Question

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

CASSIUS – Now know you, Casca, I have moved already Some certain of the noblest-minded Romans To undergo with me an enterprise Of honourable-dangerous consequence;

1. Explain what is this ‘enterprise’. Why is it an ‘honourable-dangerous’ consequence? (Understanding & Application)
2. What assurance has Casca just given Cassius that he can be trusted? (Recalling & Understanding)
3. How does Casca prove true to his word when the conspirators are about to kill Caesar later on? (Analysis)
4. Who in particular are the ‘noblest-minded Romans’? Write two sentences about them. (Recalling & Understanding)
5. Who joins the two men now? What task has he been given? (Recalling & Understanding)

Answer 1

1. The enterprise is the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar and free Rome from his threatened tyranny. It is honourable because it is meant to protect Roman freedom, but dangerous because the conspirators may lose their lives if they are discovered.
2. Casca assures Cassius that he is not a tale-bearer and can be trusted to keep the conspiracy secret.
3. Casca proves true to his word by taking part in Caesar’s assassination and becoming the first conspirator to stab him.
4. The ‘noblest-minded Romans’ are the leading conspirators, including Brutus, Cinna, Casca and the others who oppose Caesar’s tyranny. They are presented as patriotic Romans who are ready to risk their lives for the freedom of Rome.
5. Cinna joins Cassius and Casca. Cassius gives him letters to place where Brutus will find them, so that Brutus may be persuaded to join the conspiracy.