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SA-2 NOTES [FA-3 + FA-4] A SHADY PLOT Q: 5(a)

What genre of stories does Jenkins want the narrator to write? Why? Answer Jenkins had always called upon Hallock whenever he wanted a ghost story to be published in his magazine. John's ghosts were live propositions as Jenkins called them. This time again Jenkins wanted Hallock to come up with another supernatural thriller, which would give the readers horrors and that is what the public wanted too.

Q: 5(b)

Does the narrator like writing ghost stories? Support your answer with evidence from the story. Answer The narrator lacked the self confidence as he himself talked of how he didn't specialise in ghost stories; instead, he said that the ghost stories specialised in him. His first story had been a ghost fiction too; however, for that also he had to chase inspiration in vain for months. This all shows that the narrator was, though natural, an accidental ghost fiction writer.

Q: 5(c)

What makes Helen, the ghost, and her other co-ghosts organize The Writer's Inspiration Bureau? Answer Helen and other co-ghosts organised The Writer's Insipiration Bureau because they felt there were many writers without ideas, however, with a vulnerable mind who were looking for an inspiration to write ghost stories.They lookedfor ideas when they were alive.The bureau would assign a ghost to such a writer so that he/she could write good ghost stories.

Q: 5(d)

Why had Helen, the ghost been helping the narrator write ghost stories? Why was she going on strike? What condition did she place for providing continued help? Answer Helen provided inspiration to the narrator to write ghost stories. She and co-ghosts were going on a strike because they were tired of answering questions of Ouija board fanatics. They felt they were disturbed too often to answer silly questions. She urged the narrator to influence his friends and acquaintances to stop using the Ouija board. It was on this condition she promised to help the narrator to write stories.

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Q: 5(e)

How does the ghost undermine the narrator's faith in his ability to write ghost stories? Answer Helen tells the narrator that she had helped him write his ghost stories. She tells the narrator of the many times when she had leaned on the narrator's shoulder and had given him ideas, when he was thinking hard while writing a ghost story. Helen tries to tell the narrator that had she not been there for him as a muse, he would not have been able to write good ghost stories.

Q: 5(f)

Why does John want the ghost to disappear before his wife appears on the scene? What impression of his wife's character do you form from his words? Answer Lavina is a sensitive woman and is subject to hysterics. If she sees John talking to a ghost she would lose it all.He didn't want to scare her. Lavinia is crazy about every new fashion and fad, so much feminine in nature that John fears the thought of how she would react in such a situation.

Q: 5(g)

Why does the narrator hesitate to be a partner to Laura Hinkle during the Ouija Board Party? Answer Helen, the ghost, had asked the narrator to influence his friends to stop using the Ouija board. It was only on this condition that Helen promised to help the narrator to write ghost stories. If Helen sees him now himself trying to communicate ghosts through Ouija board, he fears that she will not help him to write ghost stories.Besides Laura Hinkle was also flirtitious in nature. That is why the narrator was reluctant to be a partner to Laura Hinkle during the Ouija Board party.

Q: 5(h)

What message does the ghost convey to the group that had assembled in the narrator's house? What is their reaction to the message? Answer Helen called John a traitor as he bluffs her. He had promised Helen that he would convince his friends to stop contacting ghosts; rather here he himself was doing the same. She is annoyed and filled with anguish and so goes to everyone's Ouija board one by one and tells that Mr. Hallock is a traitor. After this revelation everybody suspected John of cheating upon his wife Later John clarified to his wife and she even understood.

Q: 5(i)

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Do you agree with the narrator calling the assembly of women "manipulators?" Give reasons. Answer The narrator felt that everybody in the room was looking at him suspiciously. That is why he called the assembly of women "manipulators". The women were not manipulating things. However, they were just reporting what was happening at their Ouija Board.

Q: 5(j)

Why is John's wife angry? What does she decide to do? Answer John's wife is angry because she, like other women, believed what the spirit said through the Ouija board, about her husband. A woman even reported that Helen has called John a traitor. Lavinia thought that her husband was cheating on her. She decided to go to her grandmother's house. She also decided to separate from her husband.

Q: 5(k)

Why does John wish he were dead? Answer John wished he was dead because a brief meeting with a ghost had created such situations that he was about to lose his wife, whom he loved dearly; it destroyed his happiness and home.

Q: 5(l)

When confronted by Lavinia about his flirtations over the Ouija Board, John insists that 'the affair was quite above-board, I assure you, my love'. Bring out the pun in John's statement. Answer John assures his wife that his flirtations with Helen the ghost are above board. He tries to tell her that whatever that has happened between him and Helen is over the board of Ouija and there was nothing that he wished to hide from his wife; in fact there was nothing to tell.

Q: 5(m)

John's apprehensions about his wife's reaction to her encounter with the ghost are unfounded. Justify. Answer John thought that his wife would become hysterical if she saw the ghost Helen; however, when the encounter happened, she confidently spoke to the ghost and was not at all scared of it.

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PATOL BABU, FILM STAR

Q: 3(a)

What was the news that Nishikanto Ghosh gave Patol Babu? Answer Nishikanto Babu told Patol Babu that his brother-in law, who was in the film business, was looking for an actor for a film they were shooting. The character he described reminded Nishikanto Babu of Patol Babu so he gave him his address and asked him to get in touch with him.

Q: 3(b)

How did Patol Babu react? Why? Answer Patol Babu was taken aback by the acting offer. He was surprised as it seemed unbelievable to him that a 52-year old nobody like him was getting a chance to act in a film.

Q: 3(c)

Why had Patol Babu lost his first job in Calcutta? Answer The Second World War had resulted in Patol Babu being retrenched from his nine-year-old clerical job at Hudson and Kimberley.

Q: 3(d)

How does Patol Babu reconcile to the dialogue given to him? Answer Initially, Patol Babu was shocked to see his monosyllabic dialogue. , But when he remembered the words of his mentor, he felt that a true actor could make his mark even with a single syllable. His mentor's words rang in his mind who had once said that each word spoken in a play was like a fruit in a tree. Not everyone in the audience has access to it. So, the actor must know how to pluck it, get at its essence, and serve it up to the audience for their edification. These words helped Patol Babu perform the role assigned to him with conviction.

Q: 3(e)

Who was Mr. Pakrashi? How do his words help Patol Babu in enacting his role? Answer Patol Babu was a meticulous man. This can be seen in the instances from the story. He reached the shooting site on time and in the attire he was asked to wear. He asked for his lines because he wished to rehearse them before his scene was shot.

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Q: 3(f)

How do we know that Patol Babu was a meticulous man? Answer Mr. Mullick turned down Patol Babu's request for a rehearsal because it was getting cloudy and he wanted to shoot the scene in sunlight.

Q: 3(g)

Why did Mr. Mullick turn down Patol Babu's request for a rehearsal? Answer Patol Babu suggested that if he walked while trying to reading a newspaper then the collision would look more realistic. He also planned in advance on how many steps he would have to take in order to collide with Chanchal Kumar. He also decided that his exclamation of "Oh" would be a mix of irritation and surprise.

Q: 3(h)

What were the special touches that Patol Babu gave to his role to make it more authentic? Answer Patol Babu rehearsed the exact number of steps for colliding with the hero, added a small grey moustache to his look and held a newspaper open in his hand. These were the special touches which he gave to his look for making his role seem more authentic.

Q: 4(a)

'I hope the part calls for some dialogue?' Who says this? Why does he /she ask this question? Answer

These lines are said by Patol Babu. He had been a stage actor for many years before work forced him to come to Calcutta. He was a very passionate actor; in fact he was obsessed with acting. There was a time when people would buy tickets just to see him perform.He was getting a chance of his lifetime after a long wait and he didn't want to take any chances. He wanted to practice before he could give the final performance. He wanted his part to be perfect.

Q: 4(b)

Were these people pulling his legs? Was the whole thing a gigantic hoax? A meek, harmless man like him, and they had to drag him into the middle of the city to make a laughing stock out of him. How could anyone be so cruel?' Why does Patol Babu have these thoughts?

Answer

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The reason for Patol Babu having such kind of thoughts was that the dialogue that he was given shocked him. It was for the first time that Patol Babu had got an opportunity to act in a film. Till now he had acted on the stage. He was very excited. He reaches the shooting site at the designated time. After watching the film shoot for some time, he asked for his dialogue so that he could memorise and rehearse it.

All he had to do was to collide with the hero and utter "oh". He was very disappointed. He expected a small role with some dialogues but here he just had to utter a monosyllable. Patol Babu was a very good actor and he thought that by giving him such an insignificant role they had made a mockery of him and his acting skills.

Q: 4(c)

Patol Babu is an amateur actor for whom walk-on part in a movie turns into an ultimate challenge. Discuss.

Answer

Patol Babu is initially very disappointed because of the small role he had been given. Then he is reminded of his mentor's words that "however small a part, never consider it beneath your dignity to accept it". Motivated by these words, Patol Babu decides to rehearse his part before the final shoot. He chooses a reclusive spot to practice. As he practices, he realises that a monosyllabic exclamation could be said in different ways and carried different meanings. He also rehearsed how he would react physically when the collision took place - he would twist his face in pain, fling his arms, and crouch to show pain and surprise. He really worked hard at his part and performed it to perfection.

Q: 4(d)

Do you agree with the statement that Patol Babu is a practical man who comes to terms with whatever life has to offer? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer

Patol Babu had a passion for acting. In fact, there was a time when people used to buy tickets just to watch him. But he left all this and moved to Calcutta from Kanchrapara because he was offered a job with a better salary. In Calcutta, he gave up his plans of starting a club in his neighbourhood and dabbled in various jobs to make his ends meet. When an acting offer came by, he readily agreed to do it. Though he was initially disturbed by the triviality of the role, he performed the part to perfection without taking any payment for it. Patol Babu believed it was not about whether the role that an actor plays is major or minor, rather performance of the actor mattered the most. Thus, we can say that Patol Babu was a practical man who accepted whatever came his way.

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Q: 4(e)

Why does Patol Babu walk away before he can be paid for his role? What does this reveal about his character?

Answer

Patol Babu executed his part to perfection. However, he wondered whether the immense effort he had put in to enact a small role would be appreciated by everybody or not. The film unit usually got hold of some people, made them do their parts and paid them a small amount. They were not bothered about the quality of performance.

Although Patol Babu performed a small role, he felt that taking money for it would be trivialising his performance. He was a true actor for whom creative satisfaction was foremost and not money.

Q: 4(f)

Do you think making a movie is an easy job? Discuss with reference to the story

Answer

The story, Patol Babu, Film Star, describes a film shoot. Filmmaking is a long and tedious process. Every scene has to be rehearsed many times before it is finally shot. Plenty of heavy equipments and expensive cameras are used. Film actors have to shoot in extreme weather conditions, sometimes in front of large crowds. The noise and extreme weather can, at times, distract an actor. The production unit has to see minor details, arrange for actors for small roles, and arrange for props. In short making a film is a combined effort of many people.

VIRTUALLY TRUE

Q: 3(a)

Why did the news of the 'miracle recovery' shock Michael?

Answer

The news article mentioned that a fourteen-year-old boy called Sebastian Shultz, who had gone into a coma following the accident, had miraculously recovered. Michael was shocked to read this. When he saw the picture of Sebastian, he realized that he was the same boy whom he had met in the virtual world and was trying to rescue. Michael couldn't understand that how he could meet Sebastian if he was in coma. At times facts are stranger than fiction.

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Q: 3(b)

Michael's meeting with Sebastian Shultz had been a chance meeting. Where had it taken place and how?

Answer

Michael's chance meeting with Sebastian had taken place in the virtual world. He had met Sebastian for the first time in a game called Wildwest.

Q: 3(c)

What kind of computers fascinated Michael and his dad? Why?

Answer

Michael and his dad had recently bought a Pentium 150 MHz processor, with 256 of RAM, a 1.2 GB hard disk drive and 16 speed CD ROM, complete with speakers, printer, modem and scanner. This computer could do anything: paint, play music, create displays and even make rubbish homework look fantastic.

Q: 3(d)

Describe the first place where Michael was virtually transported.

Answer

The first place Michael was transported was the time period between the American Civil war and end of the 19th century. (mid 1830's-1920). Geographically, it was west America. Michael was playing a game called Wildwest where he was a Sheriff caught in a gun fight in a saloon.

Q: 3(e)

What help did Sebastian Shultz ask Michael for? How did he convey this message?

Answer

Sebastian Shultz was in the virtual world when his accident took place. As a result he got stuck there. He encountered Michael in this virtual world. He wanted Michael to rescue him. He sent a message to Michael through his printer.

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Q: 3(f)

Why did Michael fail in rescuing Sebastian Shultz the first time?

Answer

Michael couldn't rescue Sebastian the first time because before he could save him, he was shot by gunmen.

Q: 3(g)

The second attempt to rescue Sebastian Shultz too was disastrous. Give reasons.

Answer

Sebastian chopped the princess's long plaits and tied them together to form a rope and managed to flee from the tower. He and Michael headed towards the dungeons. However, the dragon followed them. As they were going down the steps, the dragon appeared and caught Sebastian. Michael tried to kill the dragon but he had already taken Sebastian. Thus, the second attempt to save Sebastian failed as well.

Q: 3(h)

Narrate the accident that injured Sebastian Shultz.

Answer

Sebastian Shultz was badly injured in a car accident. He had banged his head. When he was brought to the hospital, the doctors described his condition critical but stable. Despite doctors' efforts Sebastian could not regain consciousness. He had gone into coma.

Q: 3(i)

How had Sebastian Shultz entered the games?

Answer

At the time of the accident, Sebastian was using his laptop to play one of the psycho-drive games. He was plugged on to the computer when his head banged in the accident. The

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computer had saved his memory in its own. Thus, Sebastian had entered the games but could not come out of it.

Q: 3(j)

How was Sebastian Shultz's memory stored on Michael's disk? Did Michael discover that?

Answer

At the time of the accident, Sebastian was plugged on to the computer and the computer had saved his memory on its own. When Sebastian's family was in the hospital, somebody stole their whole lot of games. Some of them ended up at Computer Fair, where they were bought by Michael. Michael discovered this when he read an article on the internet about Sebastian's miraculous discovery.

OZYMANDIAS

Q: 5(a)

"The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed." Whose hand and heart has the poet referred to in this line?

Answer

The hand and heart referred to, here, is that of the sculptor.

Q: 5(b)

"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:" Why does Ozymandias refer to himself as King of Kings? What quality of the king is revealed through this statement?

Answer

In order to emphasize on him to be the most powerful of all kings, King Ozymandias calls himself 'King of Kings'. The king supposedly was very powerful, aggressive, arrogant and boastful.

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Q: 5(c)

"Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Who is Ozymandias referring to when he speaks of ye Mighty? Why should they despair?

Answer

Ozymandias refers to all the other rulers to come after his reign. They should despair, because according to him, they can't surpass his glory and power.

Q: 5(d)

Bring out the irony in the poem.

Answer

The irony of "Ozymandias" cuts much deeper as the reader realises that the forces of mortality and flexibility, described brilliantly in the concluding lines, will wear down and destroy all our lives. There is a special justice in the way tyrants are subject to time, but all humans face death and decay. The poem primarily depicts an ironic picture of Ozymandias and other rulers like him, but it is also a prominent thought on time-bound humanity: the traveller in the ancient land, the sculptor-artist who fashioned the tomb, and the reader of the poem, no less than Ozymandias, inhabit a world that is "boundless and bare."

Q: 5(e)

'Nothing beside remains.' What does the narrator mean when he says these words?

Answer

When the narrator says these words, he emphasizes on the fact that human life is time bound. The power and popularity of the ruler descended with the descent of the ruler. Nothing is immortal and immutable in this world.

Q: 5(f)

What is your impression of Ozymandias as a king?

Answer

To me, Ozymandias seems to be a very powerful tyrannical ruler, who was extremely boastful of himself and his kingdom.

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Q: 5(g)

What message is conveyed through this poem?

Answer

Through this poem a very important message is conveyed which explains the ultimate truth of human lives that nothing is immortal. Everything in this world is time-bound and not immortal. The immutability of time has been explained through this poem.

THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER

How did the ancient mariner stop the wedding guest?

Answer

The ancient mariner held the wedding guest with his skinny hand, and forced him into listening to him, capturing his attention with his glittering eyes. His gaze was so strong and intense, that even though the wedding guest did not want to listen to the story, was forced to, much against his will.

Q: 7(b)

Was the wedding guest happy to be stopped? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer

The wedding guest was extremely displeased to be stopped. This statement can be justified by taking instances from the poem where he tries to shrug off his hand, in order to proceed towards the wedding ceremony. His impatience is also noticed when he says he is one of the next family members who should be present in the wedding However, the ancient mariner holds him with his "glittering" eyes, forcing him to listen to the story. The wedding guest started beating his breast out of frustration, in between the narration, hearing the sounds of music being played.

Q: 7(c)

Describe the ancient mariner.

Answer

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The poem's protagonist, is unnaturally old, skinny, deeply-tanned and a "glittering eye."He sets sail from his native country with two hundred other men who are all saved from a strange, icy patch of ocean when they are kind to an Albatross that lives there. Impulsively and inexplicably, he shoots the Albatross with his crossbow and is punished for his crime by a spirit who loved the Albatross. He is cursed to be haunted indefinitely by his dead shipmates, and to be compelled to tell the tale of his downfall at random times. Each time he is compelled to share his story with someone, he feels a physical agony that decreases only temporarily once he finishes telling the tale.

Q: 7(d)

How does the mariner describe the movement of the ship as it sails away from the land?

Answer

The journey away from the land, and into the icy world, is very well portrayed by the mariner. It grew wondrous cold, with the arrival of mist and snow. The clean weather has ice everywhere, making the existence of life a bleak possibility. The masts of the ship were stuck and the ship couldn't be sailed because of the formation of a thin, clear, bright, shiny layer of ice.

Q: 7(e)

What kind of weather did the sailors enjoy at the beginning of their journey? How has it been expressed in the poem?

Answer

The beginning of the journey witnessed very nice and favourable weather conditions. The sun rose bright and shone bright on the mast at noon. Things like the church, the hill and the lighthouse top signify life, society and human lives, which becomes a bleak idea soon in the later part of the poem.

Q: 7(f)

How did the sailors reach the land of mist and snow?

Answer

The sailors were caught amidst a huge severe storm. This fierce storm chased their ship southwards. The masts started to stoop down and the front of the ship dipped low, indicating the loss of control of the ship, in the hands of the storm.

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Q: 7(g)

How does the mariner express the fact that the ship was completely surrounded by icebergs?

Answer

The words "the ice was here, the ice was there, the ice was all around," gives us the picture of the ship surrounded, or rather, caught completely by the icebergs.

Q: 7(h)

How do we know that the albatross was not afraid of the humans? Why did the sailors hail it in God's name?

Answer

It can be said for sure that the albatross didn't fear humans because it followed the mariners day and night and ate and played with them as well. The sailors hailed it in God's name because it was a messenger from God which lifted the fog and mist and gave them hope for survival.

Q: 7(i)

What was the terrible deed done by the Mariner? Why do you think he did it?

Answer

The terrible deed done by the Mariner was that he shot the albatross. I think he did it because he considered its presence to be a bad omen.

SNAKE

Q: 6(a)

Why does the poet decide to stand and wait till the snake has finished drinking?

What does this tell you about the poet?

Answer

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The poet decides to stand and wait till the snake has finished drinking because he was second to come over there. The snake was the first comer as well as his guest. Unless the snake was gone, he couldn't go to the trough.

Q: 6(b)

In stanza 2 and 3, the poet gives a vivid description of the snake by using suggestive expressions. What picture of the snake do you form on the basis of this description?

Answer

From the above mentioned stanzas, the picture emerges very beautiful and clear. The poet is in his pyjamas and has his pitcher. The snake glides its way graciously over to the water-trough. It depicts the beauty majestic look of the snake.

Q: 6(c)

How does the poet describe the day and the atmosphere when he saw the snake?

Answer

The poet described the day and atmosphere to be hot. It is clear through phrases used in the poem like: 'On a hot, hot day', 'in the deep, strange scented shade…', 'burning bowels of the earth', 'day of Sicilian July, when Etna smoking'.

Q: 6(d)

What does the poet want to convey by saying that the snake emerges from the 'burning bowels of the earth'?

Answer

By this the poet wants to convey that there is intense heat inside the hole of the earth as it is burning.

Q: 6(e)

Do you think the snake was conscious of the poet's presence? How do you know?

Answer

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I think the snake was not conscious of the poet's presence as if it were, it couldn't have behaved majestically and as if it were in a dream. It looked around like a god but not at the poet, though it looked in the direction where the poet stood.

Q: 6(f)

How do we know that the snake's thirst was satiated? Pick out the expressions that convey this.

Answer

The snake's thirst was satiated as it looked dreamily after drinking the water. The expressions used to justify the same are: 'and flickered his two-forked tongue', 'mused a moment', 'he drank enough', 'and lifted his head dreamily.'

Q: 6(g)

The poet has a dual attitude towards the snake. Why does he experience conflicting emotions on seeing the snake?

Answer

The poet has a dual attitude towards the snake. It is because he is caught in between by human instinct and rational thought (called voice of human education). Human instinct makes him appreciate the snake and love animals. The rational instinct makes him appreciate the snake and love animals. The rational thought says that snakes are poisonous. So they must be killed.

Q: 6(h)

The poet is filled with horror and protest when the snake prepares to retreat and bury itself in the 'horrid black', 'dreadful' hole. In the light of this statement, bring out the irony of his act of throwing a log at the snake.

Answer

The irony of the situation lies in the fact that the snake was already withdrawing himself. So there wasn't any need to throw the log at him. However, the poet does it and later regrets for the same.

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Q: 6(i)

The poet seems to be full of admiration and respect for the snake. He almost regards him like a majestic God. Pick out at least four expressions from the poem that reflect these emotions.

Answer

The expressions are: 'and flickered his two-forked tongue/ from his lips', 'and mused a moment', 'But must I confess, I liked him', 'How glad I was…', 'like a guest in quiet', 'I stared with fascination', 'Like a king in exile.'

Q: 6(j)

What is the difference between the snake's movement at the beginning of the poem and later when the poet strikes it with a log of wood? You may use relevant vocabulary from the poem to highlight the difference.

Answer

We find the snake thirsty at the beginning of the poem. It draws its slack body over the edge of the water-trough leisurely and slowly. But when the poet strikes a log at it, it 'convulses and writhes' like lightening.

Q: 6(k)

The poet experiences feelings of self-derision, guilt and regret after hitting the snake. Pick out expressions that suggest this. Why does he feel like this?

Answer

The expressions are 'A sort of horror, a sort of protest', 'I thought how paltry, how vulgar, what a mean act!', 'I despised myself', 'to expiate', 'A pettiness'.

The poet feels this way because he feel regret and realizes that he shouldn't have thrown a log to kill the snake.

Q: 6(l)

You have already read Coleridge's poem The Ancient Mariner in which an albatross is killed by the mariner. Why does the poet make an allusion to the albatross?

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Answer

The poet makes an allusion to the albatross because it was shot by the Ancient mariner, although nobody wanted it to die. However, later on board the ship, everybody agreed on it being a right thing to do. Later, the mariners wanted it back as it brought with it, the wind to steer the ship. Likewise, the poet in Snake wants the snake back to accept his hospitality like an honored guest.

Q: 6(m)

'I have something to expiate'-Explain.

Answer

It means that the poet has something to regret for ever. This is that he shouldn't have thrown a log to kill the snake.

JULIUS CEASER

Q: 6(a)

How do the heavens 'blaze forth' the death of Julius Caesar?

Answer

Calpurnia sees horrible and frightening dreams. She heard from people who saw a lioness giving birth on the streets, fierce warriors fighting a bloody fight and blood falling on the Capitol, ghosts shrieking and squealing in the streets, the dead coming out of the grave. All these were unnatural happenings and indicated bad omen. Thus heavens "blaze forth" the death of Julius Caesar.

Q: 6(b)

What does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar of?

Answer

Calpurnia tries to convince Caesar that he should not go out of the house that day as some mishap might happen. She describes her frightening dreams to Caesar and tells him that they indicate bad omen. She tells him for his safety he should not step out of the house.

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Q: 6(c)

Why does Calpurnia say 'Caesar's wisdom is consumed in confidence'? What does she mean?

Answer

Calpurnia says that 'Caesar's wisdom is consumed in confidence' because Caesar decides to go to the Senate ignoring all the signs which foretell him about danger. Calpurnia felt that Caesar had become overconfident and because of this he couldn't understand there was a threat to his life. Julius doesn't act wise and declines the idea of staying back because if he did so, he would be considered a coward.

Q: 6(d)

What does Calpurnia dream about Caesar? How does Decius Brutus interpret the dream?

Answer

Calpurnia dreamed that Caesar's statue spouted blood from a hundred places and many Roman people came and washed their hands in it. Decius Brutus interprets it as a lucky and fortunate dream. He says that Rome and Romans will get a new life. Great man shall gather around Caesar and stain their handkerchief in his blood. Distinguished men will get honour at his hands and everything relating to him will be held in utmost reverence.

Q: 6(e)

What are the arguments put forward by Decius Brutus to convince Caesar to go to the Capitol?

Answer

Decius Brutus is a clever man. The arguments put forward by Decius Brutus were that the Senate had decided to present Caesar a crown and if he did not go, then they might change their minds. All this convinces Caesar to go to the Capitol.

Q: 6(f)

Why is Decius more successful than Calpurnia in persuading Caesar?

Answer

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Decius Brutus is a great flatterer. He is more successful in persuading Caesar than Calpurnia because his argument appeals to Caesar's pride.While Calpurnia wishes that Caesar should stay at home after seeing horrible dreams, Decius Brutus interprets the dreams lucky and fortunate for Caesar .His revelation of the fact that the senators planning to offer him the crown that day did the rest of the work.. He gives Caesar's ego a boost. Caesar is totally carried away by his words and decides to go to the Capitol.

Q: 6(g)

What is the petition put before Caesar by the conspirators? How does Caesar respond to it?

Answer

The conspirators want that Caesar should call Publius Cimber home as he had banished him. They request him to review his earlier decision. However, Caesar is no mood to relent. He tells the conspirators that he is firm like a Pole Star. His heart will not be softened by bowing and stooping activities and if Mettellus Cimber continues such activities, he would turn him away like a street dog.

Q: 6(h)

Who says "Et tu Brute"? When are these words spoken? Why?

Answer

These words are spoken by Caesar when Brutus along with other conspirators stabs Caesar. Caesar was stabbed in the Senate House and Brutus too stabs him. Caesar had not expected Brutus to behave in such a treacherous manner. As he tries to defend himself, with his broken heart, he says 'Et tu Brute'.

Q: 6(i)

In the moments following Caesar's death what do the conspirators proclaim to justify Caesar's death?

Answer

After Caesar's death, the conspirators claim that with Caesar's death tyranny has ended in Rome. They shout slogans like 'Peace, Liberty, Freedom and Enfranchisement'. They say that although Caesar was a great man, he had become too ambitious.

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Q: 6(j)

Seeing the body of Caesar, Antony is overcome by grief. What does he say about Caesar?

Answer

Antony is filled with grief and sorrow on seeing mighty Caesar lying on the ground. He says "O mighty Caesar! Dost thou lie so low?/ Are all they conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,/ Shrunk to this little measure?/ Fare thee well." He said he was totally ignorant of the conspirator's intentions. He is willing to die at their hands. His life is not as valuable as Caesar's and he will think himself as fortunate if he is killed by the same sword as the one which killed Caesar. He bids Caesar a sorrowful farewell. He believed that Caesar brought glories, victories and gains in war to the city of Rome.

Q: 6(k)

Whom does Antony call "the choice and master spirits of this age"? Why?

Answer

Antony calls the conspirators "the choice and master spirits of this age". He says this because they had just killed the leader of the Roman Empire.

Q: 6(l)

How do Brutus and Cassius respond to Antony's speech?

Answer

Cassius tells Brutus to prevent him to speak at Caesar's funeral. He knew that Antony was a great orator and his speech will influence the audience. At this Brutus tells that he will address the public first giving reasons for Caesar's death. Antony will only speak after him and with their consent.

Q: 6(m)

Why does Cassius object to allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral? How does Brutus overcome this objection?

Answer

Cassius does not think it would be proper Antony should speak at Caesar's funeral as his speech may change the mind of the audience. But Brutus tells that Antony would only speak

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with their consent and he will speak first and his speech will enumerate reasons for Caesar's death.

Q: 6(n)

What are the conditions imposed by the conspirators before allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral?

Answer

The conditions imposed on Mark Antony were that in his funeral speech he would not blame the conspirators, but speak all good things about Caesar. He had to speak from the same pulpit as Brutus and tell the people that he did so by the conspirators' permission.

Q: 6(o)

When he is left alone with the body of Caesar what does Anthony call Brutus and the others?

Answer

Antony prays that Caesar will pardon Antony if he has been meek and gentle with his murderers. Antony calls Caesar the most illustrious man the world has ever known. He curses the men who have killed him.

Q: 6(p)

What prediction does Antony make regarding the future events in Rome?

Answer

Antony says that the Romans will pay for the sin they have committed by murdering Caesar. A curse will fall upon them. The Romans will suffer from various terrible happenings. A furious civil war with bloodshed and destruction will occur in the country. Cruel deeds will be committed frequently. Mothers shall see their near and dear ones cut to pieces before their eyes. The soul of Caesar will roam to seek revenge of his death.

Q: 6(q)

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What reasons does Brutus give for murdering Caesar?

Answer

Brutus tells that he killed Caesar because he had become ambitious and wanted to be the king of Rome. He killed Caesar for the betterment of Rome. He was also ready to lay down his life for his country. He honoured Caesar as long as he was heroic but when he became ambitious he killed him.

Q: 6(r)

Who says, "Let him be Caesar"? What light does this throw on the speaker?

Answer

The third citizen says "Let him be Caesar" after Brutus has finished his speech justifying Caesar's killing. Brutus in his speech proclaims that the public can kill him if he too becomes ambitious like Caesar. He has the same dagger for himself and he is willing to lay down his life for his country. The citizens are fully satisfied. They praise Brutus and show their sympathy for the act. It reaffirms the fact that he is an honourable man.

Q: 6(s)

Why is Antony's speech more effective?

Answer

Antony speech is more effective because it is genuine and full of emotions and feelings for Caesar. He had the complete knowledge of the mind of the mob.He without speaking a single word against the conspirators was able to move the mind of the people the way he wanted. His oratory skills worked like magic and changed the complete scenario. He very cleverly tells the crowd that Caesar was not ambitious rather he had refused the crown thrice. He enhanced the glory of Rome with his victories. He left 75 drachmas in his will to be given to every Roman. He left his gardens and property for the common use of the people. He tries to gain the sympathy of the people by showing Caesar's wounded body. The mob is filled with anger after Antony's speech and they rush to kill the conspirators.

Q: 6(t)

At the end of the scene what is the fate of Brutus and Cassius?

Answer

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After Antony's speech, the mob is filled with anger. They couldn't wait to uproot the conspirators from his earth. They rush to kill the conspirators. They burn their houses. Cassius and Brutus plan to face the enemy and discuss their strategy inside a tent. However, both start to quarrel violently but soon become friends. Cassius cannot handle defeat and commits suicide. The ghost of Caesar haunts Brutus. Brutus knows his end is near. He asks Starto to hold his sword, runs on it and dies.