Question

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

OCTAVIUS – Let us do so: for we are at the stake, And bay’d about with many enemies; And some that smile have in their hearts, I fear, Millions of mischiefs.

1. Explain the metaphor Octavius uses about ‘stake’ and ‘bay’d about’? (a popular sport in Elizabethan times) (Understanding)
2. What does Octavius fear about people’s smiles? (Understanding & Analysis)
3. What wiser is and your more opinion regarding the wisdom displayed by Antony and Oactavius? Who appears to be rational? Give reasons to substantiate your answer. (Evaluation)
4. What is the sharp contrast between the noble Brutus and the Triumvirs in their intentions to seize power? (Analysis)
5. In what way does Antony appear to be ruthless and hypocritical? What sharp contrast is portrayed in from what he was earlier in Act III? (Analysis & Evaluation)

Answer 1

1. Octavius uses a metaphor from the cruel Elizabethan sport of bear-baiting. The ‘stake’ refers to the post to which the bear was tied, while ‘bay’d about’ means surrounded and attacked by dogs. He means that he and Antony are surrounded by enemies and are in great danger.
2. Octavius fears that some people who appear friendly and smile at them may secretly be plotting harm. Their outward friendliness may hide dangerous intentions.
3. Octavius appears more rational and balanced in this scene. He does not accept Antony’s harsh opinion of Lepidus without question and reminds him that Lepidus is a brave and experienced soldier. Antony is clever and practical, but he is more ruthless and calculating.
4. Brutus claims to act for the liberty and welfare of Rome and does not seek personal power. In contrast, the Triumvirs are openly concerned with controlling Rome, eliminating enemies and dividing authority among themselves.
5. Antony appears ruthless because he calmly agrees to the deaths of many people, including relatives, and plans to reduce the benefits in Caesar’s will. He is also hypocritical because in Act III he presented himself as Caesar’s loyal and grieving friend, but in Act IV he behaves as a hard, ambitious political leader willing to use people for his own purpose.