Question

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

CASSIUS - O, look, Titinius, look, the villains fly! Myself have to mine own turn’d enemy: This ensign here of mine was turning back; I slew the coward and did take it from him.

1. Who have been called 'The villains'? (Recalling)
2. Why did Cassius turn enemy to some of his own soldiers? (Understanding)
3. What error had Brutus made? What was the result of his error? (Understanding & Analysis)
4. What disastrous effect did this error have on Cassius and Titinius? (Analysis)
5. Did Brutus realize his error? Give reasons for your answer. (Recalling & Analysis)

Answer 1

1. ‘The villains’ refers to Brutus’ soldiers who were retreating from the battlefield.
2. Cassius turned against some of his own soldiers because one of his standard-bearers was fleeing. Cassius killed the coward and took the military standard from him.
3. Brutus made the mistake of attacking Octavius’ forces too early because he thought they were weak. His soldiers broke formation and rushed forward, which left Cassius’ side exposed and created confusion.
4. Because of this confusion, Cassius wrongly believed that Titinius had been captured by the enemy. Losing hope, Cassius killed himself. Titinius later returned safely, found Cassius dead and, overcome with grief, also killed himself.
5. Yes, Brutus later realised the seriousness of the situation when he learnt of Cassius’ death and saw that the battle was turning against them. Cassius’ death and the collapse of their forces showed the disastrous result of the earlier military mistake.