Question

Read the following extract from Julius Caesar and answer the questions that follow:

Messala: Is not that he? Titinius: No, this was he, Messala, But Cassius is no more, - O setting Sun, As in thy red rays thou dost sink to-night, So in his red blood Cassius’ day is set; The sun of Rome is set! Our day is gone; Clouds, dews, and dangers come; our deeds are done! Mistrust of my success hath done this deed.

1. Where does this scene take place? What is the nature of the relationship that Titinius and Cassius shared? (Recall & Analysis)
2. Give two words that would best describe Titinius’ mood in the given extract. Justify your choice of words. (Evaluate)
3. Earlier in Act V, Cassius shares some facts about himself with Messala - what are these facts? (Recall)
4. How did Cassius die? What were his dying words? (Recall)
5. What does the phrase, ‘this deed' in the last line of extract refer to? Explain in your own words what Titinius means by, 'Mistrust of my success hath done this deed'. (Understanding)

Answer 1

1. The scene takes place on the battlefield at Philippi. Titinius and Cassius share a close and loyal friendship. Titinius is deeply devoted to Cassius and is heartbroken by his death.
2. Titinius is grief-stricken and despairing. He is grief-stricken because Cassius is dead, and despairing because he feels that their cause is now lost.
3. Earlier, Cassius tells Messala that it is his birthday. He also says that he once followed Epicurean philosophy and did not believe in omens, but recent signs such as the disappearance of the eagles and the arrival of ravens, crows and kites have made him fearful.
4. Cassius dies by asking Pindarus to stab him with the same sword that had killed Caesar. His dying words are: ‘Caesar, thou art revenged, even with the sword that kill’d thee.’
5. ‘This deed’ refers to Cassius’ suicide. Titinius means that Cassius wrongly believed that Titinius had been captured by the enemy. Because he mistrusted the success of Titinius’ mission, he lost hope and killed himself.