Get notes, workbook solutions, summary, questions and answers, and pdf of the drama/play Julius Caesar (Act 4 Scene 2) 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 in Brutus’ camp near the ancient city of Sardis in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). The forces of Brutus and Cassius have joined together here as they prepare to face the advancing armies of Antony and Octavius in their struggle for control of the Roman empire following Caesar’s assassination.
As the scene opens, Brutus greets Titinius and Pindarus who have arrived from Cassius’ nearby camp with a message. Brutus reads a letter from Cassius and makes the mistake of criticizing him in front of his own servant Pindarus. He compounds this error by asking his friend Lucilius how Cassius treated him, implying Cassius was rude.
When Cassius arrives with his army, the two men agree to have a private conference in Brutus’ tent to air their grievances, while leaving Lucilius and Titinius to guard the entrance. This sets the stage for the famous “Quarrel Scene” between the two friends and leaders of the conspiracy against Caesar.
Their quarrel stems from Cassius feeling wronged by Brutus in some unspecified way. Brutus uses his typically “sober” rational demeanor to mask any wrongs he has committed against Cassius. He asks Cassius to speak his complaints calmly in private, away from their armies who should only see their unity.
In explaining his tactics to Lucilius earlier, Brutus reflects on how friends can grow apart and use “an enforced ceremony” instead of true affection, comparing them to horses that make “gallant show” but lack true mettle. This foreshadows the coming rift with Cassius, his closest friend.
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Evergreen Workbook Solutions
Multiple Choice Questions I
1. This scene takes place in a camp near
a. Thasos b. Philippi c. Sardis d. Rome
Answer: c. Sardis
2. Lucilius reports to Brutus that Cassius met him
a. not with familiar instances b. rudely c. curtly d. like a good friend
Answer: a. not with familiar instances
3. Brutus told Lucilius that when love begins to sicken and decay
a. it uses an enforced ceremony b. it leads to fights c. it leads to deceit d. it leads to enmity
Answer: a. it uses an enforced ceremony
4. Brutus ordered the following to guard his tent:
a. Lucius and Pindarus b. the soldiers of his army c. Lucilius and Titinius d. Volumnius and Strato
Answer: c. Lucilius and Titinius
5. Brutus asks Cassius to
a. raise his voice b. speak his griefs softly c. enlarge his griefs and he will listen to him d. leave
Answer: b. speak his griefs softly
Context questions I
1. LUCILIUS-With courtesy and with respect enough
But not with such familiar instances
Nor with such free and friendly conference
As he hath used of old
1. Who is being spoken about? Where does this scene take place? Who is Lucilius speaking about?
Answer: Lucilius is speaking about Cassius. This scene takes place near Sardis, the ancient capital of Lydia (near modern Turkey) in Asia Minor. Lucilius is addressing Brutus about Cassius’ demeanor towards him.
2. How does the listener assess ‘a hot friend cooling’ after the extract?
Answer: The listener, Brutus, assesses ‘a hot friend cooling’ by noting that when love begins to sicken and decay, it resorts to an enforced ceremony, lacking the genuine affection and openness that characterized the relationship in the past.
3. To whom are ‘hollow men’ compared to?
Answer: ‘Hollow men’ are compared to horses hot at hand, which present a gallant show and promise of their mettle but fail to endure when tested, particularly under the pressure of the bloody spur.
4. Whose army approaches? What are their intentions?
Answer: Cassius’ army approaches with the intention to quarter in Sardis for the night. The majority of the forces, especially the horsemen, have arrived with Cassius.
5. Compare the relationship between Brutus and Cassius to that of Antony and Octavius who appear more rational and logical? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer: The relationship between Brutus and Cassius is marked by tension, misunderstanding, and emotional conflict, highlighted by their heated quarrel in Brutus’ tent. In contrast, Antony and Octavius, though not directly described in this text, are implied to have a more rational and logical partnership, coordinating effectively against Brutus and Cassius. The rationality and logic of Antony and Octavius’ relationship likely stem from their shared goal and pragmatic approach to defeating their enemies, as opposed to the deteriorating personal relationship between Brutus and Cassius, which is clouded by pride, misunderstandings, and accusations.
2. CASSIUS- Brutus this sober form of yours hides wrongs;
And when you do them
BRUTUS-Cassius be content;
Speak your griefs softly, I do know you well
1. Which sober form of Brutus is Cassius referring to? How does Brutus use this ‘sober form’ to his advantage?
Answer: Cassius refers to Brutus’ calm, stoic demeanor, which he suggests hides Brutus’ wrongdoings under the guise of rational and just behavior. Brutus uses this ‘sober form’ to his advantage by maintaining moral high ground and authority, especially in disputes, making it difficult for others to question his actions without seeming to challenge his integrity.
2. Why does Brutus ask Cassius to speak his griefs softly?
Answer: Brutus asks Cassius to speak his grievances softly to maintain decorum before their armies, ensuring that any disagreement between them is not perceived as a lack of unity or love, which could undermine their leadership and morale.
3. What does Cassius instruct Pindarus to do?
Answer: Cassius instructs Pindarus to bid their commanders lead their charges off a little from the ground, suggesting they want privacy for their discussion without the immediate presence of their troops.
4. Who guards the door of the tent?
Answer: Lucilius and Titinius are ordered to guard the door of the tent, ensuring that no one enters until Brutus and Cassius have finished their conference.
5. How does this scene depict the relationship of Brutus and Cassius falling apart?
Answer: This scene depicts the relationship of Brutus and Cassius falling apart through their intense quarrel, marked by accusations of wrongdoing, misunderstanding, and a clear lack of trust. Their heated exchange reveals deep-seated grievances and a shift from mutual respect to contention, highlighting the strain in their relationship and the impact of power and moral disagreements on their friendship.
Morning Star Workbook Solutions
Multiple Choice Questions II
1. Who is referred to as Pindarus’ master?
(a) Brutus
(b) Cassius
(c) Antony
(d) Octavius
Answer: (b) Cassius
2. According to Brutus, what does a friend begin to do when his love begins to decline and deminish?
(a) He tries to part ways
(b) He uses corrupt means
(c) He uses forced formalities
(d) He does not bother for anything
Answer: (c) He uses forced formalities
3. With whom has Brutus compared an insincere man?
(a) Worthless horse
(b) Worthless runner
(c) Worthless friend
(d) None of the above
Answer: (a) Worthless horse
4. Which allegation is made by Cassius against Brutus?
(a) He has forgotten him
(b) He has wronged him
(c) He has betrayed him
(d) He has unnecessarily blamed him
Answer: (b) He has wronged him
5. What reply does Brutus give for Cassius’ accusation against him?
(a) He has returned what Cassius gave him
(b) He cannot do any wrong with his relatives
(c) He cannot do any wrong even to his enemies.
(d) None of the above.
Answer: (c) He cannot do any wrong even to his enemies.
6. According to Cassius, what hides the wrong done by Brutus?
(a) Dignified appearance
(b) His fear
(c) His outer personality
(d) None of the above
Answer: (a) Dignified appearance
7. Why does Brutus tell Cassius to discuss his grievances in private?
(a) Their dispute should not reach their wives ears.
(b) The morale of their armies does not diminish.
(c) Their dispute is no dispute at all.
(d) None of the above.
Answer: (b) The morale of their armies does not diminish.
8. What change is noticed in Brutus’ behaviour from the earlier scenes?
(a) He has become more relaxed and organised
(b) He has became drastically serious
(c) He has became impatient and suspicious
(d) None of the above.
Answer: (c) He has become impatient and suspicious
Context Questions II
1.Brutus
You wrongd yourself to write in such a case.
Cassius
In such a time as this it is not meet
That every nice offence should bear his comment.
Brutus
Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself. . .
(i) Where are Brutus and Cassius at this time? State briefly what charge Brutus lays against Cassius.
Answer: Brutus and Cassius are in Brutus’s tent, having withdrawn from their armies to resolve a personal dispute privately. Brutus accuses Cassius of accepting bribes and thus dishonoring their cause.
(ii) What had Cassius just complained of, to make Brutus say, “You wronged yourself”? Explain the meaning of Brutus’ words
Answer: Cassius had just complained that Brutus had wronged him by condemning Lucius Pella, whom Cassius had defended, for taking bribes. Brutus responds by saying “You wronged yourself,” implying that by defending someone guilty of bribery, Cassius has tarnished his own reputation.
(iii) What advice is Cassius giving Brutus in this extract? Do you think that Cassius was being practical?
Answer: Cassius advises Brutus not to be overly critical or to make every minor offense a point of contention. Cassius suggests that Brutus should be more lenient and understanding given the difficult times they are in. Cassius was being practical in his advice, considering the need for unity and mutual support during their struggle against external enemies.
(iv) What did Brutus accuse Cassius of when he said, “Let me tell you yourself…”? How did Cassius react to this?
Answer: Brutus accuses Cassius of being greedy and having an “itching palm,” implying that Cassius has been accepting bribes. Cassius reacts with indignation, insisting that he would rather Brutus kill him than continue accusing him of such dishonor.
(v) In the argument which continues between these two, Brutus accuses Cassius of other faults. Point out two of these faults, and say how Cassius reacted to these accusations. Do you think Brutus was being fair to Cassius?
Answer: Brutus accuses Cassius of refusing him money to pay his troops and of acting hypocritically by defending corrupt practices. Cassius responds emotionally, stating that he is deeply hurt by these accusations and even offers his dagger to Brutus, asking him to kill him if he truly believes him guilty. Whether Brutus was being fair is debatable; while his accusations were rooted in his moral principles, they may have been too harsh given the context of their dire situation.
2.Brutus
Thou hast describ’d
A hot friend cooling; ever note, Lucilius,
When love begins to sicken and decay,
It useth an enforced ceremony.
There are no tricks in plain and simple faith:
But hollow men, like horses hot at hand,
Make gallant show and promise of their mettle;
But when they should endure the bloody spur
They fall their crests, and, like deceitful jades.
Sink in the trial. Comes his army on?
(i) Who has just described whom? What is meant by “A hot friend cooling ?
Answer: Brutus has just described Cassius. The phrase “A hot friend cooling” refers to a once passionate and close friendship that is now losing its warmth and intensity. Brutus observes that Cassius, who was once a fervent and enthusiastic ally, is now growing distant and reserved.
(ii) When love begins to decline, what happens? What is said in the extract about sincere friendship?
Answer: When love begins to decline, it becomes forced and artificial, as Brutus notes when he says it “useth an enforced ceremony.” This means that as genuine affection fades, people begin to act out of obligation rather than true feeling. The extract suggests that sincere friendship does not rely on pretense or outward show but is straightforward and honest.
(iii) Explain how men who are insincere in their friendship may be compared to a horse.
Answer: Men who are insincere in their friendship are compared to horses that make a grand display of their strength and spirit (“make gallant show and promise of their mettle”) but falter when faced with a real challenge (“when they should endure the bloody spur, they fall their crests”). Just as such horses fail to live up to their appearance in a critical moment, insincere friends show their true nature when tested.
(iv) Whom is Brutus referring to as an insincere friend? What has happened their relationship now? Why?
Answer: Brutus is referring to Cassius as an insincere friend. Their relationship has deteriorated because Brutus feels that Cassius is no longer as open, warm, or sincere as he once was. The change in their relationship stems from the tensions and disagreements that have arisen between them, causing Brutus to doubt Cassius’s loyalty and integrity.
(v) Compare the relationship between Brutus and Cassius to that between Antony and Octavius.
Answer: The relationship between Brutus and Cassius is strained and deteriorating, characterized by mistrust and unresolved grievances. They have been close allies, but now their bond is weakening due to misunderstandings and conflicting interests.
In contrast, the relationship between Antony and Octavius, while also complex, is marked by a more pragmatic and strategic alliance. Antony and Octavius work together effectively, but their partnership is based more on political necessity than on personal affection. While they may have underlying tensions, they manage these to maintain their power and pursue their mutual goals, unlike Brutus and Cassius, whose personal issues threaten their unity.
3.Cassius
Brutus, this sober form of yours hides wrongs;
And when you do them—
Brutus
Cassius, be content,
Speak your griefs softly; I do know you well.
Before the eyes of both our armies here,
Which should perceive nothing but love from us,
Let us not wrangle: Bid them move away;
Then in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your griefs,
And I will give you audience.
(i) Which “sober form” of Brutus is referred to by Cassius? What are the wrongs? How does the sober form hide wrongs?
Answer: The “sober form” of Brutus refers to his calm, composed, and serious demeanor. Cassius believes that this outward calmness hides the wrongs that Brutus has committed, which include actions that Cassius perceives as unjust or unfair towards him. The sober form hides the wrongs by masking Brutus’s true feelings or intentions, making it difficult for others to perceive any wrongdoing.
(ii) What does Brutus say before this extract about the wrongs done by him? How is it an irony?
Answer: Before this extract, Brutus expresses disbelief at the accusation of wrongdoing, questioning how he could wrong his enemies, let alone a brother like Cassius. The irony lies in the fact that while Brutus denies having wronged Cassius, Cassius feels deeply hurt and wronged by Brutus’s actions, which creates a conflict between their perceptions of the situation.
(iii) Which two armies are referred to? Why should they perceive “nothing but love”?
Answer: The two armies referred to are those of Brutus and Cassius. They should perceive “nothing but love” because Brutus and Cassius, as leaders of the two forces, need to present a united front to their soldiers. Any visible discord between them could undermine their authority and the morale of their troops, which is crucial for their success in the ongoing conflict.
(iv) What is meant by “enlarge your griefs,/ And I will give you audience? Why does the speaker want to give audience to Cassius in the privacy of his tent?
Answer: “Enlarge your griefs” means that Cassius should fully express and elaborate on the grievances or complaints he has. Brutus offers to listen to these grievances (“give you audience”) in private, within the tent, to avoid airing their disagreements publicly in front of their armies. This privacy ensures that their dispute does not become a spectacle and helps maintain their soldiers’ confidence in their leadership.
(v) How does this extract compare the fortunes of Brutus and Cassius with that of Antony and Octavius in the earlier scene?
Answer: This extract highlights the tension and disagreement between Brutus and Cassius, contrasting with the unity and cooperation between Antony and Octavius seen in earlier scenes. Antony and Octavius, despite any personal differences, appear more strategically aligned and unified in their purpose, which contrasts with the conflict between Brutus and Cassius. This difference in unity foreshadows the challenges Brutus and Cassius might face in their struggle against Antony and Octavius.
Extras
Multiple Choice Questions III
1. What does Brutus request Lucilius to do before he speaks with Cassius?
A. Lead the soldiers away
B. Prepare his tent
C. Bring a letter to Cassius
D. Guard the door of his tent
Answer: D. Guard the door of his tent
7. How does Brutus suggest they resolve their grievances?
A. By dueling
B. In front of their armies
C. In private
D. By writing letters
Answer: C. In private
Questions and Answers III
1.Brutus Stand ho!
Lucilius Give the word, ho, and stand!
i. Who gives the command to stand?
Answer: Brutus gives the command to stand.
ii. What is Lucilius asked to do?
Answer: Lucilius is asked to give the word to stand.
iii. Who is with Brutus when he gives this command?
Answer: Lucilius and the army are with Brutus when he gives this command.
iv. What is the significance of this command?
Answer: The command signifies a moment of preparation and alertness as Brutus anticipates the arrival of Cassius.
v. Who is expected to arrive shortly after this command is given?
Answer: Cassius is expected to arrive shortly after this command is given.
5.Cassius Brutus, this sober form of yours hides wrongs;
Brutus Cassius, be content; speak your griefs softly.
i. What does Cassius accuse Brutus of?
Answer: Cassius accuses Brutus of hiding his wrongdoings behind a calm demeanor.
ii. How does Brutus suggest handling the situation?
Answer: Brutus suggests handling the situation by discussing grievances quietly in private.
iii. Why does Brutus want to avoid public confrontation?
Answer: Brutus wants to avoid public confrontation to maintain the appearance of unity before their armies.
iv. What does this interaction reveal about their leadership styles?
Answer: This interaction reveals that Brutus prefers calm, controlled discussions, while Cassius is more direct and confrontational.
v. What is the underlying tension in this conversation?
Answer: The underlying tension is Cassius’s feeling of being wronged and Brutus’s attempt to maintain authority and control.
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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