Question

Read the following extract from Julius Caesar [Act III Scene 1] and answer the questions that follow:

METALLUS - Is there no voice more worthy than my own To sound more sweetly in great Caesar's ear For _____________?

1. Who is Metallus pleading for? What is his request to Caesar? Is he really sincere about this request? Why? (Recalling & Evaluation)
2. Why does Caesar not permit Metallus to kneel before him? What four things according to Caesar melt foolish people? Why is he not like these fools? (Understanding & Analysis)
3. What reason does Caesar give Metallus that tells us that he will go by the law of the land? What does Caesar threaten Metallus with if he keeps on kneeling and begging? (Recalling)
4. Complete the last line of the speech given above. (Recalling)
5. Who responds to Metallus' request? What does he tell Caesar? (Recalling)

Answer 1

1. Metellus Cimber is pleading for his banished brother, Publius Cimber. He requests Caesar to cancel his brother’s banishment. He is not sincere because the request is only a part of the conspirators’ plan to get close to Caesar before attacking him.
2. Caesar does not permit Metellus to kneel because he believes that such gestures cannot influence his decision. According to Caesar, ‘sweet words’, ‘low-crooked curtsies’, ‘base spaniel fawning’ and ‘pre-ordinance and first decree’ may melt foolish people. Caesar considers himself firm and unchangeable, unlike such weak-minded people.
3. Caesar says that Publius Cimber has been banished according to law and there is no proper reason to cancel the punishment. He warns Metellus that if he continues to kneel and beg, Caesar will ‘spurn’ him like a dog out of his way.
4. ‘For the repealing of my banish’d brother?’
5. Brutus responds to Metellus’ request. He kneels before Caesar and asks him to pardon Publius Cimber, saying:
   ‘Caesar, I do beseech thee, know me well;
   Before these couchings and these lowly courtesies
   Might fire the blood of ordinary men...’