Get notes, workbook solutions, summary, questions and answers, and pdf of the drama/play Julius Caesar (Act 4 Scene 1) by William Shakespeare, which is part of ICSE Class 10 English. However, the notes should only be treated as references, and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.
Summary
This scene takes place after Julius Caesar has been assassinated by a group of conspirators led by Brutus and Cassius. The three men now ruling Rome – Mark Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus – are meeting to discuss getting rid of anyone who was involved in the assassination plot against Caesar.
The three rulers, called the Triumvirate, are seated at a table with a list of names of people they have marked to be killed. Antony starts off by saying “These many, then, shall die; their names are pricked (marked).” Octavius asks Lepidus if he consents to having even his own brother killed, since his name is on the list. Lepidus agrees, but only if Antony’s nephew Publius is also killed. Antony marks Publius’ name to condemn him to death.
Lepidus is then sent to fetch Caesar’s will so the three can cut some funds from the money and properties left to people in the will. This will allow them to pay for raising armies to fight against Brutus and Cassius’ forces. As soon as Lepidus leaves, Antony insults him, calling him worthless and undeserving of being one of the three rulers of Rome.
Antony mocks Lepidus, comparing him to a stupid donkey who just carries loads without thinking. He says Lepidus has no original thoughts and just imitates what others do. Octavius defends Lepidus, calling him a “tried and valiant soldier.” But Antony doubles down, saying his horses are braver than Lepidus, comparing the man to an animal he just feeds and leads around. Antony sees Lepidus as a follower with no mind of his own.
Antony then shifts the conversation, revealing that Brutus and Cassius are raising armies to fight them. He stresses they must join together their own allies, funds, and armies right away to counter this threat. The two agree to hold a council meeting soon to plan their next military moves against the ousted conspirators and any remaining enemies surrounding them.
Video tutorial
Evergreen Workbook Solutions
Multiple Choice Questions I
1. The three triumvirs who are seated at a table are
A. Antony, Octavius and Lepidus B. Cassius, Brutus and Lucilius C. Cicero, Publius and Casca D. The high priests
Answer: A. Antony, Octavius and Lepidus
2. Lepidus is sent on an errand to
A. fetch Caesar’s will B. find out who are levying powers C. find out who is prick’d to die D. search for Brutus and Cassius
Answer: A. fetch Caesar’s will
3. The meaning of prescription is
A. an official list of those who are to be killed B. list of those who will rule Rome C. list of honourable men of Rome D. list of powerful Romans
Answer: A. an official list of those who are to be killed
4. According to Octavius, Lepidus is
A. a useless man B. a tried and valiant soldier C. unfit to be a part of the triumvirate D. an inexperienced soldier
Answer: B. a tried and valiant soldier
5. Antony considers Lepidus to be
A. a barren spirited fellow B. one who feeds on objects, arts and imitations C. a property D. a useless person
Answer: A. a barren spirited fellow
Context questions I
1. ANTONY – This is a slight unmeritable man.
Meet to be sent on errands. Is it fit
The threefold world divided, he should stand
One of the three to share it?
OCTAVIUS – So you thought him?
1. Who is Antony referring to? Who is he talking to?
Answer: Antony is referring to Lepidus and he is talking to Octavius.
2. Why does he call the man ‘slight unmeritable’? On what errand was he sent? Why?
Answer: Antony calls the man ‘slight unmeritable’ because he views Lepidus as insignificant and not deserving to share the power of the triumvirate. He was sent to fetch Caesar’s will, to possibly alter it to their advantage.
3. What arguments have been made? Where will the three meet?
Answer: Antony argues that Lepidus does not deserve an equal share in the triumvirate’s power. They plan to meet either at the current location or at the Capitol.
4. What are Antony’s intentions regarding Lepidus? What is the ‘threefold world’?
Answer: Antony’s intentions are to use Lepidus for their immediate needs and then discard him. The ‘threefold world’ refers to the divided control of the Roman Empire among the triumvirs.
5. How does Octavius refute what Antony has just said? What arguments does he place after this extract?
Answer: Octavius refutes Antony by defending Lepidus, acknowledging him as a tried and valiant soldier, thus challenging Antony’s negative view of Lepidus.
2. OCTAVIUS – You may do your will;
But he’s a tried and valiant soldier
ANTONY – So is my horse,
Octavius; and for that I do appoint him store of provender
1. What made Octavius say ‘You may do your will’?
Answer: Octavius says ‘You may do your will’ in response to Antony’s criticism of Lepidus, indicating that Antony has the freedom to act as he pleases but reminding him of Lepidus’ value as a soldier.
2. How does Antony compare Lepidus to his horse?
Answer: Antony compares Lepidus to his horse by implying that both are useful for their service and loyalty, but not for their intellect or decision-making abilities.
3. What does ‘store of provender’ mean? How is the horse’s ‘corporal motion’ governed by Antony’s spirit?
Answer: ‘Store of provender’ means a supply of food. Antony suggests that just as he controls and directs his horse’s physical actions, he can similarly manipulate Lepidus.
4. In what way does Antony further degrade Lepidus? Would you degrade a classmate in this manner? Write your answer in two sentences.
Answer: Antony degrades Lepidus by reducing him to an asset or tool, likening him to a horse that can be directed at will. I would not degrade a classmate in this manner as it disrespects their autonomy and contribution.
5. What are the important things Antony wants to speak about? What four things does he suggest to Octavius to do?
Answer: Antony wants to discuss the threat posed by Brutus and Cassius and suggests combining their forces, making alliances, stretching their means, and devising strategies for both covert operations and addressing open threats.
Morning Star Workbook Solutions
Multiple Choice Questions II
1. The raging passion of the mob in the earlier scene is replaced by which of the following in this scene?
(a) Hot-headedness of the conspirators
(b) Cold-hearted ruthlessness of the anarchists
(c) Peace and calm on the battlefield
(d) None of the above
Answer: (b) Cold-hearted ruthlessness of the anarchists
2. Who among the following is NOT a part of the Second Triumvirate?
(a) Antony
(b) Brutus
(c) Octavius
(d) Lepidus
Answer: (b) Brutus
3. What does the list that Antony and Octavius are reading together contain?
(a) The names of Brutus’ friends
(b) The names of Caesar’s friends
(c) The names of people to be executed
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c) The names of people to be executed
4. “Your brother too must die.” Whose brother is referred to?
(a) Antony’s
(b) Lepidus’
(c) Octavius’
(d) Brutus’
Answer: (b) Lepidus’
5. On what condition does Lepidus agree that his brother should be executed?
(a) Mark Antony’s sister’s son should also be executed
(b) All the leaders of the coup should be executed
(c) All of Brutus’ friends should be executed.
(d) None of the above
Answer: (a) Mark Antony’s sister’s son should also be executed
6. What does Antony ask Lepidus to do?
(a) To execute all those who supported the coup
(b) To arrest all those who supported the coup
(c) To get Caesar’s sword from his house
(d) To get Caesar’s will from his house
Answer: (d) To get Caesar’s will from his house
7. What does Antony intend to do after getting Caesar’s will?
(a) Change Caesar’s will to fund the civil war
(b) Read it publicly
(c) Cut down the amount of money bequeathed by Caesar.
(d) Replace it with a fake will
Answer: (c) Cut down the amount of money bequeathed by Caesar.
8. To whom does Antony refer to as “unmeritable man”?
(a) Lepidus
(b) Cassius
(c) Octavius
(d) Brutus
Answer: (a) Lepidus
9. According to Antony, what is this “unmeritable man” fit for?
(a) To run here and there
(b) To do odd jobs
(c) To act as a messenger
(d) None of the above
Answer: (b) To do odd jobs
10. To whom does Antony compare Lepidus in this scene?
(a) A horse who runs away from the master
(b) A donkey who carries a load of gold
(c) A poor man who does not know the value of gold
(d) None of the above
Answer: (b) A donkey who carries a load of gold
11. Which of the following adjectives is NOT used by Mark Antony for Lepidus?
(a) Store of provender
(b) Unmeritable man
(c) A property
(d) Barren-spirited fellow
Answer: (d) Barren-spirited fellow.
12. What does Octavius say about Lepidus in this scene?
(a) He is good for nothing
(b) He is a good task-master
(c) He is a good soldier
(d) He is a good organiser
Answer: (c) He is a good soldier.
13. Which of the following is hinted in this scene?
(a) Tensions within the Second Triumvirate
(b) Tensions between Brutus and Cassius
(c) Mob, fury
(d) None of the above
Answer: (a) Tensions within the Second Triumvirate.
14. Which characteristic trait of Mark Antony is highlighted in this scene ?
(a) passionate and patriotic
(b) Ruthless ands this Seen,
(c) Faithful and loyal
(d) None of the above
Answer: (b) ruthless.
15. Mark Antony’s dismissal of Lepidus reflect which of the following traits of this personality ?
(a) Shrewd manipulator
(b) Power hungry
(c) Betrayer of friendship
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer: (d) Both (b) and (c).
Context Questions II
1.Antony
These many, then, shall die; their names are prickd.
Octavius
Your brother too must die; consent you, Lepidus?
Lepidus
I do consent
Octavius
Prick him down, Antony.
Lepidus
Upon condition Publius shall not live,
Who is your sister’s son, Mark Antony.
(i) What is meant by “their names are prick’d”? Why are these names prick’d ? What does this show regarding the custom of Elizabethan times?
Answer: The phrase “their names are prick’d” refers to the practice of marking or selecting certain individuals for death. In this context, Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus are deciding who among their political enemies should be executed. The act of “pricking” names on a list was a method used to signify those chosen for execution or some form of punishment. This shows that during Elizabethan times, the rulers had the power to arbitrarily decide the fate of individuals, often for political purposes, without a formal trial or process, reflecting the ruthlessness and political machinations common in that era.
(ii) What was Antony’s reply to the condition put forward by Lepidus? What does Antony ask Lepidus to do then? Why?
Answer: Antony agrees to Lepidus’s condition that his sister’s son, Publius, should be executed. Antony then instructs Lepidus to go to Caesar’s house to fetch Caesar’s will so they can determine how to reduce the legacies (bequests) to save money. Antony’s instruction to Lepidus shows his cunning and manipulative nature, as he uses Lepidus to carry out a mundane task, highlighting Antony’s intent to minimize Lepidus’s involvement in more critical decisions.
(iii) What opinion does Antony hold of Lepidus? What does he propose to do with him after making use of him?
Answer: Antony holds a low opinion of Lepidus, considering him a “slight, unmeritable man,” fit only to run errands. He compares Lepidus to an ass (donkey) that carries gold, suggesting that Lepidus is a beast of burden who will be discarded once he has served his purpose. Antony plans to use Lepidus for their immediate needs and then cast him aside when he is no longer useful, reflecting Antony’s manipulative and utilitarian approach to alliances.
(iv) Why did Antony send Lepidus to Caesar’s house? Which characteristic trait of Antony is revealed here?
Answer: Antony sent Lepidus to Caesar’s house to fetch Caesar’s will. This action reveals Antony’s characteristic of being manipulative and strategic. He uses Lepidus to perform tasks that keep him occupied while Antony and Octavius handle more important and confidential matters. Antony’s actions show his desire to control and dominate, ensuring that Lepidus remains a subordinate figure in their alliance.
(v) State briefly the comparison hinted between Brutus and Antony in this scene.
Answer: The scene hints at a comparison between Brutus and Antony, contrasting their natures and leadership styles. Brutus is depicted as honorable and driven by principles, making decisions based on what he believes is right for Rome. In contrast, Antony is shown as pragmatic, ruthless, and manipulative, willing to sacrifice others and use them as tools to achieve his ambitions. This comparison underscores the moral and ethical differences between the two characters, with Antony being more willing to engage in deceit and treachery to secure power.
2.Antony
He shall not live; look, with a spot I damn him.
But, Lepidus, go you to Caesar’s house;
Fetch the will hither, and we shall determine
How to cut off some charge in legacies.
Lepidus
What, shall I find you here?
Octavius
Or here or at the Capitol.
(i) Where are the three persons? What have they formed? Who “shall not Live?
Answer: The three persons, Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus, are meeting to make decisions about those who may oppose them. They have formed a triumvirate, a political alliance to consolidate power after Caesar’s death. The person who “shall not live” is Publius, who is Mark Antony’s sister’s son.
(iI) On a previous occasion, Antony has referred to Caesar’s will, when talking to the Roman citizens. Show the contrast between that reference and this
Answer: Previously, Antony referred to Caesar’s will in his speech to the Roman citizens to incite them against the conspirators by highlighting Caesar’s generosity, as the will left wealth and land to the people of Rome. In contrast, in this scene, Antony shows a more manipulative and self-serving side by planning to alter the will to reduce the legacies, demonstrating his willingness to betray Caesar’s original intentions for his own benefit.
(iII) Explain the meanings of “determine” and “charge”. What trait of Antony character is shown in lines 3 and 4 of the given extract?
Answer: In this context, “determine” means to decide or settle on a course of action, and “charge” refers to the financial burden or cost associated with the legacies left in Caesar’s will. The trait of Antony’s character shown in these lines is his ruthlessness and cunning. He is willing to alter Caesar’s will to lessen the financial burden on the state, showing his manipulative nature.
(iv) What does Octavius say in defence of Lepidus to Antony?
Answer: Octavius defends Lepidus by acknowledging him as a “tried and valiant soldier.” This implies that Lepidus has proven his loyalty and bravery in battle, making him worthy of some respect, even if Antony dismisses him as unimportant.
(v) State the three things that Antony says about Lepidus after his departure What does it show about Antony’s character?
Answer: Antony says the following about Lepidus:
- He is a “slight, unmeritable man,” suggesting that Lepidus is insignificant and unworthy.
- Lepidus is compared to a beast of burden, like an ass, that carries loads for others and is discarded once his usefulness ends.
- Lepidus is described as a “barren-spirited fellow,” who only follows trends and imitates others without original thoughts.
These statements reveal Antony’s disdain for Lepidus and his manipulative, power-hungry nature. Antony sees Lepidus as a tool to be used and discarded, showing his calculating and dismissive attitude toward those he considers inferior.
Extra
Multiple Choice Questions III
1. What does Antony suggest they do with Lepidus after he has served his purpose?
A. Reward him with lands
B. Promote him within the army
C. Discard him like an old horse
D. Make him a governor
Answer: C. Discard him like an old horse
5. What does Octavius agree they must do after their discussion about Lepidus?
A. Attack Brutus and Cassius immediately
B. Strengthen their alliances
C. Draft a new will for Caesar
D. Disband Lepidus’ troops
Answer: B. Strengthen their alliances
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger who manages Online Free Notes. An avid reader of Victorian literature, his favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He dreams of travelling the world. You can connect with him on social media. He does personal writing on ronism.
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Mann.. this helps so much to memorise and revise the story .
Helping us to read