Get notes, workbook solutions, summary, questions and answers, and pdf of the drama/play Julius Caesar (Act 5 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
The scene opens on the plains of Philippi in Macedonia, where the armies of Brutus and Cassius are confronting the forces of Octavius and Mark Antony. Before the battle commences, the two sets of leaders engage in a heated exchange of insults and accusations.
Octavius first mocks Brutus and Cassius, saying they have abandoned their strategic position on the hills to fight on the even plains, playing into the hands of the enemy. Antony then taunts them, saying he knows their true motivations – they want to merely put on a brave face and appear courageous.
As a messenger arrives, warning of the enemy’s approach, Antony and Octavius briefly argue over commanding the left or right flanks of their army. Despite Antony’s seniority, the headstrong Octavius refuses to follow his plan.
The generals from both sides then step forward for negotiations, but it quickly devolves into a bitter war of words. Brutus tries to reason that words are better than violence, but Antony condemns him as a hypocrite for his role in assassinating the beloved Caesar. He accuses the conspirators of flattering Caesar before treacherously stabbing him in the back like animals.
Cassius trades insults with Antony, mocking his words as hollow and meaningless. The teenage Octavius then derides Cassius, vowing vengeance for Caesar’s death no matter how many conspirators he must kill. The argument grows so heated that the two armies nearly come to blows before the leaders withdraw.
As the battle looms, Cassius confides in his friend Messala that omens and portents seem to presage their defeat, despite Cassius having previously rejected such superstitious beliefs. He describes how their march from Sardis was guided by two eagles, symbolizing victory, but those have now been replaced by foreboding ravens and crows.
In a farewell scene, Brutus and Cassius acknowledge this may be the last time they see each other alive. Brutus states he is prepared to die honorably rather than be paraded as a captive through Rome. The two vow that even if they never meet again, their parting is a noble one befitting their years of friendship.
As the scene closes, a sense of looming tragedy pervades, with the republican forces beset by omens of doom. While Antony and Octavius radiate confidence, Brutus and Cassius seem to accept the likelihood of defeat, resolved to face it with courage and honor intact.
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Evergreen Workbook Solutions
Multiple Choice Questions I
1. Antony asks Octavius to lead the battle from
A. the left side B. the right side C. rear end D. from all directions
Answer: B. the right side
2. Antony addresses Brutus and Cassius as
A. Traitors B. Villains C. Usurper D. Bees
Answer: B. Villains
3. Cassius believes in the philosophy of
A. Epicurus B. Cato C. Strato D. Pythagoras
Answer: A. Epicurus
4. Coming from Sardis, the army saw
A. two mighty evils B. two mighty eagles C. two mighty elephants D. two soldiers
Answer: B. two mighty eagles
5. Brutus, if defeated
A. was contented to be led through the streets as a captive B. was not contented to be led through the streets as a captive C. would join hands with Antony and Octavius D. would run away
Answer: B. was not contented to be led through the streets as a captive
Context questions I
QUESTION 1
OCTAVIUS They mean to warn us at Philippi here 1
Answering before we do demand of them
ANTONY – Tut! I am in their bosoms, and I know wherefore they do it.
1. What reasons does Antony give to Octavius for their enemies attacking them first?
Answer: Antony suggests that their enemies aim to demonstrate bravery and courage by attacking first, intending to create an impression of strength and valor before any demands are made of them.
2. What news does a messenger bring after the extract? What does Antony suggest to Octavius? How does Octavius disagree with Antony? Give two instances.
Answer: The messenger reports that the enemy approaches in a bold display, ready for battle. Antony suggests a strategic positioning for their forces, recommending Octavius lead the battle softly on upon the left hand of the field. Octavius disagrees, choosing instead to take the right hand. When Antony questions “Why do you cross me in this exigent?”, Octavius replies “I do not cross you, but I will do so.”
3. What military strategy was followed? What was Brutus’ argument for following the strategy?
Answer: The military strategy involved direct confrontation and parley before battle. Brutus advocated for discussion (“Words before blows”), suggesting that resolving conflicts through dialogue is preferable to violence, reflecting his belief in the power of reason over force.
4. How does Antony taunt Brutus? How does Antony describe the unethical manner in which the conspirators attacked Caesar? Who does he compare them to?
Answer: Antony taunts Brutus by highlighting the hypocrisy in his actions, specifically Brutus’s proclamation of loyalty to Caesar (“Long live, hail, Caesar!”) while plotting his death. He describes the conspirators’ attack on Caesar as cowardly and deceitful, comparing them to animals (apes, hounds) and slaves.
5. How does Octavius show better capability and practicality compared to Antony as he stands arguing with the conspirators?
Answer: Octavius demonstrates his capability and practicality through his decisive leadership and clear command in the battlefield arrangement. His insistence on choosing his battle position, despite Antony’s suggestion, shows a practical approach to military strategy, focusing on tactical advantage over personal disagreement.
QUESTION 2
CASSIUS — Messala
This is my birthday, as this very day was Cassius born. Give me thy hand Messala.
1. After the extract, Cassius narrates two contradicting sights he saw. What were they? What does he feel the sights symbolize?
Answer: Cassius describes seeing mighty eagles followed by ominous birds like ravens, crows, and kites. He interprets this transition as a bad omen, symbolising doom and defeat, indicating a shift from a sign of strength to an indication of impending disaster.
2. Give the meanings of the lines that follow the extract: ‘As we were sickly prey their shadows seem / A canopy most fatal’
Answer: These lines convey Cassius’s perception of the ominous birds casting shadows over their army, symbolizing death and defeat. The “canopy most fatal” metaphorically represents a looming threat of disaster, suggesting their army is vulnerable and marked for doom.
3. What character traits of Cassius are seen? How does he appear to have a different bent of mind from what he had earlier in the play?
Answer: Cassius shows a blend of superstition and pragmatism, contrasting with his earlier rational and manipulative demeanor. His belief in omens and his emotional response to the situation reveal a more vulnerable and introspective side, acknowledging the influence of fate and the gods.
4. What philosophy had Cassius followed earlier? Why does he discard this philosophy? What does this show of Cassius?
Answer: Cassius previously adhered to Epicureanism, which generally disregarded omens and the supernatural. He discards this philosophy due to the ominous signs he interprets as warnings of defeat, reflecting a change in his belief system influenced by fear and uncertainty, indicating a significant personal transformation.
5. State the reasons for Cassius’ downfall where Brutus is concerned.
Answer: Cassius’ downfall can be attributed to his shift in beliefs, the emotional toll of the war, and his reliance on Brutus’s leadership and moral compass. This dependency, coupled with strategic errors and misinterpretations of omens, contributes to his tragic end.
QUESTION 3
CASSIUS-Then, if we lose the battle,
You are contented to led in triumph
Through the streets of Rome?
BRUTUS – No, Cassius, no: Think not, thou noble Roman
That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome.
1. What has Brutus just said to make Cassius utter these words?
Answer: Brutus expressed his philosophical stance against suicide, advocating patience and acceptance of fate, contrasting with the notion of actively preventing destiny through self-harm. This prompts Cassius to question Brutus’s willingness to face public humiliation if they lose the battle.
2. What Roman practice is referred to by Cassius as a result of losing a battle?
Answer: Cassius refers to the practice of leading defeated generals in a triumphal parade through Rome, a form of public humiliation and acknowledgment of their defeat.
3. Explain “That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome?” How does Brutus’ words show that he is truly honorable?
Answer: Brutus’s refusal to be paraded as a captive in Rome underscores his deep sense of honor and dignity. He would rather end the battle and the cause for which he fought than suffer the indignity of being led in triumph. This steadfastness reflects his commitment to his principles over life itself, demonstrating his nobility.
4. What was the significance of the Ides of March? What was its effect later in the play?
Answer: The Ides of March marks the day Julius Caesar was assassinated, a pivotal event orchestrated by Brutus, Cassius, and other conspirators. Throughout the play, this act haunts the conspirators, with Caesar’s ghost symbolizing the moral and political repercussions of their deeds, ultimately leading to their downfall.
5. Do Brutus and Cassius meet again? If not, why?
Answer: No, Brutus and Cassius do not meet again after their parting. This is because they both die in the ensuing battle, fulfilling their shared premonition of their final farewell being their last.
Morning Star Workbook Solutions
Multiple Choice Questions II
1. Which hopes of Octavius are “Answered”?
(a) The conflict between Brutus and Cassius
(b) The armies of the conspirators’ advance towards Philippi
(c) The surrender by the armies of the conspirators
(d) None of the above
Answer: (b) The armies of the conspirators’ advance towards Philippi
2. What reason does Antony give for the enemy’s advance towards Philippi?
(a) To hide their fears and show their unity
(b) To hide their conflict and show their unity
(c) To show their patriotism and friendship
(d) None of the above.
Answer: (a) To hide their fears and show their unity
3. Cassius compares Antony’s sweet words with which of the following?
(a) Honey made by Sybla bees
(b) Honey made by Olympus bee,
(c) Honey made by Hybla bees
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c) Honey made by Hybla bees
4. When does Octavius say his sword will go back into its sheath?
(a) When Caesar’s ghost will disappear
(b) When thirty-three wounds of Caesar have been avenged
(c) When another Caesar will appear
(d) When he becomes Caesar
Answer: (b) When thirty-three wounds of Caesar have been avenged
5. Who has been described by Cassius as “A peevish schoolboy”?
(a) Marcus Brutus
(b) Mark Antony
(c) Lucius
(d) Octavius Caesar
Answer: (d) Octavius Caesar
6. With whom has Cassius compared himself in this scene?
(a) Brutus
(b) Pompey
(c) Caesar
(d) Lucius
Answer: (b) Pompey
7. Cassius has changed his mind about the doctrine of Epicurus regarding which of the following?
(a) Superstitions
(b) Ghosts
(c) Republicanism
(d) Omens and Premonitions
Answer: (d) Omens and Premonitions
8. Who according to Cassius has formed a “canopy most fatal” over their heads?
(a) Two huge eagles
(b) Crows and kites
(c) Enemy soldiers
(d) None of the above
Answer: (b) Crows and kites.
9. How does Brutus define Cato’s act of committing suicide?
(a) Mean and short-sighted
(b) Sensible and timely
(c) Low and cowardly
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c) Low and cowardly.
10. Why would Cassius and Brutus smile at each other if they meet again?
(a) It will be after their victory over their enemies
(b) It will be their farewell meeting
(c) It will mark an end of their differences
(d) It will be in front of their armies.
Answer: (c) It will mark an end of their differences.
Context Questions II
1.Octavius
They mean to warn us at Philippi here
Answering before we do demand of them
Antony
Tut, I am in their bosoms, and I know
Wherefore they do it: they could be content
To visit other places; and come down
With fearful bravery, thinking by this face
To fasten in our thoughts that they have courage;
But ’tis not so.
(i) Who are “they” referred to in line 1? What warning would they give? From where would they come to Philippi?
Answer: “They” refers to Brutus and Cassius, the leaders of the opposing forces. The warning they would give is their intention to engage in battle at Philippi. They would come down from the hills and upper regions where Octavius and Antony expected them to stay.
(ii) Give the meaning of:
(a) Answering before we do demand of them.
Answer: This means that Brutus and Cassius are preparing for battle before being provoked or challenged by Octavius and Antony.
(b) I am in their bosoms.
Answer: This means that Brutus and Cassius are preparing for battle before being provoked or challenged by Octavius and Antony.
(iii) Whose military strategy has dictated that the battle should take place at Philippi? What had Brutus argued regarding this strategy?
Answer: Brutus dictated the strategy that the battle should take place at Philippi. He argued that they should march to Philippi to confront their enemies before the enemy’s strength could grow, opposing Cassius’s more cautious approach.
(iv) What did Octavius hope that the enemy would do? What according to him is the intention of the enemy?
Answer: Octavius hoped that the enemy would stay in the hills and upper regions, avoiding direct confrontation. According to him, the enemy intended to come down with a show of bravery, trying to give the impression of courage.
(v) What, according to Antony, is the planning of the enemy? Why does Antony feel so confident that he knows what the enemy intends to show?
Answer: According to Antony, the enemy plans to show a brave face, hoping to make Octavius and Antony believe they are courageous. Antony feels confident because he believes he understands their minds and motives, knowing they are actually fearful rather than truly brave.
2.Cassius
Now, Brutus, thank yourself:
This tongue had not offended so today,
If Cassius might have rul’d.
Octavius
Come, come, the cause: If arguing make us sweat.
The proof of it will turn to redder drops.
Look, –
I draw a sword against conspirators;
When think you that the sword goes up again?
Never, till Caesar’s three-and-thirty wounds
Be well aveng’d; or till another Caesar
Have added slaughter to the sword of traitors.
(i) Whose is the “tongue” of which Cassius speaks? Give the substances of what the tongue had said which so “offended” Cassius.
Answer: The “tongue” Cassius refers to is Mark Antony’s. Antony had just insulted the conspirators, particularly Brutus and Cassius, by accusing them of betrayal and murder. Antony described how the conspirators, especially Brutus, pretended to honor Caesar while secretly plotting his assassination, even going as far as to mock them for their hypocrisy, calling them “flatterers” who acted like apes and hounds.
(ii) Give a brief explanation of the earlier episode that Cassius is referring to when he reminds Brutus that he has only himself to thank for the present situation
Answer: Cassius is referring to an earlier moment when he had urged Brutus to allow him to kill Antony along with Caesar. Brutus, however, had refused, arguing that they should not appear as butchers and that Antony was no threat without Caesar. This decision ultimately backfired, as Antony incited the people against the conspirators and now stands ready to avenge Caesar’s death.
(iii) Give the comments made by Cassius, in his next speech, when he scornfully describes Octavius.
Answer: In his next speech, Cassius scornfully describes Octavius as “a peevish schoolboy, worthless of such honor,” and associates him with Antony, whom he calls “a masker and a reveler.” This reflects Cassius’s disdain for Octavius, whom he sees as immature and undeserving of the power and responsibility he holds.
(iv) What does Octavius mean by “the cause”? State in your own words the meaning of the last two lines of the passage—“or till another Caesar… sword of traitors.”
Answer: Octavius refers to “the cause” as the reason or justification for the battle against the conspirators, which is avenging Caesar’s death. In the last two lines, Octavius means that he will not sheathe his sword until either Caesar’s death is fully avenged or until another leader (symbolized as “another Caesar”) continues the battle to punish the traitors.
(v) Was Octavius successful in his task of vengeance? How does the play end?
Answer: Yes, Octavius was successful in his task of vengeance. The play ends with the defeat of Brutus and Cassius at the Battle of Philippi. Both Brutus and Cassius commit suicide rather than be captured. Octavius and Antony emerge victorious, with Octavius taking control of Rome, paving the way for his eventual rise as Emperor Augustus.
3.Cassius
Coming from Sardis, on our former ensign
Two mighty eagles fell’; and there they perch’d,
Gorging and feeding from our soldiers’ hands;
Who to Philippi here consorted us:
This morning are they fled away and gone;
And in their stead do ravens, crows, and kites
Fly o’er our heads, and downward look on us,
As we were sickly prey: their shadows seem
A canopy most fatal, under which
Our army lies, ready to give up the ghost.
Messala
Believe not so,
(i) In this extract, Cassius narrates something he has seen. What is it? Did he believe in the significance of such things earlier in his life? Why?
Answer: Cassius describes how, on the previous day, two mighty eagles had perched on their ensign and fed from the soldiers’ hands. However, on the morning of the battle, the eagles had fled, and in their place, ravens, crows, and kites flew over their heads, casting ominous shadows. Earlier in his life, Cassius did not believe in omens or superstitions, as he followed the philosophy of Epicurus, who dismissed such signs as irrelevant. However, now he has changed his mind and partly believes in these presages, indicating a shift in his mindset due to the gravity of the situation.
(ii) Give the meaning of: “As we were sickly prey: their shadows seem/ A canopy most fatal.” What do these lines signify?
Answer: The phrase “As we were sickly prey: their shadows seem / A canopy most fatal” means that the birds (ravens, crows, and kites) are circling over them as if they were weak and dying prey, ready to be devoured. Their shadows, cast on the army below, resemble a fatal covering or a shroud, symbolizing impending death or doom. These lines signify Cassius’s belief that the army is on the brink of defeat and death.
(iii) What did Cassius see on the previous day and on that particular morning? What do these signs signify?
Answer: On the previous day, Cassius saw two mighty eagles perched on their ensign, feeding from the soldiers’ hands. However, on the morning of the battle, the eagles were gone, replaced by ravens, crows, and kites flying overhead. These signs signify a bad omen, indicating that the favor of the gods has left them, and their army is likely to face defeat and death.
(iv) How can you conclude from what Cassius says, a little later, that he was prepared for a possible defeat?
Answer: Cassius expresses that he is “resolved to meet all perils very constantly,” and he discusses with Brutus the possibility of this being their final conversation if they lose the battle. He acknowledges the uncertainty of human affairs and suggests they prepare for the worst outcome. This acceptance of potential defeat shows that Cassius is mentally prepared for the possibility that they might not survive the day.
(v) How does Brutus console him?
Answer: Brutus consoles Cassius by asserting that he will not allow himself to be taken captive and paraded through the streets of Rome in defeat. He implies that they will either win the battle or meet death with honor. Brutus’s philosophical acceptance of whatever fate may bring provides a measure of comfort, as he assures Cassius that they will either smile in victory or accept their parting with dignity if they do not meet again.
4.Cassius
Then, if we lose this battle,
You are contented to be led in triumph
Thorough the streets of Rome?
Brutus
No, Cassius, no think not, thou noble Roman
That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome;
He bears too great a mind. But this same day
Must end that work the ides of March begun,
And whether we shall meet again I know not.
Therefore our everlasting farewell take.
(i) What has Brutus just said which makes Cassius say the words given in the extract? Which Roman practice is referred to in Cassius’ speech?
Answer: Brutus had just expressed his resolve to face whatever fate awaits them in battle, stating that he would not take his own life prematurely out of fear, unlike Cato. This leads Cassius to ask if Brutus would be willing to be paraded through the streets of Rome in defeat. The Roman practice Cassius refers to is the Roman Triumph, a ceremonial procession celebrating a victorious general, often including captured prisoners who were publicly paraded in chains.
(ii) State briefly to what extent Brutus bears a great mind.
Answer: Brutus bears a great mind in his steadfastness and sense of honour. He refuses to be captured and paraded in Rome, valuing his dignity and principles over life itself. His decision to continue fighting and face the consequences without fear of death shows his noble and courageous character.
(iii) What was begun on the ides of March? How will the words of Brutus be prophetic?
Answer: The assassination of Julius Caesar was begun on the ides of March. Brutus’s words are prophetic because they foreshadow the end of the conspirators’ efforts; the battle at Philippi marks the culmination and failure of their rebellion against Caesar’s rule. Brutus’s death on the battlefield completes the cycle of events that began with Caesar’s murder.
(iv) Do Cassius and Brutus meet again? Why?
Answer: No, Cassius and Brutus do not meet again after this farewell. Both commit suicide following their respective defeats in battle. Cassius, misled by misinformation, kills himself believing that his friend Titinius has been captured, while Brutus takes his own life after recognizing that their cause is lost.
(v) Brutus and Cassius are affected by the latest events. This makes them act in a different way than their normal behaviour. Give one incident to illustrate this.
Answer: One incident illustrating this is Cassius’s decision to take his own life after mistakenly believing that his forces have been defeated and his friend Titinius has been captured. This is contrary to his usual rational and strategic thinking, demonstrating how the pressures of impending defeat lead him to act impulsively and despairingly.
Extras
Multiple Choice Questions III
1. What does Antony accuse the conspirators of during their parley in Philippi?
A. Treachery and flattery
B. Cowardice and fleeing
C. Treachery and courage
D. Betrayal and cowardice
Answer: A. Treachery and flattery
8. What does Cassius imply when he says “The storm is up, and all is on the hazard”?
A. The outcome of the battle is uncertain
B. The enemy is retreating
C. The victory is within their grasp
D. They should abandon the fight
Answer: A. The outcome of the battle is uncertain
Questions and Answers III
1.Cassius Now, Brutus, thank yourself:
This tongue had not offended so today,
If Cassius might have rul’d.
i. Whose “tongue” is Cassius referring to?
Answer: Cassius is referring to Antony’s tongue, criticizing him for the offensive words he has spoken.
ii. What does Cassius mean by “thank yourself”?
Answer: Cassius means that Brutus is to blame for Antony’s insults because Brutus decided to spare Antony’s life earlier.
iii. How does Cassius describe Octavius after this exchange?
Answer: Cassius scornfully calls Octavius “a peevish schoolboy,” showing his disdain for Octavius’s youth and inexperience.
iv. What does Octavius draw in this scene, and what does it signify?
Answer: Octavius draws his sword, signifying his readiness to fight and avenge Caesar’s death.
v. What is Cassius’s attitude towards the upcoming battle?
Answer: Cassius is pessimistic, expressing doubts and foreseeing their possible defeat.
7.Antony The posture of your blows are yet unknown,
But, for your words, they rob the Hybla bees
And leave them honeyless.
i. To whom is Antony speaking, and what is he criticizing?
Answer: Antony is speaking to Cassius, criticizing him for using sweet but empty words.
ii. What does Antony imply with the reference to “Hybla bees”?
Answer: Antony implies that Cassius’s words are sweet like honey but ultimately deceitful, leaving nothing of substance behind.
iii. How does this metaphor enhance Antony’s argument?
Answer: The metaphor enhances Antony’s argument by vividly illustrating the emptiness of Cassius’s rhetoric.
iv. What does Antony’s use of figurative language suggest about his rhetorical skills?
Answer: Antony’s use of figurative language suggests that he is a skilled orator, capable of using vivid imagery to persuade and provoke.
v. How does Cassius react to Antony’s taunt?
Answer: Cassius responds with scorn, dismissing Antony’s words as meaningless and hollow.
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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