Question

Read the following extract from Julius Caesar [Act III Scene 1] and answer the questions that follow:

CAESAR - What, Brutus! CASSIUS - Pardon, Caesar; Caesar, pardon; as low as thy foot doth Cassius fall, To beg enfranchisement for Publius Cimber. CAESAR - I could be well moved, if I were as you; If I could pray to move, prayers would move me: But I am constant as the _______

1. What request has Brutus made to make Caesar exclaim 'What, Brutus!? Why is Caesar shocked at Brutus' request? (Recalling & Analysis)
2. What appeal does Cassius make after Brutus? How is his behaviour here unlike him? (Recalling and Analysis)
3. What reply does Caesar give Cassius? Between Brutus and Cassius, who does Caesar like better? (Recalling & Analysis)
4. What does Caesar compare himself to in the blanks in the extract? Mention two qualities of this object. How does he compare himself to the object? (Application)
5. What is the purpose of Caesar comparing himself with this object? (Analysis)

Answer 1

1. Brutus has requested Caesar to cancel the banishment of Publius Cimber. Caesar is shocked because he considers Brutus honourable and did not expect him to kneel and plead in this manner.
2. Cassius also kneels before Caesar and begs him to pardon Publius Cimber. This behaviour is unlike Cassius because he is normally proud, bold and independent, but here he lowers himself deliberately as part of the conspiracy.
3. Caesar tells Cassius that if he were easily moved, prayers might influence him, but he is firm and unchangeable. Caesar appears to have greater regard for Brutus, which is why Brutus’ request surprises him more.
4. Caesar compares himself to the ‘Northern Star’. Two qualities of the Northern Star are that it is fixed and constant. Caesar claims that, like the Northern Star, he is firm in his decisions and cannot be easily influenced.
5. Caesar makes this comparison to emphasize his firmness, authority and unchanging nature. He wants the conspirators to understand that no amount of pleading or flattery will make him reverse his decision.