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.
Workbook answers
Multiple Choice Questions
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
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.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. What task does Antony believe Lepidus is suited for?
A. Leading the army B. Negotiating peace C. Running errands D. Governing Rome
Answer: C. Running errands
15. What is the outcome for those Antony marks for death?
A. Rehabilitation B. Banishment C. Execution D. Trial
Answer: C. Execution
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. What task is Lepidus given by Antony and Octavius?
Answer: Lepidus is sent to Caesar’s house to fetch the will, so they can decide how to reduce the financial legacies bequeathed to the beneficiaries.
11. Discuss the significance of Antony and Octavius’s discussion on Lepidus’s role and value within the triumvirate.
Answer: The discussion between Antony and Octavius about Lepidus’s role and value is significant as it reveals the underlying tensions and differing opinions within the triumvirate. Antony views Lepidus as a mere tool to be used and discarded, highlighting his pragmatic but ruthless approach to politics and power. Octavius, on the other hand, recognizes Lepidus’s contributions as a soldier, suggesting a more respectful or perhaps strategic appreciation for Lepidus’s role. This conversation underscores the complexity of their political alliance and foreshadows potential conflicts within their ranks, emphasizing the precarious nature of power dynamics in Roman politics.
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