JULIUS CAESAR

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JULIUS CAESAR: SUMMARY
BY SHAILESH SHUKLA

Julius Caesar is the story of a man's personal dilemma over moral action, set against a backdrop of political drama. Julius Caesar, an able general and a conqueror, returns to Rome amidst immense popularity after defeating the sons of Pompey. The people celebrate his victorious return and he is offered the crown by Mark Anthony which he refuses. Jealous of Caesar's growing power and afraid he may one day become a dictator, Cassius instigates, a conspiracy to murder Caesar. He realizes that to gain legitimacy in the eyes of the Romans, he must win over the noble Brutus to his side, for Brutus is the most trusted and respected in Rome. Brutus, the idealist joins the conspiracy, feeling everyone is driven by motives as honourable as his own. Ironically, Caesar is murdered at the foot of Pompey's statue.
The present extract is from the five Act play. It dramatizes how Caesar is murdered, and how his close friend Mark Anthony cleverly turns the mob against his conspirators. At the same time, different characters are laid bare in their moral uprightness in the backdrop of political and personal compulsions. The fickle nature of the mob is also beautifully revealed.
• The setting is in Caesar's house. Caesar says that there is great turmoil in the sky and on earth. Calpurnia who is Caesar's wife had cried out in her sleep, asking for help, on seeing him murdered. She enters and asks her husband not to go to the senate house. Calpurnia says that the guard had seen many unnatural occurances of horrifying dimensions. All of these were ominous and indicated that a tragedy would befall Caesar if he went out of the house.
• But Caesar said that only cowards die many times before their death. The valiant die only once. He finds it strange that people fear death when they see it as a necessary end. He agrees not to go but Brutus interpretation of the dream turns Caesar to overrule Calpurnia's fears. Caesar say that Calpurnia saw in a dream his statue "like a fountain with a hundred spouts" and running blood in which Romans bathed their hands. But Brutus twisted the interpretation saying that it indicated that from Caesar, Rome shall be great and his blood would serve as colours added to a coat of arms, as an object of reverence, mementos etc.
• Brutus also says that the Roman senators wanted to offer mighty Caesar the crown. If he doesnt go that day, they may change their minds. This proves very effective on Caesar's credulous mind, and he at once gets ready to go.
• Before the capitol, as per the plan of the conspirators, Metellus Cimber bows low before Caesar, pleading and fawning before him for recalling his brothers, who had been banished from Rome by a decree. But Caesar said that he is constant like the Northern Star and shall not repeal the decree. At this, the conspirators stab Caesar one by one. Brutus, too, stabs Caesar at which Casesar exclaims. Et, tu, Brute. Then Caesar dies.
• Anthony enters and seeing Caesar lying dead says how Caesar with his conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils has shrunk to a "little measure". He addresses Brutus, Cassius and others and requests them to kill him too because he finds it a suitable place and time to lie by Caesar. But Brutus says that their hearts are pitiful and they receive him with all kind love, good thoughts and reverence. He perceives the situation mentally and begs to be excused by Caesar's dead body for "making his peace with his foes".
• Cassius asks Anthony whether they should treat him as their friend or foe. At this, Anthony states that he is their friend but they must give him reasons why Caesar was "dangerous" and why they killed him, he also says that he would like to produce Caesar's body at the market place and speak at his funeral, Brutus says that he will be told the reason. Cassius, however, fears that Anthony might move the people's hearts against them. Brutus says then, that Anthony shall not blame them for Caesar's death and he will speak only after Brutus has spoken and with his permission.
• Anthony is now alone with Caesar's dead body. He calls it the "bleeding price of earth" and calls the conspirators "butchers". Looking at Caesar, he calls him the ruins of noblest man that ever lived. He predicts that Caesar's murder will trigger a spate of calamities in the whole of Italy. "Domestic fury", "fierce civil strife" shall rage in horrible proportions. Blood and destruction will now be common. Mothers shall see their infants killed before their own eyes. Caesar's spirit shall come out hot from hell and wander in the streets to take revenge.
• In the market place, Brutus is in the pulpit and addresses the mob. He tells the mob that they killed Caesar because he had become ambitious and posed a threat to the country and all the countrymen would have become his slaves. Hearing this explanation, the mob approves the conspirators action in murdering Caesar. They hail Brutus and chant "Let him be Caesar". Brutus then tells the mob to listen to Antony who was going to speak with his permission; and requests the mob to be silent and stay on till Anthony has finished speaking.
• Anthony then addresses the mob in a very diplomatic manner. He says that he has not come to praise Caesar, but to bury him, for the evil that men do, lives after them and the good is interred with their bones. He says that Caesar was ambitious and he has rightly answered for it in his death. But in the next breath he explodes this by stating that Ceasar brought many prisoners home to Rome and their ransoms helped to fill the state treasury. If Brutus says that Caesar was ambitious, then ambition should be made of sterner stuff. He says sarcastically and repeatedly that Brutus is an "honourable" man. Caesar was offered the crown, thrice, but thrice he did refuse. Was this ambition? He says that they once loved Caesar, but asks what held them back from mourning for him now?
• The mob sees reason in Anthony's speech and remarks. Anthony further states that if he stirs their hearts to mutiny and rage, they would do Brutus and Cassius wrong, but both Brutus and Cassius are honourable men. He has found Caesar's will in his cupboard. He doesn’t want to read it, because if he does so, they would dip their napkins in his sacred blood. They could ask for Caesar's hair to keep it as a relic. The mob is now aroused. It demands that Anthony read Caesar's will.
• Antony asks the mob to make a circle around Caesar's dead body, they are very impatient to hear what Caesar had written in his will. Antony confesses that by reading Caesar's will, he will be doing a great injustice to his murderers, who are so called honorable men. He rouses the mob's emotion and impatience by pointing out to the holes made by the conspirators on Caesars body. The cloak that Caesar was wearing was the same one that he had worn when he won victory over Nervie. In that same cloak were now holes made by the dagger thrust by Cassius and Brutus to stab Caesar. Brutus was very dear to Caesar. So much blood rushed out of Caesar when Brutus stabbed him, showing how unkind Brutus was to him. Caesar never would have expected Brutus to do what he did as Brutus was Caesar's well-loved friend. Was it not ingratitude? It must have broken Caesar's heart. It was a great fall for Caesar; very shocking indeed.
• Antony goes on to state that he is not as good a orator as Brutus, but he is a plain and blunt man, who loved his friend Caesar very dearly. He speaks only the truth, unlike Brutus who was good at prejudiced speeches.
• By now, the mob is totally moved, full of anger and see through Brutus and the conspirators wrongful act, they want to riot and burn down the house of Brutus. They now want to pursue the conspirators and want to kill them; but before that they want to know what is in Caesar's will.
• Anthony reads the will. Caesar has left all his private houses, his newly-planted orchards for all his countrymen to enjoy and their future generations to come. He has also given to every Roman seventy-five silver coins. All his properties now belong to the Romans and they can use them for their pleasure. Can Rome have had another man like Caesar, Antony asks the mob.
Now the mob is fully charged, full of anger and passion and they rise in mutiny against the conspirators. They carry torches of fire in their hands, pull down everything around them to make the torches. Finally, Anthony remarks that he has instigated the mutiny, now let the mob take any course they like.

EXPERTS ENGLISH
JULIUS CAESAR Q & A
By Shailesh Shukla
Question (1): Why does Calpurnia tell Caesar not to stir out of the house?

Answer: Calpurnia has seen many unnatural things happen. Her own "inner self" has frightened her that something horrible was going to take place. She has a dream in which she sees Caesar's statue pouring forth blood and Romans dipping their hands into it, so she advises Caesar to remain indoors.

Question (2): What horrible things did the watchman see in the streets?

Answer: The watchman had seen a lioness whelping in the sheets, graves opening and giving out the dead, fiery warriors had been seen fighting in the clouds and blood drizzling upon the capitol. Ghosts shrieked and squealed in the streets.

Question (3): How does Caesar react to Calpurnias" fears" in the beginning?

Answer: Caesar remains unruffled at what Calpurnia states about the unnatural things. He says that anything whose end is purposed by the mighty Gods can't be avoided.

Question (4): What are Caesars views about men and death?

Answer: Caesar says that cowards die many times before their death. The brave taste death only once. It is a very strange thing that men fear death when they know that it is a necessary end and shall come when it comes.

Question (5): What did Calpurnia dream of Caesar which makes the fear for him?

Answer: Calpurnia dreamed of Caesar's stature which like a fountain had a hundred spouts. Pure blood ran from them and lusty Romans came smiling and dipped their hands into these. Calpurnia saw this dream and regarded it as inauspicious and ominous and requested Caesar not to go out of the house.

Question (6): What interpretation did Brutus give of Calpurnia's dream about Caesar?

Answer: Brutus said that Caesar's statue spouting blood in which many Romans bathed their hands signifies that Rome shall be great. Metaphorically, it stands for Caesar's "spirit" and signifies that it will serve as colours to a coat of arms an object of reverence; mementoes and a bridge of service.

Question (7): Why does Calpurnia say Caesar's "wisdom" is consumed in confidence? What does she mean by it?

Answer: Calpurnia says that Caesar's wisdom is overshadowed by over-confidence. He is wise no doubt, but he should not be over-confident about that whatever he sees to be always right and auspicious for him.

Question (8): What are the arguments put forward by Decuis Brutus to convince Caesar to go to the Capitol?

Answer: Brutus gives a positive interpretation to Calpurnia's dream of Caesar. He says that the dream signifies that Caesar will be so great that all will seek him in great honour. Secondly, if Caesar does not go to the senate that day, the senators may change their mind about offering the crown to him.

Question (9): Why is Decius Brutus more successful than Calpurnia in persuading Caesar to go to the senate house?

Answer: Decius Brutus is a close and honourable friend of Caesar. He is known for his uprightness, honesty and integrity. So whatever Brutus says is believed wholeheartedly by Caesar to be true and appropriate. Besides Brutus uses the right argument when he says that the senate may not offer Caesar the crown if he didnt go that day. It works very well, as Caesar believes this to be true.

Question (10): Why does Cimber crouch so low before Caesar and how does Caesar react to it?

Answer: As per the plans of the Conspirators, Metellus Cimber crouches very low before Caesar to repeal the order of banishing his brother from Rome. Cimber bends so low that Caesar looks at it as "fawning" (flattering) and that it reminds him of a low bred dog and if Cimber continues to do so, he will treat him like a low bred dog by kicking him out of his way. Caesar says that he is like the Northern star fixed and permanent and constant. Once he has made a decision and moreover the right one, he was not going to change it or repeal the order.

Question (11): Who says "Et tu Brute" ? When are these words spoken? Why?

Answer: Brutus is a very close and a sincere confidante of Caesar. He along with some of the others conspire to kill Caesar. When Brutus stabs Caesar, Caesar is shocked out of his wits and says "Et tu Brute" meaning you too Brutus? Caesar cannot face the fact that Brutus has also joined hands with the others to conspire to kill him.

Question (12): In the moments following Caesar's death, what do the conspirators proclaim to justify Caesar's death?

Answer: The conspirators proclaim "liberty, freedom and enfranchisement" in the moments following Caesar's murder for the sake of democracy; freedom and glory of the country. They all justify Brutus reason for killing Caesar - that he had grown too "ambitious" and it was not good for Rome or its people.

Question (13): How does Antony react on seeing Caesar's dead body?

Answer: Antony is overwhelmed with grief on seeing Caesar's dead body. He exclaims that inspite of Caesars' conquests, glories, triumphs and spoils, he lies so "low". He offers to be killed and lie by Caesar's side whom he calls the choice and master spirits of this age and "most noble".

Question (14): How do Brutus and Cassius respond to Antony's speech when he sees Caesar's body and speaks?

Answer: Brutus asks Antony not to beg for his own death because they had killed Caesar with a purpose. They are not Antony's enemies. He offers his arms of friendship to Antony and proclaims him to be their friend. Cassius says that with Antony by their side he shall be strong like the others and Antony's words shall carry as much weight as anybody else's in the distribution of the new offices and honours.

Question (15): On what condition does Anthony offer his "friendship" to Brutus and Cassius?

Answer: Antony tells Cassius that he is willing to go along with them and be their friend. But he needs to know the reason why they killed Caesar and how he was, as they say, dangerous to the country. He also wants to be allowed to speak about Caesar at his funeral.

Question (16): Why does Cassius object to allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral? How does Brutus overcome this objection?

Answer: Cassius fears that in speaking at Caesar's funeral Antony may move the people against them. Brutus over rules this objection stating that he himself would speak first and give the reasons for Caesar's death. Antony could speak after him and shall not blame them for Caesar's death. Also he will tell the people that he has been allowed to speak about Caesar with their permission. He should speak only after Brutus has spoken and also from the same pulpit.

Question (17): What are the conditions imposed upon Antony by the conspirators before allowing him to speak at Caesar's funeral?

Answer: The conspirators agree to allow Antony to speak, but Brutus would speak first, giving reasons for killing Caesas. Antony could speak only after Brutus had finished speaking and he must tell the people that he had been given permission to speak by them. He would speak in the same pulpit where (from) Brutus will speak from. Finally, Antony must not blame them for Caesar's death in his funeral speech.

Question (18): When Antony is alone with Caesar's body, how does he address it and what does he call the conspirators?

Answer: Antony begs pardon that he is meek and gentle with the butchers, meaning the killers of Caesar. He calls Caesar "bleeding piece of earth" , and " the ruins of the noblest man that ever lived in the tide of times" . He curses the hand that shed the costly blood of Caesar. He calls the conspirators "butchers".

Question (19): What predictions does Antony make regarding the future events in Rome?

Answer: Antony predicts that "domestic fury" and "fierce civil strife" shall spread in Italy. Blood and destruction shall rage the country. Mothers shall go mad and smile when they see their children slaughtered. The earth shall be covered with dead bodies lying for burial. Caesar's spirit shall roam about for revenge and his spirit will be accompanied by Ate, the goddess of strife, who would come in hot haste from hell.

Question (20): What reasons does Brutus give for murdering Caesar?

Answer: Brutus says that he loved Caesar, but loved Rome more. If Caesar had lived, he would have made all the Romans slaves because he was "ambitious". Would the people of Rome have liked that? They killed Caesar, so that the people of Rome could be free. Brutus puts Caesar in poor light saying that Caesar was ambitious and that he did it for the good of his country and his countrymen.

Question (21): Who says "let him be Caesar" ? What light does this throw on the speaker?

Answer: "Let him be Caesar" is spoken by the third citizen representing the mob. The mob is fickle-minded and this fickleness is seen in the fact that the mob hails Brutus now without thinking rationally.

Question (22): How effective is Antony's speech at Caesar's funeral?

Answer: Antony as we can see, is a master manipulator, in his funeral speech. He appeals to the sentiments of the mob. He first sides with his conspirators, but as he proceeds he proves to the mob that Caesar was not ambitious. He gave all his possessions to the people of Rome as he had written in his will. This incites the mob and they want to chase the conspirators to kill them.

Question (23): Why does Antony say that he doesnt want to read Caesar's will before the mob?

Answer: Antony says so only to rouse the mob against the conspirators. He says so because if they come to know that Caesar has given them his every thing they will beg a hair or nail of Caesar for memory, as a relic, because Caesar was so great. They would like to kiss his wounds and dip their handkerchiefs in his sacred blood as a rich legacy for their children.

Question (24): How does Antony prove that Caesar was never ambitious?

Answer: Antony says that on the lupercal he presented Caesar the kingly crown thrice. But Caesar refused it. Caesar offered his orchards and private properties to the Romans for their use and pleasure and seventy-five silver coins to each and every countrymen. If he had been "ambitious" he wouldn't have done all these things.

Question (25): At the end of the scene, what is the fate of Brutus and Cassius?

Answer: Antony had successfully instigated the mob to mutiny against and rage the houses of the conspirators. They set the benches and windows on fire. They burnt Caesar's body in the holy place and with the brands and torches set fire to the traitors houses. Question (26): After reading Julius Caesar what conclusions do you draw about the Roman mob of the day?

Answer: Fickle
The most outstanding trait of the mob is its fickleness. A clever person can lead it as he likes. So when Brutus speaks the mob adores him. They want him to be Caesar. They want to crown and honour him in every possible way, but as Antony has spoken, the same mob cries for revenge and wants to kill Brutus and his companions.

Foolish and emotional
Roman mob is made of foolish people who are sentimental and incapable of judging a situation or a person properly. The description of the way Caesar was killed brings tears to their eyes.

Greedy
Antony knows that the common Romans are greedy. Caesar has left seventy five silver coins for each Roman and the mob immediately cries "Noble Caesar" .

Violent
The mob is violent. They always seem ready to attack those they don't like. They call for burning of Brutus's house and killing all the conspirators.

Question (27): Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.

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) When does Calpurnia speak these lines.

b) What is "One million" and "without" that has frightened her the most?

c) How does Caesar react to these premonitions?

Answer: a) Calpurnia speaks these lines to Caesar before he gets ready to go to the Senate house.

b) Calpurnia has seen a horrible dream about Caesar's statue spouting pure blood and the Romans bathing their hands into it. Then the watchman has seen unnatural things occurring outside. These two are internal and external things.

c) Caesar states that nothing can be avoided and the end is purposed by the Gods. He doesnt give much importance to these premonitions.

Question (28): Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.

Caesar
Cowards die many times before their deaths;
The valiant never taste of death but once.
Of all the wonders that I yet have heard.
It seems to me most strange that men should fear;
Seeing that death, a necessary end,
Will come when it will come.

a) When does Caesar speak these lines?

b) What is most strange for Caesar?

c) How does Calpurnia react to Caesar's attitude to her premonition?

Answer: a) Caesar speaks these lines to Calpurnia when she pleads before him not to go to the senate house as she has seen a horrible dream about him.

b) A strange thing for Caesar is that men fear death when they know it is inevitable and it shall come when it comes.

c) Calpurnia reacts stating that Caesars "wisdom is confused with confidence. "She continues to plead with him not to leave the house.


Question (29): Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.

Your statue spouting blood in many pipes,
In which so many smiling Romans bathed,
Signifies that from you great Rome shall suck
Reviving blood, and that great men shall press
For tinctures, stain, relics and cognizance.

a) Who speaks these lines and to whom?

b) What is Brutu's interpretation of Calpurneas dream?

c) Is the speaks giving the right meaning? Why?

Answer: a) Decius Brutus speaks these lines to Julius Caesar

b) Brutus interpretes Calpurnias dream of Caesar in his favour, saying that the blood spouted by Caesar's statue signifies that Caesar's honour shall increase. His blood will serve as colour added to a coat of arms; be an object of reverence, mementoes and a badge of service.

c) Decius Brutus misinterprets Calpurnias dreams of Caesar for his own advantage. He has conspired with others to murder Caesar that day in the senate house. He knows that Caesar is credulous so he deliberately gives Calpurnia's dream a different interpretation to serve his own motive

Question (30): Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.

For your part,
To you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony:
Our arms, in strength of malice, and our hearts
Of brothers' temper, do receive you in
With all kind love, good thoughts and reverence.

a) Who is speaking these lines and to whom?

b) How do the murderers of Caesar receive Mark Antony?

c) How do the conspirators think mark Antony will be helpful in friendship?

Answer: a) Brutus is speaking these lines to Anthony after the murder of Caesar.

b) The murderers of Caesar receive Mark Antony as a friend with kind love and good thoughts and respect.

c) The conspirators think that Antony will strengthen their voices in disposing of new dignities as Cassius states.

Question (31): Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.

Antony
That's all I seek:
And am moreover suitor that I may
Produce his body to the market-place;
And in the pulpit, as becomes a friend,
Speak in the order of his funeral.

a) What does Antony seek?

b) Why does Antony want to produce Caesar's body at the market place?

c) How does Cassius react to Antony's request?

Answer: a) Antony seeks to know why the conspirators murdered Caesar and how/what made him an ambitious man.

b) Antony wants to produce Caesars dead body at the market place to turn the tables against the conspirators and bring the mob against the murderers of Caesar.

c) Cassius doesn't want Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral because he has apprehensions that Antony may move the Roman people against them.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Question (1): Julius Caesar returned to
1. Pompey
2. Rome
3. Philippi
4. Sardis
Ans: 2

Question (2): Caesar most trusted friend was
1. Antony
2. Brutus
3. Cassius
4. Octavious
Ans: 1

Question (3): Calpurnia does not want Caesar to go out of the house as
1. she fears his enemies
2. she wants to be with him
3. she is scared of the bad omens
4. she suspects Brutus
Ans: 3

Question (4): 'And we like friends will straightway go together'. Brutus feels sorry when he hears this from Caesar because Brutus
1. will soon betray Caesar
2. is a true friend
3. could not hear clearly
4. does not wish to go with Caesar
Ans: 1

Question (5): Casca says 'hands speak for me'. What do Casca's hands do?
1. clap loudly
2. slap Caesar
3. stab Caesar
4. push Brutus forward
Ans: 3

Question (6): Antony declares himself on the side of Brutus and Cassius as he
1. wishes to save himself
2. wants to know why they killed Caesar
3. thinks they did the right thing
4. is money minded
Ans: 2

Question (7): When Brutus gets up to talk we realise that the people of Rome
1. have respect for him
2. hate him
3. do not care for him
4. are ready to kill him
Ans: 1

Question (8): Caesar's better parts will be crowned in Brutus. This means that
1. Brutus will be made the ruler
2. like Caesar he will be killed
3. Brutus is the king
4. Brutus is better than Caesar
Ans: 1

Question (9): Antony says that 'Caesar's will' gives the Romans
1. a sliver coin each
2. a drachma each
3. seventy five drachmas each
4. the kingdom
Ans: 3

Question (10): 'Mischief thou art afoot' says Antony meaning that
1. no one could now control the public
2. he was mischievous
3. art and skill causes mischief
4. the public were art conscious
Ans: 1