Julius Caesar

Act II Scene ii - Summary

Caesar was pacing through his house as the storm raged outside. Caesar claimed he had
trouble sleeping because Calphurnia had cried out in her sleep three times. She was having
nightmares of Caesar dying .Caesar calls for his servant, telling him to have the priests make
a sacrifice to the gods and to let him know if it is successful.
Calphurnia begs Caesar not to leave the house that day. She tells him that there are two
many bad omens, (warnings of something bad that is going to happen), for him to go to the
Senate today. Calphurnia says she never pays attention to omens, but her nightmares
combined with the sights on the previous night of ghosts roaming the streets and a lioness
giving birth makes her afraid. Caesar replies that she should not be scared because the
omens probably apply to the whole world, not just him, and that the gods' minds cannot be
changed if they have decided Caesar should die. Caesar claims that fearing death is
ridiculous, and only causes people to live in fear.
Caesar's servant returns after talking to the priests and reports that Caesar should stay home
that day because the priests ‘could not find a heart within the beast’. He claims this is an
omen that harm will befall Caesar. Though Caesar continues claiming he will go to the Senate
anyway, he eventually relents because Calphurnia is extremely worried for his safety.
One of the conspirators-Decius Brutus arrives. Caesar tells him of his troubles. He reveals
that Calpurnia dreamed that a fountain of himself ran with blood and that the people of
Rome washed their hands in it. Decius tells Caesar not to worry and reinterprets the dream,
showing it to be symbolic rather than literal. He tells Caesar it means that Caesar will be able
to give new life to Rome. He also cautions Caesar that if they don't show up, the Senators
may not give him the crown.
Caesar agrees to go to the Capitol and leaves with the conspirators.

Questions for Comprehension

1. Why does Caesar say that neither heaven nor earth were at peace that night?
A violent storm with thunder and lightning was raging outside. Caesar was unable
to sleep because his wife Calphurnia was having nightmares and had thrice cried out
in her sleep.

2. What does Calphurnia try to convince Caesar of?
Calphurnia tries to convince Caesar not to step out of the house that day. She fears
danger to Caesar’s life. In her dream she saw blood flowing from Caesar’s statue like
a fountain. Many Romans were bathing their hands in it and smiling. She takes it as
an ill omen and hence begs Caesar not to step out of the house that day.

3. What were some of the unnatural things reported from the city?
A number of unnatural things had been reported from the city. A lioness had
whelped in the streets. The graves had opened up and given out the dead. Warriors
were seen fighting in the clouds and blood drizzled upon the Capitol. The noise of
war was in the air, horses neighed, dying men groaned and ghosts shrieked about
on the streets.

4. What did Caesar ask his servant to do?
Caesar tells his servant to go to the priest and ask him to make a sacrifice to the
gods and to let him know if it is successful. The servant returns with the news that
the priest has advised him not to go out that day for they could not find the heart
within the beast.

5. What does Caesar tell Calphurnia?
Caesar tells Calphurnia that whatever the gods have ordained cannot be avoided.
The predictions are for the world in general not only for him. Cowards die many
times before their deaths, only the valiant die once. He feels it is strange that men
fear death. Death is a necessary end and it will come when it has to. He says he will
not stay at home because of fear. Danger knows that Caesar is more dangerous
than he.

6. How does Decius Brutus interpret Calphurnia’s dream?
Calphurnia had dreamt of blood coming out of Caesar’s statue and many Romans
smiling and bathing their hands in it. Decius Brutus is one of the conspirators and
wanted to take Caesar to the Capitol where he was to be murdered. Hence, Decius
Brutus says that Calphurnia has misinterpreted the dream. According to him, men
bathing their hands in Caesar’s blood signify that Caesar will infuse new blood in
the Romans and great men will seek honours from him.

7. Why was Decius Brutus able to persuade Caesar to go to the Capitol?
Calphurnia tries to persuade Caesar to stay at home while Decius tries to convince
him to come to the Capitol.
Decius Brutus interprets Calphurnia’s dream and tells that Caesar’s blood will infuse
a new blood in Romans. He also tells Caesar that the senate has decided to give him
the crown and if he doesn’t go they might change their mind. Decius Brutus is more
successful because he knows that Caesar’s greed for power and honour will attract
him to the Capitol.

Act III Scene I- Summary

Caesar approaches the Capitol with the conspirators, followed by other Senators. Caesar
notices the Soothsayer, and tells him his prophecy hasn't come true; the Soothsayer says the
day's not over yet. Artemidorus tries to hand Caesar his letter containing a warning but
Caesar refuses to read it. He is blocked by Decius and Cassius. Popillus wishes Cassius good
luck.
Cassius realizes that word of their plans is spreading, which means they must be quick.
Trebonius deliberately and discretely takes Antony offstage so that he (Antony) will not
interfere with the assassination.
Metellus kneels before Caesar to beg for the repeal of his brother's banishment. The other
conspirators join him, in order to position themselves near Caesar. Caesar refuses to reverse
his order, comparing himself to the North Star in terms of constancy.
Suddenly, Casca stabs Caesar from behind. As the others also stab Caesar, Brutus is the last
one to stab Caesar. Caesar falls and dies, saying "Et tu, Bruté?"
The conspirators attempt to start a rallying cry about Liberty, but a panic ensues and many
Senators flee. Brutus sends Publius to tell the other Senators that no harm will befall anyone
else. On Brutus's advice, the conspirators smear themselves with Caesar's blood, and prepare
to march forth into the streets.
Antony's servant enters with a message. Antony sends word that he will support Brutus if he
may safely approach and be given a satisfactory explanation for Caesar's death. Brutus
praises Antony and grants the request. Cassius remarks that he still doesn't think Antony can
be trusted.

Questions for Comprehension

1. What petition did Metellus Climber put before Caesar? What was Caesar’s reply?
Metellus Climber’s brother had been banished from Rome. He requests for the recall
of his brother. A few other conspirators also speak for Climber. Caesar proudly
replies that prayers cannot move him. He believes himself to be fair and just. He
calls himself to be constant like the ‘Northern Star’.

2. What did Caesar mean when he uttered the words- ‘Et tu, Brute’?
Caesar was shocked to know that Brutus also conspired to kill him .Caesar valued his
friendship with Brutus so much that he felt that if Brutus felt he should die, then he
would do so.

3. Moments after Caesar’s death, how do the conspirators proclaim to justify his death?
Moments after Caesar’s death, the conspirators proclaim: ‘Liberty, freedom and
enfranchisement’. They show Caesar as the enemy of liberty and freedom and claim
that tyranny is dead. They proclaim that now there will be liberty, freedom and
enfranchisement for all.

4. What does Antony say to the conspirators?
Antony says that he does not know what the intention of the conspirators behind
killing Caesar was. He says if they plan to kill him, they should do so while he stands
over Caesar’s body.

5. How does Brutus assure Antony?
Brutus tells Antony that he must not ask them to kill him. Their hands may appear
bloody and cruel but their hearts are pitiful for the general wrong of Rome and it is
pity that did the deed on Caesar.
He offers him peace and reverence and an equal share in the new political set up.
He would be strong as any other man in the government.

6. What favour does Antony ask of the conspirators?
He asks to speak at Caesar’s funeral.

7. What does Cassius think about allowing Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral?
Cassius does not want to grant this favour, out of fear of what Antony might say.
He knows that Antony is a clever and tactful person and could sway people by his
speech. Brutus rules out Cassius’ fear and says that he will speak first and explain to
the people why Caesar had to be killed.

8. What conditions are imposed by the conspirators on Antony before allowing him to
speak at Caesar’s funeral?
Brutus insisted that he be allowed to speak first. Antony cannot speak badly about
the conspirators. However, he can praise Caesar. Antony must tell the people that
he is speaking at the funeral with the permission of the conspirators.

9. What predictions does Antony make regarding the future of Rome?
Antony predicts that there will be civil war all over Rome. Blood and destruction will
be a common sight, terrible deeds will become familiar. Caesar’s spirit will move
everywhere crying for revenge. The dead and decaying bodies will find no room for
burial.

Act III Scene ii- Summary

Brutus and Cassius enter the Forum where the assembled Plebeians demand an explanation
for Caesar's death. Cassius leads half of them away while Brutus stays to address the others.
Brutus asks the citizens to contain their emotions until he has finished, to bear in mind that
he is honourable, and to use their reason in order to judge him.
Brutus explains that he loved and honoured Caesar, but loved Rome more, and killed Caesar
rather than let every Roman become a slave. The people are persuaded by him and proclaim
Brutus a hero. One even cries ‘Let him be Caesar’
When Antony enters with Caesar's body in a coffin. Brutus departs, telling the crowd to listen
to Antony funeral oration, which he is doing so with their permission.
The crowd denounces Caesar and continues to laud Brutus.
Antony says to the crowd that he has ‘come to bury Caesar, not to praise him’.
He acknowledges that he speaks with ‘honourable’ Brutus' permission, and proceeds to
counter all of Brutus' arguments.
He says that the conspirators who claimed Caesar was ambitious are all honourable men, but
then gives examples of Caesar acting in non-ambitious ways. When Antony pauses to weep,
the crowd begins to say that Caesar was murdered unjustly.
Antony then says he has no intention of wronging the honorable Brutus and Cassius, or
inciting the mob to riot. He mentions that he's found Caesar's will, which would make the
people venerate Caesar if they knew its contents, but that he dare not read it.
The Plebeians clamor to hear it.
Antony descends to stand over Caesar's coffin and describes Caesar's murder in graphic
terms, and then uncovers Caesar's body. The crowd is ready to hunt down and kill the
conspirators, but Antony bids them stay. He maintains that he does not wish to incite them
to violence, and that he is not as well-spoken as Brutus.
Antony reads Caesar's will, which promises a sum of money to every citizen, and announces
the conversion of Caesar's property into public parks.
The mob leaves to cremate Caesar's body with due reverence, to burn the houses of the
assassins, and to wreak general destruction. Antony is content; he muses, "Mischief, thou art
afoot, / Take thou what course thou wilt!"

Questions for Comprehension:

1. Which qualities of Caesar does Brutus mention? How does he react to each of these
traits?
Brutus maintains a consistent pattern where he presents Caesar's action and then
his own reaction. Brutus says that ‘As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was
fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honour him: but as he was ambitious, I
slew him’.

2. How did the people react to Brutus’s speech?
The crowd cheered Brutus’ and declared that Brutus should be Caesar. They also
wanted to bring him with triumph to his house and erect a statue with his ancestors.
They wanted to crown him.

3. How does the meaning of the line ‘Brutus is an honorable man’ change during Antony’s
funeral speech?
At first, it appears as though Antony sincerely refers to Brutus as honorable.
However, as the line is repeated, it becomes clear that Antony is using it as a
rhetorical device to discredit Brutus.

4. To what aspects of human nature do Brutus and Antony appeal when they speak to the
crowd? Which man is the better judge of human character?
Brutus appeals to reason, while Antony appeals to emotion.
Antony is the better judge of people; he knows that emotion is more likely to move
people to action than reason.

5. What were the terms of Caesar’s will?
Caesar had left seventy five drachmas for every man. He also left his walkways,
private arbours and orchards for the people.

6. What main allegation had Brutus made against Caesar? How did Antony refute that
allegation?
Brutus blamed Caesar for being ambitious. Antony refutes the allegation by saying
that Caesar hath brought many captives home to Rome, whose ransoms had filled
the general coffers. When the poor had cried, Caesar had wept. The ambitious are
sterner. On the Lupercal, Antony had thrice presented Caesar with the kingly crown
and thrice Caesar had refused.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1 Read the given extracts and answer the following questions.

1. What can be avoided

Whose end is purposed by the mighty gods?

Yet Caesar shall go forth; for these predictions

Are to the world in general ,as to Caesar

(a) Who speaks these lines and to whom?

Caesar speaks these lines to his wife, Calphurnia.

(b) What did the listener want the speaker of the lines to do?

Calphurnia had heard of several ominous happenings in the city. She considered

them as ill omens and so she did not want Caesar to go out that day.

(c) What were some of the predictions?

A lioness has whelped in the streets. The graves had opened up and given out the

dead. Warriors were seen fighting in the clouds and blood drizzled upon the

Capitol. The noise of war was in the air, horses neighed, dying men groaned and

ghosts shrieked about on the streets.

(d) Give the synonym of the word-‘purposed’

Intended/ planned

2. This was the most unkindest cut of all;

For when the noble Caesar saw him stab,

Ingratitude more than traitors’ arms.

Quite vanquished him: then burst his mighty heart;

(a) Who speaks the above lines, to whom and where?

Mark Antony speaks these lines to the citizens of Rome at Caesar’s funeral.

(b) What was the ‘unkindest’ cut of all?

The act of stabbing Caesar by Brutus was the unkindest of all.

(c) Explain : ‘ingratitude more than traitors’ arms’

The ingratitude of a friend has a greater power to kill than the arms of traitors

Caesar considered Brutus to be his loyal friend.

(d) Give the synonym of the word-‘vanquished’?

completely defeated

3. O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,

That I am meek and gentle with these butchers!

Thou are the ruins of the noblest man

That ever lived in the tide of times.

(a) Who is the speaker and whom does he address?

Mark Antony addresses Caesar who lay dead in the Capitol.

(b) Why does the speaker say ‘ bleeding piece of earth’

The body was bleeding because of multiple stab wounds by the conspirators.

(c) Who have been referred to as ‘butchers’ and why?

A group of men led by Brutus conspired against Caesar and killed him.

(d) How had the speaker been gentle with the ‘butchers’?

The speaker had greeted and shaken hands with the conspirators who had

murdered Caesar. He had talked to them meekly and not shown any anger.

4. Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot,

Take thou what course thou wilt!

(a) Who speaks the above lines and when?

Mark Antony says the above lines as a soliloquy. He does so after completing his

funeral oration and the crowd leaves with Caesar’s body.

(b) What does ‘it’ refer to in the above lines?

The ‘it’ refers to the trick Antony has played to seek revenge on the Caesar’s

assassins by inflaming the citizens against them.

(c) What was the reaction of the crowd after listening to Antony’s funeral speech?

The crowd is moved to anger by Antony’s emotional speech. The crowd leaves to

cremate Caesar's body with due reverence, to burn the houses of the assassins,

and to wreak general destruction.

(d) Explain the meaning of the word ‘afoot’.

beginning to happen

Q2 Answer the following questions in 30-40 words.

(a) How do Brutus and Cassius try to win over Mark Antony?

After the assassination of Caesar, Brutus and Cassius tell Antony that they will

receive him with ‘love, good thoughts and reverence’ and that he will have an

equal share in the political set-up. He will be as strong as any other man in the

government.

(b) What petition do the conspirators put before Caesar? How does Caesar react?

The brother of Metellus Climber had been banished from Rome. He requests for

the recall of his brother. A few other conspirators also speak for Climber. Caesar

proudly replies that prayers cannot move him. He believes himself to fair and just

and calls himself to be constant like the ‘Northern Star’.

(c) What were the contents of Caesar’s will? Where was it found?

Caesar had left seventy five drachmas for every man. He also left his walkways,

private arbours and orchards for the people. Antony had found Caesar’s will in his

closet.

(d) What predictions does Antony make about the future of Rome?

Antony predicts that there will be civil war all over Rome. Blood and destruction

will be a common sight, terrible deeds will become familiar. Mother’s will smile to

see their children cut to pieces in war. Caesar’s spirit will move everywhere crying

for revenge. The dead and decaying bodies will find no room for burial.

Q3 Answer the following questions in 100-120 words.

(a) What reasons does Brutus give to justify the assassination of Caesar? How did the crowd

react to Brutus’ speech?

Brutus calls Caesar an ambitious man and a tyrant while addressing the crowd

after Caesar’s assassination. Caesar was very brave because he led Rome to many

victories but he was a threat to the liberty of Romans. Since Brutus loved Rome

more than he loved Caesar, he had killed Caesar. He tells them that if Caesar had

lived all the Romans would have died as slaves. He tells the crowd that he had

killed his best friend for the good of Rome.

The crowd was swayed by Brutus and was ready to crown Brutus as Caesar’s

successor. They wanted to bring him home with shouts of triumph.

(b) Why did Calphurnia try to prevent Caesar from going to the senate house? Why didn’t

she succeed?

Calphurnia had a dream where she saw blood coming out of Caesar’s statue. Many

Romans were bathing their hands in it and smiling. She took it as an ill omen and

tried to prevent Caesar from going to the senate house that day. However, Decius

Brutus came to take Caesar to the Capitol and said the Calphurnia had

misinterpreted the dream. According to him the dream meant that Caesar would

infuse new blood into the Romans. He also told Caesar that the senate was

thinking of giving him the crown and if he did not go they would change their

mind.

(c) How was Antony able to provoke the citizens against the conspirators?

In order to win the affections of the crowd, Mark Antony gave a deeply emotional

speech at Caesar’s funeral. He acted very cautiously, followed the conditions laid

down by the conspirators and won the sympathy of the audience step by step. He

also paused while speaking to overcome his emotions. He came down the pulpit

and stood among the commoners. He bared Caesar’s wounds. He mentioned the

will and then told them that if they heard it, it would anger them. He finally read it

out after the crowd asked for it. He employed clever oratory skills to inflame the

crowd to an extent where they wanted to seek out the conspirators and kill them.