Question

Read the extract from ‘Julius Caesar’ Act 5, Scene 3, given below and answer the questions that follow:

Brutus:	O Julius Caesar, thou art mighty yet! Thy spirit walks abroad, and turns our swords In our own proper entrails.                     [Alarums]
Cato:	Brave Titinius! Look whe’r he have not crown’d dead Cassius!
Brutus:	Are yet two Romans living such as these? The last of all the Romans, fare thee well! It is impossible that ever Rome Should breed thy fellow. Friends, I owe more tears To this dead man than you shall see me pay -- I shall find time, Cassius, I shall find time.

1. Explain what Brutus means when he says,  [3]
   ‘O Julius Caesar, thou art mighty yet! 
   Thy spirit walks abroad, and turns our swords
   In our own proper entrails’.
2. What were Cassius’ last thoughts before he died?  [3]
   How did Titinius honour the dead Cassius?
3. What does Brutus promise when he says, ‘I shall find time, Cassius, I shall find time.’?  [3]
   Why does he make this promise?
   What aspect of Brutus’ character does this reveal to us?
4. Explain the term ‘funerals’.  [3]
   Why does Brutus not want to hold ‘his funerals’ in their camp?
   Where will ‘his funerals’ be held?
5. How does Lucilius demonstrate his loyalty to Brutus at the end of the play?  [4]
   What does this tell you about Brutus’ character?
   How is Lucilius rewarded for his loyalty by Antony?
   What does this reveal to us of Antony’s character?

Answer 1

1. Brutus means that Caesar’s influence continues even after his passing; the conspirators’ own death has been indirectly brought about by their actions, as though Caesar’s soul is using their swords against them.
2. Cassius planned to end his own life in despair since he felt the war was lost and that Titinius had been taken hostage by the enemy.
   As a sign of loyalty and sorrow for his departed buddy, Titinius murdered himself after mourning Cassius.
3. Even though he is unable to grieve right away during the battle, Brutus promises that he would grieve appropriately for Cassius later.
   He makes this commitment since he is unable to publicly express his grief at that time and needs concentrate on the ongoing conflict.
   This shows how Brutus balances personal grief with duty and is loyal, disciplined, and noble.
4. Funerals are ceremonies held to honour and bury the dead.
   Brutus opposes holding a public funeral in the camp because he believes it might divert the soldiers' attention or reveal weakness during combat.
   After the fight, his funerals will take place in Rome.
5. When the enemy captures him, Lucilius shows bravery and dedication by posing as Brutus to defend him.
   This displays how Brutus generates dedication, loyalty, and respect in his followers.
   In recognition of Lucilius’s courage and loyalty, Antony honours and commends him.
   This shows Antony’s kindness, justice, and ability to spot bravery and loyalty even in the face of adversaries.