Question

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

CASSIUS – Am I not stay’d for? tell me. CINNA – Yes, you are. O Cassius, if you could But win the noble Brutus to our party—

1. What does Cassius give Cinna after the extract? What task does Cassius assign to Cinna? (Recalling & Understanding)
2. Where is Cinna instructed to go after completing the task? How is Cassius confident about Brutus joining the conspiracy? (Recalling & Analysis)
3. Why is Casca also keen on Brutus joining the conspiracy? (Understanding)
4. What does Cassius hope for at the end of the scene? Who has been influenced by Cassius so far? What is their common aim? (Understanding & Analysis)
5. What time of night is it? Who are they to awaken? (Recalling & Understanding)

Answer 1

1. Cassius gives Cinna letters addressed indirectly to Brutus. He instructs Cinna to place them where Brutus will find and read them, so that Brutus will be persuaded to join the conspiracy.
2. After completing the task, Cinna is to go to Pompey’s porch and join the conspirators. Cassius is confident because Brutus is honourable, highly respected by the Romans and already sympathetic to the common cause; he believes that the letters will influence him.
3. Casca wants Brutus to join because Brutus holds an honourable position and has great influence over the Roman people. His support would give the conspiracy respectability and strength.
4. Cassius hopes to win Brutus completely to the conspirators’ cause before the night ends. He has influenced Casca, while Cinna is already working with him. Their common aim is to oppose and assassinate Caesar in order to preserve Rome’s freedom.
5. It is about three o’clock in the morning. They are to awaken Brutus and persuade him to join the conspiracy.