Julius Caesar Workbook Solution ACT 2 SCENE 2

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 1 Scene 3, Julius Caesar Workbook answer ACT 2 SCENE 2, including summary, MCQ, and extract based Question Answers

SUMMARY

Now we are in Caesar's house. It is a night of thunder and lightning preparing is for Caesar's assassination. Caesar has been awakened by the storm and by Calpurnia crying out in her sleep that Caesar is being murdered. He sends a Servant to instruct his priests to perform a sacrifice and bring him "their opinion of success."

At this point, Calpurnia joins her husband and urges him not to venture forth that morning. She tells him that there have been reports of horrid sights in the streets of Rome: graves have yielded up their dead ghosts have squealed, the groans of dying men have been heard, and blood has been seen dripping on the walls of the Capitol. Caesar declares that these portents concern mankind in general, not him alone. But his wife's reply is that no such signs are seen when beggars die but that "The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes."

The servant returns with the information that the priests suggest that Caesar stay at home since they could not find a heart in the sacrificed beast. Caesar ejects their interpretation, but Calpurnia does finally persuade him to stay at home. Caesar agrees to her suggestion, not through fear, but for Calpurnia's sake.

At this crucial point, Decius enters. Caesar asks him to tell the Senate he will not come, and now he rejects Calpurnia's excuse of sickness and tells Decius to tell them simply that he does not want to come. Decius pleads for some reason lest ne "be laughed at." No, says Caesar, it is enough for the Senate that he does not want to come. However, he tells Decius the reason: Calpurnia is afraid, and has a d a dream of Caesar's statue bleeding from many wounds and of the Romans bathing their hands in the blood.

Decius rises to the occasion and shows his skill as a flatterer. The real meaning of the dream, he says, is that Caesar shall give life to all in Rome. Caesar is leased with this. Besides, the Senate are resolved to offer Caesar a crown that very day, he says, and if Caesar does not come they may change their minds. Also, he suggests, Caesar may be mocked if it becomes known that he is frightened by he dreams of his wife. Decius has prevailed!

Ashamed at having even listened to Calpurnia's foolishness, Caesar decides to ° to the Senate house. Publius (a senator), the conspirators, and, a little later, Anthony, arrive to conduct him to the Capitol. It has just struck eight o'clock as Caesar thanks them for their courtesy and bids them take some wine with him before they set off "like friends" together. As they go off to another part of the house, Caesar tells Metellus and Trebonius to keep near his side in the Senate House; Trebonius thinks that he will be so near that Caesar's "best friends shall wish I had been further."

Multiple-Choice Questions

1. Which of the following was NOT one of the horrid sights reported on the streets of Rome?

(a) Groans of dying men
(b) Graves yielding up their dead
(c) Blood dripping from the roof
(d) Ghosts squealing

Ans: Blood dripping from the roof

2. What reply does Calpurnia give when Caesar said that the portents concerned mankind in general, not him alone?

(a) The heavens drop tears of blood when princes die.
(b) The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.
(c) The heavens themselves bring forth clouds of blood.
(d) The heavens themselves let forth fire when princes die.

Ans: The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.

3. Why does Caesar initially agree to Calpurnia's suggestion to not move out of his house?

(a) Out of fear of portents
(b) For Calpurnia's sake
(c) For losing his crown
(d) None of the above

Ans: For Calpurnia's sake

4. How does Decius interpret the meaning of Calpurnia's dream?

(a) Caesar shall give life to all Rome
(b) Caesar will end all the evils from Rome
(c) Caesar will become the king despite the portents
(d) Caesar will put to an end all conspiracies against him.

Ans: Caesar shall give life to all of Rome

5. How does Caesar compare himself with the beast sacrificed by the priests?

(a) He would be as heartless as the beast
(b) He would be a coward like the beast
(c) He would be sacrificed like the beast
(d) None of the above.

Ans: He would be a coward like the beast

6. Which characteristic trait of Caesar is revealed through his denial of the omens and portents?

(a) Bravery
(b) Cowardice
(c) Ignorance
(d) Vanity

Ans: Vanity

7. Which method was used by Decuis to dupe Caesar and persuade him to get Senate?

(a) Falsehoods
(b) Appeal to Caesar's vanity
(c) Flattery
(d) All of the above.

Ans: Flattery

8. What does this scene suggest about Caesar's flaw that led to his doom?

(a) Overconfidence
(b) Pride
(c) Lack of trust
(d) Lack of vision

Ans: Pride

9. Which of the following is NOT a reason for Caesar to discard his wife's warning?

(a) Pride
(b) Humility
(c) Vanity
(d) Fate
Ans: Humility

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

1.Enter Calpurnia
Calpurnia
What mean you, Caesar? Think you to walk forth?
You shall not stir out of your house today.

Ceasar
Caesar shall forth: the things that threaten'd me
never look'd but on my back; when they shall see
That face of Caesar, they are vanished.

i) In what mood does Calpurnia speak to Caesar? Why does she warn him? When earlier had he been warned of this day?

Ans: Calpurnia is frightened for the safety of Julius Caesar and hence she is worried and anxious. She tries her best to convince her husband not to go out that day.
Caplurnia's fear makes her warn him. The ominous dream is seen by her. She feels he may be killed or be in grave danger. She wants to protect him.

Caesar had earlier been warned of this day, in Act 1 Scene 2 when Caesar was on his way to the games on the Feast of Lupercal, a soothsayer said to him to "Beware the ideas of March."

ii) What has Caesar noticed about the night? What did he ask his servant to do then? Why?

Ans: Caesar noticed that neither the sky nor the earth was peaceful during the night. Three times did Calpurnina during her sleep cry out, "Help, ho! They murther Caesar!"

Ceaser commands his servant to go and asks the servant to bid the priest to sacrifice and return with the outcome. He does this because he becomes superstitious, he is frightened of the omens seen during the night and also thinking about Calpurnia's dream. He wants to find out the will of the god.

iii) Caesar says: "Caesar shall forth." On what are Calpurnia's fears based? State two unusual things which she has heard to have happened.

Ans: Calpurnia's fears are based on ominous signs and supernatural occurrences that suggest something bad might happen to Caesar if he goes out. Specifically, she has heard about two unusual things:

The Night's Strange Events: Calpurnia mentions that she has heard about strange occurrences during the night, such as the dead rising from their graves, fierce fiery warriors fighting in the clouds, and blood drizzling down on the Capitol.
Her Nightmares: Calpurnia has had a frightening dream in which she saw Caesar's statue spouting blood like a fountain, with many Romans washing their hands in it, which she interprets as a bad omen for Caesar.

These unusual occurrences and her vivid nightmares contribute to her fear for Caesar's safety and her plea for him to stay home.

iv) What does Caesar say later about cowards? What does he say in the extract to show that he is not threatened?

Ans: Ceaser says that cowards experience the fear of death "many times" throughout their lives, whereas the brave man('valiant') faces death only once when it actually happens.
Caesar expresses his confidence and fearlessness by saying that threats have only been behind him, and when they face him directly, they vanish. This shows he believes he is invincible and is determined to go out despite the warnings.

v) What aspect of the character of Calpurnia as well as of Caesar is hinted at in the extract? Give reasons to justify your answer.

Ans: In the extract, Calpurnia is shown to be worried, caring, and superstitious, as she urges Caesar to stay home due to ominous signs and dreams. She is protective and trusts her intuition. On the other hand, Caesar is depicted as confident, brave, and stubborn. He dismisses the threats and omens, demonstrating his fearlessness and belief in his own invincibility. His refusal to heed Calpurnia's warnings highlights his pride and determination to proceed regardless of potential danger.

2. Calpurnia
Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies,
Yet now they fright me. There is one within,
Besides the things that we have heard and seen,
Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch.
A lioness hath whelped in the streets,
And graves have yawn'd, and yielded up their dead;

i) What is meant by "I never stood on ceremonies"? What is Caesar's normal opinion on such things?

Ans: "I never stood on ceremonies" means "I have never paid attention to omens or superstitions." According to Caesar, the gods are very powerful and if they have a certain design in view, human beings cannot escape from it. These omens are meant for the whole world. He is usually rational and confident, believing that such signs do not dictate his fate or actions.

ii) Mention any three other signs enumerated by Calpurnia in her speech. Why does she narrate such sights at this time?

Ans: Three Other Signs Enumerated by Calpurnia:

A lioness giving birth in the streets.
The dead rising from their graves.
Fierce fiery warriors fighting in the clouds.

Calpurnia narrates these ominous signs to persuade Caesar to stay home and avoid potential danger. She hopes that these unsettling occurrences will convince him of the seriousness of the situation and the need for caution.

iii) What does Calpurnia's speech reveal about her character?

Ans: Calpurnia is a dutiful, loving wife who is concerned about her husband's safety. Her nervousness makes her superstitious tries to persuade him, She appears to have a strong personality, despite her apprehensions

iv) What is Caesar's reaction to Calpurnia's fears? What does he decide to do?

Ans: Caesar suspects that the omens are for him and that Calpurnia is right, but his ego wins out. He believes that the omens do not apply to him and that he is invincible. Despite her pleas, he decides to go to the Senate as planned, determined to maintain his image of strength and not appear cowardly or superstitious.

v) What does Caesar a little later do to indicate that death is inevitable? Which characteristic trait of Caesar is highlighted by his actions?

Ans: A little later, Caesar decides to go to the Senate despite Calpurnia's warnings, indicating that he sees death as inevitable. He dismisses her fears, saying, "Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once." This highlights Caesar's excessive pride makes him feel invincible. He ignores the warnings and shows arrogance, believing he is above danger. This attitude ultimately leads to his tragic downfall.

Calpurnia

Alas, my lord,
Your wisdom is consum'd in confidence.
Do not go forth today: call it my fear
That keeps you in the house, and not your own
We'll send Mark Antony to the Senate House,
And he shall say you are not well today,
Let me, upon my knee, prevail in this.

Caesar
Mark Antony shall say I am not well;
And for thy humour, I will stay at home.
[Enter Decius]
Here's Decius Brutus, he shall tell them so.

i)Where are Calpurnia and Caesar at this moment? What is Calpurnia trying to convince Caesar?

Ans: At this moment, they are in a room at their (Caesar's )home. Calpurnia is trying to convince Caesar to stay at home and not go out due to the ominous signs and her fears for his safety. She suggests that they send Mark Antony to inform the Senate that Caesar is unwell, hoping to keep him safe from potential harm.

ii) State two reasons offered by Calpurnia for wanting Caesar to stay at home.

Ans: Calpurnia offers two main reasons for wanting Caesar to stay at home. First, she recounts ominous signs and supernatural occurrences, such as a lioness giving birth in the streets and the dead rising from their graves, which she interprets as warnings of danger to Caesar. Second, she suggests that Caesar feign illness and send Mark Antony to the Senate to say he is not well. This way, he can stay home without appearing cowardly, thus ensuring his safety.

iii) Bring out three arguments Decius puts forward to make Caesar change his mind.

Ans: He convinces Caesar that his absence will go against his interests in the Senate. He interprets Calpurnia's dream to suit his own scheme of things and flatters Caesar by saying that the senators are likely to offer the royal crown to him. The final argument by which he wins over Caesar is that if Caesar does not go, he would be seen as a hen-pecked husband and a coward leader.

iv) Explain clearly in your own words the meaning of 'your wisdom is consum'd in confidence." Was Calpurnia correct in her judgement of her husband? Why?

Ans: "Your wisdom is consumed in confidence" means that Caesar's overconfidence has overshadowed his good judgment. Calpurnia is suggesting that Caesar's self-assuredness is clouding his ability to make wise decisions.

Calpurnia was correct in her judgment of Caesar. Her fears and the omens she observed were valid warnings of potential danger. Caesar's overconfidence and dismissal of these signs ultimately led him into a perilous situation, demonstrating that his confidence clouded his wisdom and judgment.

v) What is revealed of Calpurnia's character in the above words? How is she contrasted with Portia who appears in the previous scene?

Ans: Calpurnia’s words reveal her as protective, concerned, and intuitive, deeply worried about Caesar’s safety and guided by omens. She contrasts with Portia, who is portrayed as strong, assertive, and rational. While Calpurnia is emotional and fears the signs she interprets, Portia actively seeks to share in Brutus’s burdens and demonstrates practical resolve. This highlights Calpurnia’s cautious and fearful nature compared to Portia’s direct and determined approach.

4.Decius
Most mighty Caesar, let me know some cause,
Lest I be laugh'd at when I tell them so.

Caesar
The cause is in my will: I will not come;
That is enough to satisfy the Senate:
But, for your private satisfaction,
Because I love you, I will let you know;
Calpurnia here, my wife, stays me at home:
She dreamt tonight...

i) Where are the speakers at this moment? What day is this? What is the significance of this day?

Ans: The speakers, Decius and Caesar, are at Caesar's home at this moment. It is eight O' clock in the morning of the Ides of March (March 15). The significance of this day lies in its ominous reputation, as it is the day prophesied by the soothsayer when Caesar is warned to "beware the Ides of March." This day is crucial because it is when the conspirators, including Decius, plan to assassinate Caesar in the Senate.

ii) What did Calpurnia dream? How did she interpret her dream? How does Decius interpret her dream?

Ans: Calpurnia dreamt that Caesar's statue was spouting blood from multiple wounds, like a fountain, and that Romans were smiling and bathing their hands in it. Calpurnia interpreted the dream as a bad omen, indicating that Caesar was in great danger and that his death was imminent.

Decius reinterprets Calpurnia's dream to flatter Caesar, suggesting that the vision of Caesar's statue spouting blood signifies that Caesar will bring new life to Rome and that Romans will draw strength from him. He claims it is a positive omen, predicting that Caesar will be revered and celebrated.

iii) What other reasons did Calpurnia state for not wanting Caesar to go to the Senate?

Ans: In addition to her dream, Calpurnia mentioned several ominous signs and supernatural occurrences that she interpreted as warnings of danger for Caesar:

A lioness giving birth in the streets: This unnatural event was seen as a bad omen.
The dead rising from their graves: An eerie and frightening phenomenon suggesting turmoil and disaster.
Fierce fiery warriors fighting in the clouds: These warriors drizzled blood upon the Capitol, indicating violence and conflict.

These signs contributed to Calpurnia's deep fear for Caesar's safety and her plea for him to stay home.

iv) What other statements did Decius make to convince Caesar that he should attend the Senate? How is it that Decius has come on the scene at the time?

v) What is your opinion of Caesar at this point in the play? Express your feelings for him when he is assassinated.

Ans: At this point in the play, Caesar is too confident and ignores Calpurnia's real concerns. His arrogance and ambition, along with wanting to look strong, make him seem more vulnerable and unaware of the dangers around him.

5.Decius
If you shall send them word you will not come;
Their minds may change. Besides, it were a mock

Apt to be render'd, for some one to say,
"Break up the Senate till another time,
When Caesar's wife shall meet with better dreams."
If Caesar hide himself, shall they not whisper,
"Lo, Caesar is afraid"?...

Caesar
How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia!
I am ashamed I did yield to them.
Give me my robe, for I will go:

i) What had Decius assured Caesar that the Senate were proposing to do on that particular day? Why?

Ans: Decius had assured Caesar that the Senate was proposing to offer him a crown that very day, he says, and if Caesar does not come they may change their minds. He used this argument to appeal to Caesar’s ambition and desire for power, convincing him that staying home would result in missing this important opportunity and potentially Caesar may be mocked if it becomes known that he is frightened by the dreams of his wife.

ii) When was a similar thing already offered and what was the reaction of Caesar at that time?

Ans: A similar offer was made during the Feast of Lupercal, when Mark Antony offered Caesar a crown three times. Each time, Caesar refused the crown, albeit reluctantly, which led to mixed reactions from the crowd—some cheered his refusal, while others suspected that he genuinely desired the crown but was pretending to be humble.

iii) What interpretation had Decius offered to Calpurnia's dream? What was his motive?

Ans: Decius reinterpreted Calpurnia's dream, suggesting that it was a positive omen. Decius interprets the dream in an excessively flattering manner. He claimed that the vision of Caesar's statue spouting blood, which Calpurnia saw as a sign of his death, actually signified that Caesar would revive Rome and that Romans would draw strength and life from him. Decius's motive was to flatter Caesar and convince him to go to the Senate, ensuring that the conspirators' plan to assassinate him could proceed.

iv) Earlier in the play, Caesar himself had expressed, once to Antony and once to Calpurnia, other thoughts on the topic of fear. Describe as closely as you can any one of the things he says about fear.

Ans: Earlier in the play, Caesar shares his thoughts on fear in two key moments. To Antony, Caesar says he'll tell Antony what fear is rather than what he fears because he is Caesar." indicating his belief in his own fearlessness and authority to dictate what others should fear.

To Calpurnia, he declares, "Cowards die many times before their deaths; / The valiant never taste of death but once," emphasizing that the brave face death only once, while cowards suffer it repeatedly through their fears. These statements highlight Caesar's self-perception as a courageous and resolute leader.

v) Explain in your own words the meaning of the phrase "it were a mock/Apt to be render'd." What is revealed of Decius' character in the passage?

Ans: The phrase means that if Caesar stays home because of Calpurnia's dream, people might mock him by saying sarcastically that the Senate should reschedule its meeting whenever Caesar's wife has better dreams. In other words, it would make Caesar look foolish and overly influenced by his wife's fears.

Decius is shown to be cunning and manipulative. He understands how to play on Caesar’s pride and ambition, using flattery and clever arguments to persuade him.