Question

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

BRUTUS - 'Tis good. Go to the gate; somebody knocks. (Exit Lucius) Since Cassius ......... against Caesar, I have not slept. Between the acting of a dreadful thing And the first motion, all the interim is .........., or a hideous dream:

1. Complete the lines in the extract. Explain the lines after completing the extract.
2. What is the purpose of the people who come to meet Brutus? How have they disguised themselves?
3. What does Brutus say about the conspiracy? What advice does he give?
4. What is the figure of speech used by Brutus to describe the conspiracy? Explain. (Application)
5. Name the conspirators who enter. (Recalling)

Answer 1

1. The completed lines are: “Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar” and “Like a phantasma”. The lines mean that the time between deciding to do a dreadful act and actually beginning it is like a terrible vision or nightmare. Brutus is troubled by the thought of the conspiracy.
2. They come to discuss and plan Caesar’s assassination. They have disguised themselves by covering their faces with their cloaks and hats.
3. Brutus says that the conspiracy is a serious and dangerous undertaking. He advises the conspirators to appear cheerful and calm and not to reveal their purpose through their expressions.
4. Brutus uses a simile when he compares the interval before a dreadful act to a “phantasma” or a hideous dream. The comparison shows the fear and mental disturbance caused by the conspiracy.
5. The conspirators are Cassius, Casca, Decius Brutus, Cinna, Metellus Cimber and Trebonius.