Julius Caesar

Act IV Scene I

Extract I
Antony:These many, then, shall die; their names are prickd.
Octavius:Your brother too must die; consent you, Lepidus?
Lepidus:I do consent
Octavius:Prick him down, Antony.
Lepidus:Upon condition Publius shall not live, Who is your sister's son, Mark Antony.

(i) What is meant by "their names are prick'd"? Why are these names prick'd? What does this
show regarding the custom of Elizabethan times?

Answer: The phrase "their names are prick'd" refers to the practice of marking or selecting
certain individuals for death. In this context, Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus are deciding who
among their political enemies should be executed. The act of "pricking" names on a list was a
method used to signify those chosen for execution or some form of punishment. This shows
that during Elizabethan times, the rulers had the power to arbitrarily decide the fate of
individuals, often for political purposes, without a formal trial or process, reflecting the
ruthlessness and political machinations common in that era.

(ii) What was Antony's reply to the condition put forward by Lepidus? What does Antony ask
Lepidus to do then? Why?

Answer: Antony agrees to Lepidus's condition that his sister's son, Publius, should be executed.
Antony then instructs Lepidus to go to Caesar's house to fetch Caesar's will so they can
determine how to reduce the legacies (bequests) to save money. Antony's instruction to Lepidus
shows his cunning and manipulative nature, as he uses Lepidus to carry out a mundane task,
highlighting Antony's intent to minimize Lepidus's involvement in more critical decision

(iii) What opinion does Antony hold of Lepidus? What does he propose to do with him after
making use of him?
Answer: Antony holds a low opinion of Lepidus, considering him a "slight, unmeritable man," fit
only to run errands. He compares Lepidus to an ass (donkey) that carries gold, suggesting that
Lepidus is a beast of burden who will be discarded once he has served his purpose. Antony
plans to use Lepidus for their immediate needs and then cast him aside when he is no longer
useful, reflecting Antony's manipulative and utilitarian approach to alliances.

(iv) Why did Antony send Lepidus to Caesar's house? Which characteristic trait of Antony is
revealed here?
Answer: Antony sent Lepidus to Caesar's house to fetch Caesar's will. This action reveals
Antony's characteristic being manipulative and strategic. He uses Lepidus to perform tasks that
keep him occupied while Antony and Octavius handle more important and confidential matters.
Antony's actions show his desire to control and dominate, ensuring that Lepidus remains a
subordinate figure in their alliance.

(v) State briefly the comparison hinted between Brutus and Antony in this scene.
Answer: The scene hints at a comparison between Brutus and Antony, contrasting their natures
and leadership styles. Brutus is depicted as honourable and driven by principles, making
decisions based on what he believes is right for Rome. In contrast, Antony is shown as
pragmatic, ruthless, and manipulative, willing to sacrifice others and use them as tools to
achieve his ambitions. This comparison underscores the moral and ethical di erences between
the two characters, with Antony being more willing to engage in deceit and treachery to secure
power.

Extract II
ANTONY - This is a slight unmeritable man. Meet to be sent on errands. Is it fit
The threefold world divided, he should stand
One of the three to share it?
OCTAVIUS - So you thought him?

(i) Who is Antony referring to? Who is he talking to?

Answer: Antony is referring to Lepidus and he is talking to Octavius.

(ii) Why does he call the man 'slight unmeritable'? On what errand was he sent? Why?
Answer: Antony calls the man 'slight unmeritable' because he views Lepidus as insignificant
and not deserving to share the power of the triumvirate. He was sent to fetch Caesar's will, to
possibly alter it to their advantage.

(iii) What arguments have been made? Where will the three meet?
Answer: Antony argues that Lepidus does not deserve an equal share in the triumvirate’s power.
The plan to meet either at the current location i.e Antony’s house at Rome or at the Capitol.

(iv) What are Antony’s intentions regarding Lepidus? What is threefold world?
Answer: Antony's intentions are to use Lepidus for their immediate needs and then discard him.
The 'threefold world' refers to the divided control of the Roman Empire consisting of Europe Asia
and parts of Africa among the triumvirs.

(v) How does Octavius refute what Antony has just said? What arguments does he place after
this extract?
Answer: Octavius refutes Antony by defending Lepidus, acknowledging him as a tried and
valiant soldier, thus challenging Antony's negative view of Lepidus.

Extract III
OCTAVIUS - You may do your will;
But he's a tried and valiant soldier
ANTONY - So is my horse, Octavius; and for that I do appoint him store of provender

(i) What made Octavius say, 'You may do your will'?

Answer: Octavius says 'You may do your will' in response to Antony's criticism of Lepidus,
indicating that Antony has the freedom to act as he pleases but reminding him of Lepidus’ value
as a soldier.

(ii) How does Antony compare Lepidus to his horse?

Answer. Antony compares Lepidus to his horse by implying that both are useful for their service
and loyalty, but not for their intellect or decision-making abilities.

(iii) What does 'store of provender' mean? How is the horse's 'corporal motion' governed by
Antony's spirit?
Answer: 'Store of provender' means a supply of food. Antony suggests that just as he controls
and directs his horse's physical actions, he can similarly manipulate Lepidus.

(iv) In what way does Antony further degrade Lepidus? Would you degrade a classmate in this
manner? Write your answer in two sentences.
Answer: Antony degrades Lepidus by reducing him to an asset or tool, likening him to a horse
that can be directed at will, I would not degrade a classmate in this manner as it disrespects
their autonomy and contribution.

(v) What are the important things Antony wants to speak about? What four things does he
suggest to Octavius to do?
Answer. Antony wants to discuss the threat posed by Brutus and Cassius and suggest
combining their forces, making alliance, stretching their means and devising strategies for both
covert operations and addressing open threats.

Extract IV
Antony: He shall not live; look, with a spot I damn him.
But, Lepidus, go you to Caesar's house;
Fetch the will hither, and we shall determine
How to cut o some charge in legacies.
Lepidus : What, shall I find you here?
Octavius: Or here or at the Capitol.

(i) Where are the three persons? What have they formed? Who "shall not Live?
Answer. The three persons, Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus, are meeting to make decisions
about those who may oppose them. They have formed a triumvirate, a political alliance to
consolidate power after Caesar's death. The person who "shall not live" is Publius, who is Mark
Antony's sister's son.

(ii) On a previous occasion, Antony has referred to Caesar's will, when talking to the Roman
citizens. Show the contrast between that reference and this
Answer: Previously, Antony referred to Caesar's will in his speech to the Roman citizens to incite
them against the conspirators by highlighting Caesar's generosity, as the will left wealth and
land to the people of Rome. In contrast, in this scene, Antony shows a more manipulative and
self-serving side by planning to alter the will to reduce the legacies, demonstrating his
willingness to betray Caesar's original intentions for his own benefit.

(iii) Explain the meanings of "determine" and "charge". What trait of Antony character is shown
in lines 3 and 4 of the given extract?
Answer: In this context, "determine" means to decide or settle on a course of action, and
"charge" refers to the financial burden or cost associated with the legacies left in Caesar's will.
The trait of Antony's character shown in these lines is his ruthlessness and cunning. He is willing
to alter Caesar's will to lessen the financial burden on the state, showing his manipulative
nature.

iv) What does Octavius say in defence of Lepidus to Antony?

Answer: Octavius defends Lepidus by acknowledging him as a "tried and valiant soldier." This
implies that Lepidus has proven his loyalty and bravery in battle, making him worthy of some
respect, even if Antony dismisses him as unimportant.

(v) State the three things that Antony says about Lepidus after his departure What does it show
about Antony's character?
Answer: Antony says the following about Lepidus:
-He is a "slight, unmeritable man," suggesting that Lepidus is insignificant and unworthy.
-Lepidus is compared to a beast of burden, like an ass, that carries loads for others and is
discarded once his usefulness ends.
-Lepidus is described as a "barren-spirited fellow," who only follows trends and imitates others
without original thoughts.
-He compares him with his war horse in all his actions for they will have to teach him what to do
and make him do it
These statements reveal Antony's disdain for Lepidus and his manipulative, power-hungry
nature. Antony sees Lepidus as a tool to be used and discarded, showing his calculating and
dismissive attitude toward those he considers inferior.