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Question
Read the given excerpt and answer the questions briefly.
|
ANTONY: If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. |
- How does Antony use visual imagery to make his point about the assassination of Caesar? (1)
- What is the significance of the mantle that Antony refers to in his speech? (1)
- Identify the tone of Antony's statement when he says, "If you have tears, prepare to shed them now". (1)
- What does Antony's reference to the Nervii suggest about Caesar's military prowess? (1)
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Solution
- Antony uses vivid and evocative descriptions of the wounds inflicted on Caesar by his assassins to stir his audience's emotions and create a sense of horror and outrage.
- The mantle represents Caesar's power and authority and symbolises the leader's ability to inspire loyalty and devotion in his followers.
- Emotive and urgent [as he seeks to move his audience to tears and to evoke a sense of shared grief and loss]
- Antony's reference to the Nervii, whom Caesar defeated in battle, highlights Caesar's skill as a military leader and his ability to conquer even the most formidable enemies.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
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Good countrymen, let me depart alone,
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This was the most unkindest cut of all;
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(b) Whose ingratitude was he referring to?
(c) Why did it break Caesar's heart?
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• ……………………………………………………
• ……………………………………………………
• ……………………………………………………
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Answer the following question by ticking the correct options.
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Answer the following question by ticking the correct options.
Antony's reference to Caesar's conquest of the Nervii is to ………………….
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.
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Julius Caesar and Antony reveal something about their character in their words and actions. We also learn about them from what other people say. Can you pick out the words that describe them from the box given below? Also, pick out lines from the play to illustrate your choice.
| superstitious arrogant loyal clever overconfident manipulative good orator ambitious brave great conqueror generous fearless loves flattery firm shrewd crafty |
| Person | Extract from play | What it tells us about the character |
|
Julius Caesar
|
1. the things that threaten'd me Ne'er look'd but on my back; when they shall see The face of Caesar, they are vanished. |
1. arrogant |
| 2. | ||
| 3. | ||
| 4. | ||
| 5. | ||
| 6. | ||
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Mark Antony
|
1. | 1. Loyal |
| 2. | ||
| 3. | ||
| 4. | ||
| 5. | ||
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 |
Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:
CAESAR Cowards die many times before their deaths;
The valiant never taste of death but once.
Of all the wonders that I yet have heard.
It seems to me most strange that men should fear;
Seeing that death, a necessary end,
Will come when it will come.
a) Whom is Caesar speaking to? Why does he say these words?
b) What fears has the listener expressed?
c) What is the basis for the fears expressed?
Activity
Stage a press conference that takes place shortly after Caesar's death. The "reporters" should have their questions written down ahead of time to ask the students who play the roles of Brutus, Antony and Cassius.These questions should focus on the key events in the play, as well as the characters' intentions.
What opinion do you form of Calpurnia from the play ‘Julius Caesar’ ?
