Julius Caesar Workbook answer ACT 2 SCENE 3

ACT II SCENE 3: WARNINGS AND FEARS

A single figure, Artemidorus, comes on to the stage and reads out a letter he intends

giving to Caesar as he passes on the way to the Capitol. He raises the issue of

Caesar's immortality: 'If thou beest not immortal, look about you.' Artemidorus

names each of the conspirators in order, beginning with Brutus. He bids Caesar

to beware. Shakespeare seems to want to make sure that we do not forget the

names of the men who are prepared to assassinate Caesar. Artemidorus intends

to give the letter to Caesar, and he reasons that Caesar may survive if the Fate

does not ally itself with the conspirators.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following issues is raised by Artemidours in his letter?

(a) Caesar's impending death
(b) Caesar's arrogance
(c) Caesar's immortality
(d) Caesar's pride

Ans: Caesar's impending death

2. According to Artemidorus, Caesar may survive if

(a) Brutus do not join the group of conspirators
(b) Fates do not ally with the conspirators
(c) Caesaor is persuaded not to go to the Senate
(d) Calpurnia accompanies him to the Senate.

Ans:  Fates do not ally with the conspirators

3. How does the scene create suspense in the audience?

(a) By letting them know that Caesar would get more warning
(b) By letting them imagine that Artemidours letter may save him
(c) By letting them know a change of plan according to portents.
(d) By letting them know that the conspirators' plan has leaked out

Ans:  By letting them know that the conspirators' plan has leaked out

4. Artemidorus is a representative of which of the following?

(a) Common citizen of Rome

(b) Well-wishers of Caesar

(c) Members of the Senate

(d) None of the above.

Ans: Common citizen of Rome

5. Artemidorus describe the conspirators as

(a) jealous creatures

(b) Saviour of Rome

(c) Envious ususpers

(d) Masters of Rome

Ans:  Envious ususpers

6. "There is but one mind in all these men." "Who are "these men"?

(a) Conspirators against Caesar

(b) Common citizens of Rome

(c) Opponents of conspirators

(d) None of the above

Ans:  Conspirators against Caesar

7. Why does Artemidorus' heart lament?

(a) The future of Rome

(b) The betrayal by a friend

(c) the fickleness of the mob

(d) the danger of Caesar life from jealous rivals

Ans: the danger of Caesar life from jealous rivals

8. According to Artemidorus, what gives why to conspiracy?

(a) Negligence

(b) Overconfidence

(c) Lethargy

(d) None of the above

Ans: Overconfidence

CONTEXTUAL QUESTIONS

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

1. Artemidorus

There is but one mind in all these men, and

it is bent against Caesar. If thou beest not immortal,

look about you; security gives way to conspiracy.

The mighty gods defend thee! Thy lover, Artemidorus.

(i) At what occasion does Artemidorus say these words? Artemidorus is a symbolic individual. Whom does he symbolise in this scene?

Ans: Artemidorus says these words on the morning of March 15, the Ides of March, which is the day Julius Caesar is assassinated. A single figure, Artemidorus, comes on to the stage and reads out a letter he intends giving to Caesar as he passes on the way to the Capitol. Artemidorus represents honest common citizens , voicing his concern for the safety of Caesar.

(ii) "There is but one mind in al these men." What kind of a mind do the conspirators have? What is the difference in motives for conspiracy between Cassius and Brutus?

Ans: They have only one intention - to kill Caesar. Cassius is worldly wise and a shrewd intregure. He is self-centred, cunning and envious. His reasons are personal but he gives a patriotic colouring to the conspiracy. He knows that Brutus is noble and is held high in esteem by the people. He exploits Brutus' love for his country as well as for freedom. Cassius seeks power and influence, whereas Brutus acts out of a genuine concern for the common good and the preservation of democratic values—time will prove him right and Brutus wrong.

(iii) Why are all the conspirators against Caesar? How would the request "look about you" be significant at this time?

Ans: All the conspirators are against Caesar because they believe his rise to power threatens the Republic and could lead to tyranny. They fear that Caesar's ambition will undermine democratic principles and concentrate power in one individual. The request "look about you" is significant because it urges Caesar to be vigilant and aware of the looming danger, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the threat against him. It underscores the idea that he should be cautious and attentive to the conspirators' intentions.

(iv) What is meant by "security gives way to conspiracy"?

Ans: The phrase "security gives way to conspiracy" means that a sense of safety or confidence can lead to vulnerability to hidden threats. It suggests that when people feel secure and complacent, they are more susceptible to being betrayed or deceived by those plotting against them. In the context of the play, it warns Caesar that his current security and trust might make him an easy target for the conspiracy against him.

(v) Besides Artemidorus, who else had warned Caesar about the danger to his life? What was the warning and how did Caesar react to the warning?

Ans: Besides Artemidorus, Caesar was warned by his wife, Calpurnia, and a soothsayer. Calpurnia dreamt of Caesar's statue bleeding and begged him not to go to the Capitol, interpreting the dream as a bad omen. The soothsayer famously cautioned Caesar with the phrase "Beware the Ides of March." Caesar dismissed both warnings, interpreting them as either meaningless or unfounded fears, and proceeded to the Capitol, ultimately leading to his assassination.