Julius Caesar Act 2 Scene 2: ICSE Class 9 workbook answers

Get notes, workbook solutions, summary, questions and answers, and pdf of the drama/play Julius Caesar (Act 2 Scene 2) by William Shakespeare which is part of ICSE Class 9 English. However, the notes should only be treated for references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.

Summary

Caesar is roused from his sleep by a tempestuous storm, only to find his wife Calpurnia tossing and turning, crying out in her dreams that Caesar has been assassinated. Disturbed by the omen, Caesar instructs a priest to conduct a sacrificial ritual and report the results back to him. His wife Calpurnia implores him to remain at home, recounting ominous tales she has heard of dreadful events unfolding in the streets of Rome—graves opening to release the deceased, the groaning of dying men, and even blood spattering upon the Capitol’s walkways. Caesar dismisses her fears, asserting that no mortal can escape the will of the gods. Calpurnia counters, arguing that such celestial signs manifest only to herald the death of the influential and powerful. She quotes that “the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.”

Undeterred, Caesar proclaims that fearing the inevitable is a sign of cowardice. At this moment, a servant returns with unsettling news from the priest: the sacrificed animal was found to be heartless, which the priest interprets as a warning for Caesar to stay indoors. Despite the warning, Caesar insists that he is more daring than any danger that may befall him. Seeing Calpurnia fall to her knees, desperate for him to heed the warning, Caesar finally relents, agreeing to send Antony to the Senate in his place and inform them that he is unwell.

Just as Caesar agrees to stay home, Decius arrives. He craftily reinterprets Calpurnia’s nightmarish dream, suggesting that Caesar’s bleeding statue signifies not his own demise but the revitalization of Rome through Caesar’s influence. According to Decius, Rome will gain renewed strength and inspiration from Caesar. Compounding the manipulation, Decius informs Caesar that the Senate plans to crown him. Failure to appear, Decius argues, would not only lead to a potential reversal of this decision but would also make Caesar appear foolish for having been swayed by his wife’s anxieties.

Embarrassed and convinced by Decius’ arguments, Caesar decides to proceed to the Capitol after all. Shortly thereafter, Publius, a senator, arrives, followed by the group of conspirators and Antony. All have come to escort Caesar to the Capitol. Grateful for their company, Caesar offers them wine before they embark, reassuring them that they are all friends. He tells Metellus and Trebonius to stay close, to which Trebonius ominously replies that he will remain so near to Caesar that even Caesar’s closest friends will wish he had kept his distance.

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Multiple Choice Questions

1. Caesar asked the priest to

Answer: c. sacrifice an animal to the gods

2. The dreadful sights as reported to Calpurnia were: 

Answer: b. Blood drizzling on the Capitol

3. Calpurnia tried to convince Caesar to stay at home by

Answer: b. begging him on bended knees

4. According to Decius, the Senate had planned to

Answer: a. crown Caesar

5. Caesar invited his friends before going to the Senate

Answer: a. to drink wine with him

6. Brutus at the end of the scene feels

Answer: a. guilty

Context questions

Question 1

CALPURNIA – Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies,
Yet now they fright me. There is one within,
Besides the things that we have heard and seen,
Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch

1. Where are Caesar and Calpurnia now?

Answer: Caesar and Calpurnia are in their house. The scene starts with them conversing, indicating they are in their private chambers.

2. What does Calpurnia mean by “ceremonies”?. What is the main cause of her fear?

Answer: By “ceremonies”, Calpurnia means omens, prophecies, and superstitious beliefs. In the past, she did not believe in such things but now they frighten her deeply. The main cause of her immense fear is the strange and unnatural sights people have seen around Rome as well as her own terrifying dreams about Caesar’s murder.

3. How does Caesar react to Calpurnia’s warnings? What does he ask his servants to do?

Answer: Caesar reacts in an arrogant manner, dismissing Calpurnia’s passionate warnings and pleas to stay home. He refuses to even entertain the idea that the omens could mean danger for him. To appease her, he asks his servants to conduct a sacrifice ritual and read the omens, but Caesar has already convinced himself the omens will favor him going to the Senate.

4. What were the ‘horrid sights’ seen in this scene?

Answer: The horrid sights reported around Rome were supernatural occurrences like a lioness giving birth in the streets, graves opening up their dead, ghosts shrieking and howling, and spectral warriors fighting and raining blood down on the Capitol. These visions highlight the turmoil coming to Rome.

5. How does Caesar show his arrogance about fearing death?

Answer: Caesar shows great arrogance and hubris in his lack of fear about death. He delivers a speech saying cowards allow themselves to die many times in their imagination, paralyzed by the thought of dying. However, the valiant or courageous taste death only once when it comes for them. He believes death is inevitable for all men so there is no point in wasting time dreading or fearing it. This shows Caesar’s inflated self-confidence.

Question 2

CAESAR- 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

1. What are Caesar’s views about death? How do cowards die many times before their death?

Answer: Caesar views death as a natural, inevitable occurrence that should not be feared. According to him, cowards are so frightened by the thought of dying that they mentally agonize over it constantly, effectively dying many times before their actual physical death.

2. What was the outcome of the sacrifice made by the priest? How does Caesar interpret this?

Answer: The sacrifice ritual involved looking for omens in the entrails of an animal. However, the priest reported they could not find a heart inside the animal, which is a very bad omen. However, Caesar interprets this grim omen in an overly optimistic way. He claims the gods have removed the heart to shame Caesar for being cowardly, saying Caesar himself should not be “heartless” by staying home out of fear.

3. What does Caesar say about danger and himselfbeing littered on the same day?

Answer: Caesar states that he and danger itself were born on the same day, meaning he is dangerous and powerful enough to face any threat or peril. He sees himself as more daring and mighty than danger itself. This hyperbolic boast displays Caesar’s boundless arrogance.

4. Why does Calpurnia take the responsibility on herself for Caesar not going to the Capitol? How does she portray her submissiveness?

Answer: Calpurnia takes the responsibility and blame on herself for Caesar’s decision not to go to the Capitol. She portrays submissiveness by begging him on bended knee to stay home, saying it is her own fear, not his, keeping him there. This shows she knows Caesar’s pride means he cannot admit to feeling fear himself.

5. Who enters soon after? How does the person use flattery to change the mind of Caesar? What is his interpretation of Calpurnia’s dream?

Answer: Soon after, Decius Brutus enters. He cleverly uses flattery, fabricating a story that the senators plan to offer Caesar the crown that very day. His positive interpretation of Calpurnia’s nightmare implies Rome and its citizens will gain strength and power from Caesar’s noble blood. This manipulates Caesar’s vanity.

Question 3

CAESAR – And these does she apply for warnings, and portents,
And evils imminent; and on her knee
Hath begg’d that I will stay at home to-day.
DECIUS BRUTUS – This dream is all amiss interpreted;

1. Who is ‘she’? What had she dreamt of?

Answer: ‘She’ refers to Calpurnia. She had an unsettling nightmare in which she saw Caesar’s statue spewing forth copious amounts of blood as if pierced by many wounds, and Romans feverishly bathing their hands in the blood.

2. Who came to accompany Caesar to the Capitol?

Answer: Publius, a senator, arrives with the conspirators Brutus, Cassius, and others to accompany Caesar to the Senate house under the guise of friendship.

3. How is Calpurnia being ‘on her knees’ similar to Portia in the previous scene? How is Caesar the ‘husband’ different from Brutus the ‘husband’?

Answer: Calpurnia begging Caesar on bended knee echoes Portia begging on her knees to Brutus in the previous scene. However, while the sensitive Brutus reassures Portia out of care, the arrogant Caesar ignores his wife’s passionate pleas completely.

4. How does Decius tempt Caesar? How does Decius exploit Caesar’s egoistic nature that makes Caesar angry with Calpurnia?

Answer: Decius cunningly tempts Caesar by mentioning the Senate plans to offer him the kingship crown that day. He makes Caesar angry with Calpurnia by twisting her dream to say Caesar staying home would allow the senators to mock his fear of “his wife’s dreams”. This manipulates Caesar’s pride.

5. What does Caesar finally decide to do? What is revealed of both Decius and Cassius in the scene?

Answer: Decius’ shrewd flattery succeeds in making Caesar decide to go to the Capitol after all. This reveals Decius’s cleverness and persuasive powers of manipulation. It also reveals the two-faced nature of the conspirators who act friendly to lure Caesar to his death.

Question 4

CAESAR- Good friends, go in, and taste some wine with me;
And we, like friends, will straightway go together.
BRUTUS – [Aside] That every like is not the same, O Caesar,
The heart of Brutus yearns to think upon!

1. Who are the ‘good friends’?

Answer: The ‘good friends’ Caesar refers to are the conspirators, including Brutus, Cassius, and the others who have arrived to accompany Caesar under pretense of friendship.

2. Why is it ironic to refer to them as ‘good friends’?

Answer: It is deeply ironic for Caesar to call them “good friends” when in fact they have conspired together to betray and murder him that very day. Their friendship is completely false.

3. Why have these good friends taken all the pains and courtesy to accompany Caesar to the Capitol?

Answer: The conspirators like Brutus have taken great pains to visit Caesar’s home and politely accompany him to the Capitol in order to lure him into their trap. Their courteous behavior hides their sinister intent.

4. What does ‘yearns’ mean? What aspect of Brutus’ character is revealed in his statement? How does he contradict himself?

Answer: ‘Yearns’ means to desire or long for something extremely badly, even painfully. Brutus’ statement reveals he is internally conflicted – he calls Caesar his dear friend but will soon kill him in cold blood. This contradicts his seeming nobility.

5. What time is it now? Who was Caesar surprised to see? What trait of the person’s character is revealed here?

Answer: It is early morning and Caesar is surprised to see Antony, who is known for staying out late partying and carousing, awake so early. This small detail highlights Antony’s energetic, socialite personality.

Morning Star Workbook Solutions

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following was NOT one of the horrid sights reported from the streets of Rome?

(a) Groans on dying men
(b) Graves yielding up their dead
(c) Blood dripping from the roof
(d) Ghosts squealing

Answer: (c) Blood dripping from the roof

2. What reply does Calpurnia give when Caesar said that the portents concerned mankind in general, not him alone?

(a) The heavens drop tears of blood when princes die.
(b) The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes,
(c) The heavens themselves bring forth clouds of blood.
(d) The heavens themselves let forth fire when princes die.

Answer: (b) The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.

3. Why does Caesar initially agree to Calpurnia’s Suggestion to not move out of his house?

(a) Out of fear of portents
(b) For Calpurnia’s sake
(c) For losing his crown
(d) None of the above

Answer: (b) For Calpurnia’s sake

4. How does Decius interpret the meaning of Calpurnia’s dream?

(a) Caesar shall give life to all Rome
(b) Caesar will end all the evils from Rome
(c) Caesar will become the king despite the portents
(d) Caesar will put to an end all conspiracies against him.

Answer: (a) Caesar shall give life to all Rome

5. How does Caesar compare himself with the beast sacrificed by the priests?

(a) He would be as heartless as the beast
(b) He would be coward like the beast
(c) He would be sacrificed like the beast
(d) None of the above.

Answer: (b) He would be coward like the beast

6. Which characteristic trait of Caesar is revealed through his denial of the omens and portents?

(a) Bravery
(b) Cowardice
(c) Ignorance
(d) Vanity

Answer: (d) Vanity

7. Which method Was used by Decius to dupe Caesar and persuade him to go to Senate?

(a) Falsehoods
(b) Appeal to Caesar’s vanity
(c) Flattery
(d) All of the above.

Answer: (c) Flattery

8. What does this scene suggest about Caesar’s flaw that led to his dooms?

(a) Overconfidence
(b) Pride
(c) Lack of trust
(d) Lack of vision

Answer: (a) Overconfidence

9. Which of the following is NOT a reason for Caesar to disregard his Wife’s warning?

(a) Pride
(b) Humility
(c) Vanity
(d) Fate

Answer: (b) Humility

Context Questions

1. [Enter Calpurnia]
Calpurnia
What mean you, Caesar? Think you to walk forth?
You shall not stir out of your house today.
Caesar
Caesar shall forth: the things that threaten’d me
Ne’er look’d but on my back; when they shall see
The face of Caesar, they are vanished.

(i) In what mood does Calpurnia speak to Caesar? Why does she warn him? When earlier had he been warned of this day?

Answer: Calpurnia speaks to Caesar in a mood of fear and concern. She is deeply worried about his safety, as she has been disturbed by ominous dreams and reports of strange and supernatural occurrences. Calpurnia warns Caesar because she believes these signs indicate that he is in great danger if he leaves the house. Earlier, Caesar had been warned of this day by a soothsayer, who told him to “Beware the Ides of March” during Act 1, Scene 2.

(ii) What has Caesar noticed about the night? What did he ask his servant to do then? Why?

Answer: Caesar noticed that neither heaven nor Earth had been at peace during the night, which was marked by stormy weather. He observed that his wife, Calpurnia, cried out three times in her sleep, “Help ho, they murder Caesar!” Concerned by these omens, Caesar asked his servant to bid the priests to perform a sacrifice and bring him their opinion on the success of the day. He sought to understand the significance of the troubling signs.

(iii) Caesar says: “Caesar shall forth.” On what are Calpurnia’s fears based? State two unusual things which she has heard to have happened.

Answer: Calpurnia’s fears are based on various unnatural and ominous occurrences that have been reported. She mentions that a lioness gave birth in the streets, graves have opened up and the dead have risen, fierce warriors were seen fighting in the clouds, and ghosts shrieked and squealed in the streets. These supernatural events convince her that something terrible is about to happen, particularly to Caesar.

(iv) What does Caesar say later about cowards? What does he say in the extract to show that he is not threatened?

Answer: Later, Caesar remarks, “Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.” This statement reflects his belief that it is cowardly to fear death, as it is an inevitable part of life. In the extract, Caesar shows that he is not threatened by declaring that the things that have threatened him have only done so behind his back, and when they face him directly, they vanish. He insists that he will go forth because he does not fear the predictions made by the augurers or the omens observed by Calpurnia.

(v) What aspect of the character of Calpurnia as well as of Caesar is hinted at in the extract? Give reasons to justify your answer

Answer: The extract hints at Calpurnia’s deep love and concern for Caesar, as well as her superstitious nature. Despite not usually placing importance on omens, she is frightened by the unusual occurrences and tries desperately to protect her husband. On the other hand, Caesar’s character is shown to be confident, even to the point of arrogance. He dismisses the omens and the warnings, viewing himself as invincible and above the ordinary fears that affect others. This confidence is evident in his refusal to be swayed by Calpurnia’s fears and his assertion that he is more dangerous than danger itself.

2. Calpurnia
Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies,
Yet now they fright me. There is one within,
Besides the things that we have heard and seen,
Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch.
A lioness hath whelped in the streets,
And graves have yawn’d, and yielded up their dead;

(i) What is meant by “I never stood on ceremonies” What is Caesar’s normal opinion on stich things? 

Answer: When Calpurnia says, “I never stood on ceremonies,” she means that she usually does not believe in or pay attention to omens, superstitions, or rituals. Caesar’s normal opinion on such things, as inferred from his behaviour, is dismissive. He does not believe that these omens or superstitions have any real power over his fate, as he considers himself above such fears, trusting instead in his own strength and destiny.

(ii) Mention any three other signs enumerated by Calpurnia in her Speech, Why does she narrate such sights at this time?

Answer: Calpurnia mentions several ominous signs in her speech:

• A lioness giving birth in the streets.
• Graves opening and the dead rising.
• Fiery warriors fighting on the clouds, which rained blood on the Capitol.

She narrates these sights to persuade Caesar to stay at home because she is deeply frightened by these unnatural occurrences, which she believes foretell something terrible, specifically, the impending danger to Caesar’s life.

(iii) What does Calpurnia’s speech reveal about her character?

Answer: Calpurnia’s speech reveals that she is deeply concerned for her husband’s safety and is sensitive to omens and supernatural events. Her fear shows her love and care for Caesar, as well as her belief in the significance of these portents. It also indicates that she is more cautious and apprehensive compared to Caesar, who dismisses such fears.

(iv) What is Caesar’s reaction to Calpurnia’s fears? What does he decide to do?

Answer: Caesar initially dismisses Calpurnia’s fears, arguing that death is inevitable and that it cannot be avoided by hiding from it. However, after Calpurnia pleads with him, he agrees to stay home, but only because he wants to humour her. This decision is soon overturned when Decius Brutus reinterprets Calpurnia’s dream to suggest that it actually signifies something positive for Caesar. 

(v) What does Caesar a little later do to indicate that death is inevitable? Which characteristic trait of Caesar is highlighted by his action?

Answer: A little later, Caesar remarks, “Seeing that death, a necessary end, will come when it will come,” indicating his belief that death is inevitable and cannot be avoided. This statement highlights Caesar’s fatalistic attitude and his characteristic trait of bravery or perhaps arrogance, as he refuses to let fear dictate his actions, believing instead in his own strength and destiny.

3 .Calpurnia
Alas, my lord,
Your wisdom is consum’d in confidence.
Do not go forth today: call it my fear
That keeps you in the house, and not your own.
well send Mark Antony to the Senate House,
And he shall say you are not well today;
Let me, upon my knee, prevail in this.
Caesar
Mark Antony shall say I am not well;
And, for thy humour, I will stay at home.
[Enter Decius|
Here’s Decius Brutus, he shall tell them so.

(i) Where are Calpurnia and Caesar at this moment? What is Calpurnia trying to convince Caesar?

Answer: Calpurnia and Caesar are in their house at this moment. Calpurnia is trying to convince Caesar not to go to the Senate House that day because she fears for his safety, based on the ominous signs she has observed and the troubling dreams she has had.

(ii) State two reasons offered by Calpurnia for wanting Caesar to stay at home.

Answer: Calpurnia mentions the terrifying sights reported by the watch, such as graves opening and ghosts shrieking in the streets.

She also recounts her own nightmare where she saw Caesar’s statue spouting blood, which she interprets as a bad omen predicting Caesar’s imminent death.

(iii) Bring out three arguments Decius puts forward to make Caesar change his mind.

Answer: Decius reinterprets Calpurnia’s dream, suggesting that the blood spouting from Caesar’s statue signifies that Caesar will give Rome revitalising blood, and many Romans will seek blessings from him.

He informs Caesar that the Senate plans to crown him that day, but they may change their minds if he does not show up.

Decius warns that if Caesar stays at home due to his wife’s dream, people might say that Caesar is afraid, which could damage his reputation.

(iv) Explain clearly in your own words the meaning of “your wisdom is consum’d in confidence.” Was Calpurnia correct in her judgement of her husband? Why?

Answer: The phrase “your wisdom is consumed in confidence” means that Caesar’s judgement is clouded by his overconfidence. Calpurnia implies that Caesar’s excessive self-assurance is preventing him from seeing the danger. Calpurnia was correct in her judgement because Caesar’s overconfidence ultimately led him to ignore the warnings and go to the Senate House, where he was assassinated.

(v) What is revealed of Calpurnia’s character in the above words? How is she contrasted with Portia who appears in the previous scene?

Answer: Calpurnia is shown to be deeply concerned for her husband’s safety, demonstrating intuition and a strong sense of foreboding. She is emotional and relies on omens and dreams to guide her actions. In contrast, Portia, who appears in the previous scene, is portrayed as rational and strong-willed. Portia challenges Brutus to confide in her and shows her strength by wounding herself to prove her resilience and loyalty. Calpurnia is more fearful and protective, whereas Portia is assertive and logical.

4.Decius
Most mighty Caesar, let me know some cause,
Lest I be laugh’d at when I tell them so
Caesar
The cause is in my will: I will not come;
That is enough to satisfy the Senate:
But, for your private satisfaction,
Because I love you, I will let you know;
Calpurnia here, my wife, stays me at home:
She dreamt tonight. . .

(i) Where are the speakers at this moment? What day is this? What is the significance of this day?

Answer: The speakers, Decius and Caesar, are in Caesar’s house. This day is the fifteenth of March, known as the Ides of March. The significance of this day lies in its historical importance, as it is the day when Caesar will be assassinated. The day is filled with ominous signs and warnings, particularly from Caesar’s wife, Calpurnia.

(ii) What did Calpurnia dream? How did she interpret her dream? How does Decius interpret her dream?

Answer: Calpurnia dreamt that Caesar’s statue was spouting blood like a fountain, with many Romans washing their hands in it. She interpreted this dream as a bad omen, signifying danger and the potential death of Caesar. Decius, however, reinterprets the dream in a positive light, suggesting that it symbolises Caesar’s strength and influence, with Rome benefiting from his leadership and the Romans seeking to draw power from him.

(iii) What other reasons did Calpurnia state for not wanting Caesar to go to the Senate?

Answer: Calpurnia mentions other ominous signs that had been reported, such as fierce battles in the sky, blood raining on the Capitol, and graves opening up, releasing the dead. She is deeply frightened by these portents and implores Caesar to stay at home out of caution.

(iv) What other statements did Decius make to convince Caesar that he should attend the Senate? How is it that Decius has come on the scene at the time?

Answer: Decius further convinces Caesar by telling him that the Senate plans to crown him that day. He suggests that if Caesar does not attend, the senators might change their minds, and it could be perceived that Caesar is afraid, leading to mockery. Decius has arrived at Caesar’s house specifically to accompany him to the Senate, fulfilling his role as part of the conspirators’ plan to ensure that Caesar attends the Senate where the assassination will take place.

(v) What is your opinion of Caesar at this point in the play? Express your feelings for him when he is assassinated.

Answer: At this point in the play, Caesar appears to be a mixture of arrogance and vulnerability. He initially dismisses the warnings and omens but is persuaded by Calpurnia’s fears to stay home. However, he quickly reverses his decision after being flattered by Decius. This flip-flop shows both his confidence in his own power and his susceptibility to manipulation. When Caesar is assassinated later, there is a sense of tragic inevitability—he is a powerful leader, but his hubris and trust in those around him lead to his downfall. The audience may feel a mix of pity and frustration, as his death could have been avoided had he heeded the warnings.

5.Decius
If you shall send them word you will not come;
Their minds may change. Besides, it were a mock
Apt to be render’d, for some one to say,
“Break up the Senate till another time,
When Caesar’s wife shall meet with better dreams.”
If Caesar hide himself, shall they not whisper,
“Lo, Caesar is afraid”?…
Caesar
How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia!
I am ashamed I did yield to them.
Give me my robe, for I will go:

(i) What had Decius assured Caesar that the Senate were proposing to do on that particular day? Why?

Answer:Decius assured Caesar that the Senate was planning to offer him a crown on that day. He warned Caesar that if he did not attend, the Senate might change their minds, suspecting that Caesar was afraid.

(ii) When was a similar thing already offered and what was the reaction of Caesar at that time?

Answer: A similar offer was made previously when Caesar was offered the crown by Mark Antony during the Feast of Lupercal. Caesar refused the crown three times, each time more reluctantly, indicating a desire for power but a refusal to appear too eager.

(iii) What interpretation had Decius offered to Calpurnia’s dream? What was his motive?

Answer: Decius reinterpreted Calpurnia’s dream, which she believed to be a bad omen, as a positive sign. He claimed that the dream, where Caesar’s statue spouted blood and Romans bathed in it, signified that Caesar’s influence and leadership would revitalize Rome. Decius’s motive was to persuade Caesar to go to the Senate, knowing that the conspirators planned to assassinate him there.

(iv) Earlier in the play , Caesar himself had expressed , once to Antony and once to Calpurnia , other thoughts on the topic of fear . Describe as closely as you can any one of the things he says about fear .

Answer: Caesar expressed to Calpurnia that “Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once.” He conveyed his belief that fearing death is futile since it is inevitable, and only those who are cowardly experience the dread of death repeatedly.

(v) Explain in your own words the meaning of the phrase “it were a mock / Apt to be render’d.” What is revealed of Decius’ character in the passage?

Answer: The phrase means that it would be an easy opportunity for someone to mock Caesar by suggesting that the Senate should be dismissed until Caesar’s wife has better dreams. This reveals Decius’s manipulative and cunning nature, as he uses this idea to play on Caesar’s pride and fear of appearing weak, thereby convincing him to go to the Senate despite his earlier decision to stay home.

Extras

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Calpurnia dream of in Julius Caesar Act 2, Scene 2?

A. Caesar being crowned as king
B. Caesar’s statue spouting blood
C. Caesar defeating his enemies
D. Caesar’s triumphant return from battle

Answer: B. Caesar’s statue spouting blood

10. How does Caesar respond to the news that the priests could not find a heart in the sacrificed animal?

A. He dismisses it as a minor issue
B. He interprets it as a sign of his bravery
C. He becomes fearful and anxious
D. He decides to cancel the Senate meeting

Answer: B. He interprets it as a sign of his bravery

Questions and Answers

1. Caesar The cause is in my will: I will not come; That is enough to satisfy the Senate: But, for your private satisfaction, Because I love you, I will let you know; Calphurnia here, my wife, stays me at home: She dreamt tonight…

i. What is Caesar’s attitude towards Calpurnia’s dream?

Answer: Caesar is dismissive of Calpurnia’s fears and tries to downplay the significance of her dream, suggesting that it is not reason enough to stay at home.

ii. What does Caesar mean by “The cause is in my will”?

Answer: Caesar means that his decision not to attend the Senate is solely based on his own choice, not on any external influence or fear.

iii. How does Caesar justify his decision to Decius?

Answer: Caesar justifies his decision by saying that it is enough for the Senate to know that he wills not to come, and privately, he shares that it is to appease Calpurnia’s fears.

iv. What role does love play in Caesar’s decision according to this passage?

Answer: Caesar mentions love as a reason for revealing his true motive to Decius, implying that his love for Calpurnia compels him to consider her fears.

v. How does Decius respond to Caesar’s explanation?

Answer: Decius flattery Caesar, ultimately convincing him to disregard Calpurnia’s dream and attend the Senate.

7. Decius This dream is all amiss interpreted;

i. How does Decius reinterpret Calpurnia’s dream?

Answer: Decius reinterprets the dream to suggest that it is a positive sign, indicating that Caesar’s blood will revitalize Rome.

ii. What is Decius’s motive in reinterpreting the dream?

Answer: Decius’s motive is to manipulate Caesar into going to the Senate, knowing that the conspirators plan to assassinate him there.

iii. How does this manipulation affect Caesar’s decision?

Answer: This manipulation convinces Caesar to disregard Calpurnia’s warnings and proceed to the Senate.

iv. What does this reveal about Decius’s character?

Answer: This reveals Decius’s cunning and ability to exploit Caesar’s ego and ambition.

v. How does this contribute to the tragedy of the play?

Answer: This contributes to the tragedy by leading Caesar to his death, driven by a false sense of security created by Decius’s lies.

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