Get notes, workbook solutions, summary, questions and answers, and pdf of the drama/play Julius Caesar (Act 5 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
The scene takes place on the plains of Philippi, where the two armies led by Brutus and Cassius on one side, and Octavius and Antony on the other, are positioned for battle. Brutus hands Messala some written orders (“bills”) to deliver to the legions commanded by Cassius on the other wing of their army.
Brutus mistakenly perceives that Octavius’ forces lack enthusiasm and vigor. He orders an immediate attack, assuming this will easily overwhelm Octavius’ “cold” troops before Antony can reinforce them. This proves to be a major strategic error by Brutus.
The scene highlights Brutus’ overconfidence and impulsive decision to attack prematurely without proper assessment of the enemy’s strengths. His rashness and poor judgment of Octavius’ forces set the stage for his eventual defeat in the coming battle sequences.
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Evergreen Workbook Solutions
Multiple Choice Questions I
1. Brutus gives instructions to
a. Cato
b. Messala
c. Cassius
d. Antony
Answer: b. Messala
2. Brutus sees in Octavius’ wing
a. a cold demeanor
b. a zeal full of vigor
c. restlessness
d. looting and deceit
Answer: a. a cold demeanor
3. Brutus gives orders to attack
a. at once
b. slowly
c. from all sides
d. from the rear
Answer: a. at once
Context questions I
QUESTION 1
BRUTUS- Ride, ride Messala, ride and give these bills
Unto the legions on the other side
1. Where does this scene take place? What is the meaning of ‘bills’? What is referred to ‘legions on the other side’?
Answer: This scene takes place on the plains of Philippi, a location alive with troop movements as the battle starts. ‘Bills’ refers to written messages or orders. ‘Legions on the other side’ refer to the sections of Brutus and Cassius’s army positioned on the opposite wing of the battlefield, under Cassius’s command.
2. What misconceptions does Brutus have about Octavius’ army?
Answer: Brutus misconceives Octavius’ army as showing a ‘cold demeanor,’ interpreting this as a lack of zeal and vigor, and mistakenly believes this indicates weakness or a diminished will to fight on Octavius’s part.
3. What mistake does Brutus make that leads to the doom of his army?
Answer: Brutus’s mistake is ordering his troops to attack too early. This impulsive decision, based on his misinterpretation of Octavius’ forces’ disposition, leads to the strategic disadvantage and eventual defeat of his army.
4. What traits in Brutus’ character is seen in this scene?
Answer: In this scene, Brutus’s traits of being too impulsive and headstrong are evident. He acts on a misjudgment of the enemy’s condition without sufficient caution, showcasing his rashness and lack of strategic patience.
5. How did this strategy of Brutus cause his end?
Answer: Brutus’s strategy, based on an incorrect assessment of the enemy and an impulsive order to attack, undermines his army’s position and contributes to its defeat. This tactical error precipitates the larger downfall of Brutus and the conspirators, moving him inexorably toward his tragic end.
Morning Star Workbook Solutions
Multiple Choice Questions II
1. Which characteristic trait of Brutus is seen in this scene?
(a) Impulsive
(b) Calm
(c) Rational
(d) Patriotic
Answer: (c) Rational
2. What message does Brutus give to Messale for Cassius?
(a) Wait for him at Sardis
(b) Attack the enemy
(c) Send money to him
(d) All of the above
Answer: (b) Attack the enemy
3. Which error does Brutus make in this scene?
(a) He misinterprets his army’s message
(b) He misinterprets his army’s strength
(c) He order an attack on Octavius’ army too early
(d) None of the above.
Answer: (c) He orders an attack on Octavius’ army too early
4. What is referred to by the term “legions” in this scene?
(a) Areas
(b) Troops
(c) Boundaries
(d) Battlefield
Answer: (b) Troops.
Context Questions II
1.Brutus
Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these bills
Unto the legions on the other side. [Loud alarum]
Let them set on at once, for I perceive
But cold demeanour in Octavius’ wing,
And sudden push gives them the overthrow.
Ride, ride, Messala: let them all come down.
(i) Where does this scene take place? What is meant by “these bills”? What is referred to as “the legions on the other side”?
Answer: The scene takes place on the battlefield during the final conflict between the forces of Brutus and Cassius against those of Octavius and Antony. “These bills” refers to the written orders or directives that Brutus hands to Messala, which he is to deliver to the legions. “The legions on the other side” refers to Brutus’s own troops that are stationed elsewhere on the battlefield, presumably in a different part of the field, who are to receive these orders.
(ii) What instructions does Brutus give? To whom are these instructions to be given?
Answer: Brutus instructs Messala to deliver the orders (“these bills”) to his legions stationed on the other side of the battlefield. The instructions are likely orders to advance and engage in battle against Octavius’s forces.
(iii) Brutus hopes to have advantage at this juncture. What indications has be perceived in this regard?
Answer: Brutus perceives that Octavius’s forces are showing “cold demeanor,” suggesting a lack of enthusiasm or resolve. He believes that a sudden and forceful attack could lead to a swift victory over them.
(iv) What warning did Octavius give to Brutus the previous night? How was the warning taken?
Answer: The previous warning from Octavius is not mentioned directly in the scene provided, but within the context of the play, Octavius’s warning could refer to the earlier omen of Caesar’s ghost, which appeared to Brutus, foretelling his downfall. This warning was taken seriously by Brutus, causing him unease but ultimately leading him to continue with his plans.
(v) What changes do you notice in the character of Brutus in this scene?
Answer: In this scene, Brutus appears decisive and resolute, focused on the battle at hand. This contrasts with earlier moments in the play where he exhibited uncertainty and contemplation. Here, his instructions are clear and direct, showing a shift from a contemplative leader to one who takes swift action in the face of battle.
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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