Workbook Solutions: Julius Caesar Act 5 (Scene 5) | English Class 9 ICSE PDF Download

Multiple Choice Questions I

Q1: Brutus is resting on
a. a rock 
b. a pavement 
c. in the battlefield 
d. in his house
Ans: a. a rock

Q2: Brutus is desperate to
a. die 
b. run away 
c. kill the triumvirs 
d. fall asleep
Ans: a. die

Q3: Brutus, before he dies, asks Caesar
a. to be still 
b. to take revenge 
c. to create havoc 
d. to forgive him
Ans: a. to be still

Q4: Antony says that Brutus had
a. all the elements so mix’d in him 
b. no good qualities 
c. had a great amount of prejudice 
d. a selfish nature
Ans: a. all the elements so mix’d in him

Q5: Octavius, at the end of the play, decides to
a. call the field to rest 
b. call the field to march 
c. to bury Brutus at once 
d. to reward the soldiers
Ans: a. call the field to rest

Context questions I

Passage 1

VOLUMNIUS – What says my Lord?
BRUTUS – Why this, Voluminous
The ghost of Caesar hath appear’d to me
Two several times by night: at Sardis once,
And this ladt night here in Philippi fields.
I know My hour is come.

Q1: Where are the speakers? Who else are there with them? Where did Brutus ask them to rest?
Ans: The speakers are in Philippi, on the battlefield. With them are Dardanius, Clitus, Strato, and Volumnius. Brutus asked them to rest on a rock.

Q2: Who was feared to be taken? Who does Brutus whisper to?
Ans: Statilius was feared to be taken or slain. Brutus whispers to Clitus and then to Dardanius.

Q3: What does Brutus whisper to Clitus that makes him react very strongly? What does he say? What does it indicate about Clitus’ feelings towards Brutus?
Ans: Brutus whispers to Clitus asking him to kill him, which Clitus strongly refuses, saying he would rather kill himself. This indicates Clitus’ loyalty and respect towards Brutus, showing he could not bear the thought of harming him.

Q4: How did the prophecy of the ghost of Caesar come true? How many times and where did the ghost of Caesar appear to Brutus?
Ans: The prophecy of the ghost of Caesar came true with Brutus’ death, signaling his hour had come. The ghost appeared to Brutus two times: once at Sardis and the last night in the Philippi fields.

Q5: What does Brutus request Volumnius to do? What special relationship did the two share in the past?
Ans: Brutus requests Volumnius to hold his sword while he runs onto it, intending to kill himself. They shared a special relationship of old friends, having gone to school together.

Passage 2

ANTONY – This was the noblest Roman of them all.
All the conspirators save only he
Did what they did in envy of great Caesar

Q1: Who does Antony pay his tribute to? Which people are included in the word ‘all’?
Ans: Antony pays his tribute to Brutus, including all the conspirators in the word ‘all’.

Q2: What does Antony say about the person at the end of his speech? What were the elements ‘so mix’d in him’? Refer to the Elizabethan way of thinking.
Ans: Antony says that Brutus was the noblest Roman of them all, with elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, “This was a man!” This refers to the ideal balance of qualities such as bravery, moral integrity, and compassion in Brutus, as per the Elizabethan view of an ideal person.

Q3: What does Octavius order about this ‘noble Roman’? Did the person deserve the honour? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans: Octavius orders that Brutus be given all respects and rites of burial, stating his bones shall lie within his tent that night, ordered honorably. Yes, Brutus deserved the honor as, unlike the other conspirators who acted out of envy, Brutus acted for what he believed was the common good of Rome, maintaining his honor and principles until the end.

Q4: What idea of disloyalty and deceit is highlighted in the play?
Ans: The idea of disloyalty and deceit is highlighted through the actions of the conspirators against Caesar, who betray him despite his trust and friendship. Brutus’ internal conflict and his ultimate decision to join the conspiracy also underscore these themes, as he grapples with loyalty to Caesar versus his perceived duty to Rome.

Q5: What sort of burial does the person get? What does this show about Brutus’ status in society? Did you like the ending of the play? Write your answer in a short paragraph.
Ans: Brutus receives a burial with full honors and respect, indicating his high status in society and the recognition of his noble intentions by even his adversaries. This reflects the complexity of his character and the tragic nature of his choices, providing a profound commentary on the themes of honor, loyalty, and the consequences of political actions. The ending of the play is fittingly tragic and thought-provoking, effectively bringing closure to the tumultuous events and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. It leaves the audience to ponder the true cost of power and the nature of honor, making it a compelling conclusion to the story.