Question

Read the following extract from Julius Caesar [Act III Scene 1] and answer the questions that follow:

BRUTUS - Stoop, Romans, stoор, And let us bathe our hands in Caesar's blood up to the elbows, and besmear our swords: Then walk we forth, even to the market place.

1. How does Brutus justify Caesar's murder before saying these words? Do you agree with him? (Recalling & Analysis)
2. How does Brutus feel about this act of washing their hands with Caesar's blood? (Understanding & Analysis)
3. What does Brutus say about the way he and his companions are to conduct themselves in the market? Why does he plan to do so? (Recalling & Interpretation)
4. What does Cassius have to say about how Caesar's assassination will be viewed in future? How does Brutus support what Cassius has said? Write the answer in your own words. (Recalling & Understanding)
5. What does Cassius say that the conspirators will be called? What error of judgement does this group make as it brags about having killed Caesar? (Recalling & Analysis)

Answer 1

1. Brutus justifies Caesar’s murder by saying that the conspirators have acted for the freedom and welfare of Rome, not out of personal hatred. His reasoning is sincere, but it is based mainly on the fear that Caesar might become a tyrant rather than on clear proof.
2. Brutus treats the washing of their hands in Caesar’s blood as a symbolic and honourable act. He believes it will show that they have sacrificed Caesar for Rome rather than murdered him for selfish reasons.
3. Brutus says that they should walk to the marketplace with their blood-stained hands and swords held openly. He plans to do this so that they can publicly declare that Caesar was killed for liberty and freedom.
4. Cassius says that in future generations, their deed will be acted and remembered again and again. Brutus agrees and believes that they will be remembered as men who gave liberty to Rome by killing Caesar.
5. Cassius says that they will be called ‘the men that gave their country liberty’. Their error is that they assume the people of Rome will honour and support them. They fail to realise that Antony will turn the crowd against them and that Caesar’s murder will lead to violence and civil war.