Decius, Metellus, Trebonius, Cinna, Antony,
Lepidus, Popilius, Publius and other senators.
2. Who offers Caesar a schedule and why? Why does Caesar
refuse to read it?
Ans. Artemidorus offers Caesar a schedule to warn him about the
conspiracy. Caesar refuses to read it as Artemidorus had told him
to read his schedule as it would affect him personally. Caesar
ignores it and says that what affects him will be dealt with last as
he wants to appear noble and selfless.
3. What is Cassius afraid of and why? How does Brutus reassure
Cassius?
Ans. Cassius feared that their plan had been revealed to Caesar.
This was because Popilius had wished him success in his
enterprise that day. Brutus tells Cassius that Popilius Lena was
not speaking to Caesar about the enterprise as he was smiling,
and Caesar’s expression had not changed.
4. What tasks had been assigned to Trebonius and Metellus
Cimber?
Ans. Trebonius had to draw Antony away from Caesar. Metellus
Cimber was to kneel before Caesar and beg that his brother,
Publius Cimber, be allowed to return as a free citizen.
 5. Name two people who try to warn Caesar. What is the
significance of Act 3 scene 1 in the play?
Ans. Artemidorus and the soothsayer tried to warn Caesar. The
scene is important as it is the climax and the turning point of the
play where Julius Caesar is assassinated. Antony emerges as the
subtle and powerful champion of the dead Caesar. Brutus allows
Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral which was a mistake as he
stirs the fickle-minded mob against the conspirators.
Metellus: Most high, most mighty, and most puissant
Caesar, Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat A humble
heart,
Caesar: I must prevent thee, Cimber.
1. What do the words ‘redress’ and ‘puissant’ mean? Why does
Metellus kneel before Caesar?
Ans. ‘Redress’ means to correct or rectify’. ‘puissant’ means
most powerful or mighty. Metellus kneels before Caesar to
present a petition for recalling his brother, Publius Cimber, from
exile.
2. What does Caesar prevent Cimber from? What does he go on
to say about himself?
Or How does Caesar reply to Metellus’s petition?
Ans. Caesar prevents Cimber from kneeling and bowing before
him. His overly humble courtesies might flatter ordinary men to
turn Roman law into some kind of child's game but he shouldn’t
be so foolish as to think that he could influence Caesar to do
something that was not right through the tricks that persuade
fools—tricks like flattery, low bows, and pathetic dog-like fawning.
His brother had been banished by decree. If he kneeled and
begged and flattered for him, he would kick him like a dog out of
his way. Caesar did not punish him without good reason and will
not give him what he wants without good reason.
3. What does Caesar compare himself to and why? What quality
does he wish to highlight?
Ans. Caesar compares himself to the northern star,whose stable
and immobile quality has no equal in the sky. The skies are filled
with countless stars. They are all made of fire, and every single
one shines brightly. But there's just one out of all of them that
holds its central place and remins in fixed position. The world is
the same way. It's full of men—and men are flesh and blood, and
capable of understanding. Yet of them all, he was beyond
questioning and immovable, who never shifted from his position.
The quality he highlights is his unwavering and unshakable faith
in his decisions. He says just like pole star he too would remain
unchanged and not be influenced and disturbed by any
motion. He was firm and could not be swayed.
4. What two objects does Caesar compare himself to? Quote and
identify the figures of speech.
Ans. ‘But I am as constant as the northern star’ -Simile ‘Wilt thou
lift up Olympus!’- Metaphor
5. What terrible event takes place immediately after? Who were
the first to stab? What were Caesar’s last words and its
significance?
Ans. Caesar was stabbed immediately after as the conspirators
had planned. The first to stab was Casca and Brutus was the next.
Caesar’s last words were ‘Et tu, Brute? Then fall, Caesar!’ These
words convey his shock and disbelief that his dearest friend,
Brutus, had betrayed him.
Brutus: people and senators, be not affrighted; Fly not;
stand still; ambition’s debt is paid. What incident has just
taken place?
1. What does Cinna cry out? Identify a figure of speech from the
above extract.
Ans. The assassination of Caesar at the hands of the conspirators
has been carried out. Cinna cried out ‘Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny
is dead!’ The figure of speech in the given extract is
personification.
2. What does ‘doomsday’ refer to? Why does Brutus mention the
‘Fates’?
Ans. ‘doomsday’ refers to the day of judgement, the day when
according to the Bible the world will end. Fates refers to the three
goddesses of destiny. Brutus says that though we already know
that we'll all die one day, we do not know when. Men try to
prolong the time they have left to live as much as possible.
3. What does Brutus ask the Romans to do soon after? Why does
Brutus consider the conspirators Caesar's friends? Or Explain
the significance of the conspirators bathing their hands in
Caesar’s blood.
Ans. Brutus tells the conspirators to kneel and wash their hands
up to the elbows in Caesar’s blood and smear their swords with it.
Then they will walk outside to the public marketplace waving their
red swords over their heads screaming ‘Peace, Freedom and
liberty’. By murdering Caesar they have made a sacrifice for
Rome’s freedom. It portrays the conspirators as purgerers instead
of murderers. If one is always worried about when death will
come, then according to Brutus, they were Caesar’s friends as
they had shortened the time, he would have spent fearing death.
4. Who enters immediately after this? Who had sent him and
with what message?
Ans. Antony’s servant enters next. He had come at Antony’s
request to confirm his safety from the conspirators and to
understand why Brutus and his fellow conspirators decided to kill
Caesar. Antony said that though Caesar was mighty, bold and
valiant, he also loved and honoured Brutus. He also feared
Caesar. Antony would not love the dead Caesar as much as he
would love the living Brutus.
5. How does Brutus assure this person? Why does the entry of
the servant be considered the turning point of the play?
Ans. Brutus assures the servant that he considered Antony to be
a wise and valiant Roman and he will be safe when he comes
there and depart safely too. The servant’s entry may be
considered the turning point of the play as he asks the
conspirators if Mark Anthony could meet them to understand why
Brutus and his fellow conspirators had decided to kill Caesar.
Brutus decides to invite Anthony to come there so that he can be
explained the cause of the killing of Caesar. This proved to be a
mistake for Brutus because this is the time when he agreed that
Anthony could address the citizens of Rome. Anthony took full
advantage of this and turned the opinion of people against
Brutus.
Antony: O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low? Are all thy
conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils, Shrunk to this little
measure?
1. Where was ‘mighty Caesar’ lying? What does ‘this little
measure’ refer to? Whom does Antony address next?
Ans. ‘Mighty Caesar’ lay at the base of the statue of Pompey.
‘This little measure’ means that the mighty Caesar is now lying on
the ground covering only a very small portion of it. This is the
same Caesar who was known for his vast conquests of many
lands. Antony addresses Brutus and his group of conspirators
next.
2. What does Antony ask the conspirators to do and why?
Ans. Antony addresses the conspirators as gentlemen. He tells
them that he does not know of their intension and who all must
die. Antony implores the conspirators to kill him there and then if
they had any plans of doing so. He says that there could not be a
more appropriate time for him to die even if they lived for a
hundred years more and no weapons even half as worthy as their
swords— which have been made rich by being covered in the
noblest blood in the whole world. If they had a grudge against
him, he wanted them to kill him while their stained hands still
smelt of the blood of Caesar. Even if he were to live a thousand
years, he would never find another moment when he would be as
ready to die as he was then. There’s no place he’d rather die than
next to Caesar, and no manner of death he'd prefer than being
stabbed by the leaders of this new age.
3. How does Brutus justify their action?
Ans. Brutus told Antony that though they seemed to be bloody
and cruel right then with their bloody hands and what they had
just done, he had not seen into their hearts. Their hearts were full
of pity for Caesar. But, just as fire drives out fire, their pity for the
wrongs committed against Rome overcame their pity for Caesar
and made them act that way. Their swords would not harm him.
Their arms and their hearts were filled with brotherly love. They
wished to embrace him with kind love, good thoughts, and
respect.
4. Why does Antony say that his ‘credit’ now stood on ‘slippery
ground’?
Ans. The word ‘credit’ means reputation. This ‘credit’ now stands
on slippery grounds because Antony had to shake hands with the
conspirators which could be viewed by them as flattery or
cowardice.
5. Why does Antony apologise to Caesar's body? What is the
motive?

Ans. Antony tells Caesar’s body that if his spirit was

looking down upon them, it would grieve him more than even
his death to see Antony making peace and shaking the bloody
hands of his enemies in the presence of his corpse. If he had
as many eyes as Caesar had wounds, and they wept tears as
fast as his wounds streamed blood, even that would be more
becoming than joining his enemies in friendship. He compares
him to a brave deer surrounded by hunting dogs. The hunters
were still standing there, stained and reddened by his blood.
 The world was the forest in which Caesar roamed freely as a
stag. He was so loved that he was the heart of the world.
Antony tries to strike a balance between praising Caesar and
flattering the conspirators. He declares his love and friendship
to them but his ulterior motive is to avenge Caesar's death.
6. At the end of this scene, how does Antony reveal his true
feelings for the assassins?
Ans. Antony asks Caesar to forgive him as he is meek and gentle
with these butchers. He glorifies Caesar and curses the people
who killed him. He predicts over Caesar’s wounds that domestic
fury and fierce civil strife shall break out in all the parts of Italy;
blood and destruction shall be so widespread, and dreadful
objects so familiar, that mothers shall only smile when they see
their infants cut into pieces at the hands of war. He also predicts
that Caesar's spirit; raging for revenge, coming hot from hell with
Ate by his side shall cry "Havoc!" in a monarch's voice and let the
dogs of war loose and that this foul deed shall smell above the
earth with decaying men, groaning for burial.
7. What does Antony order Octavius’ servant to do?
Ans. Antony orders Octavius’s servant to get back to him quickly
and tell him what had happened. He emphasizes that Rome was
mourning and not safe for Octavius. He does not want Octavius to
be in Rome during such a turbulence. He plans that in his speech
he will understand how the people take the cruel actions of these
bloody men. Once he knows that, Antony asks the servant to
immediately report it to young Octavius. He the asks the servant
to carry the body to the market place for a proper stately burial.

What two reasons did Caesar give for not reading the schedule
given by Artemidorus?
Ans. Caesar says that whatever affect him shall be dealt with
last and that official petition shall be put up in the Capito and
not be given in the street. Caesar a king who is highly
acclaimed by the people and revered by all of Rome places
the public grievances before himself.
2. What does Popiulius Lena say that makes Cassius fear? How did
Brutus calm Cassius?
Ans. Popilius Lena says to Cassius, "I wish your enterprise
today may thrive." This alarms Cassius because it suggests
that their conspiracy has been discovered. Cassius fears that
 their plan to assassinate Caesar has been revealed and that
they might be arrested before carrying it out.
3. Explain Cry “Havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war,
Ans. "Cry 'Havoc!'" was a military command used in ancient
times to signal soldiers to begin looting and destruction. "Let
slip the dogs of war" is a metaphor suggesting the unleashing
of chaos, violence, and revenge. Antony says this line after
Caesar’s assassination, during his monologue over Caesar’s
dead body. He is heartbroken, angry, and vengeful. Though
he has just pretended to be friendly with the conspirators,
deep inside he is planning to stir up a civil war to avenge
Caesar’s death. He says this to express his intention to cause
chaos and destruction in Rome. By “crying havoc” and letting
loose the “dogs of war,” Antony means that he will incite
violence, turn the citizens against the conspirators, and
plunge Rome into conflict. It shows the beginning of Antony’s
shift from diplomacy to revenge.
Extract:
“Be not fond, To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood
That will be thawed from the true quality With that
which melteth fools, I mean sweet words, Low-crooked
curtsies and base spaniel fawning.”
1. Where does this scene take place?
Ans. The scene takes place inside the Capitol.

2. Who is Caesar speaking to? What has just been said that makes
him say this?
Ans. Caesar speaks to Metellus Cimber.
3. Just before the given extract what does Caesar say?
Ans. Just before the given extract, Caesar says that Metellus
Cimber's brother shall not be repealed (recalled from
banishment). He declares that his decision is firm and that he
does not make unjust decisions or change them without just
cause.
4. What does Caesar mean by the line that follow the given extract;
“Low-crooked curtsies and base spaniel fawning?”
Ans. Caesar is saying that he is not weak or easily swayed by
flattery or servile behavior. "Low-crooked curtsies" refers to
excessive bowing, and "base spaniel fawning" likens the act
 of begging to the way a dog grovels to its master. He rejects
such dishonorable attempts to manipulate him.
5. Who else pleads with Caesar?
Ans. Brutus pleads along with Metellus Cimber.
6. What is Caesar’s reaction to their appeal?
Ans. Caesar remains firm and unyielding. He refuses to
pardon Metellus Cimber's brother and says that he is as
constant as the Northern Star, meaning he cannot be moved
by pleas or emotions.
7. What does Caesar mean by: ‘I could well be mov’d, if I were as
you; If I could pray to move, prayers would move me.’
Ans. Caesar means that if he were like the other men,
susceptible to persuasion or begging, then prayers might
move him. But since he himself does not beg or change
easily, others' prayers cannot sway him either.
8. What is Olympus? Explain.
Ans. Olympus refers to Mount Olympus, the highest mountain
in Greece, which in mythology is the home of the gods.
Caesar uses it metaphorically to indicate that his position and
power are mighty and untouchable.
9. How does Caesar react when Brutus strikes him?

Ans. Caesar is shocked and heartbroken. Seeing Brutus

among his attackers, he utters the famous words “Et tu,
Brute?” expressing disbelief and betrayal, then gives up dies.
10. How do the senators and the people and the conspirators react
as soon as Caesar dies?
Ans. The conspirators rejoice and justify the killing as a noble
act for Rome. Some senators flee in fear, and there is general
chaos and confusion among the people.
11. What does Cassius announce?
Ans. Cassius proclaims that tyranny is dead and that they
have liberated Rome by killing Caesar. He calls it a victory for
freedom.
12. What assurance does Brutus give?
Ans. Brutus assures the people that Caesar's death was
necessary for the good of Rome and that no one else will be
harmed.
13. What does Casca tell Brutus to do?
 Ans. Casca tells Brutus to lead the way in calming the people
and showing that their deed was justified.
14. What does Decius say?
Ans. Decius suggests that they should announce Caesar's
death publicly and justify it to the people to prevent panic.
15. Who is Publius? What does Cinna say ‘about him’?
Ans. Publius is Metellus Cimber’s brother. He was banished
by Caesar for reasons unknown. Cinna says they should
ensure that Publius is safe so that no one thinks he was
involved in the conspiracy.
16. What does Brutus say to Metellus? Why?

Ans. Brutus tells Metellus to stand firm and not fear because
their act was done for the greater good of Rome.
17. How does Brutus cheer up Publius?
Ans. Brutus tells Publius not to be afraid and assures him that
they have not harmed him and that their intentions were
noble.
Why does Cassius tell Publius to leave? What does Brutus advise
18.
him?
Ans. Cassius tells Publius to leave to avoid any harm and
suspicion. Brutus advises him to not get involved and to
assure others that he is safe and uninvolved.
When Trebonius re-enters, what does Cassius ask him? What is
19.
his reply?
Ans. Cassius asks Trebonius if Antony has been taken care of.
Trebonius replies that Antony is safely away and will not
cause any immediate trouble.
20. What is doomsday?
Ans. Doomsday refers to the Day of Judgment or the end of
the world, symbolizing final reckoning. In the play, it also
suggests the beginning of chaos after Caesar's death.
Brutus addresses the Fates now, what does he tell them? What
21.
does it reveal about him?
Ans. Brutus says, “Let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s
blood...and walk forth to the marketplace,” suggesting they
proudly own their deed. This shows his belief that their action
was righteous and for the good of Rome.
22. Explain: ‘As fire drives out fire’
 Ans. This means that one strong emotion or action can
replace another. Here, it means that killing Caesar (a violent
act) is used to remove the tyranny he brought.
23. What assurance does Brutus give Antony now?
Ans. Brutus assures Antony that they will not harm him and
that he is safe. He explains that their intentions were only
against Caesar, not his friends.
24. What does Cassius say to Mark Antony? What does this reveal of
Cassius’s character?
Ans. Cassius invites Antony to join them and promises him
safety. This shows Cassius’s cunning nature—trying to win
Antony over to prevent opposition and make the people of
Rome think that even Caesar’s prodigy has joined hands with
them because what they did was for the good of Rome.
25. How does Antony address them after shaking hands with them?
Why? Explain the irony here.
Ans. Antony addresses them as “noble,” but there is irony
because while he pretends to accept them, he is actually
planning revenge. His flattery is sarcastic.

26. Why is Cassius not convinced of Antony’s friendship?

Ans. Cassius is wary that Antony while speaking at Caesar’s
funeral may sway the crowd against them.
27. What are the three things that Brutus asks Antony to do in his
speech?
Ans. Brutus asks Antony not to blame them in his funeral
speech and speak all good of Caesar that he can think of and
also mention that he does so with the permission of Brutus
and the conspirators. He also asks him to speak from the
same pulpit where he would make speech from.
“Here was thou bayed, brave hart, Here didst thou fall,
and there thy hunters stand Signed in thy spoil, and
crimsoned in they lethe.”
1. Who is the speaker and whom is he addressing?
Ans. The speaker of these lines is Mark Antony. He addresses
these words to the corpse of Julius Caesar which is lying at the
base of Pompey’s statue in a small area.
2. Explain the imagery in the given extract.
 Ans. Antony calls Caesar who is heart of the
world, suggesting that he is loved by all the humans around.
He compares Caesar to ‘hart’ a deer. A deer is brought to bay
while it is being hunted. He calls Ceasar’s assassinators the
hunters who killed him when he was vulnerable and not able
to defend himself. He calls the world a forest where Caesar
was the deer. He also calls Caesar the heart of the world.
3. Who expresses doubt on the speaker’s loyalty hearing these
words? What does that person say? How does the speaker
respond to this?
Ans. Cassius suspects Antony’s loyalty hearing these words.
He suspects Antony when Antony glorifies Caesar. He asks
Antony if he would want to join the murderers as a friend and
go and address the public or shall they not depend on him
and continue with their plot?
Antony says that he is surely one amongst them and hence
did he shake their hands. But for a moment he got diverted
by looking down at Caesar. He adds that he is friends with
them. And he loves them, but he also wants them to give him
reasons of why and how was Caesar dangerous.
4. What are the two requests that the speaker makes to the
conspirators a little later in the same scene?
Ans. The two requests that Antony makes to the conspirators
are that firstly he would want to know the reason of why and
how was Caesar a danger to Rome and the other request was
to take away his body and keep it in the market-place for a
ceremonial burial befitting the ruler of Rome.
5. Explain: ‘Sign’d in they spoil and crimson’d in thy lethe.
Ans. Antony says that Caesar’s killers have marked
themselves (signed) with his spoils (his blood), and are
drenched in the oblivion (lethe) of his death—meaning they
are guilty and will be remembered for this bloodshed. He
compares the conspirators to hunters who mark and stab on
different parts of Caesar by stabbing him to death and then
drench their hands with his blood as if it was
an honourable act. The word ‘lethe’ means life blood. It is a
term used by hunters to signify the blood shed by the deer at
its fall which they smear themselves with
Popilius - I wish your enterprise today may thrive.
Cassius- What enterprise, Popilius?
Popilius- Fare you well. [Advances to Caesar]
1. Where are the speakers? What day was it? Who else had
accompanied Caesar that day?
Ans. The speakers are in front of the Capitol, in Rome. It was
the ides of March. Caesar was accompanied by Brutus,
Cassius, Casca, Decius, Metellus, Trebonius, Cinna, Antony,
Lepidus, Popilius, Publius and other senators.
2. Who offers Caesar a schedule and why? Why does Caesar refuse
to read it?
Ans. Artemidorus offers Caesar a schedule to warn him about
the conspiracy. Caesar refuses to read it as Artemidorus had
told him to read his schedule as it would affect him
personally. Caesar ignores it and says that what affects him
will be dealt with last as he wants to appear noble and
selfless.
3. What is Cassius afraid of and why? How does Brutus reassure
Cassius?
Ans. Cassius feared that their plan had been revealed to
Caesar. This was because Popilius had wished him success in
his enterprise that day. Brutus tells Cassius that Popilius Lena
was not speaking to Caesar about the enterprise as he was
smiling, and Caesar’s expression had not changed.
4. What tasks had been assigned to Trebonius and Metellus Cimber?
Ans. Trebonius had to draw Antony away from Caesar.
Metellus Cimber was to kneel before Caesar and beg that his
brother, Publius Cimber, be allowed to return as a free
citizen.
5. Name two people who try to warn Caesar. What is the significance
of Act 3 scene 1 in the play?
Ans. Artemidorus and the soothsayer tried to warn Caesar.
The scene is important as it is the climax and the turning
point of the play where Julius Caesar is assassinated. Antony
emerges as the subtle and powerful champion of the dead
Caesar. Brutus allows Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral
which was a mistake as he stirs the fickle-minded mob
against the conspirators.
Metellus: Most high, most mighty, and most puissant
Caesar, Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat A humble
heart,
Caesar: I must prevent thee, Cimber.
1. What do the words ‘redress’ and ‘puissant’ mean? Why does
Metellus kneel before Caesar?
Ans. ‘Redress’ means to correct or rectify’. ‘puissant’ means
most powerful or mighty. Metellus kneels before Caesar to
present a petition for recalling his brother, Publius Cimber,
from exile.
2. What does Caesar prevent Cimber from? What does he go on to
say about himself?
Or How does Caesar reply to Metellus’s petition?
Ans. Caesar prevents Cimber from kneeling and bowing
before him. His overly humble courtesies might flatter
ordinary men to turn Roman law into some kind of child's
game but he shouldn’t be so foolish as to think that he could
influence Caesar to do something that was not right through
the tricks that persuade fools—tricks like flattery, low bows,
and pathetic dog-like fawning. His brother had been banished
by decree. If he kneeled and begged and flattered for him, he
would kick him like a dog out of his way. Caesar did not
punish him without good reason and will not give him what he
wants without good reason.
3. What does Caesar compare himself to and why? What quality
does he wish to highlight?
Ans. Caesar compares himself to the northern star,whose
stable and immobile quality has no equal in the sky. The skies
are filled with countless stars. They are all made of fire, and
every single one shines brightly. But there's just one out of all
of them that holds its central place and remins in fixed
position. The world is the same way. It's full of men—and men
are flesh and blood, and capable of understanding. Yet of
them all, he was beyond questioning and immovable, who
never shifted from his position. The quality he highlights is his
unwavering and unshakable faith in his decisions. He says just
like pole star he too would remain unchanged and not be
influenced and disturbed by any motion. He was firm and
could not be swayed.
4. What two objects does Caesar compare himself to? Quote and
identify the figures of speech.
Ans. ‘But I am as constant as the northern star’ -Simile ‘Wilt
thou lift up Olympus!’- Metaphor
5. What terrible event takes place immediately after? Who were the
first to stab? What were Caesar’s last words and its significance?
 Ans. Caesar was stabbed immediately after as the
conspirators had planned. The first to stab was Casca and
Brutus was the next. Caesar’s last words were ‘Et tu, Brute?
Then fall, Caesar!’ These words convey his shock and disbelief
that his dearest friend, Brutus, had betrayed him.
Brutus: people and senators, be not affrighted; Fly not;
stand still; ambition’s debt is paid. What incident has just
taken place?
1. What does Cinna cry out? Identify a figure of speech from the
above extract.
Ans. The assassination of Caesar at the hands of the
conspirators has been carried out. Cinna cried out ‘Liberty!
Freedom! Tyranny is dead!’ The figure of speech in the given
extract is personification.
2. What does ‘doomsday’ refer to? Why does Brutus mention the
‘Fates’?
Ans. ‘doomsday’ refers to the day of judgement, the day
when according to the Bible the world will end. Fates refers to
the three goddesses of destiny. Brutus says that though we
already know that we'll all die one day, we do not know when.
Men try to prolong the time they have left to live as much as
possible.
3. What does Brutus ask the Romans to do soon after? Why does
Brutus consider the conspirators Caesar's friends? Or Explain the
significance of the conspirators bathing their hands in Caesar’s
blood.
Ans. Brutus tells the conspirators to kneel and wash their
hands up to the elbows in Caesar’s blood and smear their
swords with it. Then they will walk outside to the public
marketplace waving their red swords over their heads
screaming ‘Peace, Freedom and liberty’. By
murdering Caesar they have made a sacrifice for Rome’s
freedom. It portrays the conspirators as purgerers instead of
murderers. If one is always worried about when death will
come, then according to Brutus, they were Caesar’s friends as
they had shortened the time, he would have spent fearing
death.
4. Who enters immediately after this? Who had sent him and with
what message?
Ans. Antony’s servant enters next. He had come at Antony’s
request to confirm his safety from the conspirators and to
 understand why Brutus and his fellow conspirators decided to
kill Caesar. Antony said that though Caesar was mighty, bold
and valiant, he also loved and honoured Brutus. He also
feared Caesar. Antony would not love the dead Caesar as
much as he would love the living Brutus.
5. How does Brutus assure this person? Why does the entry of the
servant be considered the turning point of the play?
Ans. Brutus assures the servant that he considered Antony to
be a wise and valiant Roman and he will be safe when he
comes there and depart safely too. The servant’s entry may
be considered the turning point of the play as he asks the
conspirators if Mark Anthony could meet them to understand
why Brutus and his fellow conspirators had decided to kill
Caesar. Brutus decides to invite Anthony to come there so
that he can be explained the cause of the killing of Caesar.
This proved to be a mistake for Brutus because this is the
time when he agreed that Anthony could address the citizens
of Rome. Anthony took full advantage of this and turned the
opinion of people against Brutus.
Antony: O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low? Are all thy
conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils, Shrunk to this little
measure?
1. Where was ‘mighty Caesar’ lying? What does ‘this little measure’
refer to? Whom does Antony address next?
Ans. ‘Mighty Caesar’ lay at the base of the statue of Pompey.
‘This little measure’ means that the mighty Caesar is now
lying on the ground covering only a very small portion of it.
This is the same Caesar who was known for his vast
conquests of many lands. Antony addresses Brutus and his
group of conspirators next.
2. What does Antony ask the conspirators to do and why?
Ans. Antony addresses the conspirators as gentlemen. He
tells them that he does not know of their intension and who
all must die. Antony implores the conspirators to kill him there
and then if they had any plans of doing so. He says that there
could not be a more appropriate time for him to die even if
they lived for a hundred years more and no weapons even
half as worthy as their swords— which have been made rich
by being covered in the noblest blood in the whole world. If
they had a grudge against him, he wanted them to kill him
while their stained hands still smelt of the blood of Caesar.
 Even if he were to live a thousand years, he would never find
another moment when he would be as ready to die as he was
then. There’s no place he’d rather die than next to Caesar,
and no manner of death he'd prefer than being stabbed by
the leaders of this new age.
3. How does Brutus justify their action?
Ans. Brutus told Antony that though they seemed to be
bloody and cruel right then with their bloody hands and what
they had just done, he had not seen into their hearts. Their
hearts were full of pity for Caesar. But, just as fire drives out
fire, their pity for the wrongs committed against Rome
overcame their pity for Caesar and made them act that way.
Their swords would not harm him. Their arms and their hearts
were filled with brotherly love. They wished to embrace him
with kind love, good thoughts, and respect.
4. Why does Antony say that his ‘credit’ now stood on ‘slippery
ground’?
Ans. The word ‘credit’ means reputation. This ‘credit’ now
stands on slippery grounds because Antony had to shake
hands with the conspirators which could be viewed by them
as flattery or cowardice.
5. Why does Antony apologise to Caesar's body? What is the
motive?

Ans. Antony tells Caesar’s body that if his spirit was looking
down upon them, it would grieve him more than even his death to
see Antony making peace and shaking the bloody hands of his
enemies in the presence of his corpse. If he had as many eyes as
Caesar had wounds, and they wept tears as fast as his wounds
streamed blood, even that would be more becoming than joining
his enemies in friendship. He compares him to a brave deer
surrounded by hunting dogs. The hunters were still standing
there, stained and reddened by his blood. The world was the
forest in which Caesar roamed freely as a stag. He was so loved
that he was the heart of the world. Antony tries to strike a
balance between praising Caesar and flattering the conspirators.
He declares his love and friendship to them but his ulterior motive
is to avenge Caesar's death.
6. At the end of this scene, how does Antony reveal his true feelings
for the assassins?
 Ans. Antony asks Caesar to forgive him as he is meek and
gentle with these butchers. He glorifies Caesar and curses the
people who killed him. He predicts over Caesar’s wounds that
domestic fury and fierce civil strife shall break out in all the
parts of Italy; blood and destruction shall be so widespread,
and dreadful objects so familiar, that mothers shall only smile
when they see their infants cut into pieces at the hands of
war. He also predicts that Caesar's spirit; raging for revenge,
coming hot from hell with Ate by his side shall cry "Havoc!" in
a monarch's voice and let the dogs of war loose and that this
foul deed shall smell above the earth with decaying men,
groaning for burial.
7. What does Antony order Octavius’ servant to do?
Ans. Antony orders Octavius’s servant to get back to him
quickly and tell him what had happened. He emphasizes that
Rome was mourning and not safe for Octavius. He does not
want Octavius to be in Rome during such a turbulence. He
plans that in his speech he will understand how the people
take the cruel actions of these bloody men. Once he knows
that, Antony asks the servant to immediately report it to
young Octavius. He the asks the servant to carry the body to
the market place for a proper stately burial.