ICSE Class-9 English Julius Caesar Act-1 Scene-2 Objective Type Questions MCQ बहुवैकल्पिक प्रश्न वस्तुनिष्ठ प्रश्न और उत्तर collection

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Class-9 English Julius Caesar Act-1 Scene-2

Class-9 English Julius Caesar Act-1 Scene-2 SUMMARY

Plot Development: Cassius Manipulates Brutus

In this scene, Julius Caesar makes a grand entrance, accompanied by his wife, Calpurnia. Other key figures in the procession include Mark Antony, Brutus and his wife, Portia, Cassius, Decius, Cicero, Casca, a soothsayer, and a large crowd. It is the 15th of February, and they are on their way to the Forum to celebrate the Lupercal festival. Caesar, at the peak of his power, commands the attention of everyone around him, fulfilling his every wish. His authority is clear when he orders his wife, Calpurnia, to be touched by Mark Antony in a ritual to cure her infertility, and Antony obeys without hesitation, stating, "When Caesar says 'Do this,' it is performed."

A soothsayer warns Caesar about the Ides of March, but Caesar dismisses him arrogantly as a "dreamer" and continues the procession. Meanwhile, Cassius speaks privately with Brutus, sensing his concern about Caesar's potential rise to power. Cassius manipulates Brutus by emphasizing Caesar's weaknesses and reminding him of his ancestor, Junius Brutus, who stood against tyranny. Brutus confesses that he would rather live as a common villager than see Rome fall under a dictatorship.

After the procession, Brutus and Cassius learn from Casca that Caesar refused a crown offered by Mark Antony three times, though it seemed that he desired it. Caesar then suffers an epileptic fit. Cassius, seeing an opportunity, decides to incite Brutus against Caesar by sending anonymous letters to Brutus, suggesting that the people expect him to stop Caesar's rise to power.

Significance of the Scene

This scene introduces several major characters, with Caesar making his first appearance. It establishes his immense power, as reflected in the unquestioning obedience of those around him. The scene also highlights the growing conspiracy against Caesar. Shakespeare uses dramatic irony, as Cassius calls Caesar "immortal" even as he plans to assassinate him. Brutus is portrayed as noble and hesitant, caught between his loyalty to Caesar and his concern for Rome’s future. Cassius, on the other hand, is manipulative and driven by personal envy, not patriotism. The scene further reveals Caesar’s physical and mental weaknesses, which contrast with his apparent arrogance.

Characterization

Caesar: This scene exposes Caesar’s flaws—his deafness in one ear, epilepsy, and superstitions. Despite his physical weaknesses, he is a shrewd judge of character, especially recognizing Cassius as a dangerous man. Though he dismisses the soothsayer, he later follows superstitious advice to cure his wife’s infertility.

Brutus: Brutus is portrayed as noble, wise, and reluctant to betray his friend Caesar. He is moved more by a sense of duty to Rome than by personal ambition, making him resistant to Cassius' flattery. His internal conflict between loyalty to Caesar and concern for the Roman Republic is central to his character.

Cassius: Cassius is a schemer driven by jealousy and personal envy of Caesar. His motivations for the conspiracy are selfish rather than patriotic. He is manipulative, using Brutus' sense of honor to lead the plot against Caesar. His soliloquy reveals his cold-blooded nature and determination to achieve his goals by any means.

Casca: Casca is sarcastic and blunt, taking pleasure in mocking Caesar. Despite his cynicism, he is eventually persuaded by Cassius to join the conspiracy.

Cicero: A wise and cultured senator, Cicero disapproves of the crown offered to Caesar, though he is not deeply involved in the conspiracy.

The Mob: Representing the fickleness of the people, the mob is portrayed as easily swayed and lacking in judgment.

This scene is pivotal as it not only introduces key characters but also sets the stage for the conspiracy against Caesar, offering insights into their motivations and the political tensions that will unfold.

Class-9 English Julius Caesar Act-1 Scene-2 MCQ

1. The procession is going to the Forum to celebrate

(a) the Ides of March

(b) the festival of the Lupercalia

(d) Calpurnia being barren

Correct Answer : (b) the festival of the Lupercalia

2. Among the great crowd following Caesar and the others is a

(a) thief

(b) priest

(d) soothsayer

Correct Answer : (d) soothsayer

3. What does Caesar instruct Antony to do?

(a) hit Calpurnia with his whip when he runs this holy race

(b) touch Calpurnia with his whip when he runs the holy race

(d) threaten Calpurnia with his whip when he runs his race

Correct Answer : (b) touch Calpurnia with his whip when he runs the holy race

4. The Soothsayer warns Caesar about

(a) the 15th of March

(b) the 15th of February

(d) the 7th of March

Correct Answer : (a) the 15th of March

5. Who are the two characters who stay back?

(a) Brutus and Cassius

(b) Cassius and Casca

(d) Antony and Caesar

Correct Answer : (a) Brutus and Cassius

6. According to Brutus Antony has a

(a) lean and hungry look

(b) is not very active

(d) lacks a lively temperament

Correct Answer : (c) has a lively temperament

7. Cassius is upset with Brutus because of late he misses his

(a) gentle and loving nature towards him

(b) harsh and cold treatment towards him

(d) support and help towards him

Correct Answer : (a) gentle and loving nature towards him

8. What reason does Brutus give to Cassius for his recent behaviour?

(a) he is upset with his family members

(b) he is upset with his personal conflicting feelings

(d) he does not feel like being polite and courteous

Correct Answer : (b) he is upset with his personal conflicting feelings

9. ...Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes', means that ;

(a) Cassius is full of admiration for Brutus' eyes

(b) Cassius is wanting the same eyes as Brutus'

(d) Cassius wants Brutus to donate his eyes

Correct Answer : (c) Cassius wants Brutus to realize his own worth

10. ......yet I love him well. Who is the 'him' Brutus is referring to here?

(a) Casca

(b) Antony

(d) the Soothsayer

Correct Answer : (c) Julius Caesar

11. Caesar had a fever in

(a) Egypt

(b) Spain

(d) Sardis

Correct Answer : (b) Spain

12. When Cassius says, 'Men at some time are masters of their fates:' he means that

(a) destiny controls human beings

(b) human beings cannot fight destiny and must give in

(d) there comes a time when human beings cannot control their destinies.

Correct Answer : (c) there comes a time when human beings can control their own destiny.

13. Caesar voices his fears to Antony about Cassius

(a) being a coward

(b) being fickle minded

(d) being fat and lazy

Correct Answer : (c) having a lean and hungry look

14. Who offers Caesar a crown?

(a) the mob

(b) the Senate

(d) Antony

Correct Answer : (d) Antony

15. What did Caesar suffer from?

(a) an epileptic fit

(b) an earache

(d) a stroke

Correct Answer : (a) an epileptic fit

16. Caesar was deaf from

(a) the right ear

(b) the left ear

(d) neither ear

Correct Answer : (a) the right ear

17. The expression, 'It was Greek to me, is an 'idiom used when a person

(a) is unable to understand what has been said.

(b) is able to understand the language Greek.

(d) is able to follow what has been said

Correct Answer : (a) is unable to understand what has been said.

18. Cassius hopes that once Brutus reads the letters written in different handwritings, he will

(a) tear up all the letters and remain true to Caesar

(b) join Caesar and rise against Cassius.

(d) go and thank those who wrote to him

Correct Answer : (c) be convinced to stand up against Caesar's growing ambitions and join the conspiracy

19. What is a soliloquy?

(a) a speech where the speaker speaks to others present

(b) a speech where the speaker speaks to another person.

(d) a welcome/farewell speech.

Correct Answer : (c) a speech that a character in a play speaks aloud, but it is only to be heard by that character and the audience

20. Choose the option that lists the sequence of events in this scene in the correct order.

1. Cassius tries to influence the noble Brutus against Caesar.
2. Caesar dismisses the soothsayer as a dreamer and passes on.
3. Caesar, being superstitious, instructs Mark Antony to touch Calpurnia with his whip during the holy run.
4. The soothsayer in the crowd warns Caesar about the Ides of March.

(a) 4,3,2,1

(b) 4,3,1,2

(d) 2,4,1,3

Correct Answer : (a) 4,3,2,1

Class-9 English Julius Caesar Act-1 Scene-2 NOTES Q&A

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

QUESTION 1

CAESAR - Who is it in the press that calls on me?

I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music,

Cry 'Caesar!" Speak; Caesar is turn'd to hear.

1. Who called out to Caesar? What did he warn Caesar of?

Answer: The person who called out to Caesar was a soothsayer. He warned Caesar to "Beware the Ides of March," which means that something bad might happen to him on the 15th of March.

2. What is the meaning of 'Press'? Give another meaning of 'Press

Answer: Here 'Press' means crowd. Another meaning of 'press' is the mob, the big crowd of the common people.

3. Why is Caesar "turn'd to hear? How does Caesar challenge the speaker?

Answer: Caesar being deaf of one ear turns his other ear to listen. He challenges the speaker warning him to come to his face and say what he has to say

4. How does Caesar react to the warning of the speaker?

Answer: Caesar does not take the warning of the speaker seriously. He just dismisses the speaker calling him a dreamer not to be taken notice of.

5. Who else tries to warn Caesar about the danger which is in store for him later in the play? What aspects of Caesar's character are shown?

Answer: Ans. It is his wife who later warns Caesar as she had a terrible dream of Caesar's death. Caesar is shown as haughty and boastful.

QUESTION 2

BRUTUS-Cassius, Be not deceived: if I have veil'd my look,

I turn the trouble of my countenance

Merely upon myself. Vexed I am

Of late with passions of some difference,

Conceptions only proper to myself.

1. Where are Brutus and Cassius at this time? What is the occasion?

Answer: Brutus and Cassius are at a public place. It is the occasion of the feast of Lupercal. The scene is soon after Caesar exists.

2. What has Cassius told Brutus regarding the latter's attitude towards him?

Answer: Cassius has observed lately that Brutus' manner has become hard and he lacks the gentle look of friendship.

3. What reason does Brutus give to Cassius for not going to the games? With whom does Brutus compare himself to?

Answer: Brutus says that he is in no mood for games and frivolous activities. He tells Cassius that he lacks lively temperament which Antony has.

4. What does Brutus tell Cassius regarding his conflicting thoughts and emotions? What effects are they having on Brutus regarding his attitude towards others?

Answer: Brutus tells Cassius that he is suffering from internal conflict. That is why his attitude towards his friends has changed. It means no offence or neglect to friends, but he has failed to show customary respect and courtesies to others.

5. What is Cassius' motive in showing his friendship towards Brutus? How is Cassius shown to be a schemer?

Answer: Cassius has his own selfish motive in showing his friendship towards Brutus. He wants to poison Brutus' mind by speaking about the growing powers and popularity of Caesar whereas Brutus is no less than Caesar in anyway.

QUESTION 3

CASSIUS'T is just:

And it is very much lamented, Brutus,

That you have no such mirrors as will turn

Your hidden worthiness into your eye.

1. What does Cassius go on to tell Brutus about what the people are lamenting about?

Answer: Cassius goes on to tell Brutus that people hold him (Brutus) in high esteem and Brutus in unaware of his goodness and nobility. People are lamenting that the oppression by Caesar is not being noticed by Brutus.

2. What 'dangers' does Brutus refer to after the extract?

Answer: Brutus refers to the dangerous insinuations made by Cassius. Brutus says that he is not aware of what oppression is there because being a close friend of Caesar, he does not notice Caesar's tyranny.

3. How does Cassius offer to show the brothers his true worth?

Answer: Cassius offers to be Brutus mirror to reflect the latter's virtues about which Brutus is still unaware.

4. How does Cassius convince Brutus not to doubt him?

Answer: Cassius assures Brutus that he (Cassius) is never non-serious. He does not talk insincere or false things. He is a trusted friend who is loyal in friendship.

5. How does Brutus portray himself to be truly concerned about the present condition prevailing in Rome?

Answer: Brutus portrays himself as a well-wisher of the common people. He is ready to stake his honour for the fame fitfaces tyranny.

QUESTION 4

BRUTUS - What means this shouting? I do fear the people

Choose Caesar for their king.

CASSIUS-Ay, do you fear it?

Then must I think you would not have it so.

1. Why are Brutus and Cassius alone together at this time while the festivities are on?

Answer: Brutus and Cassius are alone together after the exit of Caesar at the Lupercal festivities because they are discussing the affairs of the state in the wake of Caesar s triumph over Pompey and his sons

2. Why is Brutus not in favour of Caesar becoming king?

Answer: Brutus is not in favour of Caesar becoming king because he fears republicanism can be in danger if all powers are vested in one person.

3. What two weaknesses of Caesar does Cassius highlight to Brutus?

Answer: (a) he proved to be poor swimmer when challenged to leap into the turbulent waters of the river Tiber and

(b) Caesar cried like a helpless girl when he was stricken with fever in Spain

4. How does Cassius compare the names of 'Brutus' and 'Cassius' to that of the name of 'Caesar'?

Answer: Cassius compares 'Brutus and Cassius' that when pronounced they have the same emphasis and sound as good as that of Caesar.

5. Brutus comments "I do fear". What does the word 'fear' signify? How does Cassius interpret the word 'fear' to judge Brutus' mind?

Answer: The word 'fear' signifies some happening unfavorable to the individual as well as to any well wisher of the state. Cassius interprets the word 'fear to arouse Brutus' spirits to rise against Caesar.

QUESTION 5

I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor,

Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder

The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber.

1. Who speaks these lines? Who was Aeneas?

Answer: Cassius speaks these lines. Aeneas was the founder of Rome When the Greeks burned and looted Troy after ten years of seize. Aeneas rescued his father Anchises carrying him on his back

2. Why does Cassius compare himself to Aeneas?

Answer: Cassius compares himself to Aeneas because just as Aeneas saved his father in crisis. in the same way he (Cassius) saved Caesar from being carried away by the strong waves of the river Tiber

3. Who is this 'man' referred to in the fourth line of the extract? What grudge does the speaker bear against this "man"?

Answer: This man referred to here is Caesar. The speaker bears a grudge against Caesar who is not stronger or better than him in any way.

4. How does the speaker compare this man to God?

Answer: The speaker (Cassius) compares Caesar to God sarcastically, meaning that Caesar is no God at all.

5. What does this speech reveal about the speaker?

Answer: This speech of the speaker shows his jealousy for Caesar whom he does not consider so great as he has been made to believed.

QUESTION 6

BRUTUS - That you do love me, I am nothing jealous;

What you would work me to, I have some aim:

How I have thought of this and of these times,

I shall recount hereafter;

1. What does the word 'jealous' mean in the extract?

Answer: The word Jealous in this context means doubt, so nothing jealous means without doubt or very sure.

2. Brutus is aware of Cassius 'motive, What is the motive?

Answer: Brutus is aware that he has the complete understanding of Cassius' motive, which is to seek Brutus approval and consent to join his enterprise in killing Caesar

3. What does Brutus assure Cassius of, after the extract, that makes Cassius 'glad"?

Answer: Brutus assures Cassius that he will think over the plan chalked out by Cassius sincerely and seriously. This makes Cassius glad

4. Who enters after the extract?

Answer: Caesar accompanied by his followers enters the scene soon after Brutus and Cassius have discussed the plan.

5. Who does Cassius decide to 'pluck'? Why?

Answer: Cassius decides to pluck i.e., stop Casca by the sleeve to know from him what happened that day.

QUESTION 7

CAESAR - Let me have men about me that are fat,

Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep o'-nights:

Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look;

He thinks too much: such men are dangerous.

1. Who does Caesar address these words to? How does this person try to assure Caesar not to fear?

Answer: Caesar addresses these words to Mark Antony. Antony tries to assure Caesar that Cassius is not a dangerous person he is inclined to do good.

2. Why is Caesar not convinced?

Answer: Caesar is not convinced by Antony's words because he wishes that Cassius should have been fat. Lean or hungry looks of a man are dangerous, according to Caesar

3. What reasons does Caesar give for fearing the person in question?

Answer: Caesar explains why such a person is to be feared Cassius reads too much. He is a great observer and his sharp eyes can read the character of men and discover their motives. Men Such as Cassius who have no smiles and love no music are dangerous

4. Which weakness of Caesar is shown after the extract?

Answer: A little later we are told that Caesar could not bear the foul smell of the shouting crowds. He suffered from falling sickness i.e., epileptic fit. His mouth was foaming and he was unable to speak.

5. How is Caesar shown to be far-sighted and wise in his judgment of character?

Answer: Caesar truly judged Cassius character. It was Cassius who became dangerous out of his jealousy towards Caesar.

QUESTION 8

BRUTUS-Ay, Casca; tell us what hath chanced to-day,

That Caesar looks so sad.

CASCA-Why, you were with him, were you not?

BRUTUS-I should not then ask Casca what had chanced.

1. What had changed that day as described by Casca?

Answer: Casca described that Caesar was offered a crown thrice at the feast though it was declined each time it was offered.

2. In what way was the incident a 'mere foolery? Give three instances.

Answer: Casca says that offering the crown and its decline by Caesar was all a more foolery. First, it was not a crown, it was just a garland of flowers. Second. Caesar rejected it, though he wished to have it. Three, he fell into falling sickness at the frenzy of the crowd.

3. What information did Casca give about Flavius and Marullus?

Answer: Casca gave the information that the tribunes - Flavius and Marullus, were dismissed from their posts for pulling down decoration from Caesar image.

4. What is Brutus' assessment of Casca when he leaves? How does Cassius contradict Brutus about his assessment?
Answer: Brutus had a poor opinion of Casca, According to him, Casca had grown into a dull and stupid fellow, though he was quite sharp when he was at school Cassius contradicts Brutus by saying that Casca is still quite dependable.

5. How does Cassius judge Brutus' character at the end of the scene? What do you think of Cassius from this judgment?

Answer: At the end of the scene Cassius says that though Brutus is a noble person, he is easily influenced by persons like him.