Julius Caesar Workbook answer ACT 2 SCENE 1

This article comprises of workbook solution of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, You will get complete Julius Caesar Beeta publication workbook question answers of Act 2 Scene 1, Julius Caesar Workbook answer ACT 2 SCENE 1

1. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Lucius

I will, my lord. 
Brutus                                               [Exit.]

It must be by his death; and for my part,
I know no personal cause to spurn at him,
But for the general. He would be crowned.
How that might change his nature, there the question.
It is the bright day that brings forth the adder,
And that craves wary walking.

i). Where does this scene take place? Who is Lucius? What has he been asked to do?

Ans: This scene takes place in Brutus' orchard (Rome). Lucius is his servant.  He has been asked for  a taper (candle) to be brought to Brutus in his study.

ii) In what mood is Brutus? What does it refer to? Whose death is suggested?

Ans: Brutus is in a confined, reflective, and in serious mood. He is mentally disturbed. He has been thinking of what Cassius had told him about Julius Caesar's ambition. The word "it" referred to the end of Caesar's tyranny, the end of the troubles for Rome. The death of Julius Caesar is suggested.

iii) Who has convinced Brutus to take such a step? What is the motive of Brutus for taking such a decision as expressed in the extract? What does it reveal about Brutus?

Ans: Cassius has convinced Brutus to take such a step. Brutus has no personal reason to sprun at Julius Ceasor. The motive of Brutus for taking such a decision is for the general, that is, for the welfare of the Roman people. He fears that Caesar may become a tyrant. He does not want Rome to come under such a king. He does not want Rome to come under such a king. It demonstrates that Brutus is patriotic, a true lover of Rome, and an idealist. His Nobel character makes him rise above personal feelings and think of Rome's welfare.

iv) What danger does Brutus foresee if the person is crowned as a king? How is the danger expressed by referring to the "bright day" and the "adder"?

Ans: If the person is crowned as king, it would change his character and he would become a tyrant. Caesar may establish a dictatorial regime and the Romans will live their lives in fear.
This danger is expressed by referring to the "bright day" and the "adder". It is the brightness of the day— A warm bright day brings out the snake - similarly the crown would bring out the tyrant. Brutus fears Caesar’s ambition will lead to him becoming a tyrant who would ruin the Roman Republic.

v) What are your feelings for Brutus at this juncture? Give two reasons to justify.

Ans: I feel angry at his justification for a gruesome murder - Brutus has made up his mind
to kill Caesar
Brutus does not have a particular personal grievance against Caesar. His argument points to the fact that Caesar has to be assassinated not for what he is at present but for what he could become in the future. Brutus argues that once crowned, Caesar will be beyond the power of anyone else to check him. Finally, Brutus seems to distort his view of Caesar: "therefore think him as a serpent's egg."

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2. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Brutus: 

So Caesar may.
Then lest he may, prevent. And since the quarrel
Will bear no colour for the thing he is,
Fashion it thus: that what he is, augmented,
Would run to these and these extremities;
And therefore think him as a serpent’s egg,
Which, hatched, would as his kind grow mischievous
And kill him in the shell.

i)"So Caesar may". What may Caesar do? Your answer must refer to the metaphor of the ladder, used by Brutur in his speech. How does Brutus intend to prevent Caesar from doing so?

Ans: That humility serves as a ladder for an ambitious man to rise to a powerful position. When he rises high, the climber pays attention upwards. He continues with his humility in order to continue his upward climb. However, as soon as he reached the topmost he forgot the ladder which helped him to climb.
Brutus intends to prevent Caesar from doing this by killing Caesar before he acquires too much power by becoming king, and before he becomes a tyrant

ii) Give the meaning: "And, since the quarrel/ will bear no colour for the thing he is/ Fashion it thus."

Ans: In Brutus' perspective, there is no justifiable reason (colour) to oppose Julius Caesar based on his current state. Caesar, at this moment, hasn't committed any wrongdoing of that nature. Romans must, therefore, reframe their argument. Instead of accusing Caesar of present offenses, they should assert that if his current authority is augmented further, it may lead to undesirable outcomes. The phrase 'Fashion it thus' implies presenting the argument in this manner.

iii) What is meant by "augmented"? How can Caesar be augmented? How had there already been an attempt to augment him?

Ans: Augmented means increased power. If Caesar is crowned then Caesar’s power and authority may be increased, leading to his becoming even more ambitious and ultimately a tyrant. In Act 1 Scene 2 at the games held on the Lupercal feast, Where Caesar was offered the throne, there was already an attempt to augment him, and Brutus warned against allowing him to obtain more authority.

iv) To whom is a "serpent's egg" compared? What does Brutus want to communicate by using a comparison of "serpent's egg"?

Ans: Julius Caesar is compared to the "serpent egg". Caesar's rise to become a powerful man - danger of Caesar becoming a tyrant. Brutus wishes to convey that, just as a snake’s egg, if allowed to hatch, will develop into a dangerous and lethal serpent, Caesar, if granted more power and authority, will become a menace to Rome. The comparison emphasizes the potential danger of allowing Caesar to continue his ascent to power.

v) What price would Brutus pay later by preventing a "serpent's egg" from being hatched?

Ans: Later Brutus pays a heavy price for preventing a serpent's egg from being hatched. A leading conspirator in the assassination of Julius Caesar he commits suicide after his defeat at the second battle of Philip Caesar's assassination led to the Civil War and the conspirators had to flee Brutus refused to be captured and killed himself

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3. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Brutus: ’Tis good. Go to the gate; somebody knocks. 

                                                                        [Exit LUCIUS]
Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar,
I have not slept.
Between the acting of a dreadful thing
And the first motion, all the interim is
Like a phantasma or a hideous dream.
The genius and the mortal instruments
Are then in council, and the state of man,
Like to a little kingdom, suffers then
The nature of an insurrection.

i) To what does Brutus reply, "Tis good." Who is knocking at the gate? Why has he come?

Ans: Lucils comes back with one of the anonymous letters ( written, as we by Cassius), which has he found on the windowsill of Brutu's study. By the light of meteors, Brutus reads the message urging him to save Rome. Lucus informs Brutus that the fifteen days of March are over, at this Brutus replies "Tis good". Cassius is knocking at the gate he is accompanied by other conspirators: Casca, Decius, Cinna and Metellus Cimber, and Trebonius. He has come with other conspirators to discuss the plan of action to ensure success in their conspiracy.

ii) What is the impact of Cassius' earlier discussion on Brutus?

Ans: Cassius’s earlier discussion has had an enormous effect on Brutus. Cassius manages to convince Brutus to join him in the conspiracy to murder Caesar. Brutus believes that the growing power of Caesar is a threat to Rome's liberty. This talk makes Brutus restless and unable to sleep as he grapples with Cassius’ moral and political quandary. Brutus believes that it is his duty to relieve Rome of Caesar's tyranny.

iii) In what type of mental frame is brutes? Why does he compare his mental condition to a nightmare of a horrid dream?

Ans: Brutus is mentally troubled. He has nothing against Caesar but believes Caesar's death would be good for Rome. His commitment to kill Caesar is motivated by his sense of moral duty. The interval between the actual execution of a frightful deed and the first impulse to execute it is like a scary and bizarre dream. It’s a period of immense uncertainty and worry.

iv) Give the meaning of:
a. All the dream is like a phantasma.
b. The genius and the mortal instrument/are then in council.

Ans:(a) According to Brutes the interval (interim) between the first idea of doing dreadful things and doing it is like a horror dream(Pantasma). This shows Brutus' inner conflict.

(b) Just as various groups within a society are in conflict during a civil war, Brutus’ inner “genius” (his inner sense of reason and duty) and the “mortal instruments” (the practical issues of carrying out the plot) are at odds. This inner battle resembles the turbulence of a state during a civil insurgency, with dissension and strife within the “kingdom” of his own mind.

4. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Brutus: They are the faction. O conspiracy,
Sham’st thou to show thy dangerous brow by night,
When evils are most free? O, then by day
Where wilt thou find a cavern dark enough
To mask thy monstrous visage?
Seek none, conspiracy.
Hide it in smiles and affability:
For if thou put thy native semblance on,
Not Erebus itself were dim enough
To hide thee from prevention.

i) Who comes after this extract? How are they dressed, who informed Brutus to their arrival?

Ans: The conspirators — Cassius, Casca, Decius, Cinna Metellus Cimber, and Trebonius come after this extract. Their hats are pulled down up to their ears, cloaks covering their faces they are unrecognizable due to the way they are dressed up. Brutus’ assistant,  Lucius informs him of their arrival.

ii) What is meant by the "faction" and "thy dangerous brow"?

Ans: ‘Faction’ means people who are part of a common goal or purpose, the term "fraction" is used for conspirators - Cassius, Casca, Decius, Cinna, Metellus Cimber, and Trebonius, who have come together to conspire against Julius Caesar. ‘Thy dangerous brow’ – with these words, Brutus questions the conspiracy’s decision to carry out their intentions at night, when it is easier to conceal their deeds. He’s basically questioning if the conspiracy is too frightened to operate during the day because they’d have to face scrutiny.

iii) How does conspiracy disguise itself at night and during the day?

Ans: At night, the conspiracy conceals its actual intents and acts in the darkness. During the day they hide their dark objectives beneath smiles and affability by pretending to be nice and harmless.

iv) What is referred to as Erebus? If conspiracy were to appear with its "native semblance on," what would happen?

 Ans: In Greek mythology, Erebus was a location linked with gloom and shadow. If the conspiracy goes forward, showing its real self, not even the darkness of hell will be able to prevent it from carrying out its purpose. The conspirator must hide their evil intentions behind a mask of courtesy and smiles.

v) Why is it necessary to disguise the conspiracy? Give two of the precautions taken by the conspirators to hide the conspiracy.

Ans: It is necessary to disguise the conspiracy because they are planning a dangerous and potentially treasonous act, the assassination of Caesar. To escape discovery by authorities and loyalists, they must keep their intentions disguised. The conspirators took two steps to conceal the conspiracy:

(a) They chose to have their meetings and discussions at night when it was dark, making it more difficult for others to witness and identify them.

(b) During the day, the conspirators disguise their true sentiments and objectives beneath smiles and good behavior, to avoid arousing suspicion or seeming as a threat to others around them.

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5. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Brutus: What need we any spur but our own cause
To prick us to redress? what other bond
Than secret Romans that have spoke the word
And will not palter? and what other oath
Than honesty to honesty engaged
That this shall be, or we will fall for it?

i). Who are referred to as the "we"? What is "our own cause"? State in Your own words how the cause itself is a spur.

Ans: The “we” refers to Brutus himself and the other conspirators. “Our own cause” refers to their plan for the conspiracy, which is to kill Julius Caesar. The cause itself is a spur because they themselves have decided that if Julius Caesar is crowned the king then his reign may turn into tyranny This cause to end the power of Julius Caesar acts as their incentive and driving force. They are so certain that they are doing the right thing and that itself is motivation. They do need any oath, as their desire for justice is enough to motivate them.

ii). Who had suggested the idea of taking on oath? Why did Brutus dismiss that idea? Was Brutus decision wise? Why?

Ans: Cassius has suggested the idea of taking an oath, but Brutus dismisses it. Brutus believed that and why should we need anything other than the understanding by which honorable men have bound each other to do a certain thing or die in the attempt? No, at end he destroys everything he stood for.

iii). Explain what is meant by "honesty to honesty engag'd." Why is honesty very important for Brutus and his men?

Ans: “Honesty to honesty engaged” means A promise made by one honest man to another, signifies that the conspirators’ commitment to sincerity and integrity binds them. Brutus is a true patriot and a man of integrity. Because of his personal reputation, conspirators would like to have him as their leader.

iv). Give the meaning of: "That this shall be, or we will fall for it?"

Ans: “That this shall be, or we shall fall for it” indicates that they are entirely dedicated to their cause and will either succeed in their mission to kill Caesar, or they themselves would die while executing their plan.

v). According to Brutus, who normally takes on oath? How does Brutus convince his group to uphold Roman nobility rather than depend on an oath?

Ans: According to Brutus the Priests, cowards, deceiving men, old and feeble men — untrustworthy men. By appealing to their feeling of honour, patriotism, and the justice of their cause, Brutus convinces the group to maintain Roman nobility rather than rely on an oath. He claims that their joint devotion to the well-being of Rome, as well as their united willingness to speak out against Caesar, should be enough reason. 

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6. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Brutus:

O, name him not!
Let us not break with him;
For he will never follow anything
That other men begin.
Cassius: Then leave him out.
Casca: Indeed he is not fit.
Decius: Shall no man else be touched but only Caesar?

i). Who is "him"? What did Brutus want to leave him out of? What reason had just been given in his favour?

Ans: The word ‘him’ refers to Cicero. Brutus wants to leave him out of the conspiracy to kill Julius Caesar. The reason given in his favor is that he is irresolute and will not follow any course of action which has been initiated by others. So, Brutus wants to exclude him from their conspiracy against Caesar, believing that he is not a threat and won't interfere.

ii). Explain "Let us not break with him". Why does Brutus say this? 

Ans: “Let us not break with him” suggests they should not include Cicero in the conspiracy to assassinate Julius caesar, as Brutus feels that he cannot be trusted. Brutus believes that Cicero would not fully commit to a plan that was not started by him. This suggestion is accepted by Cassius and Casca.

iii). What is the meaning of "touch'd" here? Who else does Cassius now mention, should be touch'd? what is his reason?

Ans: Here, ‘touched’ means targeted to be killed. Cassius wants to kill Mark Antony along with Caesar. He feels that Mark Antony, who was so loved by Caesar, should outlive him. Moreover he feels that Mark Antony is a clever schemer, with his resources he could easily harm them all. To prevent that, Mark Antony should be killed along with Caesar.

iv). Brutal overrides Cassius, Why? What does it reveal about Brutus?

Ans: Brutus overrides Cassius because he vetoes the inclusion of Cicero into the group, he limits the objective of the plot (only Caesar is to be killed—not Antony). For they are sacrificers and not butchers.
This way their act will not appear envious but necessary. People will then call them purgers and not murderers. Brutus assures the conspirators not to worry about Mark Antony because once Caesar is killed, he will be powerless and not a danger at all.

v). In his return Cassius does not agree with Brutus' ideas. State the objection put forth by Cassius and tell how his objection was justified.

Ans: Cassius says Antony will turn out to be a mischievous schemer with enough resources to cause great harm to the conspirator. This objection is later justified when Mark Antony turns against the conspirators and becomes a formidable foe. Cassius’ original suspicion about Mark Antony’s devotion turns out to be correct.

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7. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Cassius:

Yet I fear him;
For in the ingrafted love he bears to Caesar—
Brutus: Alas, good Cassius, do not think of him!
If he love Caesar, all that he can do
Is to himself — take thought, and die for Caesar.
And that were much he should; for he is given
To sports, to wildness, and much company.
Trebonius: There is no fear in him. Let him not die;
For he will live, and laugh at this hereafter. [Clock strikes.]

i). What is the occasion for the dialogue? What is meant by "ingrafted love"? Name the person being talked about in the dialogue.

Ans: The person being talked about is Mark Antony. The occasion for the dialogue is the conspirators are planning the murder of Caesar - debating whether to kill Mark Antony too. The term “ingrafted” love refers too ungrafted love — deep-rooted.

ii). How does Brutus dismiss Cassius' fear of that person? 

Ans: Brutus feels that Cassius should not fear Mark Antony as he loves Caesar so much that he may take his own life for him. Moreover, Antony is focused on games, irresponsible behavior, and enjoying the company of a large number of friends so he would not grieve Caesar's death much.

iii). Why does Trebonius say that there is no cause to fear that man?

Ans: Tribonius says that there is no cause to fear Mark Antony and not to kill him, because after Caesar’s death, he will continue to live and will even laugh at what has happened.

iv). Give the meaning of: "For he will live, and laugh at his hereafter."

Ans: “For he will live, and laugh at this hereafter.” These words are spoken by Tribonius after Cassius suggests killing Mark Antony along with Caesar. But Tribonius dismisses his fear by stating that they should allow him to live. Because "he will live his life as usual and laugh at this (Caesar's murder) later."

v). Which of the three men proves to be right and in what way?

Ans: Of the three men (Cassius, Brutus and Tribonius) Cassius proves to be right as he was the first one to propose the assassination of Mark Antony along with Caesar. For he believed that Mark Antony was very loyal to Caesar. Being a clever schemer, with his resources he could easily harm them all. We know that later Mark Antony turns against the conspirators and becomes a formidable foe and seeks revenge for Caesar’s murder. Thus proving to be right about Mark Antony and Brutus was totally wrong in dismissing his fear.