Julius Caesar

Act IV Scene III

Extract I

Brutus: You wrong’d yourself to write in such a case.

Cassius: In such a time as this it is not meet
That every nice o ence should bear his comment.
Brutus: Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself.

(i) Where are Brutus and Cassius at this time? State briefly what charge Brutus lays against
Cassius.
Answer: Brutus and Cassius are in Brutus's tent, where they are arguing. Brutus accuses
Cassius of having "an itching palm," suggesting that Cassius is greedy and has been accepting
bribes, selling positions of power to undeserving men.

(ii) What had Cassius just complained of, to make Brutus say, "You wrong’d yourself"? Explain
the meaning of Brutus' words
Answer: Cassius had just complained that Brutus condemned Lucius Pella for taking bribes
from Sardinians despite Cassius's letters defending him. Brutus's words, "You wrong’d yourself,"
imply that Cassius harmed his own reputation by trying to protect someone guilty of corruption

(iii) What advice is Cassius giving Brutus in this extract? Do you think that Cassius was being
practical?
Answer: Cassius advises Brutus not to be too harsh in criticizing every minor o ense, implying
that in times of war certain indiscretions should be overlooked. Cassius's advice is practical, as
excessive criticism could weaken alliance during a critical time.

(iv) What did Brutus accuse Cassius of when he said, "Let me tell you yourself..."? How did
Cassius react to this?
Answer: Brutus accuses Cassius of being corrupt, specifically of selling o ices for gold. Cassius
reacts angrily, denying the accusation and threatening Brutus, indicating how deeply hurt he is
by Brutus's words.

v) In the argument which continues between these two, Brutus accuses Cassius of other faults.
Point out two of these faults and say how Cassius reacted to these accusations. Do you think
Brutus was being fair to Cassius?
Answer: Brutus accuses Cassius of denying him money to pay his troops and of being overly
emotional. Cassius reacts with frustration and despair, even o ering Brutus his dagger to kill
him, showing how deeply these accusations hurt him. Brutus might be seen as being overly
harsh, given the pressures they are both under, but his concerns about integrity could justify his
strong words.

Extract II
Brutus:The name of Cassius honours this corruption,
And chastisement doth therefore hide his head.
Cassius: Chastisement!
Brutus: Remember March, the ides of March remember:
Did not great Julius bleed for justice' sake?
What villain touch'd his body, that did stab, And not for justice?
What, shall one of us..

(i) What sort of corruption is referred to in the extract? What has been the reaction of Cassius,
just before this extract, to this accusation?
Answer. In this extract, the corruption referred to by Brutus involves the accusation that Cassius
has been involved in bribery and selling positions of power for gold, which Brutus condemns as
dishonourable, just before this extract, Cassius reacts angrily to Brutus's accusation,
vehemently denying that he has an "itching palm" and expressing indignation that Brutus would
accuse him of such behaviour.

(ii) What does the ides of March signify to them? For which purpose did Brutus say that Julius
bled "for justice’ sake"?
Answer: The ides of March, specifically, signifies the assassination of Julius Caesar, which
Brutus and the other conspirators justified as an act done for the sake of justice. Brutus recalls
this to remind Cassius that they killed Caesar to rid Rome of tyranny and corruption, implying
that they should not now engage in corrupt practices themselves.

(iii) Give two examples from this scene to indicate that Brutus was really angry with Cassius.
Answer: Brutus's anger is evident when he accuses Cassius of having an "itching palm" and
condemning him for corrupt practices, implying that Cassius has dishonoured himself and their
cause by taking bribes.
Another indication of Brutus's anger is when he sharply rebukes Cassius, saying that he would
rather be a dog than lower himself to such corrupt acts as selling their honour for money,
demonstrating his deep disapproval and frustration

(iv) Explain briefly the bitter irony involved in the quarrel over money between Brutus and
Cassius.
Answer: The bitter irony in their quarrel over money lies in the fact that Brutus, who prides
himself on his moral integrity and disdain for wealth, is forced to ask Cassius for funds to pay his
soldiers. Cassius, who has been accused of corruption and greed, denies Brutus the gold,
leading to an argument. This situation highlights the moral and practical contradictions between
their ideals and the harsh realities they face.

(v) State briefly how the disagreement between Cassius and Brutus was resolved.
Answer. The disagreement between Cassius and Brutus is resolved when they both
acknowledge their emotional outbursts and reconcile. Brutus expresses regret for his harsh
words, and Cassius o ers his dagger to Brutus, asking him to kill him if he truly believes Cassius
is dishonourable. Brutus declines and they embrace, rea irming their friendship and unity
before preparing for their next battle.

Extract III
Brutus:….. By the gods,
You shall digest the venom of your spleen,
Though it do split you; for, from this day forth,
use you for my mirth, yea, for my laughter,

When you are waspish.

Cassius: Is it come to this?
Brutus: You say you are a better soldier.
Let it appear so; make your vaunting true,
And it shall please me well.
For mine own part, I shall be glad to learn of noble men.

(i) Give the meaning of: "You shall digest the venom of your spleen,/ Though it do split you." What
does Brutus say he will use Cassius for?
Answer: The phrase "You shall digest the venom of your spleen, / Though it do split you" means
that Cassius will have to endure and swallow his anger and bitterness, even if it causes him
great distress. Brutus is telling Cassius that he will have to manage his rage internally, no matter
how much it hurts. Brutus then says he will use Cassius for his amusement, specifically for
laughter, whenever Cassius gets angry or irritable.

(ii) Give two examples of the taunts which Brutus had indulged in earlier which makes Cassius
say, "Is it come to this"? (Do not use the material used for answering question (i) above.)
Answer. Two examples of Brutus's taunts are:
Brutus accuses Cassius of having an "itching palm," implying that Cassius is greedy and takes
bribes: "Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself / Are much condemned to have an itching palm."
Brutus dismisses Cassius's claim of being a better soldier by saying, "You say you are a better
soldier. / Let it appear so, make your vaunting true." This challenges Cassius to prove his worth.

(iii) Under what conditions had Cassius made the statement that he was a better soldier than
Brutus? How accurate is Cassius' assessment of himself as a soldier? Give reasons for your
answer.
Answer: Cassius made the statement that he was a better soldier than Brutus during their
argument in which he felt insulted and belittled by Brutus. Cassius was trying to assert his
superiority in military experience and skill. However, Cassius's assessment of himself as a
better soldier is debatable. While he may have more experience, his judgment is often clouded
by his emotions, and he tends to act impulsively, as seen in his willingness to confront Brutus
angrily rather than rationally discussing their strategies. Brutus, on the other hand, is more
measured and thoughtful, which can be seen as a strength in leadership and strategy.

(iv) What is meant by "vaunting"? How could Cassius prove his vaunting at this point of time?
Answer: "Vaunting" means boasting or bragging. Cassius could prove his vaunting by
demonstrating his military prowess and strategic abilities, thereby validating his claim of being a
superior soldier. At this point, he could do this by leading e ectively in battle and making sound
tactical decisions that would lead to victory.

Extract IV
Cassius: There is my dagger, And here my naked breast;
within, a heart Dearer than Pluto's mine, richer than gold:
If that thou be'st a Roman, take it forth.
I, that denied thee gold, will give my heart:
Strike, as thou didst at Caesar; for, I know,
 When thou didst hate him worst,
thou lov'dst him better Than ever thou lov'dst Cassius.

(i) In what state is Cassius? Why is his heart richer than gold?
Answer: Cassius is in a state of deep emotional turmoil and desperation. He feels betrayed and
rejected by Brutus, whom he loves and respects. His heart is described as "richer than gold"
because it is full of loyalty, love, and sincerity. Cassius values these emotional qualities more
than material wealth, which is why he metaphorically o ers his heart as something more
valuable than Pluto's mine.

(ii) Who is Pluto? Why is Cassius' heart compared to Pluto's mine?

Answer: Pluto is the Roman god of the underworld and wealth, particularly associated with the
riches found underground, such as precious metals and minerals. Cassius compares his heart
to Pluto's mine to emphasize that the love and loyalty he o ers are more precious than material
wealth, symbolizing the deep value he places on his bond with Brutus.

(iii) When did Cassius deny gold to Brutus? Why did the latter need the gold? What explanation
did Cassius give for not giving the gold?
Answer: Cassius denied Brutus gold when Brutus requested it to pay his legions. Brutus needed
the gold to finance their army in the ongoing civil war. Cassius initially denied the request, which
deeply o ended Brutus. Cassius later suggests that the denial was a misunderstanding,
possibly due to a mistake made by the messenger, and he laments that his actions have hurt
Brutus.

(iv) What reply does Brutus give to Cassius after this extract?
Answer. After this extract, Brutus tells Cassius to sheathe his dagger and tries to calm him
down. He acknowledges that their anger and arguments have gone too far and o ers his hand in
reconciliation, indicating his willingness to move past their quarrel. Brutus assures Cassius that
he holds no lasting grudge, comparing his own temper to a flint that quickly cools after sparking.

(v) What is the dramatic importance of this dialogue? In what way does it influence the
subsequent course of action in the play?
Answer. This dialogue is crucial because it exposes the deep rift and tension between Brutus
and Cassius, two of the leading conspirators against Caesar. Their quarrel reveals their
vulnerabilities and foreshadows the eventual downfall of their alliance. Despite their
reconciliation, the scene hints at the instability and impending doom of their cause. This
moment of emotional conflict and resolution strengthens their bond temporarily but also
highlights the fragility of their unity, which plays a role in the tragic outcomes that follow in the
play.

Extract V
Cassius: Portia, art thou gone?
Brutus: No more, I pray you.
Messala, I have here received letters,
That young Octavius and Mark Antony
Come down upon us with a mighty power,
Bending their expedition towards Philippi
Messala: Myself have letters of the self-same tenor.
(i) Where has Portia gone? Why is Brutus so abrupt as to wave aside the thought of Portia? What
does it show us of his nature?
Answer: Portia has died, having taken her own life by swallowing fire. Brutus is abrupt in
dismissing thoughts of her because he is deeply troubled by her death but feels compelled to
suppress his grief in the face of the pressing military and political challenges he faces. This
shows Brutus as a stoic character who prioritizes duty and reason over personal emotions,
reflecting his strong sense of responsibility and his attempt to maintain composure despite
personal tragedy.

(ii) Who is Messala? What is the "self-same tenor" of which Messala speaks?
Answer: Messala is a supporter and messenger of Brutus and Cassius. The "self-same tenor"
refers to the content of the letters both Brutus and Messala received, which report that Octavius
and Mark Antony are advancing towards Philippi with a mighty force.

(iii) What other news does Messala give just after this extract?
Answer: Just after this extract, Messala informs Brutus that Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus have
put to death a large number of senators, with the number varying between the reports Brutus
and Messala received. Brutus's letter mentions seventy senators, while Messala's letter
indicates a hundred senators, including Cicero.

(iv) What does Brutus come to know (from the letters he received) about octavius and Antony?
Where does Brutus plan to meet the enemy?
Answer: Brutus learns from the letters that Octavius and Antony are marching towards Philippi
with a considerable force. Brutus decides to march and meet the enemy at Philippi.

(v) How strong had Octavius and Antony made themselves? What was the fate of Cicero?
Answer: Octavius and Antony had strengthened their position by raising a large army and
executing senators they deemed as threats, including Cicero. Cicero was killed as part of their
proscription, marking the extent of their consolidation of power.

Extract VI
Brutus: Under your poardon -You must note beside,
That we have tried the utmost of our friends.
Our legions are brim-full, our cause is ripe.
The enemy increaseth every day;
We, at the height, are ready to decline.
There is a tide in the a airs of men,
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows
and in miseries.

(i) To whom is Brutus giving the arguments in the extract? What is meant by "Our legions are
brim-full, our cause is ripe"?

Answer: Brutus is giving the arguments to Cassius. The phrase "Our legions are brim-full, our
cause is ripe" means that their army is at full strength, and the timing is perfect for them to take
action against their enemies. Brutus is indicating that they have the maximum support and that
the momentum is on their side.

(ii) Give two arguments of Brutus to indicate that his military strength is in an advantageous
position.

Answer: Brutus argues that their legions are "brim-full," meaning that they have the full
complement of troops and resources, suggesting a position of strength.

He also states that "our cause is ripe," implying that the timing is perfect for action, and they
should capitalize on this advantageous moment before the situation deteriorates.

(iii) Brutus says, "The enemy increaseth every day." State how it increases every day.

Answer: Brutus is concerned that the enemy's forces are growing daily because, as they march,
they gain new supporters and resources from the regions they pass through. This increasing
strength of the enemy poses a greater threat if they do not act quickly.

(iv) "There is a tide in the a airs of men" What comparison is made between the voyage of life
and the voyage on sea?

Answer: Brutus compares the course of life to the ebb and flow of tides in the sea. He suggests
that, like a tide, there are moments in life that, if seized, can lead to great success ("leads on to
fortune"). However, if missed, they can result in failure and regret, leaving one stuck in
di iculties and misfortunes ("bound in shallows and in miseries").

(v) According to Brutus, "On such a full sea are we now afloat." How is this statement valid?

Answer: Brutus believes that they are currently at the peak of their opportunity ("on such a full
sea"). This is valid because their forces are at full strength, and their cause is just, making it the
ideal moment to act. He is urging that they must move forward now while they are in this
favourable position or risk losing everything.

Extract VII
Brutus: How ill this taper burns-Ha! who comes here?
I think it is the weakness of mine eyes
That shapes this monstrous apparition.
It comes upon me. Art thou anything?
Art thou some god, some angel, or some devil,
That mak’st my blood cold, and my hair to stare?
Speak to me what thou art

(i) To whom does Brutus speak in the extract? What is the setting of the scene during this time?
Answer: Brutus speaks to the Ghost of Caesar in the extract. The setting of the scene is at night
in Brutus's tent at Sardis, where he is alone after the departure of his companions. The
atmosphere is eerie, and Brutus has just seen the ghost, which appears to him by the light of a
flickering taper.
(ii) What is the "apparition" referred to in the extract? Why is it said to be "monstrous"?
Answer: The "apparition" referred to in the extract is the Ghost of Caesar. It is said to be
"monstrous" because Brutus is shocked and terrified by the sudden appearance of the ghost,
which he perceives as a supernatural and ominous figure. The ghost represents his guilt and the
haunting consequences of his actions in participating in Caesar's assassination.

(iii) What does Brutus wonder about the apparition? What is the e ect of the apparition on
Brutus?
Answer: Brutus wonders whether the apparition is a god, an angel, or a devil, reflecting his
confusion and fear. The e ect of the apparition on Brutus is profound; it makes his blood run
cold and his hair stand on end, indicating that he is deeply unsettled and frightened by the
ghost's presence.

(iv) What does the apparition say to Brutus? What is the significance of what the apparition says
to Brutus?
Answer: The apparition tells Brutus, "Thy evil spirit, Brutus," and warns him that they will meet
again at Philippi. The significance of this is that it foreshadows Brutus's downfall and death at
the Battle of Philippi. The ghost's message serves as a harbinger of Brutus's fate and the
retribution for his role in Caesar's assassination

v) Who else was present at the scene? Did they see the apparition? State whether the
apparition was the product of Brutus' imagination. Give a reason to justify your answer.

Answer: Varro and Claudius, Brutus's servants, were present at the scene, but they did not see
the apparition. The apparition was likely a product of Brutus's imagination, as no one else could
see or hear it. This suggests that the ghost was a manifestation of Brutus's guilty conscience
and inner turmoil rather than a real, physical entity.