Question

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

OCTAVIUS - You may do your will; But he's a tried and valiant soldier. ANTONY - So is my horse, Octavius; and for that I do appoint him store of provender.

1. Who is the elder of the two speakers- Antony or Octavius? Why, do you think, Octavius tells Antony to ‘do your will’? (Understanding & Analysis)
2. How does Octavius defend Lepidus? (Understanding)
3. How does Antony look after and control his horse? How does Lepidus behave like his horse? (Analysis)
4. What does Antony say about Lepidus last of all before changing the topic? (Recalling)
5. What are Brutus and Cassius busy doing? How does Antony plan to deal with the situation? (Recalling & Analysis)

Answer 1

1. Antony is the elder and more experienced of the two. Octavius says ‘You may do your will’ because Antony is determined to treat Lepidus as an inferior and Octavius does not wish to argue further with him.
2. Octavius defends Lepidus by saying that he is a ‘tried and valiant soldier’. He believes that Lepidus has proved his courage and deserves respect.
3. Antony says that he feeds, trains and controls his horse and then uses it according to his needs. In the same way, he considers Lepidus useful only for carrying out orders and doing the work assigned to him.
4. Antony finally says that Lepidus is a man who can be taught, trained and sent on errands. He compares him to property or an instrument that can be used by others.
5. Brutus and Cassius are gathering armies and preparing for war. Antony plans to join forces with Octavius, strengthen their position and prepare to fight them.