Question

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

CASSIUS – And why should Caesar be a tyrant then? Poor man! I know he would not be a wolf, But that he sees the Romans are but sheep: He were no lion, were not Romans hinds.

1. ‘Romans are to be blamed for Caesar becoming a tyrant’. Discuss. (Evaluation)
2. How does Cassius show the weaknesses of the Romans after the extract to raise Caesar to his glory? (Analysis)
3. How does Cassius draw Casca into the conspiracy by playing on the latter’s emotions? (Understanding & Analysis)
4. How does Casca assure Cassius of his support? (Recalling & Understanding)
5. How does Cassius encourage Casca to join the conspiracy? Who are the people waiting for them in Pompey’s porch? (Analysis & Recalling)

Answer 1

1. The Romans are partly responsible for Caesar’s tyranny because they behave like weak and submissive sheep. Their lack of courage allows Caesar to act like a powerful wolf and dominate them.
2. Cassius describes the Romans as sheep and hinds, suggesting that they are weak, timid and easily controlled. By contrast, Caesar appears powerful like a wolf and a lion because the Romans submit to him.
3. Cassius appeals to Casca’s fear of the storm and his anger at Caesar’s growing power. He presents the strange events as signs that Caesar is responsible for Rome’s troubles and tells Casca that other honourable Romans are already opposed to him.
4. Casca assures Cassius that he is ready to support any action aimed at correcting Rome’s wrongs. He promises to go as far as the most determined conspirator.
5. Cassius encourages Casca by telling him that several noble Romans have already joined the conspiracy and that they will meet at Pompey’s porch. The people waiting there are the other conspirators who have agreed to work against Caesar.