Julius Caesar Act 2 Scene 1 Notes PDF

Julius Caesar Act 2 Scene 1 Summary Brutus is in his orchard. It is night and he calls impatiently for his servant, Lucius, and sends him to light a candle in his study. When Lucius has gone, Brutus speaks one of the most important and controversial soliloquies in the...

Julius Caesar Act 2 Scene 1 Summary Brutus is in his orchard. It is night and he calls impatiently for his servant, Lucius, and sends him to light a candle in his study. When Lucius has gone, Brutus speaks one of the most important and controversial soliloquies in the play. He says that he has "no personal cause to spurn at" Caesar, except "for the general," meaning that there are general reasons for the public good. Thus far, Caesar has seemingly been as virtuous as any other man, but Brutus fears that after he is "augmented" (crowned), his character will change, for it is in the nature of things that power produces tyranny. He therefore decides to agree to Caesar's assassination: to "think him as a serpent's egg, / Which, hatched, would as his kind, grow mischievous, / And kill him in the shell." Lucius re-enters and gives Brutus a letter that has been thrown into his window. The various conspirators — Cassius, Casca, Decius, Cinna, Metellus Cimber, and Trebonius — now arrive. Cassius proposes that they all seal their compact with an oath, but Brutus objects on the ground that honorable men acting in a just cause need no such bond. When Cassius raises the question of inviting Cicero into the conspiracy, Brutus persuades the conspirators to exclude Cicero from the conspiracy. Cassius then argues that Mark Antony should be killed along with Caesar; Brutus opposes this too as being too bloody a course, and he urges that they be "sacrificers, but not butchers." It is the spirit of Caesar, he asserts, to which they stand opposed, and "in the spirit of men there is no blood." When the conspirators have departed, Brutus notices that his servant, Lucius, has fallen asleep. At this moment, Portia, his wife, enters, disturbed and concerned by her husband's strange behaviour. She demands to know what is troubling him. She asserts her strength and reminds Brutus that because she is Cato's daughter, her quality of mind raises her above ordinary women; she asks to share his burden with him. Deeply impressed by her speech, Brutus promises to tell her what has been troubling him. Portia leaves, and Lucius is awakened and ushers in Caius Ligarius, who has been sick, but who now declares that to follow Brutus in his noble endeavor, "I here discard my sickness." They set forth together. Analysis While the reader has been led to believe in Brutus' strength of nobility, there is a touch of weakness in the self-delusion he must create before he can join the conspirators: Brutus feels that murder is wrong and so must find a way to justify his actions. It's not for personal reasons that he will do it, but for the general; that is, for the good of the people of Rome. He generalizes about the effects of power and ambition and anticipates the damage that Caesar will do when he gains the crown. He has to admit, however, that Caesar has not yet committed any of these wrongs. Brutus has to convince himself to kill Caesar before he has the opportunity to achieve his ambition; that is, he will "kill him in the shell." The final element of his persuasion comes from an outside source. He responds to the call of the people without knowing that the call is false. The letters that Cassius has penned have been discovered in Brutus' closet; he reads them and is persuaded by them under the same harsh and distorting "exhalations of the air" that light the conspirators' way to Brutus' doorstep. By that light, one can see that Brutus is as tainted as any of the other conspirators. Brutus, although he has decided to be one of the conspirators, knows that what they plan is wrong. "O Conspiracy, / Sham'st thou to show thy dang'rous brow by night, / When evils are most free?" (emphasis added). But being a man of his word, he is committed to the plan. After a brief, whispered discussion with Cassius, Brutus takes on the leadership of the group, and when Cassius calls on the group to swear to continue as they have planned, Brutus stops them, and begins by a sort of negative persuasion to fix their resolve and establish himself as leader. "No, not an oath!" he says. If their motives are not strong enough, an oath will not help them to accomplish the deed. Only cowards and deceivers would swear, and to swear would be to taint what they do. This is how Brutus convinces his men. He creates a void, takes away what Cassius says, and then fills it with his own voice. By stripping away the words of an oath and by replacing that oath with images of valiant Romans, their very blood carrying strength, nobility, and constancy, Brutus inspires his men and establishes himself as their leader. Caesar, therefore, is not alone in his ambition. This image of nobility disappears rather abruptly as the conspirators return to the details of the plan. What about Cicero? Should they try to get him on their side? He carries a lot of weight. Perhaps he'd be useful. Maybe they could claim him as the author of what they do and spread some of the responsibility around. Brutus points out that Cicero is too much his own man and will not follow anyone, and so he is excluded. Next, they must decide what to do about Mark Antony. He is a powerful and dangerous foe, but Brutus is doubtful, not wanting to murder for the sake of killing and even regretting that Caesar's blood must be shed. Blood imagery begins to replace the lightening and flame that dominated the earlier part of the scene. It is as though a bloody rain follows the rumbling warnings of thunder. By means of this fluid image, Shakespeare moves easily between all the connotations that blood offers. The conspirators are up to no good, yet they attempt to lend credibility to what they do by calling on their noble Roman ancestry — their blood — in order to spill Caesar's blood. By this bloodletting, they believe they will regain the masculinity and strength that the state has lost. By penetrating Caesar's body, by exposing his weakness and effeminacy, Romans will be men again. Just as interesting is the image of blood that Brutus' wife, Portia, brings to the stage. As the conspirators leave their home, Portia sees "some six or seven, who did hide their faces / Even from the darkness." She knows something is very wrong. Brutus hasn't been sleeping well and is drawn from bed "to dare the vile contagion of the night." Her husband attempts to put off her questions but she, among all the characters of the play, seems most able to cut through the darkness and see the truth. "No, my Brutus, / You have some sick offense within your mind." Portia represents strong Roman womanhood, yet can still only be defined in terms of the men around her. She points out that she is the daughter of Cato, a man famed for his integrity, and the wife of Brutus, and for these reasons Brutus should confide in her. Portia's credibility is described in the images of blood. She is Brutus' "true and honourable wife / As dear to [him] as are the ruddy drops / That visit [his] sad heart." The meaning of this bloodletting is two-fold. First, the audience is meant to remember the Greek myth of the birth of Athena, the goddess associated with both war and wisdom, and who is sometimes described as having been born of the thigh of Zeus. Second, one sees that it is a woman who bears the marks of true Roman nobility. The self- wounding in her thigh is a sort of suicide, an act valued by the Romans as the ultimate sacrifice in the face of dishonour. Portia's honourable bloodletting, then, suggests that the male characters in the play, even though they call on their ancestry and on the ideas of strength and honour, do so in a dishonourable cause. Still, she is a woman, and even though she is "so father'd and so husbanded," she is unable to stem the flow of blood that the conspirators have begun. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow: EXTRACT 1. Lucius: I will, my lord. [Exit.] Brutus: It must be by his death; and for my part, I know no personal cause to spurn at him, But for the general. He would be crowned. How that might change his nature, there the question. It is the bright day that brings forth the adder, And that craves wary walking. (i) Where does this scene take place? Who is Lucius? What has he been asked to do? Answer: The scene takes place in Brutus’ orchard in Rome. Lucius is the servant boy of Brutus. In this scene, Lucius has been asked to get a taper in Brutus’ study. When it is lighted, Lucius must come and call Brutus there, that is, at the orchard. Brutus must be informed. (ii) In what mood is Brutus in? What does it refer to? Whose death is suggested? Answer: Brutus is contemplative and troubled in this scene. The “it” refers to dealing with Caesar’s rise of power. Brutus feels that Caesar’s rise of power could lead to his becoming the king which in turn might lead to tyranny. Brutus is implying that Caesar’s execution is required not because of personal grievances or enmity against Caesar, but for the benefit of Rome’s overall welfare. He believes Caesar’s ambition and the prospect of being anointed king will transform his personality and endanger the Roman Republic. So, the death mentioned here is Julius Caesar’s assassination. (iii) Who has convinced Brutus to take such a step? What is the motive of Brutus for taking such a decision as expressed in the extract?" What does it reveal about Brutus? Answer: Cassius had persuaded Brutus to join the plot by appealing to his feeling of honour, patriotism, and dread of Caesar becoming a tyrant. In this excerpt, Brutus’ motivation for pondering assassination is his concern for Rome’s well-being. He fears that Caesar may become a tyrant. He does not, want Rome to come under such a king as the people will be turned into slaves under Caesar's tyranny. It demonstrates that Brutus is a patriot, a true lover of Rome. His noble character makes him rise above personal feelings and think of Rome's welfare. Caesar is a dear friend but his love for Rome provokes him to move even against his dear a friend. (iv) What danger does Brutus foresee if the person is crowned as a king ? How is the danger expressed by referring to the “bright day” and “the adder”? Answer: Brutus is apprehensive of how much Caesar will change in his behaviour after he has been crowned. Caesar may establish a dictatorial regime and the Romans will live their lives in fear. This danger is expressed referring to the "bright day and the "adder. " The phrase “bright day” refers to Rome’s current status as a republic. The “adder” represents Caesar, and Brutus thinks that, just as a snake must be destroyed before it becomes a menace, Caesar must be stopped before he becomes a tyrant. Brutus fears Caesar’s ambition will lead to him becoming a tyrant who would ruin the Roman Republic. (v) What are your feelings for Brutus at this juncture? Give two reasons to justify your answer. Answer: Brutus seems to be cautions about his action - he is thinking carefully before taking any decision as it is related to his friend, Caesar as well as the welfare of Rome. Though Caesar is his friend, he is prepared to kill Caesar. He is also anxious as he fears Caesar's ambition by making him a king, they would be giving him the authority to do harm to others. We feel sympathy for Brutus. Brutus is both a public and a private figure. There is a lot of conflict going on his mind, one dealing with a personal cause and the other a public cause. After contemplating the whole night through, Brutus makes up his mind to assassinate Caesar not for what Caesar is today but for what he may be in the future. Brutus justifies his act by saying that he has no personal grudge against Caesar and nothing to gain but a sense of responsibility towards the people of Rome. I sympathise with Brutus as he has a tough decision to make, for the greater good of Rome. He does not want to be a butcher but stands for a sacrifice. EXTRACT 2. Brutus: So Caesar may. Then lest he may, prevent. And since the quarrel Will bear no colour for the thing he is, Fashion it thus: that what he is, augmented, Would run to these and these extremities; And therefore think him as a serpent’s egg, Which, hatched, would as his kind grow mischievous And kill him in the shell. (i) "So Caesar may" What may Caesar do? Your answer must refer to the metaphor of the ladder, used by Brutus in his speech. How does Brutus intend to prevent Caesar from doing so? Answer: "So Caesar may". This means that Caesar may become arrogant and a tyrant once he is crowned as the king of Rome. Brutus says a person who is climbing a ladder stays humble while he is climbing it but become arrogant when he reaches the top. Brutus believes that Julius Caesar was humble only because he was not yet crowned the king of Rome. Once he was crowned the king - he would become arrogant. Brutus intends to prevent Julius Caesar from becoming a tyrant by killing him. Just like snakes are prevented from being born by destroying their eggs, Julius Caesar must be prevented from being a tyrant by killing him when he is not as powerful as he would be on becoming king. (ii) Give the meaning " And, since the quarrel/Will bear no colour for the thing he is/Fashion it thus". Answer: According to Brutus, the behaviour of Julius Caesar has always been reasonable. Therefore, the killing of Julius Caesar cannot be justified on the basis of his current behaviour. He therefore says that in order to justify the killing of Julius Caesar one has to say that if Julius Caesar became king he would become arrogant and a tyrant and in order to prevent him from becoming a tyrant, in future, he had to be killed. (iii) What is meant by "augmented"? How can Caesar be augmented? How had there already been an attempt to augment him? Answer: “Augmented” implies to boost or improve. Brutus thinks that Caesar’s power and authority may be increased, leading to his becoming even more ambitious and ultimately a tyrant. When Caesar was offered the throne during the Lupercal feast, there was already an attempt to augment him, and Brutus warns against allowing him to obtain more authority. (iv) To whom is the serpent's egg compared? What does Brutus want to communicate by using comparison of a serpent's egg? Answer: Julius Caesar is compared to a serpents egg. By comparing Julius Brutus wishes to convey that, just as a snake’s egg, if allowed to hatch, will develop into a dangerous and lethal serpent, Caesar, if granted more power and authority, will become a menace to Rome. The comparison emphasizes the potential danger of allowing Caesar to continue his ascent to power. Once he was crowned king, it would be very difficult to kill him. (v) What price would Brutus pay later by preventing a "serpents egg" from being hatched? Answer : Brutus is aware that keeping the “serpent’s egg” (Caesar) from hatching may cost him dearly afterwards. By scheming against Caesar, Brutus sets in motion a chain of events that would result in civil war and political upheaval in Rome. He understands that the repercussions of his conduct will include personal sacrifices and sorrow. The price that he would pay would be his own deaths and the death of many of his co-conspirators. This foreshadows the fatal repercussions that follow throughout the play, including Brutus’ death. EXTRACT 3. Brutus: ’Tis good. Go to the gate; somebody knocks. [Exit LUCIUS.] Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar, I have not slept. Between the acting of a dreadful thing And the first motion, all the interim is Like a phantasma or a hideous dream. The genius and the mortal instruments Are then in council, and the state of man, Like to a little kingdom, suffers then The nature of an insurrection. (i) Who is knocking at the gate? Why has he come? Answer: Cassius, the brother-in-law of Brutus along with some of the other (Trebonius,Decius Brutus,Casca,Cinna and Metellus Cimber) people who were part of the conspiracy were knocking at the gate. Cassius has come there to confirm their plans to go ahead with the conspiracy against Julius Caesar. His objective was also to introduce the other conspirators to Brutus. (ii) What is the impact of Cassius's earlier discussion on Brutus? Answer: Cassius has had a profound impact on Brutus. It has convinced him to think about scheming against Caesar and the ramifications of Caesar’s ascension to power. This talk has made Brutus restless and unable to sleep as he grapples with Cassius’ moral and political quandary. He feels that the time interval between the first thought of the conspiracy against Caesar and its execution is like a nightmare. It is an internal turmoil for Brutus. He compares the state of his mind like that of the situation in a civil war. (iii) In what type of mental frame is Brutus? Why does he compare this mental condition to a nightmare or a horrid dream. Answer: Brutus is experiencing inner turmoil and emotional suffering. He is torn between the need to kill Julius Caesar (as he feels that Julius Caesar is becoming a dictator) and the desire not to take such a ruthless action against Caesar. To describe the extreme psychological and emotional turmoil he is feeling, he compares his mental state to a nightmare or a horrifying dream. For him, the time between resolving to take action against Caesar and carrying it out is like a scary and bizarre dream. It’s a period of immense uncertainty and worry. He is not even able to sleep. (iv) In the last lines of the extract, the mental condition of Brutus is compared to a civil war. Explain how the comparison is made. Answer : In the last lines of the extract, Brutus compares the mental condition he is in to a civil war. He uses this to emphasise the internal struggle and anguish he is experiencing. Just as various groups within a society are in conflict during a civil war, Brutus’ inner “genius” (his inner sense of reason and duty) and the “mortal instruments” (the practical issues of carrying out the plot) are at odds. This inner battle resembles the turbulence of a state during a civil insurgency, with dissension and strife within the “kingdom” of his own mind. EXTRACT 4. Brutus: They are the faction. O conspiracy, Sham’st thou to show thy dangerous brow by night, When evils are most free? O, then by day Where wilt thou find a cavern dark enough To mask thy monstrous visage? Seek none, conspiracy. Hide it in smiles and affability: For if thou put thy native semblance on, Not Erebus itself were dim enough To hide thee from prevention. (i) Who comes after this extract? How are they dressed? Who informs Brutus of their arrival? Answer: Cassius, Casca, Decius, Cinna, Metellus Cimber, and Trebonius enter after this extract. As they are co-conspirators to the plan of killing Caesar, their hats are pulled down over their ears, and half their faces are buried in their cloaks. Brutus’ assistant, Lucious, informs him of their arrival. (ii) What is meant by the 'faction' and 'thy' dangerous brow? Answer: ‘Faction’ means people who are part of a common goal or purpose. Here, ‘Faction” refers to Cassius, Casca, Decius, Cinna, Metellus Cimber, and Trebonius, who have come together to conspire against Julius Caesar. ‘Thy dangerous brow’ – with these words Brutus questions the conspiracy’s decision to carry out their intentions at night, when it is easier to conceal their deeds. He is basically questioning if the conspiracy is too frightened to operate during the day because they would have to face scrutiny. (iii) How does the conspiracy disguise itself at night and during the day? Answer: The conspirators hide themselves in smiles and friendliness during the day.At night, when evil creatures roam freely, the conspirators disguise themselves by wearing hats will covers their heads till their ears and with cloaks which covers their faces. (iv) What is referred to as Erebus? If conspiracy were to appear with its 'native semblance on', what would happen? Answer: In Greek mythology, the mythical dark region on the way from earth to the land of the dead is known as Erebus. If Conspiracy goes forward, showing its real self , not even the darkness of hell will be able to hide it from those who may want to prevent it from carrying out it's purpose. The conspirators must hide their evil intentions behind a mask of courtesy and smiles. (v) Why is it necessary to disguise the conspiracy? Give two of the precautions taken by the conspirators to hide the conspiracy. Answer: The "faction has been formed to hatch and strengthen the conspiracy against. Julius Caesar. Here, conspiracy is personified. It is ashamed of seeing it's dangerous face even in the darkness of the night when evil things are perfectly free to roam about. Since conspiracy will not be able to find, during the day, any cave dark enough to hide its ugly face, it has to be disguised. Here, if the conspirators do not disguise themselves, the conspiratorial plot will be disclosed. The plan will fail and they will be destroyed as happened o Flavius and Marullus, who were put to death. The conspirators chose to have their meetings and discussions at night when it is dark, making it more difficult for others to witness and identify them. During the day, the conspirators disguise their true sentiments and objectives beneath smiles and good behaviour, to avoid arousing suspicion or seeming as a threat to others around them. EXTRACT 5. Brutus: What need we any spur but our own cause To prick us to redress? what other bond Than secret Romans that have spoke the word And will not palter? and what other oath Than honesty to honesty engaged That this shall be, or we will fall for it? (i) Who are referred to as the 'we'? What is 'our own cause'? State in your own words how the cause itself is a spur? Answer : In Brutus’ remark, the “we” refers to himself and the other conspirators. “Our own cause” refers to their plan for the conspiracy, which is to kill Julius Caesar. The cause itself is a spur because they themselves have decided that if Julius Caesar is crowned the king then his reign may turn into tyranny This cause to end the power of Julius Caesar acts as their incentive and driving force. They are so certain that they are doing the right thing and that itself is motivation. They do need any oath, as their desire for justice is enough to motivate them. (ii) Who had suggested the idea of taking an oath? Why did Brutus dismiss that idea? Was Brutus's decision wise? Why? Answer: Cassius has suggested the idea of taking an oath. Brutus dismissed the idea of taking an oath as Brutus felt that "the cause itself was the spur". Brutus said that they were undertaking the conspiracy as they believed in the cause. He said that they (conspirators) believed that Julius Caesar would become a dictator once he was crowned king. He said that the group (of conspirators) was taking up the challenge of killing Caesar as they believe in the cause and were therefore bound by the cause so much that they did not require to take an oath. Brutus said that oaths are meant only for priests and cowards. Brutus's decision was not wise because if they had taken the oath they would have been bound much better. They would have been able to include Cicero in their plans which would have helped them in the execution of their plans. (iii) Explain what is meant by 'honesty to honesty engage'd? Why is honesty very important for Brutus and his men? Answer: "Honesty to honesty" engaged means one honest man committed to another honest man.That is, the commitment of all the conspirators to one another for executing the plan to kill Julius Caesar. Honesty is important for Brutus and his men because only if the conspirators are honest to one another will they be able to execute their plans. Brutus feels that if each member of the conspirators is honest to the other then they would not need to take an oath - which according to Brutus is only for Priest, cowards and untrustworthy men. (iv) Give the meaning of "that this shall be, or we will fall for it". “That this shall be, or we shall fall for it” indicates that they are entirely dedicated to their cause and will either succeed in their mission to kill Caesar, or they themselves would die while executing their plan. (v) According to Brutus, who normally takes an oath? How does Brutus convince this group to uphold Roman nobility rather than depend on an oath. Answer: According to Brutus the priests, the cowards, and the deceitful men as well as the old and weak who welcome wrongs, and any creatures that are doubtful swear to bad causes. By appealing to their feeling of honour, patriotism, and the justice of their cause, Brutus convinces the group to maintain Roman nobility rather than rely on an oath. He claims that their joint devotion to the well-being of Rome, as well as their united willingness to speak out against Caesar, should be enough reason. He instils a feeling of responsibility and honour in the conspirators by emphasising their devotion to Rome and their integrity as Romans, making them believe that their cause is more than simply a personal oath but a moral commitment to their nation. EXTRACT 6. Brutus: O, name him not! Let us not break with him; For he will never follow anything That other men begin. Cassius: Then leave him out. Casca: Indeed he is not fit. Decius: Shall no man else be touched but only Caesar? (i) Who is 'him'? What did Brutus want to leave him out of? What reason had just been given in his favour? Answer : The word ‘him’ refers to Cicero. Brutus wants to leave him out of the conspiracy to kill Julius Caesar for he never follows anyone else’s lead. Metellus was in the favour of including Cicero. He said that including Cicero would be beneficial as people would think that the action of killing Julius Caesar has the blessings of a senior and elder person like Cicero. This would make the killing and death of the people more acceptable to the people. (ii) Explain "let us not break with him" Why does Brutus say this? Answer : “Let us not break with him” suggests they should not include Cicero in the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar, as Brutus feels that he cannot be trusted. Brutus believes that Cicero would not fully commit to a plan that was not started by him. This suggestion is accepted by Cassius and Casca. (iii) What is he meaning here of 'touch'd? Who else, does Cassius now mention, should be touch'd? What is his reason? Answer: Here, ‘touched’ means targeted to be killed or to be killed. Cassius wants to kill Mark Antony along with Caesar. He feels that Mark Antony, who was so loved by Caesar, should not outlive him. Moreover, he feels that Mark Antony is a clever schemer, with his resources he could easily harm them all. To prevent that, Mark Antony should be killed along with Caesar. (iv) Brutus over-rides Cassius. Why? What does it reveal about Brutus? Answer: Brutus does not agree with Cassius that Mark Anthony too must be killed along with Julius Caesar. This is because Brutus feels that their objective was to end the tyranny of Julius Caesar. Brutus over-rides Cassius because he feels that they should only kill Caesar and not Mark Antony. For they are sacrificers and not butchers. This way their act will not appear envious but necessary. People will then call them purgers and not murders. Brutus assures the conspirators not to worry about Mark Antony because once Caesar is killed, he will be powerless and not a danger at all. Brutus is an idealist, a true patriot and a man of integrity. He wants to suppress Caesar's tyranny by killing him but the conspirators have their own selfish motives to fulfil, which Brutus is unable to understand. (v) In his turn, Cassius does not agree with Brutus's ideas. State the objection put forth by Cassius and tell how his objection was later justified. Answer: The objection put forward by Cassius to say that Brutus was not correct in deciding to kill Mark Anthony was that Mark Anthony had a deep rooted love for Julius Caesar. This deep rooted love for Caesar could cause them trouble once Julius Caesar was killed. However, Brutus disregarded this advice by saying that Mark Anthony was too fond of sports, merry making and friends to be of any serious threat to them. We can say from the course of future events that Cassius was absolutely right. Because Mark Anthony was not killed with Caesar he revolted against the conspirators, after the death of Caesar, by instigating the people against the conspirators. He also teamed up the Octavius Caesar to wage a war against the conspirators. This was the war in which Brutus died. Cassius later objects to Brutus’ decision to allow Mark Antony to live, as he believes that Mark Antony is a clever schemer, with his resources he could easily harm them all. This objection is later justified when Mark Antony turns against the conspirators and becomes a formidable foe. Cassius’ original suspicion about Mark Antony’s devotion turns out to be correct. EXTRQCT 7. Cassius: Yet I fear him; For in the ingrafted love he bears to Caesar— Brutus: Alas, good Cassius, do not think of him! If he love Caesar, all that he can do Is to himself — take thought, and die for Caesar. And that were much he should; for he is given To sports, to wildness, and much company. Trebonius: There is no fear in him. Let him not die; For he will live, and laugh at this hereafter. [Clock strikes.] (i) Who is the person being talked about in the extract quoted above? What is the occasion for the dialogue? What is meant by 'ingrafted' love? Answer : The person being talked about is Mark Antony. The occasion for the dialogue is the discussion cantered around the proposal by Cassius to kill Mark Anthony along with Julius Caesar. Cassius wants Mark Anthony to be killed along with Julius Caesar but Brutus is against it. Brutus prevails. The term “ingrafted” love refers to the deep and ingrained devotion or loyalty that Mark Antony has for Caesar. (ii) Why does Brutus dismiss Cassius' fear of that person? Answer : Brutus feels that Cassius should not fear Mark Antony as he loves Caesar so much that he may take his own life for him. Brutus also felt that Mark Anthony was too fond of sports, merry-making and friends to do anything to rebel against the conspirators. Therefore, Mark Antony is no threat to them after Caesar’s death. (iii) Which of the three men prove to be right and in what way? Answer: Of the three men (Cassius, Brutus and Tribonius) Cassius proves to be right as he was the first one to propose the assassination of Mark Antony along with Caesar. For he believed that Mark Antony was very loyal to Caesar. Being a clever schemer, with his resources he could easily harm them all. We know that later Mark Antony turns against the conspirators and becomes a formidable foe and seeks revenge for Caesar’s murder. Thus proving to be right about Mark Antony and Brutus was totally wrong in dismissing his fear. (iv) Why does Trebonius say that there is no cause to fear that man? Answer Tribonius says that there is no cause to fear Mark Antony and not to kill him, because after Caesar’s death he will eventually realize that the conspirators did the right thing and even laugh about it holding no grudge against them. (v) Give the meaning of "For he will and laugh at this hereafter”. Answer: “For he will live, and laugh at this hereafter.”, these words are spoken by Tribonius after Cassius suggestion of killing Mark Antony along with Caesar. Tribonius dismisses his fear by stating that they should allow him to live. For if he lives he will eventually realize that the conspirators did the right thing and even laugh about it, holding no grudge against them. EXTRACT 8. PORTIA : I should not need, if you were gentle Brutus. Within the bond of marriage, tell me, Brutus, Is it excepted I should know no secrets That appertain to you? Am I your self But, as it were, in sort or limitation, To keep with you at meals, comfort your bed, And talk to you sometimes? Dwell I but in the suburbs Of your good pleasure? If it be no more, Portia is Brutus’ harlot, not his wife. (i) Give the meaning of: ‘Dwell I but in the suburbs/of your good pleasure? Answer: Portia asks Brutus if she live only in the outskirts of Brutus's affection. She wanted to know from Brutus why he appeared to be so disturbed. She was upset that Brutus was not letting her know the reason for his worries. She asked Brutus whether his not sharing his worries meant that Portia's role was restricted to just keeping him company at meals and talking with him sometimes. She wanted to know whether she was his wife or just his concubine. (ii) Explain briefly why Portia thinks that Brutus is worried about something? Answer: Portia thinks that Brutus is worried because Brutus was out of the house very early in the morning exposing himself to the damp morning air with his jacket unfastened. He had left dinner the previous evening very abruptly and then was walking about thinking deeply sighing all the time. When Portia asked him what the matter was he looked at her unkindly. Moreover, when Portia persisted in knowing what the matter was he signalled her to leave waving his hand angrily. (iii) What has Portia just said to indicate that she belongs to the inner circle of Brutus's life? Answer: Portia said that she was Cato's daughter and Brutus' wife and thus she was entitled to know the secret that was worrying Brutus. She said that the position was not just of a woman who just kept him company at his meals, made his bed and talked to him occasionally. (iv) What does Brutus mean when he refers to the 'ruddy drops' and his 'sad heart'? Why is he feeling this despair. Answer: Ruddy drops refers to the blood in Brutus' veins. 'Sad Heart' refers to the troubled state of mind of Brutus. He is in this state of despair because he has just taken the decision to kill Julius Caesar which is troubling him. He is also sad because he is not able to share this burden with his wife Portia. (v) Whose daughter is Portia? Why is she proud of being 'A woman well reputed'. What proof does Portia give of her strength of character and power of endurance. Answer: Portia is the daughter of Cato. She is proud of being a woman well reputed because she is the daughter of Cato and the wife of Brutus. She is proud because she tells Brutus that she is stronger than other women. In order to prove this she inflicts an injury on her thigh and bear the pain without any treatment. In order to give Brutus and indication of the strength of her character and her power of endurance she inflicts an injury on her thigh. She then endures this pain to prove to Brutus the strength of her character and the power of her endurance.