Question

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

BRUTUS – That you do love me, I am nothing jealous; What you would work me to, I have some aim: How I have thought of this and of these times, I shall recount hereafter;

1. What does the word ‘jealous’ mean in the extract? (Understanding)
2. Brutus is aware of Cassius’ ‘motive’. What is the motive? (Understanding)
3. What does Brutus assure Cassius of, after the extract, that makes Cassius ‘glad’? (Recalling & Understanding)
4. Who enters in the play after this extract? (Recalling)
5. Whom does Cassius decide to ‘pluck’? Why? (Recalling & Understanding)

Answer 1

1. In the extract, ‘jealous’ means ‘doubtful’ or ‘suspicious’. Brutus says that he does not doubt Cassius’ affection for him.
2. Cassius’ motive is to persuade Brutus to oppose Caesar and to make him believe that Caesar’s growing power is dangerous for Rome.
3. Brutus assures Cassius that he will think carefully about what has been said and will listen patiently to anything more Cassius wishes to tell him. This makes Cassius glad because Brutus has not rejected his ideas.
4. After this extract, Caesar and his followers enter, returning from the festivities.
5. Cassius decides to ‘pluck Casca by the sleeve’. He wants to stop Casca and ask him what happened during the celebrations, especially the shouting they heard.