Question

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

BRUTUS - Come, poor remains of friends, rest on this rock. CLITUS - Statilius showed the torch-light, but, my lord, He came not back: he is or ta’en or slain.

1. What is implied by the words "poor remains of friends"? What does it reveal about the mood of the speaker? (Understanding)
2. What does Clitus say about Statilius? What does this assumption reveal about his state of mind? (Understanding)
3. What has Brutus asked Clitus to do that makes the later refuse his request? (Understanding)
4. What shows later in this scene that Brutus is defeated in spirit and desperate? (Understanding)
5. Do you feel Brutus was being honourable in making this request? Give reasons to support your answer. (Analysis & Evaluation)

Answer 1

1. ‘Poor remains of friends’ refers to the few companions who are still left with Brutus after the battle. The words show that Brutus is sorrowful, exhausted and deeply discouraged.
2. Clitus says that Statilius gave the agreed torch-signal but did not return, so he must have been captured or killed. This shows that Clitus is anxious and expects the worst because their situation is desperate.
3. Brutus asks Clitus to kill him with his sword. Clitus refuses because he is loyal to Brutus and cannot bring himself to kill his master and friend.
4. Brutus is defeated in spirit because he asks several companions to help him die and says that Caesar’s ghost has appeared to him again. He realises that defeat is certain and prefers death to capture.
5. Brutus considers the request honourable because he does not want to be taken prisoner and paraded through Rome. However, asking a loyal friend to kill him places a heavy burden on that person, which shows the desperation of his final moments.