Question

Read the following extract from Julius Caesar and answer the questions that follow:

CASSIUS - Go, Pindarus, get higher on that hill; My sight was ever thick; regard Titinius, And tell me what thou not’st about the field.

1. Who is Pindarus? What does Cassius ask Pindarus to do? (Recalling)
2. After the exit of Pindarus, what does Cassius say about himself? (Recalling)
3. What news has Pindarus already brought? What is Cassius's reaction on hearing the news? (Recalling & Understanding)
4. Why is the day significant to Cassius apart from being his 'birthday' the day he was born? (Understanding & Analysis)
5. What had Cassius earlier advised Brutus in the play? How had Cassius disagreed with Brutus? (Recalling & Analysis)

Answer 1

1. Pindarus is Cassius’ servant. Cassius asks him to climb higher on the hill, watch Titinius carefully and report what he sees happening on the battlefield.
2. After Pindarus leaves, Cassius says that his eyesight has always been weak. He therefore depends on Pindarus to observe Titinius from a distance.
3. Pindarus has already brought the news that Antony’s forces have entered Cassius’ camp. Cassius is deeply disturbed and anxious because he feels that the battle is turning against him.
4. The day is significant because Cassius believes it may also become the day of his death. He feels that his life may end on the same date on which it began.
5. Earlier, Cassius had advised Brutus to remain at Sardis and allow the enemy to come to them. He argued that this would tire the enemy and weaken their supplies. Brutus disagreed and insisted on marching to Philippi, and Cassius finally yielded to Brutus’ plan.