Question

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

CAESAR (to the soothsayer) The Ides of March are come Soothsayer – Ay Caesar, but not gone ARTEMIDORUS – Hail Caesar! Read this schedule. DECIUS – Trebonius doth desire you to o'er read, At your best leisure, this his humble suit

1. Why does Artemidorus want Caesar to read the letter? (Understanding)
2. What does Popilus say to Cassius? Why does Cassius get tensed up? What does he instruct Casca to do? (Recalling & Understanding)
3. What makes Brutus tell Cassius to be calm? (Understanding & Analysis)
4. Who takes Antony out of the way? Why? What is Metellus Cimber's suit to Caesar? (Recalling & Analysis)
5. State three instances to show Caesar's high-handedness in not granting Metellus Cimber's suit. (Application)

Answer 1

1. Artemidorus wants Caesar to read the letter because it contains details of the conspiracy and warns him about the men who are planning to kill him. He hopes that the letter will save Caesar’s life.
2. Popilius Lena says to Cassius, ‘I wish your enterprise today may thrive.’ Cassius becomes tense because he fears that Popilius knows about the conspiracy and may reveal it to Caesar. He tells Casca to be ready to act quickly if necessary.
3. Brutus tells Cassius to remain calm because he notices that Popilius is speaking to Caesar in a friendly manner and Caesar does not appear disturbed. This makes Brutus realise that their conspiracy has not been exposed.
4. Trebonius takes Antony away from Caesar so that Antony cannot interfere when the conspirators attack Caesar. Metellus Cimber requests Caesar to cancel the banishment of his brother, Publius Cimber.
5. Caesar shows his high-handedness in refusing Metellus Cimber’s request in the following ways:
   • He says that he is ‘constant as the Northern Star’ and will not change his decision.
   • He refuses to be influenced by kneeling, flattery or humble appeals.
   • Even when Brutus and Cassius join Metellus in pleading, Caesar firmly refuses to revoke Publius Cimber’s banishment.