Question

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

Let them set on at once, for I perceive But cold demeanour in Octavius’ wing, And sudden ______ gives them the ______ Ride, ride, ______ let them all come down.

1. Name the speaker of these lines. What is he talking about? (Recalling)
2. Do his observations prove true later? Give reasons for your answer. (Analysis)
3. What character traits of the speaker are very evident in the extract? (Understanding)
4. Fill the blanks in the extract. (Recalling)
5. What is the speaker confident of? (Understanding)

Answer 1

1. The speaker is Brutus. He is talking about attacking Octavius’ forces because he thinks they appear weak and unwilling to fight.
2. No, his observations do not prove true. Brutus wrongly judges Octavius’ army as weak, and his decision to attack quickly leads to poor coordination and contributes to the defeat of his side.
3. The extract shows Brutus as impulsive, overconfident and hasty in judgement. He acts quickly on what he sees without fully understanding the battlefield situation.
4. ‘And sudden push gives them the overthrow
   Ride, ride, Messala, let them all come down.’
5. Brutus is confident that a sudden attack will defeat Octavius’ forces because he believes they are showing ‘cold demeanour’ and lack fighting spirit.