Question

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

BRUTUS – Cassius, Be not deceived: if I have veil’d my look, I turn the trouble of my countenance Merely upon myself. Vexed I am Of late with passions of some difference, Conceptions only proper to myself.

1. Where are Brutus and Cassius at this time? What is the occasion? (Recalling)
2. What has Cassius told Brutus regarding the latter’s attitude towards him? (Recalling)
3. What reason does Brutus give to Cassius for not going to the games? With whom does Brutus compare himself? (Understanding)
4. What does Brutus tell Cassius regarding his conflicting thoughts and emotions? What effects do these thoughts have on Brutus regarding his attitude towards others? (Understanding & Analysis)
5. What is Cassius’ motive in showing his friendship towards Brutus? How is Cassius shown to be a schemer? (Understanding & Analysis)

Answer 1

1. Brutus and Cassius are in a public place in Rome during the feast of Lupercal. Caesar and the others have gone to watch the games.
2. Cassius tells Brutus that he has recently seemed distant and unfriendly towards him. He feels that Brutus no longer shows him the same affection and openness as before.
3. Brutus says that he is troubled by personal thoughts and inner conflicts, so he does not feel like joining the games. He compares himself to a person who is at war with himself.
4. Brutus tells Cassius that he is disturbed by conflicting thoughts and emotions that concern only himself. Because of this inner struggle, he has appeared cold and less friendly towards others, though he does not intend to offend them.
5. Cassius shows friendship towards Brutus because he wants to win his trust and turn him against Caesar. He is shown to be a schemer because he carefully studies Brutus’s feelings and later plans to influence him through arguments and forged letters.