Question

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

CITIZENS - We will be satisfied; let us be satisfied. BRUTUS - Then follow me and give me audience, friends.

1. Why do the citizens wish to be satisfied? What mood are they in? Give the meaning of 'audience'. (Understanding & Application)
2. What instructions does Brutus give Cassius? What does Brutus tell the crowd before he goes up to the pulpit? (Recalling)
3. What do the First Citizen and Second citizen tell each other? (Recalling)
4. What will be the purpose of Brutus' speech to the citizens who are waiting for him to speak? (Understanding)
5. According to Brutus what was the single major evil in Caesar's character? (Understanding)

Answer 1

1. The citizens wish to be satisfied because they want an explanation for Caesar’s murder. They are curious, restless and eager to know the reason. ‘Audience’ means attention or a hearing.
2. Brutus tells Cassius to go to another street and address a different group of citizens. Before going up to the pulpit, Brutus asks the crowd to listen patiently and judge his reasons fairly.
3. The First Citizen says that he will listen to Brutus, while the Second Citizen says that he will listen to Cassius. In this way, the crowd divides to hear both speakers.
4. The purpose of Brutus’ speech is to justify Caesar’s assassination. He wants to convince the citizens that Caesar was killed for the freedom and welfare of Rome, not because of personal hatred.
5. According to Brutus, Caesar’s single major fault was ambition. Brutus believed that Caesar’s ambition could threaten the liberty of Rome.