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Question
Answer the following question briefly
Who says "Et tu Brute"? When are these words spoken? Why?
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Solution
These words were the last words of Julius Caesar when he was being stabbed by his own friends. These were spoken as his closest friend Brutus also stabbed him. Caesar could not believe that such a close friend could also backstab him.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
Mark Antony, with the help of his oratory, succeeded in winning the mob over to his side. This led to the downfall of the conspirators. Write in 80–100 words, how with the power of words he could effect a change in his listeners.
Good countrymen, let me depart alone,
And, for my sake, stay here with Antony
i. Identify the speaker of the above lines.
ii. When and where were the above lines spoken?
iii. Bring out the irony in the above extract.
How did nature foretell Caesar’s death?
Now let it work. Mischief thou art afoot.
Take thou what course thou wilt!
Antony seeks justice by getting the mob to kill the conspirators. But to correct a wrong, one cannot commit another wrong. Write a speech for the school assembly on – The ends do not justify the means. (120–150 words)
"They that have done this deed are honorable: What private grief’s they have, alas, I know not, That made them do it"……………….
(a) Who is the speaker?
(b) What deed have 'they' done?
(c) What does the word, 'grief’s' mean?
How does Decius Brutus persuade Caesar to accompany him to the senate house?
How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia I am ashamed. I did yield to them.
Give me my robe, for I will go.
(a) Why was Calpurnia afraid?
(b) Where did Caesar decide to go?
(c) What does the word 'yield' mean?
Why did Caesar's will infuriate the Romans ?
This was the most unkindest cut of all;
For when the noble Caesar saw him stab,
Ingratitude, more strong than traitors' arms,
Quite vanquish'd him : then burst his mighty heart;
(a) Who speaks these words?
(b) Whose ingratitude was he referring to?
(c) Why did it break Caesar's heart?
Answer the following question by ticking the correct options.
What prophecy does Antony make over Caesar's dead body?
Answer the following question briefly.
What does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar of?
Answer the following question briefly.
Why does Calpurnia say Caesar's 'wisdom is consumed in confidence'? What does she mean?
Answer the following question briefly
Why is Decius more successful than Calpurnia in persuading Caesar?
Answer the following question briefly.
How do Brutus and Cassius respond to Antony’s speech?
Answer the following question briefly.
What are the conditions imposed by the conspirators before allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral?
In the play 'Julius Caesar', we meet the Roman mob. We find that as Brutus and Antony speak, the mob displays certain qualities and characteristics.
Given below are some characteristics of the mob. Complete the table by quoting the lines wherein these are revealed.
| Words/ actions of the mob | Characteristics |
| 1. | Foolish |
| 2. | Does not understand the ideals of democracy |
| 3. | Emotional |
| 4. | Greedy |
| 5. | Fickle |
| 6. | Violent |
Antony employs a number of devices to produce the desired effect on the mob. These devices maybe described as rhetorical devices. He first speaks in such a manner that it seems to the mob that he is in full agreement with Brutus about Caesar. Then step by step he moves away from Brutus' position, depicting Brutus as a villain and Caesar as a wronged man. Copy and complete the following table by showing how Antony builds the argument in Caesar's favour.
| Antony's words | Argument |
| 1. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. | Does not wish to eulogise Caesar |
| 2. The noble Brutus Hath told you Caesar was ambitious: If it were so, it was a grievous fault, And grievously hath Caesar answer'd it. | Seemingly agrees with Brutus |
| 3. | |
| 4. | |
| 5. | |
| 6. |
Given below are some questions based on reading of the play 'Julius Caesar'. These
questions are not for testing in the Exam. These are for a deeper understanding of the
play and the characters.
a) Why was the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar hatched?
b) Was Caesar really ambitious? Find evidence from the play to support your answer.
c) What was Cassius' motive for murdering Julius Caesar?
d) Why was it essential for the conspirators to include Brutus in the conspiracy?
e) What were the mistakes made by Brutus that led to the failure of the conspiracy?
f) Comment on Caesar's friendship with Antony.
g) Write a brief character sketch of Antony.
h) What is the role of Julius Caesar's ghost in the play, Julius Caesar?
i) Why does Antony call Brutus 'the noblest Roman of them all'?
j) How do Brutus and Cassius meet their end?
What opinion do you form of Calpurnia from the play ‘Julius Caesar’ ?
