Julius Caesar Summary Class 10 Literature Reader Chapter 14

SUMMARY

Caesar wanders about in his night-gown and is kept awake by Calpurnia’s nightmares. She called out in her sleep about supernatural omens that spelled disaster. Calpurnia believes that such bad omens are a premonition of evil and some harm would befall Caesar. Caesar rebuffs her, refusing to give in to fear. Caesar deems the signs to apply to the world in general and refuses to believe they bore ill for him personally. Finally, Calpurnia prevails upon Caesar to stay at home. Decius Brutus jeopardises Calpurnia’s plan and forces Caesar to go to the Senate, where the senators were waiting to offer a crown to him. On his way, Caesar rejects the petition of Cimber to revoke the orders for his brother’s banishment. This proves to be the last nail in his coffin. Immediately afterwards, Casca and other senators along with Brutus stab Caesar. Caesar’s last words are, “Et tu Brute?”

The conspirators turn to the plebians and start shouting slogans of “Liberty, Freedom and Enfranchisement” as if they were safeguarding the rights of all the Romans.

Mark Antony is too dumbstruck to see Caesar’s dead body in a pool of blood, but tactfully restrains himself from making any statements. He requests Brutus for allowing him to make a funeral speech. Dismissing Cassius’ objection, Brutus allows him but only after he has himself addressed the plebians. Antony uses his excellent oratorical skills very cleverly and succeeds in inciting the mob to mutiny and wreck havoc against the conspirators. Brutus and others have to flee for their lives and Octavious Caesar arrives to clinch the victory for Antony and save Caesar’s honour.