Question

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

CASSIUS – I know where I will wear this dagger then; Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius: Therein, ye gods, you make the weak most strong; Therein, ye gods, you tyrants do defeat:

1. ‘Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius’ is an example of the literary device ‘paradox’. Explain. (Application)
2. What are Cassius’ fears that make him say that he would kill himself? (Understanding)
3. How have the gods made the weak strong, and defeated tyrants? (Understanding & Analysis)
4. How has Cassius boosted the courage of Casca a little earlier? (Understanding)
5. Cassius portrayed himself to be a lover of freedom and a true Republican. Discuss. (Evaluation)

Answer 1

1. The statement is a paradox because Cassius speaks of freeing himself by killing himself. Although it appears contradictory, suicide would free him from the bondage of tyranny.
2. Cassius fears that Caesar may become an absolute ruler and reduce the Romans to slaves. He also fears losing his freedom and living under Caesar’s tyranny.
3. The gods make the weak strong by giving them the courage to resist tyranny, even at the cost of their lives. They defeat tyrants when oppressed people refuse to submit and choose death rather than slavery.
4. Cassius boosts Casca’s courage by interpreting the storm as a divine warning against Caesar. He also tells Casca that many noble Romans have already joined the dangerous but honourable enterprise.
5. Cassius presents himself as a lover of freedom because he would rather die than live as a slave under Caesar. He calls upon the gods to strengthen the weak against tyrants and is ready to risk his life for republican Rome. However, he is also a schemer who uses republican ideals to win Casca over to the conspiracy.