Question

Read the extract and answer the questions that follow:

Brutus: You wrong'd yourself to write in such a case. Cassius: In such a time as this it is not meet That every nice offence should bear his comment.

1. Where are Brutus and Cassius? Why does Brutus make the above statement? (Recall)
2. Immediately after this extract, what does Brutus accuse Cassius of? Why does he do so? How does Cassius react to it? (Recall & Understanding)
3. Later, in what context does Brutus remind Cassius of the Ides of March? How does Brutus express his distaste for accepting bribes? (Recall)
4. What reason does Brutus give for not being afraid of Cassius' threats later in the scene? What does he accuse Cassius of, then? What was Cassius' reply? (Understanding, Application & Recall)
5. Give one character trait each of Cassius and Brutus, as revealed in this scene. Justify with the help of instances from the scene. (Analysis & Evaluate)

Answer 1

1. Brutus and Cassius are in Brutus’ tent at Sardis. Brutus says this because Cassius had written to him defending Lucius Pella, who had been accused of taking bribes. Brutus feels that Cassius was wrong to support such a man.
2. Brutus accuses Cassius himself of having an ‘itching palm’, meaning that he accepts bribes and sells offices for money. He does so because he believes such corruption dishonours the cause for which they killed Caesar. Cassius becomes angry and feels insulted by the accusation.
3. Brutus reminds Cassius that they killed Caesar on the Ides of March in the name of justice and liberty. He says it would be shameful if they now accepted bribes and became corrupt themselves. He strongly declares that he would rather be a dog than such a Roman.
4. Brutus says he is not afraid of Cassius’ threats because he is protected by his honesty and honour. He accuses Cassius of denying him money when he had asked for funds to pay his soldiers. Cassius replies that he did not refuse the money and says that the messenger must have made a mistake.
5. Cassius is hot-tempered and sensitive, as he becomes furious when Brutus accuses him of corruption. Brutus is honest and principled, as he refuses to tolerate bribery and insists that their actions must remain honourable.