Question

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

CASSIUS – Brutus this sober form of yours hides wrongs; And when you do them BRUTUS – Cassius be content; Speak your griefs softly, I do know you well

1. Which sober form of Brutus is Cassius referring to? How does Brutus use this ‘sober form’ to his advantage? (Recalling & Understanding)
2. Why does Brutus ask Cassius to speak his griefs softly? (Understanding & Analysis)
3. What does Cassius instruct Pindarus to do? (Recalling)
4. Who asks to guard the door of the tent and to whom? Why does he want the door to be guarded? (Recalling)
5. How does this scene depict the relationship between Brutus and Cassius falling apart? (Analysis)

Answer 1

1. Cassius is referring to Brutus’ calm, serious and controlled manner. He feels that Brutus uses this ‘sober form’ to hide the wrongs he has done and to appear morally superior.
2. Brutus asks Cassius to speak softly because they are in front of their soldiers and servants. He does not want their personal quarrel to become public and weaken their authority.
3. Cassius instructs Pindarus to go away and wait for him until he is called.
4. Brutus asks Lucilius and Titinius to guard the door of the tent and allow no one to enter. He wants privacy so that he and Cassius can discuss their differences openly without others hearing them.
5. The scene shows that the relationship between Brutus and Cassius has become strained by anger, mistrust and accusations. Their friendship is no longer as warm as before, and their political alliance is beginning to suffer because of personal disagreements.