Question

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

BRUTUS - Ay, Casca; tell us what hath chanced to-day, That Caesar looks so sad. CASCA - Why, you were with him, were you not? BRUTUS - I should not then ask Casca what had chanced.

1. What had chanced that day as described by Casca? (Recalling)
2. In what way was the incident a ‘mere foolery’? Give three instances. (Application)
3. What information did Casca give about Flavius and Marullus? (Recalling)
4. What is Brutus’ assessment of Casca when he leaves? How does Cassius contradict Brutus about his assessment? (Understanding & Analysis)
5. How does Cassius judge Brutus’ character at the end of the scene? What do you think of Cassius from this judgement? (Understanding & Evaluation)

Answer 1

1. Casca says that Mark Antony offered Caesar a crown three times, but Caesar refused it each time. The crowd shouted and clapped, and Caesar later fainted in the marketplace.
2. Casca calls the incident ‘mere foolery’ because:
   1. Antony repeatedly offered Caesar the crown.
   2. Caesar refused it each time, though Casca felt he was reluctant to do so.
   3. The crowd cheered and behaved excitedly, turning the serious event into a public spectacle.
3. Casca tells them that Flavius and Marullus had been ‘put to silence’ for removing decorations from Caesar’s statues.
4. Brutus thinks Casca has become dull and rough in manner. Cassius disagrees and says that Casca only appears slow; beneath this manner, he is sharp, intelligent and capable of understanding serious matters.
5. Cassius judges Brutus as noble, honourable and easily influenced through his concern for Rome. This shows Cassius as clever, calculating, and manipulative, because he plans to use Brutus’ virtues to draw him into the conspiracy.