Question

Read the following extract from Julius Caesar [Act III Scene 1] and answer the questions that follow:

Soft! Who comes here?

1. What does the servant tell about Antony after meeting Brutus when Caesar has been killed? (Recalling)
2. Who spoke these words? Name any two other persons who were present there. (Recalling)
3. What four adjectives does the servant use for the speaker? Do you think that these four adjectives are justified? Why? (Recalling, Analysis & Evaluation)
4. What two requests does the person make? What is the behaviour of this person towards the speaker? (Recalling & Analysis)
5. What does the speaker assure this person? Why do you think the speaker's assurance is the turning point of the play? What does the person say before leaving? (Recalling, Analysis & Evaluation)

Answer 1

1. Antony’s servant tells Brutus that Antony loved Caesar but now wishes to know why Caesar was killed. He also says that Antony is willing to follow Brutus if Brutus can give a satisfactory explanation for Caesar’s death.
2. The words ‘Soft! Who comes here?’ are spoken by Brutus. Two other persons present there are Cassius and Casca.
3. The servant calls Brutus ‘noble’, ‘wise’, ‘valiant’ and ‘honest’. These qualities are largely justified because Brutus is respected for his honour, courage and sincerity, though his judgement is often poor.
4. Antony makes two requests through his servant: he wants to know why Caesar was killed, and he seeks permission to come safely to Brutus. His behaviour is cautious, respectful and diplomatic.
5. Brutus assures Antony that he will be safe and that the reasons for Caesar’s death will be explained to him. This becomes a turning point because Antony is allowed to come among the conspirators and later gains permission to speak at Caesar’s funeral, which helps him turn the people against them. Before leaving, Antony’s servant says that Antony will come immediately.