Julius Caesar Workbook answer ACT 1 SCENE 2

This article comprises of workbook solution of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, You will get complete Julius caesar beeta publication workbook question answers of Act 1 Scene 2, Julius Caesar Workbook answer ACT 1 SCENE 2

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Caesar
Forget not, in your speed, Antonius,
To touch Calpurnia; for our elders say,
The barren, touched in this holy chase,
Shake off their sterile curse.
Antony
I shall remember;
When Caesar
says "Do this,' it is perform'd.
Caesar
Set on; and leave no ceremony out.

Soothsayer
Caesar!

(i)Where does the scene take place? Why have the characters referred to in the extract gone there?

Ans: The scene takes place in a Public place in Rome. The characters referred to in the extract go there to celebrate the feast of Luprecal which is a festival dedicated to fertility.

(ii)What is the "holy chase"? Who is assigned to take the "holy chase"? What is its significance?

Ans: "Holy Chase" is a race where young men ran through the city touching spectators with leather straps, it is a part of the feast of Luprecal. Mark Antony and Caesar are assigned to take the holy chase. It is believed that in this holy race barren women so touched would be cured of infertility.

(iii) What instructions did Caesar give to Calpurnia earlier regarding the holy chase? Which characteristic trait of Caesar is revealed by his instructions?

Ans: Caesar Asks Calpurnia earlier regarding the holy chase, to stand directly in Anthony's path so that he could touch her and cure her of her infertility. This reveals Caesar’s superstitious nature and belief in omens.

(iv) Give the meaning of:
(a) Shake off their sterile curse
(b) "Do this", it is perform'd.....

Ans: a) Cure the curse of infertility (i.e. being sterlie).

(b) Whatever Jaesar says is immediately carried out

(v)According to the extract, explain the type of relationship that existed between Caesar and Antony.

Ans: Caesar and Antony's relationship in the given extract is one of authority and loyalty. Caesar, in a position of power, orders Antony to carry out a task. Calpurnia, who is Caesar's wife. Caesar instructs Antony to remember to touch Calpurnia as he departs on a "holy chase."

II. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Soothsayer
Beware the ides of March.
Caesar
What man is that?
Brutus
A soothsayer bids
you beware the ides of March.
Caesar
Set him before me; let me see his face.
Cassius
Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar.

(i)What is meant by "Beware the ides of March"? What is its significance in the play, Julius Caesar?

Ans: “Beware the ides of March” Soothsayer's warning to Caesar, of impending danger to him on 15 March (Ides of March). Its significance in the play is that it foreshadows the assassination of Caesar that takes place on the ides of March.

(ii) What was Caesar's reaction to the Soothsayer's warning? What light did this reaction throw on Caesar's character?

Ans: Caesar asks him to step out from the crowd and calls him a 'dreamer' and walks off. This shows his arrogance and disregard for the warning from a common man.

(iii)What, in your opinion, is the soothsayer's motive in warning Caesar to "beware of the ides of March"?
Which theme in the play is revealed through the soothsayer's warning and Caesar's denial of it?

Ans: The motive behind the soothsayer's warning to Caesar to "beware of the ides of March" is to avert a tragedy and bloodshed that would ensure. The theme revealed through the soothsayer’s warning and Caesar’s denial of it is the Sense of fate and the limitations of human agency. The play explores the idea that events may be predetermined or influenced by supernatural forces beyond human control.

(iv) Why does Caesar want the soothsayer to look at him? What does Caesar think of the soothsayer?

Ans: Caesar wants the soothsayers to look at him to ascertain if he had the powers to foresee the future. Caesar called him a dreamer who need not be taken seriously.

(v) Give two other examples of warning about the danger which is in store for Caesar.

Ans: a) Calpurnia's Dream: Calpurnia has a dream where she sees a statue of Caesar pouring blood and people rejoicing in it. She interprets this as a warning of danger to Caesar's life, urging him not to go to the Senate on the ides of March.
b) Artemidorus's Letter: Artemidorus writes a letter to Caesar, naming the conspirators and their plot to harm him. However, due to the chaos and distractions, Caesar doesn't get a chance to read it, remaining unaware of the impending danger.

III. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Cassius
Brutus, I do observe you now of late:
I have not from your eyes that gentleness
And show of love as I was wont to have.
You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand
friend that loves you.

Brutus
Cassius,
Be not deceiv'd if have veil'd my look,
turn the trouble of my countenance
Merely upon myself. Vexed I am

Of late with passions of some difference,
Conceptions only proper to myself,
Which give some soil, perhaps, to my behaviours;

(i) Where are Brutus and Cassius at this time? What does Cassius observe about Brutus?

Ans: Brutus and Cassius are at a Public place in Rome.while Caesar and his entourage are celebrating the Feast of Lupercal. Cassius observes that Brutus has been displaying unfriendly and cold behaviour towards him.

(ii)Why does Brutus not go along with Caesar to the games? With whom does Brutus contrast himself? How?

Ans: Brutus does not go along with Caesar to the games because Brutus is troubled by conflicting emotions regarding the Roman state. Compares himself to Anthony saying he (Brutus) is not interested in sports nor does he have active energy like Anthony.

(iii) What does Cassius accuse Brutus of? What reply does Brutus give?

Ans: Cassius accuses Brutus of being cold and unfriendly towards Cassius and of not revealing his true feelings. Brutus has been preoccupied with his own conflicting emotions so he forgets to others exhibit affection towards him.

(iv) Give the meaning of:
(a)You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand.
(b) "Vexed I am/Of late with passions of some difference.

Ans: (a) You are like a rider who is unfamiliar (strange) with his horse but is strict (stubborn) in handling it.

(b) I am troubled lately with conflicting emotions.

(v)What, do you think, is the motive of Cassius in professing friendship to Brutus? What type of a person

is Cassius?

Ans: Cassius’s motive in professing friendship to Brutus is To gain Brutus's support in the plot to assassinate Caesar because Brutus is highly respected and honoured in Rome. - Cassius is a clever manipulator who is practical in nature.

IV. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Brutus
What means this shouting? I do fear, the people
Choose Caesar for their king.
Cassius
Ay, do you fear it?
Then must I think you would not have it so.
Brutus
I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well.

(i)Where are Brutus and Cassius at this time? Why have they come together? Who are shouting?

Ans: At this time Brutus and Cassius are at a public place in Rome at a distance from Caesar's entourage. They separated from Caesar's entourage to discuss their concerns about Caesar’s growing power and ambition. The crowd is shouting, who are celebrating the Feast of Lupercal.

(ii)What reason does Brutus give here for the "shouting"? What was the real reason?

Ans: Brutus gives the reason for the "shouting" as the people choosing Caesar for their king. The reason Brutus gives for the shouting is that the people have chosen Caesar. However, the real reason for the shouting is Caesar had refused the crown and the crowd cheered on. Immense popularity and influence among the common people, which contributes to Brutus's unease.

(iii)Why was Brutus afraid that Caesar might become king? Why did he not want Caesar to become king?

Ans: Brutus was afraid that Caesar might become king because he believed it would lead to the downfall of the Roman Republic and the establishment of a monarchy. Brutus, being a staunch supporter of the republican ideals of Rome, valued the system of government where power was shared among the Senate and elected officials. He feared that a monarchy under Caesar's rule would concentrate too much power in one individual, potentially leading to tyranny and the loss of individual liberties. Hence, Brutus did not want Caesar to become king.

(iv) When Brutus says, "I would not Cassius, yet I love him well" he is undergoing a conflict of two emotions. What are they?

Ans: The two emotions that Brutus undergoes a conflict between are his love for Caesar as an individual and his sense of duty and loyalty to Rome and the Roman Republic. Brutus genuinely cares for and loves Caesar as a friend. On the other hand, his devotion to Rome and his belief in the principles of the Republic lead him to question and resist Caesar's potential rise to kingship, as he sees it as a threat to democratic values.

(v)How did Cassius finally convince Brutus that Caesar should be killed?

Ans: Cassius, a clever manipulator, incites Brutus under the pretext of honour, and freedom, especially with freedom from Caesar. In order to convince Brutus, Cassius shows that Caesar is a weak and vulnerable mortal. Furthermore, Brutus is reminded of how his ancestor defended the freedom of Rome by driving away Tarquin kings.

V. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Cassius
I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor,
Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder
The old Anchises bear, SO from the waves of Tiber
Did I the tired Caesar. And this man
Is now become a god, and Cassius is
A wretched creature, and must bend his body,
If Caesar carelessly but nod on him.

(i)Who was Aeneas? Which legendary incident connected with Aeneas is referred to in the extract?

Ans: Aeneas who was the founder of Rome and the ancestor of all Romans. He was a Trojan

who, when Troy was captured, escaped from the burning city carrying his father, Anchises, on his back.

(ii) Why does Cassius compare himself to Aeneas? Who is "this man"? What grudge does Cassius harbour against "this man"?

Ans: Cassius compares himself to Aeneas, the legendary hero of Troy, to highlight his own role in saving and supporting Caesar(for your reference: Like Aeneas, he bent his body and carried Caesar across the river Tiber when Caesar was drowning.). "This man" refers to Caesar himself. Cassius harbours a grudge against Caesar because he believes that Caesar's rise to power has diminished his own status and authority. Cassius resents the fact that he must humble himself and bend to Caesar's will, even with a mere nod from him.

(iv) Just before the extract Cassius states that he is equal to Caesar in three aspects. What are these three aspects?

Ans:

Born free: Cassius asserts that he is as noble and of equal birth as Caesar, suggesting that there is no inherent superiority
Fed well: Cassius asserts that he has been nourished and provided for just as well as Caesar, suggesting that they have had similar opportunities and privileges.
Endure winter's cold well: Cassius states that he is as resilient and capable as Caesar in enduring hardships and challenges, symbolized by the ability to withstand the harshness of winter.

(v) In his speech, Cassius refers to an incident in which he was much superior to Caesar. Narrate the incident. What conclusion did Cassius draw about Caesar from that incident?

Ans: Cassius refers to an incident where Caesar dared Cassius to swim the Tiber that was flooded and in fury. Caesar started sinking and Cassius saved him from drowning, even though Caesar was a stronger swimmer. Cassius draws the conclusion that Caesar is not as great as he is made out to be and that his success is due to luck and opportunity rather than his own abilities.

VI. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Cassius
When went there by an age, since the great flood,
But it was fam'd with more than with one man?
When could they say, till now, that talk'd of Rome,
That her wide walls encompass'd but one man?
Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough,
When there is in it but one only man.
O, you and I have heard our fathers say,
There was a Brutus once that would have brook'd
Th' eternal devil to keep his state in Rome
As easily as a king.

(i)What is referred to as "the great flood"? Why is this expression used in the text?

Ans: According to classical mythology, Zeus was determined to destroy the world because of the sins of men. “The great flood” refers to a historical event of the biblical story of Noah’s Ark when God sent a flood to wipe out all of humanity. He spared a pious couple, Deucalion and Pvrrha.

(ii) Who is referred to as "one only man"? Why is he so referred to?

Ans: “One only man” refers to Caesar. The phrase "one only man" emphasizes Caesar's uniqueness and the idea that he was a remarkable individual unlike any other. He is so powerful that it appears he is the only man in Rome. Caesar is referred to show his immense popularity and growing political power in Rome. People of Rome could never say before this that Rome had only one great son to boast of. Now it is a Rome in which there is room enough only for Caesar. Cassins is jealous of this.

(iii) What arguments does Cassius give (just before the extract) to show Caesar is not superior to Brutus?

Ans: Cassius argues that Caesar isn't superior to Brutus by pointing out that their names sound similar and are equally effective for summoning spirits or inspiring brave men. He suggests that there's no inherent greatness in the name "Caesar" and that both names are essentially the same when it comes to their impact

(iv) "There was a Brutus." Who was this Brutus? What would have he done in Rome?

Ans: Reference to Lucius Junius Brutus who was responsible for expelling the Tarquins the king of Rome in 510 B.C. Brutus in the play claimed to have descended from him. Lucius Junius Brutus would easily have tolerated the devil to be the ruler in Rome if had to tolerate a king to be ruler.

(v) With reference to one incident, state how Cassius was a shrewd manipulator.

Ans: When he responds, "Do fear the people choose Caesar for their king." His involuntary reaction gives Cassius an opportunity to question him directly and to allow Brutus to state openly his opposition to Caesar being crowned king.

VII. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Caesar

He reads much;
He is a great observer, and he looks
Quite through the deeds of men; he loves no plays,
As thou dost, Antony; he hears no music:
Seldom
he smiles, and smiles in such a sort
As if he mock'd himself, and scorn'd his spirit
That could be mov'd to smile at any thing.
Such men as he be never at heart's case
Whiles they behold a greater than themselves...

(i) Of whom is Caesar speaking? Which two traits of the man is he talking about?

Ans: Caesar is speaking of Cassius.

He is a great observer and He judges of motives of men in their actions.
Cassius is smile rarely and does not enjoy life, such a man, as he never satisfied when they, see somebody greater than themselves, and they are dangerous

(ii)Do the earlier episodes in the play suggest character accurately? Explain briefly.

Ans: Yes earlier episodes in the play suggest the character accurately. Cassius observed Brutus'reaction to the sound of crowds cheering and manipulated Brutus to join in his plot of assassinating Caesar. Jealousy is the strongest motive of Cassius. He has hatched the conspiracy against Caesar, who "Is now become a God" and he is a wretched creature

(iii) Immediately before this speech, what type of man has Caesar said he prefers? How is the man referred to in this extract different from that?

Ans: Caesar prefers Men that are fat, sleek-headed men. Men who sleep soundly at night. Cassius has a lean and hungry look and thinks too much.

(iv) What personal physical weakness is revealed by Caesar in the remaining part of this speech? What contrast is created by this revelation with the last two lines of the extract?

Ans: Caesar cannot hear from his left ear. This is his personal physical weakness. Caesar has a physical deformity that can be explored but he is dismissive of weaknesses in other men e.g. Cassius has a lean and hungry look. This contrast is created by this revelation in the last two lines of the extract.

(v) Give two other examples of Caesar's physical weakness mentioned earlier in this scene.

Ans: Caesar was sinking while trying to swim in the flood water of Tiber, he did not have the physical strength and stamina to reach. When he was in span he had a fever and when the attack was on him he shook, his lip lost their colour and became pale. He was so weak that he lack the power of resistance also he is prone to seizures.