ASHOKA GROUP OF SCHOOLS, ASHOKA MARG

JULIUS CAESAR
ACT 5 SCENE 1
WORKBOOK NOTES

PLOT DEVELOPMENT
The fifth Act takes place at Philippi in Macedonia. In this first scene, the two forces meet. Octavius
and Antony enter first and Octavius expresses surprise that Brutus and Cassius should openly challenge
them rather than wait on the hills. A messenger arrives with the news that the enemy advances in full
array, and Octavius and Antony disagree as to which side of the field each should cover. Their argument is
cut short by the appearance of Brutus and Cassius, with whom they enter into pre-battle arguments.
A battle of words follows. Antony accuses Brutus of hypocrisy in the assassination, and blames the
conspirators for the cowardly way in which they killed Caesar. Cassius accuses Antony of using deceit in his
meeting with the conspirators following the assassination. The taunting between the pairs of generals
takes the form of accusations of cowardice and flattery, as well as silly personal abuse.
Cassius confides to Messala that it is his birthday, but he fears it will be his death day too. Despite
his previous belief in the philosophy of Epicurus, who had no time for omens and portents, Cassius has
now changed his mind and takes notice of signs of ill omen. Cassius then recalls that two great eagles had
flown above them as they marched from Sardis but in the morning they flew away, and in their places
came "ravens, crows and kites" who seemed to foretell defeat and death. Brutus joins Cassius and is asked
what his intentions are if they are defeated. Brutus says that he does not believe in suicide and thinks one
should have patience to live through anything the gods ordain. On the other hand, he will never allow
himself to be led in chains to Rome.
Then follows a touching farewell between Brutus and Cassius, in case they do not see each other
again. They go into battle with this negative attitude.

CRITICAL COMMENTS
Excitement and Suspense: The last scene ended with the conspirators preparing to move to Philippi; this
scene begins with Antony and Octavius witnessing their arrival. As far as the story is concerned this scene
is a preparation for the last battle and final catastrophe. There is the excitement and mounting suspense of
the confrontation of the two pairs of leaders. The confrontation brings out the dignity and pride of Brutus
and the temper of Cassius.

Marked Change: There is a marked change in the leaders of the opposing armies. Notice, as they quarrel,
how the name of Caesar is repeated again and again. This invokes his presence and power on this last
battlefield. Perhaps it is a sense of this presence that subdues the spirits of Brutus and Cassius at the end
of the scene. For all their courage, they talk like condemned men.
Antony and Octavius are confident of victory; Brutus and Cassius, in contrast, are haunted with
doubt and uncertainty. Brutus asks for conciliation, by declaring "Good words are better than bad strokes,
Octavius." Antony says that the conspirators murdered Caesar, forgetting that he and Octavius have
murdered hundreds, out of suspicion and greed. Brutus hoped that people would consider the murder as a
ritual sacrifice!

Verbal Duel: The actual fighting on the field cannot be represented on the stage; so the verbal duel
continues. Antony's sweet words are compared to the sounds of the Hybla bees. A reference is made by
Cassius to the deceptive actions of Antony after the murder of Caesar.

CHARACTERISATION
Cassius:
There is a marked change in the character of Cassius. In the beginning he was a manipulator of Brutus;
then he became dependent on Brutus' leadership in the conspiracy. Later, he developed a close friendship
with Brutus, to whom he listened for the sake of that friendship. Now he is sentimental and despondent;
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he notes the coincidence of his birthday and the battle may bring to an end the cycle of his life. He is also
fearful of risking everything on the outcome of one battle; he is afraid that he and Brutus will be defeated.
Earlier, Cassius believed in the philosophy of Epicurus which emphasized man's freedom of action
and control over his own destiny. In this philosophy there is no place for superstition. Now he has come to
believe in superstitions. Eagles were the symbols of the Roman legions. The eagles that have accompanied
his army from Sardis have now been replaced by 'ravens and crows'. They cause him to suspect that the
gods are telling him symbolically that he and his army are prey to the birds that have traditionally signifies
death. Though Cassius resolves to face all dangers bravely, Brutus and himself bid a personal good-bye in
the context of its possibly being their last.

Brutus:
Brutus prepares for the impending defeat. Brutus earlier held the stoic view that virtue lay in disciplined
endurance. Brutus, the thinker, is opposed to suicide, but Brutus, the Roman soldier, has to uphold his
Roman honour. As a soldier he refuses to be led in triumph, as a captive through Rome. Brutus' despair is
emphasized by his desire to end the war and his resignation to his fate, which makes him say farewell to
Cassius forever and forever'.

Antony:
Antony is shown as able, cunning, selfish and cruel. Cassius reminds him how he misled the conspirators at
Caesar's funeral by his sweet words. Antony verbally attacks Brutus and others, calling the assassination a
cruel murder. On his own part, Antony is responsible for the murder of hundreds of people on suspicion or
out of greed for their property. In the verbal battle, Antony is shown as more than an orator or an actor. He
is a "bee" with a sting-a powerful cunning commander.

Octavius:
Octavius is only nineteen years of age at the time of the murder of Caesar. He is referred to as beardless
school boy and as "a peevish schoolboy." In this scene he is seen as a worthy successor and heir to Caesar.
Octavius is a man of few words, but he is firm and determined. He speaks in an authoritative voice. He
wants to lead on the battlefield from the prominent side. Compared to Antony, he is calm, and stubborn.
His primary objective is revenge. He challenges Brutus and Cassius to attack whenever they dare.

ELEMENTS OF DRAMA
Cassius now has a strong feeling of defeat. He tells Messala that it is his birthday and that on this day he
says that they would soon be defeated by the armies of Antony and Octavius. Cassius has seen an ill omen
which seems to signify his armies' defeat. Cassius has never believed in omens; but now he has begun
partly to believe in them. Soon afterwards, Cassius asks Brutus what he would do in case they are defeated
by the forces of Antony and Octavius. Brutus replies that he would never allow his enemies to take him
prisoner but that, at the same time, he is opposed to the idea of suicide. The two friends then bid a
touching farewell to each other in anticipation of the defeat which seems almost certain.

Section A: Multiple-Choice Questions

1. Which hopes of Octavius are "answered"?
(a) The conflict between Brutus and Cassius
(b) The armies of the conspirators' advance towards Philippi
(c) The surrender by the armies of the conspirators
(d) None of the above

2. What reason does Antony give for the enemy's advance towards Philippi? (
(a) To hide their fears and show their unity
(b) To hide their conflict and show their unity
(c) To show their patriotism and friendship
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(d) None of the above.

3. Cassius compares Antony's sweet words with which of the following?

(a) Honey made by Sybla bees
(b) Honey made by Olypus bees
(c) Honey made by Hybla bees
(d) None of the above

4. When does Octavius say his sword will go back into its sheath?
(a) When Caesar's ghost will disappear
(b) When thirty-three wounds of Caesar have been avenged
(c) When another Caesar will appear
(d) When he becomes Caesar

5. Who has been described by Cassius as "A pevish schoolboy"?

(a) Marcus Brutus
(b) Mark Antony
(c) Lucius
(d) Octavius Caesar

6. With whom has Cassius compared himself in this scene?

(a) Brutus
(b) Pompey
(c) Caesar
(d) Lucius

7. Cassius has changed his mind about the doctrine of Epicurus regarding which of the following?
(a) Superstitions
(b) Ghosts
(c) Republicanism
(d) Omens and Premonitions

8. Who according to Cassius has formed a "canopy most fatal" over their heads?
(a) Two huge eagles
(b) Crows and kites
(c) Enemy soldiers
(d) None of the above

9. How does Brutus define Cato's act of committing suicide?

(a) Mean and short-sighted
(b) Sensible and timely
(c) Low and cowardly
(d) None of the above

10. Why would Cassius and Brutus smile at each other if they meet again?
(a) It will be after their victory over their enemies
(b) It will be their farewell meeting
(c) It will mark an end of their differences
(d) It will be in front of their armies.

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Section B: Reference to Context
I. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Octavius:​ They mean to warn us at Philippi here,
Answering before we do demand of them.
​ Antony:​ Tut, I am in their bosoms, and I know
Wherefore they do it: they could be content
To visit other places; and come down
With fearful bravery, thinking by this face
To fasten in our thoughts that they have courage;
But 'tis not so.

(i). Who are they referred to in line one. What warning would they give? From where would they come
to Philippi?
Ans. “They” referred to in line one is a reference to Brutus and Cassius and their armies.
The warning that they would give means that the armies of Brutus and Cassius want to declare their
intention to attack Octavius and Antony’s armies in Philippi rather than wait for the armies of Octavius and
Antony to reach Sardis.
They would come to Philippi from Sardis.

(ii) Give the meaning of:

(a) Answering before we demand of them.
Ans. Octavius says that the armies of Brutus and Cassius want to launch the attack even before they are
challenged by the armies of Octavius and Antony.
(b) I am in their bosoms
Ans. Antony says this. This means that he knows how the minds of Brutus and Cassius are thinking of when
they plan to attack the armies of Antony and Octavius without waiting for them to reach Sardis.

(iii) Whose military strategy has dictated that the battle should take place at Philippi? What had Brutus
argued regarding this strategy?
Ans. Brutus’s military strategy dictated that the battle should take place at Philippi. Brutus’s arguments for
meeting the enemy at Phillipi, rather than wait from them in Sardis,are as under:
●​ Brutus said that the people between Sardis and Philippi were now compelled to be friendly to the
armies of Brutus and Cassius. However, if the army of Octavius and Antony reached Sardis the
people would turn against Brutus and Cassius.
●​ If the people of Sardis turned their support to Octavius and Antony then their army would get
stronger and refreshed through the help that they received from the people. Therefore, meeting
the army of the enemy in Philippi would deprive them of the help of the local people.
●​ Brutus also said that their fortunes were now good and therefore they must attack the enemy when
the tides are in their favour rather than when the tide turns against them.

(iv) What did Octavius hope that the enemy would do? What according to him is the intention of the
enemy?
Ans. Octavius had hoped that the enemy would stay at Sardis awaiting for the armies of Octavius and
Antony to reach there.
According to him the intention of the enemy is to attack them in Phillipi without waiting for them to reach
Sardis.

(v)What according to Antony is the planning of the enemy? Why does Antony feel so confident that he
knows what the enemy intends to show?
Ans. According to Antony, the enemy’s planning is to visit other places but they choose to come down to
philippi with a fearful show of bravery to impress octavius and antony. Antony feels confident in his
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assessment because he believes he knows the true intentions behind the enemy’s actions, seeing through
their facade of courage.

II. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Cassius:​ Now, Brutus, thank yourself:
This tongue had not offended so today,
If Cassius might have rul'd.
Octavius:​ Come, come, the cause:
If arguing make us sweat.
The proof of it will turn to redder drops.
Look,-
I draw a sword against conspirators;
When think you that the sword goes up again?
Never, till Caesar's three-and-thirty wounds
Be well aveng'd; or till another
Caesar Have added slaughter to the sword of traitors.

(i) Who is the tongue that Cassius speaks of? Give the substance of what the tongue had said which so
offended Cassius.
Ans. The tongue that Cassius speaks of is the way Antony insulted Brutus. Antony said that Brutus and
Cassius had flattered and smiled at Caesar and bowed before him like slaves, kissed his feet to deceive
Caesar and then attacked from behind to kill Caesar.

(ii) Give a brief explanation of the earlier episode that Cassius is referring to when he reminds Brutus
that he himself has to thank for the present situation.
Ans. The earlier episode that Cassius is referring to is when Brutus allowed Antony to address the citizens
of Rome after the death of Julius Caesar. It was this speech of Antony that turned the tide against Brutus
and the conspirators. Cassius means that if Brutus had not allowed Antony to speak, they would not have
been facing this troublesome situation.

(iii) Give the comments made by Cassius, in this next speech, when he scornfully describes Octavius.
Ans. Cassius says that Octativus was a silly schoolboy not worthy of dying at the hands of Brutus. He also
scorned Octavius’s alliance with Antony who he described as someone who was interested in wearing
masks at parties and who loved noisy merrymaking.

(iv) What does Octavius mean by the cause? State in your own words the meaning of the last two lines
of the passage – “or till another… Caesar…sword of the traitors”.
Ans. When Octavius says “come to the cause” he asks Cassius to come to the point and not argue
unnecessarily. The meaning of the last two lines “ or till ……” means that Octavius would fight the traitors
like Brutus and Cassius either till he killed all traitors or was killed by the traitors.

(v) Was Octavius successful in this task of vengeance? How does the play end.
Ans. Octavius was successful in this task of vengeance. He was successful in killing Brutus, Cassius and
some of the other traitors. The play ends with the death of Brutus. It also ends in a reconciliation between
the enemies. Octavius offers service to all those who served Brutus.He takes Strato into his household.
Antony praises Brutus as “the noblest Roman of them all”.The play ends with a feeling that Brutus was
victorious even in defeat.

III. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Cassius: ​ Coming from Sardis, on our former ensign
Two mighty eagles fell'; and there they perch'd,
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Gorging and feeding from our soldiers' hands;
Who to Philippi here consorted us:
This morning are they fled away and gone;
And in their stead do ravens, crows, and kites
Fly o'er our heads, and downward look on us,
As we were sickly prey: their shadows seem
A canopy most fatal, under which
Our army lies, ready to give up the ghost.
Messala:​ Believe not so.

(i) In this extract Cassius narrates something he has seen. What is it? Did he believe in the significance of
such things earlier in his life? Why?
Ans. In this extract Cassius narrates that on the way from Sardis two eagles followed them feeding from the
soldier's hand. However, on reaching Philippi, the eagles vanished and ravens, crows and kites took their
place. Cassius says that he did not believe in the significance of these things earlier in this life as he
believed in the philosophy of Epicurus and therefore did not believe in omens.

(ii) Give the meaning of “As we were sickly prey : their shadows seem/A canopy most fatal” What do
these lines signify?
Ans. Cassisus says this. On the way to Sardis a few eagles had perched on this army’s cavalcade. This he
interpreted as a good omen. However, upon reaching Sardis the eagles flew away and crows, ravens and
kites started hovering over his army. Cassius has described in the lines above. He says that these crows,
ravens, and kits looked down upon them as if they were the birds' prey, about to die. He says that the
shadow of the birds cast a shadow of death over the armies of Cassius and Brutus.

(iii) What did Cassius see on the previous day and on that particular morning? What do these signs
signify?
Ans. On the previous day Cassius saw some Eagles hovering on the armies of Brutus and Cassius. This
Cassius interprets as a good omen. However, on that particular morning the Eagles flew away and Kites,
Crows and Ravens started hovering over their armies. This he interpreted as a bad omen indicating their
defeat in the battle with Octavius.

(iv) How can you conclude from what Cassius says, a little later, that he was prepared for a possible
defeat.
Ans. We can conclude that Cassius was prepared for a possible defeat because he interprets the
appearance of crows, ravens and kites as divine symbols of defeat. Even a little later he discusses with
Brutus about the possibility of their death in the imminent battle.

(v) How does Brutus console him?

Ans. Brutus consoles him by saying that their destiny has already been fixed by the Gods. He tells Cassius
that they must suffer pain bravely without complaining.

IV. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
Cassius: ​ Then, if we lose this battle,
You are contented to be led in triumph
Thorough the streets of Rome?
Brutus:​​ No, Cassius, no think not, thou noble Roman,
That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome;
He bears too great a mind.
But this same day Must end that work the ides of March begun;
And whether we shall meet again I know not.
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Therefore our everlasting farewell take.

(i) What has Brutus just said that makes Cassius say the words given in the extract? Which Roman
practice is referred to in Cassius’ speech?
Ans. Brutus had just said that it is cowardly to commit suicide and that he would not commit suicide. He
says that their destiny has already been fixed by the Gods. The Roman practice of parading prisoners thru
the streets of Rome is referred to in Cassius’s speech.

(ii) State briefly to what extent Brutus bears a great mind.

Ans. We can say that Brutus bears a great mind because even when defeat is staring him in the face he
does not loose his equanimity (cool) . Even when he is under great stress, he calmly advices Cassius that
their destiny is already decided by the Gods. He says it is not correct to commit suicide in order to avoid
the war. He says his final goodbye to Cassius saying that if this is their last meeting, they must part in the
right spirit.

(iii) What began on the ides of March? How will the words of Brutus be prophetic?
Ans. The thought of killing Caesar originated with the prophecy of the soothsayer who said that Caesar
must be careful about the Ides of March. The words of Brutus will be prophetic because he told Cassius
that he would never allow himself to be captured and be paraded through the streets of Rome. His words
turned out to be prophetic because he killed himself before he could be captured by the enemy.

(iv) Do Cassius and Brutus meet again? Why?

Ans. Cassius and Brutus do not meet again after this scene because both of them die in the battle at
philippi. Therefore,they do not have the opportunity for another meeting as their lives are cut short during
the conflict.

(v) Brutus and Cassius are affected by the latest events. This makes them act in a different way than their
normal behaviour. Give one incident to illustrate this.
Ans. Brutus had said earlier that it was wrong to commit suicide and that he would not commit suicide if he
was captured. However, even before he was captured he committed suicide. Cassius was not a believer of
omens as he followed Epicurus. However, so affected was he by the events that he believed that the
crows,vultures and kites that hovered over his army was a bad omen.

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