Question

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

MESSALA - Mistrust of good success hath done this deed O hateful error, Melancholy’s child, Why dost thou show to the apt thoughts of men The things that are not?

1. Explain the literary device used in this extract. (Application)
2. What was the ‘mistrust of good success’? What error did Cassius make? How did his pessimism lead to his suicide? (Understanding & Analysis)
3. What does Titinius do to himself? What does this act of his prove? (Recalling & Analysis)
4. When Brutus enters the scene a little later, he refers to Julius Caesar. Why? (Understanding)
5. What tribute does Brutus pay to Cassius? (Recalling)

Answer 1

1. The extract uses personification. ‘Error’ is described as the ‘child’ of Melancholy, and it is spoken to as if it were a living being that deceives people by showing them things that are not true.
2. The ‘mistrust of good success’ refers to Cassius wrongly believing that Titinius had been captured by the enemy. His error was judging the situation without proper confirmation. His pessimistic nature made him assume the worst, and this loss of hope led him to commit suicide.
3. Titinius kills himself with Cassius’ sword. His act proves his deep loyalty, love and devotion to Cassius.
4. Brutus refers to Julius Caesar because he feels that Caesar’s spirit is still powerful and is taking revenge on the conspirators. Cassius’ death makes Brutus feel that Caesar’s influence continues even after death.
5. Brutus pays tribute to Cassius by calling him ‘the last of all the Romans’. He praises him as a noble Roman and mourns the loss of a great friend and patriot.