Question

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

Now could I, Casca, name to thee a man Most like this dreadful night, That thunders, lightens, opens graves, and roars As doth the lion in the Capitol,

1. Who is the speaker? Which man is the speaker hinting at? (Recalling)
2. How does Cassius blame the Romans for their submissive attitude? (Understanding & Analysis)
3. How does Cassius compare the man he talks about to the dreadful night? (Analysis)
4. In what way has this man grown 'prodigious' and 'fearful' like these strange eruptions? (Analysis)
5. How does Cassius use the storm to obtain a commitment from Casca? What is the commitment? (Analysis & Recalling)

Answer 1

1. Cassius is the speaker. He is hinting at Julius Caesar.
2. Cassius says that the Romans are weak and submissive because they have allowed Caesar to become powerful. They lack the courage and self-respect to resist his ambitions.
3. Cassius compares Caesar to the dreadful night because Caesar has become as frightening, unnatural and powerful as the storm, thunder and strange sights around them.
4. Caesar has grown ‘prodigious’ and ‘fearful’ because ordinary Romans have become weak and obedient like sheep. Their weakness has enabled him to rise like a dangerous and unnatural power.
5. Cassius interprets the storm as a warning from the gods against Caesar’s growing power. He uses Casca’s fear to obtain his commitment to join the conspiracy against Caesar.