Get notes, workbook solutions, summary, questions and answers, and pdf of the drama/play Julius Caesar (Act 5 Scene 3) 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 after a major battle at Philippi between the forces of Brutus and Cassius on one side, and Antony and Octavius on the other side. The scene begins with Cassius and his friend Titinius on the battlefield. Cassius’ own forces are being defeated by Antony’s army, though he is unaware that Brutus has been victorious against Octavius.
In a state of rage and despair, Cassius sends Titinius to scout some troops in the distance to find out if they are friends or foes. He also asks his servant Pindarus to climb a hill and monitor Titinius from that vantage point. Pindarus reports back that he saw Titinius surrounded by cheering soldiers, making Cassius believe Titinius has been captured.
Devastated at the perceived capture of his dear friend, Cassius resolves to kill himself. He reminds Pindarus that he had previously spared Pindarus’ life in Parthia, and now demands Pindarus return the favor by killing him with the same sword that killed Caesar. Despite Pindarus’ reluctance, Cassius forces him to stab him to death. With his dying words “Caesar, thou art revenged,” Cassius dies believing he has been defeated. Pindarus then flees.
Titinius soon returns unharmed with Messala, having actually been welcomed by Brutus’ victorious troops. Finding Cassius dead is a terrible blow, and the grieving Titinius kills himself with the same sword. Messala leaves to bring Brutus the tragic news.
When Brutus arrives, he delivers a sorrowful eulogy calling Cassius “the last of all the Romans” and arranging for his body to be honorably sent to Thasos for burial. Though shaken by his friend’s death, Brutus shows resilience in ordering his forces to prepare for another battle against Antony and Octavius that very night.
Workbook answers
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Cassius commits suicide by asking to be stabbed by
a. Pindarus b. Strato c. Voluminous d. Young Cato
Answer: a. Pindarus
2. Brutus’ troops defeated the army of
a. Octavius b. Antony c. Lepidus d. Strato
Answer: a. Octavius
3. “The sun of Rome is set” was the tribute paid to Cassius by
a. Brutus b. Titinius c. Octavius d. Antony
Answer: b. Titinius
4. Brutus sends the body of Cassius to
a. Parthia b. Thasos c. Sardis d. Philippi
Answer: b. Thasos
5. Brutus at the end of the scene prepares for
a. a second battle b. third battle c. reconciliation d. death
Answer: a. a second battle
Context questions
QUESTION 1
CASSIUS-Go Pindarus, get higher on that hill
My sights was ever thick, regard Titinius
Ans tell me what thou not’ st about the field.
PINDARUS – (Above) O my Lord!
CASSIUS- What news?
1. What does Cassius ask Pindarus to do? Who is Pindarus?
Answer: Cassius instructs Pindarus to ascend a hill to gain a better view of the battlefield and report back on what he observes, specifically regarding Titinius’ situation among distant troops. Pindarus is a bondman or slave of Cassius, who had been saved by Cassius from death in Parthia and is thus deeply obligated to him.
2. After the exit of Pindarus, what does Cassius say about himself?
Answer: After Pindarus departs, Cassius reflects on the significance of the day, noting it as both the beginning and the potential end of his life. He acknowledges that the cycle of his life has come full circle: “This day I breathèd first — time is come round, And where I did begin, there shall I end. My life is run his compass.”
3. What news has Pindarus already brought? What is Cassius’ reaction on hearing the news?
Answer: Before his final task, Pindarus reports that Titinius is surrounded by horsemen who seem to be attacking him, which leads Cassius to mistakenly believe that Titinius has been captured or is in grave danger. Cassius reacts with despair and determination, concluding that it’s better to die than to witness the capture or loss of his close friend: “O coward that I am, to live so long, To see my best friend ta’en before my face!” This despair leads him to decide on suicide as the course of action.
4. Why is the day significant to Cassius apart from being his ‘birthday’ the day he was born?
Answer: The day is significant to Cassius not only because it is his birthday but also because he sees it as a full circle of his life, from its start to its end. He believes that the day he was born is now the day he will die, marking a complete cycle of his existence.
5. What had Cassius earlier advised Brutus in the play to prove that this tragedy could be prevented? Cassius disagreed with Cassius?
Answer: Cassius had advised Brutus on several strategic matters throughout the play, emphasizing caution and the need to act on opportune moments. One significant piece of advice was his disagreement with Brutus over the strategy to engage Antony and Octavius’ forces. Cassius had preferred more cautious approaches at times, including the debate over whether to march to Philippi or wait for the enemy to come to them. The tragedy unfolds partly because of strategic errors and misjudgments, including Brutus’ overeagerness and mistaken beliefs about the battlefield situation.
QUESTION 2
MESSALA – Mistrust of good success hath done this deed
O hateful error. Melancholy’s child
Why dost thou show to the apt thoughts of men
The things that are not?
1. What was the ‘mistrust’ of good success? What error did Cassius make? How did his pessimism lead to his suicide?
Answer: The ‘mistrust of good success’ refers to Cassius’ incorrect interpretation of the events on the battlefield, particularly his misreading of Titinius’ situation based on Pindarus’ report. Cassius’ error was his hasty conclusion that Titinius had been captured or killed, which was a result of his pessimism and the misunderstanding of the shouts of joy as signals of Titinius’ demise. This led him to decide on suicide, believing his cause was lost and wishing not to live to see the complete defeat of his side.
2. Why is Pindarus called for? Who leaves the scene? Why?
Answer: Pindarus is called upon by Cassius to perform the act of killing him, as per an earlier oath Pindarus had taken to serve Cassius even to the extent of assisting in his suicide if required. After fulfilling Cassius’ wish and killing him, Pindarus leaves the scene, claiming his freedom but also expressing a wish to flee far from any Roman’s notice, carrying the burden of having killed his master.
3. What does Titinius do to himself? Why?
Answer: Upon returning and finding Cassius dead, Titinius is overcome with grief and guilt, believing that Cassius’ misunderstanding and subsequent suicide were due to the misinterpretation of the situation involving Titinius. In his sorrow and loyalty to Cassius, Titinius decides to kill himself with the same sword that Cassius used, viewing it as a final act of solidarity and honor towards his friend.
4. When Brutus enters the scene a little later, he refers to Julius Caesar. Why? What tribute does he pay to Cassius?
Answer: When Brutus arrives and sees the bodies of Cassius and Titinius, he reflects on the ongoing influence of Julius Caesar even after his death, suggesting that Caesar’s spirit is still powerful and impactful, leading to internal conflict and self-destruction among those who conspired against him. Brutus pays tribute to Cassius by calling him “the last of all the Romans,” acknowledging his valor and the tragic end of a noble Roman. He expresses deep sorrow and vows to find time to mourn Cassius properly, indicating respect and loss.
QUESTION 3
BRUTUS-Are yet two Romans living as these
The last ofall the Romans, fare thee well. It is impossible that ever Rome, should breed thy fellow.
1. Explain the line “The last of all the Romans”
Answer: “The last of all the Romans” is a tribute paid by Brutus to Cassius, signifying Cassius as the epitome of Roman virtues and values, such as honor, bravery, and commitment to the Republic. Brutus implies that with Cassius’ death, the era of true Romans – those embodying the ideal qualities of Roman citizenship and character – has ended.
2. About which two Romans is Brutus speaking about?
Answer: Brutus is speaking about Cassius and Titinius. He refers to both as exemplars of Roman virtue and valor, mourning their deaths as a significant loss to Rome and symbolizing the end of an era of noble Romans.
3. Where does Brutus send Cassius’ dead body? Why does he propose to send his body to that place?
Answer: Brutus decides to send Cassius’ body to Thasos for burial. He proposes this to avoid holding the funeral in their camp, likely to prevent demoralizing their troops and to maintain morale in the face of upcoming battles. It reflects his concern for the welfare and spirit of his soldiers, as well as respect for Cassius by ensuring a proper burial away from the immediate conflict.
4. What instructions are given by Brutus at the end of the scene?
Answer: At the end of the scene, Brutus instructs his companions to prepare for another engagement with the enemy. He orders Labeo and Flavius to set their battles on, indicating his determination to continue fighting despite the setbacks and the loss of Cassius.
5. How does this extract reveal an important aspect of Brutus’ character?
Answer: The extract reveals Brutus’ capacity for deep loyalty and respect for his comrades, his resilience in the face of adversity, and his commitment to the cause they are fighting for. Despite the tragic loss of Cassius and Titinius, Brutus remains focused on the task at hand and the larger goal they are striving towards. His actions and words demonstrate his leadership qualities, his moral integrity, and his dedication to Rome, even in moments of personal grief and strategic disadvantage.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. Cassius commits suicide by asking to be stabbed by
A. Pindarus B. Strato C. Voluminous D. Young Cato
Answer: A. Pindarus
20. Who expresses regret for their actions leading to their friend’s death before committing suicide?
A. Brutus B. Pindarus C. Titinius D. Cassius
Answer: C. Titinius
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. Why does Cassius decide to kill himself?
Answer: Cassius decides to kill himself because he mistakenly believes that Titinius has been captured by the enemy, leading him to despair over their defeat and the loss of his friend.
17. Discuss the impact of Cassius’ death on the morale and direction of his troops and the wider implications for the conflict.
Answer: Cassius’ death has a profound impact on the morale and direction of his troops, casting a shadow of despair and uncertainty over his forces. As a leader, Cassius was a central figure whose strategies and decisions were crucial to the battle’s progress. His suicide, based on a tragic misinterpretation, not only deprives his army of a key commander but also demoralizes his soldiers by showcasing a perceived lack of hope and leadership. The wider implications for the conflict include a potential shift in momentum towards Antony and Octavius, as the loss of one of the conspirators’ leaders weakens the resolve and structural integrity of their forces, making it harder for them to maintain their stance against their adversaries. This event underscores the fragile nature of leadership and the significant impact that the loss of a leader can have on the course of a conflict.
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