Question

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

ANTONY - And now, Octavius, Listen great things: Brutus and Cassius Are levying powers: we must straight make head;

1. What does Antony mean by great things? What were the other things that he had been talking about earlier? (Understanding)
2. What does he tell Octavius regarding Brutus and Cassius? (Recalling)
3. What does Antony suggest they should now do to overcome all dangers? (Understanding)
4. What does Octavius reply? (Recalling)
5. What is your opinion regarding Octavius in this scene? (Analysis)

Answer 1

1. By ‘great things’, Antony means the serious military threat posed by Brutus and Cassius. Earlier, he had been discussing Lepidus, Caesar’s will and the list of people marked for death.
2. Antony tells Octavius that Brutus and Cassius are raising armies and gathering forces against them.
3. Antony suggests that they should immediately prepare their own forces, strengthen their position and make plans to meet the coming danger.
4. Octavius agrees. He says that they should hold a council and decide how best to discover their enemies’ plans and deal with the dangers surrounding them.
5. Octavius appears calm, practical and mature in this scene. He does not blindly agree with Antony about Lepidus and shows independent judgement. He also understands the seriousness of the military situation and is ready to act carefully.