A DOCOTOR JOURNAL ENTRY FOR AUGUST 6, 1945

MCQS ANSWERS –

1.      A) beautiful and warm

2.      C) whether it was hit by the magnesium flares seen during the war.

3.      B) the building had collapsed

4.      D) they got burnt

5.      C) the blood was from the jugular vein

6.      B) they will be fine

7.      C) their clothes got burnt

8.      D) whether they had come out straight after a bath.

9.      C) because of the pain when the burnt wounds rubbed against each other

10.  B) because they all were shocked

11.  D) personal anguish

12.  A) humanity deprived of its human nature

13.  D) all of the above

14.  A) walked involuntarily as if in a trance

 

CONTEXT QUESTIONS:

1.

1.      Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

The morning---------------------------warm

Sprawling --------------------------------form

Of shimmering-----------------------------suddenly

A strong flash -------------------------------me.

I saw ---------------------------------------------lit.

Magnesium flares?

i)How is the morning described in the extract? In what mood was the narrator?

Ans: The morning is described in the extract as calm. The day was beautiful and warm. The narrator was in a relaxed and peaceful mood, after waking up from his bed, looking out of window.

ii)What startled the narrator? What did he think of it?

Ans; The narrator was startled by two strong flashes of light. He wondered if they were magnesium flares seen during a war.

iii)What was the impact of the explosion on the place and the people?

Ans; While he was debating about the flares, the roof and the wall of the building collapsed and the debris got scattered all over and the dust swirled around him. Furthermore, his drawers and undershirt disappeared. His clothes got burnt. People were either dead or mutilate. They walked like zombies naked but not conscious of it.

iv)How much did the narrator personally suffer in the explosion?

Ans; The narrator’s undershirt and drawers got burnt due to the explosion. A splinter produced from his thigh; his right side bled, his cheek was torn. His blood gushed out from his neck. He was fully injured.

v)Give the meaning of; a) the morning stretched calm, beautiful and warm- it means that the morning was calm, no strong winds, picturing nature and warm sun light was there. It was a pleasant morning.

b) A strong flash, then another, started me- it means that a bright sudden flash of light followed by one after the other that startled the narrator.

2. My blood gushed out

The artery -------------------my life

I called out ---------------------my wife

Pale ---------------------------emerged

Holding her elbow.

i)What made the blood gush out? why was the narrator panic-stricken?

Ans: There was a deep cut in his neck making blood gush out. the narrator being a doctor feared the blood was from his jugular and he would quickly bleed to death.

ii)What in the extract shows that yecko san was badly injured?

Ans: Yeco san emerged before the narrator as pale, holding her elbow, bloodstained can be seen on her and she was frightened. She was equally injured as her husband in the given situation of war and agony.

iii)What did the narrator tell his wife consoling her? What does it say about the narrator?

Ans: The narrator, in an attempt to console his wife yeco san, assured her that they would be fine. This shows that the narrator is concerned about his wife.  He cares and comforts her. He also attempts to stay strong and hopeful despite the dire circumstances.

iv)Describe the object they found on the street. What was the reaction of the narrator after finding the object?

Ans: They found a human head on the street. He gasped in shock. He then apologized but realized that the person was dead. He then felt afraid.

v)By giving two examples, state how an atmosphere of fear was created by the explosion in the minds of the narrator and his wife.

Ans: Everything around them had collapsed only timber and debris are left over. Both were bleeding and their conditions were horrifying. They nearly tripped on a human head. All these examples created an atmosphere of fear due to the explosion.

3.He was dead.

A gate ------------------afraid

A house ------------------swayed

Toppled --------------------------dust

Spread by the wind.

i)Who was dead? What had killed him?

Ans: The human being on whose head the narrator and his wife tripped and nearly fell. A gate had fallen on him and crushed him.

ii)Describe the strange things that happened as stated in the extract.

Ans: A house was standing and like a pack of cards swayed, tilted and collapsed. The swirling dust gave rise to a fire that was spread by the winds.

iii)Immediately after the extract, what two decisions does the narrator make?

Ans: The narrator makes the decision to go to the hospital for help and also to aid the hospital staff. When he could not get up he asked his wife to go alone and seek help.

iv)Why couldn’t the narrator aid his staff at the hospital?

Ans: The narrator himself was injured. His condition was horrifying. He was bleeding profusely. His legs gave way and he was forced to sit on the ground.

v)What physical inconveniences did the narrator suffer after the incidents referred to in the extract?

Ans: The narrator couldn’t walk due to injuries in his thigh, forcing them to sit on the ground in exhaustion. They were thirsty but lacked water and due to smoke and dust, they feel shortness of breath. Despite being naked, their focus was on survival and not on shame.

4.My breath --------------------------strength

Seemed --------------------------------length.

I was --------------------------------------shame

This ---------------------------------------I came

Upon a --------------------------------silently,

Who gave ---------------------------------neck to me.

i)Why was the breath of the speaker short? But bit by bit my strength/ seemed to revive’ considering the post war history of japan, what is the symbolism involved in this expression?

Ans; They were badly injured and bleeding profusely walking in order to get help makes them tired. Therefore, they felt the shortness of breath. The Japanese withstood the calamity and with their indomitable spirit and hard work rose up and so bit by bit his strength/seemed to revive and gradually rebuilt their shattered city and their world.

ii)The narrator was conscious that he was naked. Who helped him? How did the offer help the narrator to have self-confidence?

Ans: A soldier helped him. He gave the towel he had on his neck to the narrator. This act symbolized the soldier’s willingness to give what he had to help another, showcasing basic human goodness. The gesture provided the narrator with a sense of care and support, boosting his self-confidence amid the distressing situation.

iii)Why did he send Yecko sab alone to the hospital? How did he justify his decision to let his wife go alone to the hospital?

Ans: Realizing his legs were stiff from dried blood and burnt, the narrator found himself unable to walk. In a justified decision, he sent his wife alone to the hospital to seek help as they had no options at that time. His physical condition and the urgency of the situation led to this difficult choice, emphasizing the dire circumstances they faced.

iv)What did the narrator feel when Yecko san left for the hospital? Explain the symbolism.

Ans: The narrator feels lonely when Yecko san his wife left for the hospital. His mind was working but his body could not keep its speed. The powerful nations like the USA cause destruction and suffering to common people to display their power and isolate their enemies. Nobody comes to rescue the vanquished.

v)Describe the appearance of the people whom the narrator saw.

Ans: In the extract, the people the narrator saw appeared as silhouettes of human, resembling ghosts or scarecrows. They walked like zombies with outstretched arms, and despite being naked, they exhibited no shame. They were naked but unasked and silent.

 

Act -3 Scene -2

MCQS ANSWERS -

1. b) To crown Brutus as king.

2. b) They will avenge his murder

3. b) Brutus

4. c) poor dumb mouth

5. c) the Roman citizens self respect

6. c) he loved Rome more than Caesar

7. a) all the conspirators

8. b) Brutus

9. d) Antony

CONTEXTUAL QUESTIONS:

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

1.

1.      Brutus:

Be patient ---------------last.

Romans ----------------------cause;

And be silent ---------------------for mine

Honour and have --------------------------may

Believe -----------------------------------your

Senses, that -------------------------------judge.

i)Where is Brutus? Whom does he request to be patient and on what occasion is this speech made? What was the purpose of the speech?

Ans: Brutus is in the forum at Caesar’s funeral. He requests the crowd of Rome people to be patient and this speech is made on the occasion of Caesar’s funeral. The purpose of the speech was that Brutus explained the reasons for the murder of Caesar. He said that he had killed Caesar to liberate the Romans from his evil ambitions.

ii)How important was honour for Brutus? Give one example to justify your answer. In what way did his commitment to hounour lead him to the present crisis?

Ans; For Brutus, moral values are more important than love for another or even love for one’s own honor. He was a man who truly believed that one could sacrifice anything for the love of his country and county men. Hence, he tells the people of Rome that he loved and honored Caesar for his bravery but he killed him because he was ambitious. Therefore, the crowd after listening to his speech wanted to crown him as a king.

iii)Hear me for my cause.’ What was his cause? Were his motives genuine? How can you justify your answer?

Ans: Brutus explains to mob that he had very strong moral reasons for killing Caesar. He tells them that he loved and honoured Caesar for his bravery but he murdered him because he was ambitious. His motives were genuine since he was virtuous man who never deviated from what he judged to be the path of his moral duty and so he genuinely believed that he was doing the right action in killing Caesar.

iv)What was the reaction of his listeners in the beginning as well as at the end of the scene? How did the change in their attitude come about?

Ans: The mob listened quietly to Brutus because they respected his honesty, dignity and upright attitude. They felt satisfied with the reasons he gave them and were impressed with his calm and dignified manner. They hailed him as a hero and even wished to crown him. But at the end of the scene the same mob turns against Brutus and other conspirators. The change in their attitude came about because of Mark Antony’s speech.

v)Give the meaning of: ‘censure me in your wisdom.’ Who passed censure on him? In what way has this changed the course of action in the play?

Ans: ‘Censure me in your wisdom’ means to judge him with their sense of reason, knowledge and wisdom. Mark Antony passed censure him. People of Rome were influenced by Mark Antony’s speech later; because his speech appealed to the emotion of Roman people. So, people judged themselves and this changed the course of action in the play and rose against the conspirators.

 2.

1.      Brutus;

Good ----------------------------alone

And ----------------------------Antony

Do grace --------------------------speech

Tending to ---------------------------Antony,

By our -----------------------------------make

I do -------------------------------------depart

Save I ----------------------------------------spoke.

i)Why does Brutus intend to ‘depart alone’? why are the listeners left behind? Which error of judgement made by Brutus is revealed by his instruction to the listeners?

Ans: The public is on the side of Brutus and the conspirators and do not want to hear Antony. But Brutus persuades the audience to stay and listen to Antony’s speech who had the permission of Brutus to speak. He believed that Antony was sincere to him and meant no harm and would perform the last rites. So, he left alone requesting the crowd to listen to Antony speech. Brutus made wrong judgement by allowing Antony to speak to the people. He trusted Antony and believed in his sincere friendship.

ii)Give the meaning of: a) do grace to Caesar’s corpse, and grace his speech --- it means to pay respect to Caesar’s dead body as well as to Antony’s speech dealing with Caesar’s glories.

b),,,, not a man depart--- it means that nobody will go away from here. All must listen to the speech of Antony except Brutus himself because he was departing.

iii)What explanation had Brutus given in his speech for the murder of Caesar? What was the reaction of his listeners?

Ans: Brutus explained to the people of Rome that he had killed Caesar as a moral duty because Caesar wanted to rule over Rome like a tyrant. He said that he had done nothing wrong. Anyone who didn’t want to become a slave, who wasn’t wicked, who loved his freedom and who was Roman would have killed Caesar like Brutus. He felt that the people of Rome would have suffered under his cruel, absolute rule and so for the love of Rome and his country would kill Caesar. People after listening to Brutus, hailed him as a hero and even wished to crown him as a king

iv)Who has given Antony permission to speak? Give any two conditions under which Antony is allowed to speak.

Ans: Brutus has given permission to speak Antony. Two conditions are – first, Brutus trusted him and believed in his sincere friendship so he allowed to speak to the crowd and also requested the people of people to listen to Antony’s speech.  Second, Brutus wanted that Antony, who was the best friend of Caesar, should be allowed to perform his last rites and ceremonies according to the Roman custom.

v)State which of Caesar’s glories would Antony refer to in his speech a little later. What does he want to achieve by his speech?

Ans: Antony refers the following glories of Caesar – Antony proved that Caesar had been a great warrior. He brought many captives home to Rome. He further added that Caesar didn’t make himself rich by keeping all the wealth but shared with all the Romans. He praised Caesar that he was sympathetic and kind when the poor cried, he also cried. He also said that Caesar refused thrice to be a king when he was offered.

Antony wants to win the heart of people by his powers of verbal manipulation and eloquent oratory. He appeals to the emotions and sentiments of people by his speech. Finally, gets control over the hostile crowd and later excited them and turned them against the conspirators. The mob was seeking the conspirators for the punishment.

 

 

SKIMBLESHANKS: THE RAILWAY CAT

SECTION A: MCQS ANSWERS–

1.      D) skimble was nowhere to be found.

2.      A) quick

3.      B) the train begins its journey

4.      B) by a regular patrol

5.      A) no one could play pranks

6.      D) all the above

7.      A) the passengers’ choice of morning tea

8.      A) bright and energetic

9.      C) 11:39 pm, 11:42 pm

10.  B) in the luggage van

11.  D) the police

12.  B) by weaving his tail

SECTION B: CONTEXTUAL QUESTIONS

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

There’s a whisper down the line at 11:39

When---------------------------------------depart,

Saying---------------------------------------------thimble?

We must find him or train can’t start.

i)What’s the whisper down the line? Who all are whispering?

Ans: The whisper down the line refers to a message being passed along the train staff at 11:39pm when the Night mail is ready to depart. All are whispering – ‘where is skimbleshanks?’ where are the railway staff, the guards, porters and even the station master’s daughter? All are searching about them.

ii)Who is Skimble? What work does he do?

Ans: Skimble is ‘the railway cat’ in the poem skimbleshanks. He is a cat who works on the night mail train and is responsible for supervising the train’s crew, including the driver, guards and bagmen. He is the in charge of the sleeping car express and he ensures the smooth functioning of the night mail and comfortable journey for all passengers.

iii)What does hunt the thimble’ mean? What was skimble doing at this time?

Ans: Hunt the thimble is a playful phases used to describe a party game where one person hides a small object in a room and the others look for it. He was busy organizing the luggage van.

iv)Why can’t the train start without skimbleshanks? How did the train finally start?

Ans:The train can’t start without skimbleshanks because he is the in-charge of the train. The train finally started at the arrival of skimble who flashed his eyes towards the signal and then the signal turned green in response and train started to move.

v)Did it depart on time? How did the scene at the train change after skimble appeared?

Ans: Yes, the train departed on time after the confusion and chaos. The passengers were at great relief and calm. They were no longer frantic once skimble appeared and even people stopped searching him.

II.                 All the guards--------------------------------------daughters

They ----------------------------------------------------- and low

Saying ----------------------------------------------------------nimble

Then the night mail just can’t go.’

i)Identify and name two figures of speech used in this extract?

Ans: Hyperbole –‘searching high and low’

            Alliteration – saying skimble where is skimble.’

            Imagery – ‘all the guards …high and low.

 

ii)Why is it important for skimblshanks to be on the train?

Ans: Skimbleshanks is important to be on the train because he is the in-charge of the train and makes sure its smooth operation of the train- keeping check on the train staff. Seeing to the comfort of passenger and solving problems before they occur.

iii)Why would skimble need to be very nimble?

Ans: Skimble need to be quick because he is the in charge of the train and without him train won’t move. So he would need to be quick enough to supervise everything and to signal the night train to depart on time.

iv)Who are they’ in the second line? Why are they frantic? Did they calm down? How?

Ans: In the second line ‘they’ refers to the railway staff, guards, porters, stationmaster and his family. They are frantic because they are not able to find skimbleshanks the railway cat in charge of the train, where he was. Yes, they calmed down once he appeared at the nick of time.

v)Imagine you are onboard this train, describe the manhunt for skimble.

Ans: I could see all the staff members in uniforms running up and down the length of the train searching for skimble. Some people were looking up the racks and down under the seat. All are frantic and confused. All are searching and whispering as if something were gravely wrong.

III.              You may say------------------------change

Of the------------------------------------express.

From the --------------------------------------cards

He will --------------------------------------------less.

Down the --------------------------------------------faces

He -------------------------------------------------------patrol

And he ----------------------------------------------------occurred.

i)Who will supervise them all (the staff)? Who are they who need the supervision?

Ans: Skimbleshanks, the railway cat will supervise them all – the drive, the guards, and the bagmen. All the staff on board the train need the supervision.

ii)Whose faces does the supervisor examine? What can he gauge from their faces?

Ans: The supervisor examines all the passengers of all the classes- the first class as well as the third class compartments of the train. He can gauge from their faces the comfort level whether they would cause trouble or there was something amiss.

iii)Briefly describe how the establishes control. Why does he pace the corridor?

Ans: He supervises the staff by seeing that they perform their duties properly. He patriots the train and comes to know immediately of an untoward incidence. He paces the corridor to study the faces of the passengers.

iv)Do you think the supervisor can do the same in other modes of transport- plane, bus, metro? State how.

Ans: The supervisor can do the same in other mode especially in bus because it is open and allows for free movement of the cat for supervision. But in plane and metro may not possible because it is closed not connected as one compartment so the free movement is not possible for the supervision.

v)Why do you think the train is called sleeping car express’? how does the supervisor ensure that the name holds true?

Ans: The train is called sleeping car express because it is fast train with few/limited stops where passengers can sleep during the night during their journey. The supervisor ensures that the name holds true by regularly patrolling the train corridors and checking on the passengers to make sure they are comfortable and secure during their journey.

IV.               Oh, its -----------------------------------------------den

With your --------------------------------------------door.

And the ------------------------------------------------sheet

And there’s -----------------------------------------------floor,

There is every ------------------------------------------------bright;

There’s a ------------------------------------------------------breeze.

There’s a funny ---------------------------------------------------face in

And a crank --------------------------------------------------------sneeze.

i)Why is the cabin called your little den’? what kind of security does it offer the passengers?

Ans: The cabin called ‘your little den’ because it provides a personal and private space for the passengers to rest during the journey. It has also name written on the door. Cabin is clean and allows passengers to unwind and rest. It was secure from all side so no dusty floor. So it provided security from all pests.

ii)Describe the little den as mentioned in the extract.

Ans: The little den refers to the cabin on the train where the passengers sleep and relax. It was very neat and clean with name written on the door, folded sheet, no dust and with adjustable lights. It has window which can be opened and shutdown. There are wash basins to wash faces.

iii)Were the passengers scared of skimbleshanks? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans: No, the passengers were not scared of skimbleshanks. They respected him. He was said to be very friendly and helpful. Therefore, all the passengers kept very quiet. Passengers felt tension free at the presence of skimbleshanks in the train during their journey.

iv)What were the arrangements made for the comfortable journey of the passenger?

Ans: Skimbleshanks ensures that the berth is comfortable with clean sheets and operative lights, fans, washbasins and handles on windows. The cabin is dust free. The authority figure takes care of the safety of the passengers by ensuring that there are no mice and fleas in the train.

v)Compare the facilities of the train cabin with facilities of a cabin in today’s train. Would you find a skimbleshanks today? Why?

Ans: yes, we do find the train cabin with similar facilities in today’s train. We find even more and better facilities like air conditioned train but have no facilities for the cat to move around as he did it at that time. we don’t find railway cat skimbleshanks because the time has passed and we have other similar type of persons as skimbleshanks, who supervise the passengers.

V.                 But you------------------------------------------------police

If there--------------------------------------------------about

When you get-----------------------------------------------wait

For -------------------------------------------------------------out

He gives----------------------------------------------------------tail

Which says-------------------------------------------------------again!

You---------------------------------------------------------------------mail

The cat--------------------------------------------------------------------train.

i)What does skimble do at Dumfries station? Why?

Ans: At Dumfries station skimble speaks to the police if there is anything report mishaps. He does it as he is the supervisor of the train. He makes aware of everything that happens on the train during the journey. He is responsible for the smooth running of the train.

ii)When do you think that the train reaches its destination? Name the first and the last stations of the Midnight mail.

Ans: The train reaches its destination in the next morning. The name of the first station is London and the last station name is Gallowgate station of the midnight mail.

iii)Why do the passengers do not have to wait to get down at gallowgate?

Ans: The passengers do not have to wait to get down at gallowgate because the railway cat helps them to get out quickly and efficiently. He is responsible for ensuring that the train runs smoothly and everything is in order, including the arrival and departure of the passengers.

iv)How does skimble bid goodbye to the passengers? What does the wave of his long brown tail mean?

Ans: Skimble bids goodbye to the passengers by waving his long brown tail. The wave signifies that he will see them again and they will meet without fail on the midnight mail again. The gesture of skimble throws his friendliness good will and comfortable journey with the passengers.

v)Once the passengers fall asleep, what does the railway cat do?

Ans: Once the passengers fall asleep, the railway cat ensures everyone on board is quiet and all wake up to the perfect cup of tea. He does his work sincerely and keeps on constant watch over them and inspect the station Crewe, exchange news with station master at Carlisle and exchange report with the police too.

 

MCQS ANSWERS

1.      C) Lucius

2.      A) it is concerned with the conspiracy against Caesar.

3.      B) to murder Caesar

4.      D) kill himself

5.      B) inflame the pride of ordinary men

6.      C) will not change the sentence of banishment

7.      C) pole star

8.      C) feigned servility

9.      A) arrogance

10.  B) as if doomsday had come.

11.  C) by saving Rome from being ruined

12.  A) liberators of their country

13.  A) as a solemn act of purification of Rome

14.  A) like a stag by hounds

15.  C) error of judgement

 

CONTEXTUAL QUESTIONS

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows:

1.      Caesar:

(to soothsayer) the ides of March are come.

Soothsayer: Ay, Caesar, but not gone.

Artemidorus: Hail, Caesar! Read this schedule.

Decius: trebonius doth desire you to over read,

At your best leisure, this his humble suit.

i)Where does this conversation take place? Why did Caesar tell the soothsayer: ‘The ides of March are come’? when had he met the soothsayer before?

Ans: This conversation takes place in front of capitol or outside of senate house. Caesar told the soothsayer that the ides of March are come and nothing had happened to him. Because soothsayer had warned Caesar that his life would be in danger. Caesar had met the soothsayer before when they were going to Lupercal to celebrate the feast of Lupercus.

ii)Who is Artemidorus? Whom does he represent in the paly? What is the importance of his schedule?

Ans: Artemidorus is a fortune teller who tries to warn Caesar about the plot against him. He represents an honest common citizen of Rome, voicing his concern for the safety of Caesar. The importance of his schedule is that he warns Caesar about the assassination and the mass plot against him.

iii)Why does Artemidorus request Caesar to read his schedule first? With reference to a previous scene, show how Artemidorus’ fears are justified.

Ans; Artemidorus requests Caesar to read his schedule first because in that it contained the names of the conspirators, plotting to kill Caesar so that his life would be saved. His fears are justified as the conspirators’ plan was successful and Caesar was assassinated.

iv)Mention the two reasons given by Caesar for not reading the schedule handed over by Artemidrous. Which trait of his personality is revealed by his act?

Ans: The two reasons given by Caesar for not reading the schedule handed over by Artemidrous are- a) he would read later the petitions which concerned him personally. B) he also calls him mad for urging him to read his petitions first. Caesar’s arrogance and boastfulness personality is revealed by his act.

v)Name two people in the scene who are trying to warn Caesar. Name two other people who defeat their efforts to do so. Which theme of the play is highlighted here? Explain it briefly.

Ans: The two people in the scene who are trying to warn Caesar are Soothsayer and Artemidrous. Two other people who defeat their efforts to do so are Cassius and Popilius Lena. The theme of tension and suspense of the play is highlighted here. Tension and suspense was created by Popilius Lena when he made a chance remark to Cassisu and move towards Caesar. So, the conspirators thought that he knew their plot and he might reveal to Caesar.

2.      Cassius:

Casca, be----------------------------------prevention.

Brutus, what---------------------------------------------known,

Cassius -------------------------------------------------------back,

For I will slay myself.

Brutus:

Cassius, be constant.

Popilius ----------------------------------------------------purposes;

For, look, he smiles, and Caesar doth not change.

i)If this be known’ –what does this refer to? If it would be known what would happen?

Ans; This’ refers to the plan or plot of the conspirators to assassinate Caesar. If it would be known to the people, they might be prevented to do so. Furthermore, especially cassius would end his life by killing himself, if know to the people.

ii)What duty is assigned to Casca? Why should he be sudden’?

Ans: Casca is assigned by the conspirators, especially by Cassius to strike the first blow with his dagger to kill Caesar. He should be sudden or act quickly because Cassius thinks that Popiluis Lena knows about their conspiracy and he may reveal to Caesar about it.

iii)What has Popilius Lena said and done which makes Cassius to fear? What did they think that Lena was saying? How does Brutus show them that there is nothing to fear?

Ans: Popilus Lena has wished success to Cassius’ enterprise that day and headed towards Caesar that makes Cassius to fear. Cassius and other conspirators thought that Popilius Lena had discovered their plot and he might reveal to Caesar about it. Brutus sees that Popilius Lena is smiling in front of Caesar and the expression of Caesar had not changed. So by seeing that Brutus tells the conspirators that there is nothing to fear.

iv)What was the task assigned to Trebonius? What petition did Metellus Cimber present to Caesar? In what way did he flatter Caesar?

Ans: The task assigned to Trebonius was to take away Mark Antony, the best friend of Caesar, from the senate house and keep away from Caesar so that he could not come to rescue Caesar when they attack/stab him. Metellus Cimber presented the petition to Caesar to pardon his banished brother and to cancel the orders of the banishment. He flatter Caesar by bending low before him, praising and showing humble attitude to him.

v)Give two of the arguments given by Caesar to reject the petition made by Metellus. Which trait of caesar’s characteristic is highlighted in these arguments?

Ans: Caesar tells Metellus that nothing could change him. He would remain fixed just like the north star. Caesar also ridicules the servile bending of Metellus and scolds him for assuming. Caesar’s character is highlighted in these arguments as arrogant, boastful and inflexible, obsessed with his own greatness. He appears illogical when he boasts that he was never wrong.

3.      Caesar:

But I am constant as the northern star,

Of whose------------------------------------quality

There is----------------------------------------------firmament.

The skies -------------------------------------------------sparks,

They are all -------------------------------------------------shine;

But there’s -------------------------------------------------------place.

So in the world; tis furnished well with men,

i)What is the northern star? Give the meaning of: ‘of whose true-fixed and resting quality/ there is no fellow in the firmament.’

Ans: ‘Northern star’ is a star that is inflexible star that remains fixed on the north. The meaning of ‘of whose true-fixed and resting quality means that something that doesn’t change and remains fixed regular at its own place. ‘there is no fellow in the firmament’ means that in the world of men, made of flesh and blood, blessed with intelligence, there was only one man who is constant, steady and unshaken that man was Caesar himself.

ii)Why does Caesar compare himself to the northern star? What is the occasion for such a comparison?

Ans: Caesar compares himself to the northern star because he is like the northern star fixed and inflexible in his earlier decision. So, he boasts of his constancy and commitment to the laws. He compares himself to the northern star on the occasion when Metellus Cimber falls on Caesar knees and begged him with flattering words and in a servile manner to forgive his brother and cancel the orders of his brother’s banishment.

iii)State the comparison made by Caesar between the firmament and the world of men.

Ans: Caesar compares himself to divine and celestial creation like the fixed northern star. He says that he would never change the pre-ordained laws, no matter how much anyone flatters him. He is inflexible man. Even the world of men, made of flesh and blood blessed with intelligence but there is no man who would remain constant, steady and unshaken like Caesar.

iv)Why is Caesar so stubborn in his attitude towards the conspirators? What purpose does his stubbornness serve on the dramatic effectiveness?

Ans: Caesar is so stubborn in his attitude towards the conspirators because he has become secure in the belief that he would be crowned king that day. Hence, that made him arrogant and obsessed with his own greatness. He imagined himself as a god with superhuman powers. Thus, his boastfulness, arrogant and his stubbornness led to the assassination of himself.

v)What horrible event is about to take place in a short time? Who was the first to strike? Why is Antony absent from the scene? What could have happened if Antony were to be present on the scene?

Ans: The assassination of Caesar is about to take place in a short time. Casca was the first one to strike at him. Antony is absent from the scene because he was separated from the group/ driven away by Tribonius. If Antony were to be present on the scene, he would make all possible effort to save Caesar, his best friend.

4.      Brutus:

Fates, we -------------------------------pleasure

That we---------------------------------------time

And drawing-------------------------------------upon.

Cassius:

Why -------------------------------------------------of life

Cuts off so many years of fearing death.

i)When does this conversation take place? In what state of mind are Brutus and Cassius?

Ans: This conversation takes place soon after the murder of Caesar. There was chaos and confusion among the senators. Both Brutus and Cassius are also afraid; but still they try to reassure the other senators by telling them not to be afraid and try to stay calm.

ii)What is meant by the ‘fates’? state in your own words what the fates were responsible for. According to the extract, what do men know and what do they fear?

Ans: ‘Fates’ means destiny. Fates are extremely unpredictable events. Their powers are very great and mysterious. Fates decide how long a person can live in this world. It’s beyond the control of people. According to extract, men know that death is inevitable but men are anxious about the length of their life span and means of prolonging to it.

iii)What positive note does casca strike in the death of Caesar? What does Brutus feel about it?

Ans: Casca was the first one to strike Caesar with a positive note, thinking about the future of the Romans and saving Rome from the tyranny of Caesar. Brutus also believes that the murder of Caesar is a religious ceremony, a sacrificial ritual, an act of liberation where they are the purgers and not the murderers.

iv)After the extract, what does Brutus ask the Romans to do? In what way does this seem to be a fulfillment of Calpurnia’s dream?

Ans: After the extract, Brutus asks the Romans to bathe their hands up to their elbows in Caesar’s blood and smear their swords with it and they should proceed to the market place, waving their blood-stained swords even their heads and shouting ‘peace, freedom, liberty.’ This act seems to be a fulfillment of Calpurnia’s dream in which she had seen that Caesar’s statue was spouting blood like a fountain from a hundred holes and many Romans had come smiling to wash their hands in Caesar’s blood.

v)State briefly the role played by the assassination of Caesar in the story-line of Julius Caesar.

Ans: The assassination of Caesar is the most crucial scene of the play. It depicts the brutal murder of Caesar at the hands of his so called friends and loyalties. Here, it is revealed how the prophecy of the soothsayer comes true. The belief in the supernatural of the Romans is once again is highlighted. This scene also marks the turning point of the play how the great orator, Mark Antony turns the mob by his speech against the conspirators for revenge. This scene explains the plotting of the conspiracy and its execution, the assassination of Julius Caesar.

5.       5.      Cassius:

Stoop, then ----------------------------------------hence

Shall this-------------------------------------------------over,

In states----------------------------------------------------unknown

Brutus:

How many------------------------------------------------------sport,

That now --------------------------------------------------------along

No worthier-------------------------------------------------------dust!

Cassius:

So oft --------------------------------be,

So often -------------------------------called

The men--------------------------------liberty.

Decius:

What, shall we forth?

Cassius:

Ay --------------------------------away:

Brutus shall ------------------------heels

With the most ---------------------------Rome.

(enter a servant)

Brutus: soft! Who comes here?

i)When Cassius says, ‘stoop, then, and wash,’ to whom is he speaking? What exactly does he mean? Who had just suggested washing?

Ans: When Cassius says, ‘stoop, then, and wash,’ he is speaking to all his co – conspirators. It means that they need to bathe their hands up to their elbows in Caesar’s blood and smear their swords with it. Brutus had suggested washing in the blood of Caesar.

ii)Explain the meaning of ‘states unborn’, accents’ and Pompey’s basis.’

Ans: States unborn means that the action of the murder of Caesar would be remembered for centuries and people would enact the scene to immortalize their great service to Rome.

Accents means that even in countries which so far had not been created their deed would be dramatized and people would speak of it in languages which had yet to be formed.

Pompey’s basis means that Caesar and Pompey had at first been allies. But later Pompey challenged Caesar, but Caesar defeated him and later killed by his friends. Similarly, Caesar was murdered like Pompey by his own friends. Like Pompey Caesar also dreamt of becoming king and gaining powers.

iii)What does Brutus want to express when he says, ‘How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport?

Ans: Brutus uses high sounding words to convince himself and the other conspirators that they had not committed any crime. He takes refuge in superficialities claiming that Caesar’s death would immortalize him because it would be indicated in theaters many times.

iv)What does Cassius believe ‘the knot of us’ will be called and why?

Ans: Cassius believes that they would be called the liberators of their country. He boasts that by killing Caesar they had given their country liberty and freedom and would be remembered with honour.

v)The entry of the servant of Antony may be said to mark the turning point of the whole play. Narrate, very briefly, in what way this is so.

Ans: Antony returns to the senate house where Caesar has been murdered. He comes to meet the conspirators and to ensure his own safety. He wants to know what are the intention regarding him. He cleverly praises Brutus and other conspirators to put off their suspicious and convinces them that he is harmless. He expresses grief to see Caesar’s dead body. He uses his sentiments to impress Brutus of his loyalty to his dead friend. Then, finally uses his tactics through his speech at Caesar’s funeral to incite the people of Rome against Caesar’s murderers and takes revenge at them.

 6.

1.      Antony:

O mighty Caesar! Does ---------------------------low?

Are -------------------------------------------------spoils,

Shrunk to ------------------------------well.

I know -------------------------------------intend,

Who else --------------------------------------rank:

If I -----------------------------------------------so fit

As -----------------------------------------------------instrument

Of half------------------------------------------------------rich

With the most --------------------------------------------world.

i)Where does the mighty Caesar lie? What is meant by this little measure’? give one example each of Caesar’s conquests and his glories.

Ans: The mighty Caesar lies dead at the base of Pompey’s statue. Antony laments that Caesar who had fought many wars, conquered many countries and ruled over vast land, was in the end lying dead occupying such a little space. The truth is that ultimately a man needs very little place to die, no matter how rich or famous he was in his lifetime.

ii)Who are the gentlemen’ he addresses? What does he implore them to do? What does his request tell us about his character?

Ans: The ‘gentlemen’ Antony addresses are the assassins of Caesar namely, Brutus, Cassius, Desius, Metellus, Cinna and Tribonius. He begs them to kill him along with Caesar if they had any hard feelings for him because he would like to die along with Caesar by the same weapons. His request tells us about his character is that he is a shrewd and clever politician.

iii)Give the meaning of; ‘who else must be let blood, who else is rank.’ What in your opinion, is Antony’s reason for saying so?

Ans: The term to let bleed’ refers to a practice of the doctors who used to bleed their patients for a variety of ailments. If was only their remedy. The word rank refers to the ancient doctors who would bleed a patient if they felt he had too much blood and required that some be taken away. Antony is questioning the conspirators that who else did they intend to kill because they considered him too strong and a threat to them or how many more were going to be killed by them?

iv)What does Antony’s expression, ‘the most noble blood of all this world’ indicate about Antony’s feelings for Caesar?

Ans: Antony implores the conspirators that in case they intended to kill him then it was the most suitable time to do so because he would love to die along with Caesar whom he loved so much. It was the most fitting hour, the right moment. It will enrich as they are by the most noble blood in the world.

v)What did Brutus tell Antony about the conspirator’s feelings for Caesar? Was Brutus honest? Why?

Ans: Brutus, the leader of the conspirators, assures Antony that they meant him no harm. They had no intentions of slaying him along with Caesar. Brutus then explains that the assassination of Caesar was imperative to save Rome; it was an act of honour. Brutus was honest in his feelings for Caesar. He assassinated Caesar for pure betterment of Rome and its people, and no personal grudge towards him.

7.

2.      Antony:

My credit ------------------------ground,

That one -------------------------------me,

Either -----------------------------------flatterer.

That I -----------------------------------------true;

i)What is meant by the word ‘credit’? why does it now stand ‘on such slippery ground’?

Ans: The ‘credit’ refers to reputation. Antony tells the conspirators that they must be doubting his sincerity and having a low opinion about him. His reputation with them was doubtful. It now stands on such slippery ground because opinion about him is not certain. The conspirators are not sure what to consider Antony to be. They were in dilemma as to decide what exactly Antony is – a coward or a flatterer.

ii)What does Antony mean to say by the following words: That one of two bad ways you must conceit me, either a coward or a flatterer?

Ans: Antony means that the conspirators would form one or the other of the two bad opinions about Antony. They would either regard him as a coward or a flatterer.

iii)What effect do Antony’s action and words have on his listeners?

Ans: Antony appears as a shrewd judge of character and knows how to use his grief at Caesar’s death to his own advantage. He puts up a show of sincerity and friendship ad impresses Brutus and the other conspirators. He I shrewd and cunning diplomat who can use flattery to charm even his enemies.

iv)What mistake did Brutus make by granting the request of Antony? What did Cassius warn him then? What was the consequence of the mistake?

Ans: Brutus made mistake by granting Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral. Brutus didn’t think that Antony would hot do any harm and not found fault with him. Cassius disagrees with Brutus, warning him that he was committing a mistake by allowing Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral. He tells Brutus that Antony, an eloquent orator, could win the support of the people. The consequence of his mistake was that Antony made a passionate appeal and incited the mob to turn against the conspirators.

v)How did Antony prove that he could be both a coward and a flatterer?

Ans: Antony proved him to be both a coward and a flatterer. He proved to be a coward since he was not showing anger and disgust to the conspirators even though they were the murderers of Caesar, his best friend. Rather he was extending them a hand in friendship when he should be hating them. He proved to be flatterer as he wanted to save himself by falsely praising the enemies of Caesar, his best friend.

1.      Pardon me, Julius! Here ---------------hart;

Here did -------------------------------------stand.

Sign ----------------------------------------------lethe.

O world ----------------------------------------------hart,

And this, --------------------------------------------of thee.

How like a deer --------------------------------------princes,

Dost thou here lie!

i)Who speaks these words; ‘here wast thou bay’d? what is the comparison implied in the expression? To what custom of the hunters does it refer?

Ans: These words are spoken by Antony in the senate house while grieving ever the dead of Caesar. The conspirators who murdered Caesar are referred to as hunters by Antony. He compares with deer to Caesar and hunters are the conspirators who hunted and then killed Caesar mercilessly.

ii)Explain the double meaning intended in the expression, ‘brave heart’.

Ans; Brave hart refers to Caesar, meaning a deer. The conspirators who murdered Caesar are referred as the hunters. Antony refers to Caesar as the deer and he was chased by and killed by the conspirators. Shakespeare has introduced a pun on the similar sounds of the words ‘hart’ and ‘heart’. Caesar was so great and mighty that the world centered around his personality and he is called the brave hart.

iii)Who are the hunters in the present crisis? Give the meaning of; ‘sign’d in thy spoil, and crimson’d in thy lethe.’

Ans: People those who take revenge, make plots against innocent and weak people and even murder them for silly reasons are the hunters in the present crisis. The phrase sign’d in thy spoil means that the assassins bear the signs of Caesar’s destruction and murder. Their swords and arms are stained with the blood of Caesar. Crimson’d in thy lethe refers to the reddened hands of the murderers of Caesar which are coloured with his life-blood. The word lethe literally means death and was a term used for the blood of the deer shed at the final blow.

iv)In what way was the world, ‘the forest to this hart,’ and ‘this indeed, o world, the heart of thee’?

Ans: Antony refers to Caesar as hart meaning deer. The conspirators are the hunters who hunted and killed Caesar mercilessly. Shakespeare has introduced a pun on the similar sounds of the words hart and heart. Metaphorically speaking the world was a forest in which Caesar was hart or deer hunted by his assassins. Similarly, Caesar was so great and mighty that the world centered around him personally and he might be called the heart of the world.

v)Why does the speaker arouse Cassius’ suspicion? What does Cassius ask the speaker as a result of the suspicion?

Ans: Cassius is not as trusting as Brutus and doesn’t get as easily impressed with Antony’s show of friendship and grief. He is suspicious of Antony’s real motives for seeking their friendship. He wants to know if he would actually join there with the conspirators’ sides or not.

2.      Antony:

And Caesar --------------------------revenge,

With ----------------------------------------hell

Shall in ------------------------------------voice

Cry -------------------------------------------war,

That ---------------------------------------------earth

With -----------------------------------------------burial.

i)Why Caesar’s spirit raging for revenge? When and to whom does Caesar’s spirit appear later in the play?

Ans: Caesar’s spirit raging for revenge for his murderers because they have killed Caesar mercilessly. Antony makes a prophecy that Caesar’s spirit will seek revenge for his murder. The spirit of Caesar would come along with the ancient goddess of revenge and mischief to bring ruin and destruction to the land of Italy. Caesar’s spirit appears later in the play on Cassius, Titninius and Brutus etc.

ii)Who is Ate? Why is her name used in the context? What is meant by ‘confines’?

Ans: Ate is the ancient Romans goddess from hell. Her name is used in the context because Caesar’s spirit would be accompanied by her and together they would bring death and destructions over the land of Italy as a revenge for the brutal and treacherous murder of Caesar. Here confines mean that no one would be spared for Ate would help the spirit of Caesar to let loose destruction and general bloodshed.

iii)With a monarch’s voice cry ‘havoc! – this indicates absolute and authoritative royal command for destruction. What does the expression foretell about the things to come?

Ans: Antony predicts that the spirit of Caesar would come along with the ancient Roman goddess of revenge and mischief to bring ruin and destruction to the land of Italy. The spirit would in a mighty voice order the ruin and destruction of Italy and let lose all the horrors of war. Not only would the smell of the foul murder of Caesar haunt the land of Italy but also the stench of rotting many dead bodies urgently needed burial. Death would rule the land ordered by the spirit of Caesar seeking revenge.

iv)Who are the dogs of war’? which foul deed is referred to and how will it smell above the earth?

Ans: People of Rome, especially the conspirators are the dogs of war. The spirit of Caesar along with romans ancient goddess Ate would revenge against the conspirators and there would be horrors of wars and destructions. The foul is referred to the foul murder of Caesar by the conspirators. The smell of the foul murder of Caesar would haunt the people and stench of rotting innumerable dead bodies, urgently needing burial. Death would rule the earth.

v)What would the consequences of these happenings be for the conspirators and as well as for Antony?

Ans: Antony is consumed with hatred for Caesar’s murderers and passionately wants to take revenge. He also predicts that Caesar’s spirit would be accompanied by the ancient Roman Goddess Ate and together they would bring death and destructions over the land of Italy as well as the revenge for the brutal and mercilessly murder of Caesar on the conspirators. The spirit of Caesar would take revenge after all the conspirators.

10.

3.      Antony:

Yet --------------------------awhile;

Thou -----------------------------corpse

Into -----------------------------------try,

In my ----------------------------------take

The cruel -------------------------------men

i)To whom is Antony speaking? Why is this person here? Where are they?

Ans: Antony is speaking these words to a servant of Octavius Caesar who had come to deliver a verbal message to Antony that his master was coming. They are beside Caesar’s dead body in the senate house after all the conspirators had left.

ii)What had Antony just said to this person before telling him to ‘stay awhile’? how did this person help Antony?

Ans; Antony had just said to his person before telling him to stay awhile was to travel back speedily and tell his master what has happened in Rome. Rome is a place of mourning, a place of danger. There is no safety here for Octavius. Yet go off and tell him so. This person helped Antony to carry Caesar’s dead body into the market place.

iii)Explain the meaning of ‘oration’. What does this passage reveal to us about what Antony proposed to do?

Ans: Oration means speech. Antony planned to speak eloquently in his speech at the forum and to turn the public opinion in his favour and against the murderers of Caesar. He knew that he was a powerful orator and could sway the sentiments of the public and incite them to revolt against the assassins.

iv)Earlier, Antony said, ‘over thy wounds now do I prophesy.’ Mention any three points of his prophesy.

Ans; Three points of Antony’s prophesy are – a) a curse shall fall upon the limbs of men. B) there shall be war and destruction so frequent and dreadful and all pity shall die as foul deeds become the general custom. C) the spirit of Caesar would haunt for revenge along with goddess Ate.

v)Which trait of Antony’s nature is shown in this passage? Give examples of two other occasions in the play where a different aspect of his character is shown – distinct from the one shown in this extract.

Ans; Antony, the best friend of Caesar is shown at the beginning of the play as a sportsperson who takes part in the race at the feast of Lupercal He is a reveler who enjoys the good things of life. Antony’ nature is shown in this passage as an emotional man who is over come with sorrow at the death of his best friend Caesar. His grief is genuine and speaks of his love and loyalty for Caesar. He pledges to punish the murderers and curses them with death and destruction. He does it with his powerful speech in which he turns the audience to his side and incites them to revolt against murderers of Caesar.