ICSE Class 10 English word meanings

by Meenu Saini | Jun 29, 2024 | General | 0 comments

ICSE Class 10 English Meaning of Difficult Words from All Chapters (Prose and Poetry) of Treasure Chest Book

ICSE Class 10 English Word Meanings – Here, the difficult words and their meanings of all the chapters of ICSE Class 10 English Treasure Chest Book (A Collection of ICSE Poems and Short Stories) have been compiled for the convenience of the students. This is an exhaustive list of the words and meanings of all the Prose and Poetry from the Treasure Chest book of ICSE Class 10 English. The difficult words’ meanings have been explained lucidly so that every student can understand them.

PROSE

With the Photographer
The Elevator
The Girl Who Can
The Pedestrian
The Last Lesson

POETRY

Haunted Houses
The Glove and The Lions
When Great Trees Fall
A Considerable Speck
The Power of Music

DRAMA

Julius Caesar Act 3 Scene 1
Julius Caesar Act 3 Scene 2
Julius Caesar Act 3 Scene 3
Julius Caesar Act 4 Scene 1
Julius Caesar Act 4 Scene 2
Julius Caesar Act 4 Scene 3
Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 1
Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 2
Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 3
Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 4
Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 5

PROSE

With the Photographer

Drooping: bending
Natural scientist: A scientist who makes a study of object, phenomena or laws of nature
Unwarrantable: wrongful
Breaking in: intruding
Pursuits: quests
Frantic: desperate
Grave: serious
Apparently: seemingly
Ceased: stopped
Twisted: turned on and on
Droop: hang downwards
Hump: heave
Staggering: shaking
Animation: expressions
Beckoned: called
Splendidly: nicely
Superfices: surface, outer face
Withering: disapproving
Scorn: hatred
Depict: show
Reconcile: to come to terms with
Emboss: cause to burge up
Bauble: a thing of no value

ICSE Class 10 English With the Photographer Question Answers

The Elevator

Elevator: a lift
Slammed: closed hard with a bang
Clanging noise: a loud, echoing sound as produced by two heavy pieces of metal striking together
Shuddered: shook hard
Exhausted: tired
Echoed: a sound or sounds caused by the reflection of sound waves from a surface back to the listener
Gasping: panting, a sudden loud intake of breath
Skinny: thin
Frowning: looked angrily
Bullied: frightened by someone
Trapped: caught, confused from where there is no escape
Ballooned: made her size bigger
Waddled: walked with short steps, moving with weight of the body from one side to the other
Squeeze: shrink
Boring: looking deeply
Glanced: looked carefully
Piggy: small and unattractive
There was no room: there was no space for him to go
Nightmare: frightening dream
Squeak: a short high pitched cry or sound
Pudgy: fat
Scratchy: having a rough, uncomfortable texture
Impatiently: anxiously, restlessly
Crutches: a long stick with a crosspiece at the top, used as a support under the armpit by a person with an injury or disability.
Hobbled: limped, walked with difficulty

ICSE Class 10 English The Elevator Question Answers

The Girl Who Can

Choking: stifling, gripping
Drought: period of continuous dry weather
Fertile: of land that produces good crop
Figure out: understand something or somebody by thinking about it
Stare: look carefully
Screaming: crying out in a high-pitched tone
Comprehension: understanding
Humble: having a low esteem of one’s importance
Insisted: demanding something forcefully
Spindly: long and thin
For good: for ever
Splash: to make the liquid fly up through the air
Ask into it properly: that she would herself go and confirm the news
Pretending: acting that something false is true
Stiffly: not easily bent or folded
Gleaming: shining bright
Compound: the outer area which falls within the boundary of a property.
Muttering: speaking in a low tone

ICSE Class 10 English The Girl Who Can Question Answers

The Pedestrian

Buckling: Crumpling, collapsing
Concrete walk: Walkway made of cement, sand and small stones
Seams: Junctions
Intersection: Crossing
Peer: Peep
Avenues: Pathways
Stride off: Walk away with long steps
Glimmers: Gleams/Flashes
Firefly: A glowing worm
Flickers: Flashes
Phantoms: Spirits of dead persons
Manifest: Show clearly
Cock: turned in a particular direction
March: here, walk
Lumpy: heavy movement
Sneakers: shoes for running
Intermittent: stopping at short intervals
Squads: groups
Startled: disturbed
Blaze: burn with bright lights
Faint: slight
Skeletal: thin, frame of bones with bright lights
Cavalry: Soldiers
Assorted: Mixed
Revue: a theatrical performance dealing with topical issues
Cloverleaf: a road arrangement devised for smooth traffic; it resembles a four leaf clover
Surge: strong and sudden movement
Scarab beetle: a beetle that lays eggs in dung
Puttering: kicking around
Skimmed: moved quickly
Radiance: brightness
Entranced: Spell-bound
Ebbing: Becoming less
Fancy: Imagination
Phonograph voice: a phonograph is an instrument that produces sound. Here, the phonograph voice means that it was not a human voice.
Humming: throbbing
Pop: appearing suddenly
Antiseptic: A substance that stops or slows down the growth of microorganisms
Alibi: Excuse
Whirring: rattling
Regressive: Opposite of Progressive

ICSE Class 10 English The Pedestrian Question Answers

The Last Lesson

In great dread of: fear of
Sawmill: a factory for cutting wood
Drilling: exercising
Tempting: attracting
Resist: to stay away
Bulletin-board: a notice board for putting up the latest news and communication
Apprentice: trainee
A great bustle: a lot of noise created by many people
In unison: at the same time
Rapping: striking
Counted on: depended upon
Commotion: noise and confusion
Blushed: face turned red in colour due to shame
Solemn: serious.
Primer: basic reader of any language
Thumbed: torn and damaged
Grave: serious
Thunderclap: used in comparison to refer to something startling or unexpected
Wretches: here, it refers to an unfortunate happening
Saar: a river which passes through France
Nuisance: problem, burden
Couldn’t give up: cannot leave
Cranky: strange, short – tempered
Sunday clothes: the best dress that a person has.
Dreadful: frightening
Mixed up: confused
Where we’ve come out: result
Pretend: show
To reproach: blame
At one stroke: at once, in one go.
Beetles: a large-sized insect
Not even the littlest ones: refers to the pigeons
Who worked right on tracing their fish-hooks: scratching with their claws.
Cooed: the sound made by the pigeons
Gazing: looking intently
Fix in his mind: store or keep forever
Worn smooth: had worn out and became smooth due to overuse
Twined: twisted
Angelus: prayer song in the church, the start is marked by the ringing of the bell.
Trumpets: a musical instrument.
Pale: used to describe a person’s face or skin if it has less colour than usual
Choked: became unable to speak due to strong emotions
Gesture: a signal

The Last Lesson Question Answers | ICSE Class 10 English

POETRY

Haunted Houses

Haunted: visited by ghosts
Phantoms: ghosts
Errands: tasks
Glide: move lightly and smoothly
Impalpable: something or somebody that cannot be felt physically
Illuminated: lighted
Thronged: crowded
Inoffensive: harmless
Forms: shapes
Perceive: see
Title-deeds: legal documents of ownership
Stretch: spread
Hold in mortmain: hold in inalienable possession
World of sense: real world that can be felt by the senses
Wafts: passes lightly
Vital: important
Ethereal air: other worldly atmosphere
Equipoise: balance
Aspires: desires
Instinct: natural reaction
Noble: good, virtuous
Perturbations: mental disturbances
Perpetual jar: here, immortal soul
Aspirations: aim, ambition
Planks: flat pieces of wood
Fancies: imaginations
Realm: region
Descends: comes down
Unsteady: moving
Sways: moves from side to side
Abyss: bottomless hole or space

ICSE Class 10 English Haunted Houses Question Answers

The Glove and The Lions

Hearty: good-hearted
Royal sport: here, lion fighting
Sighed: the king was enamoured of the lady’s charms and was jealous of the count
Gallant: brave
Crowning: complete / perfect
Valour: bravery
A king above: the reference may also be to God here
Ramped: walked on the slope
Horrid: horrible
Glared: stared angrily
Beams: pieces of wood / electric beams (shocking)
Wallowing: rolling about (in mud or water)
Stifled: suppressed
Mane: long hair on the neck
Smother: cover
Whisking: taking something somewhere quickly
Love: beloved
Beauteous: beautiful
Lively: full of life, vivacious
Dame: a young lady
Wondrous: wonderful
Divine: heavenly, here rare
Drop: throw
Glory: cause of pride or pleasure or both
Bowed: bent down the head to show respect
Leaped: jumped
Quoth: said
Vanity: too much pride in one’s beauty, achievements, etc.
Task: job, assignment

ICSE Class 10 English The Glove and the Lions Question Answers

When Great Trees Fall

Shudder: tremble
Hunker: squat
Lumber: move slowly and awkwardly
Recoil: shrink
Eroded: worn out
Rare: here, not in adequate quantity
Sterile: here, not good to breathe
Hurtful clarity: understanding which is painful
Gnaws on: continues to remind us painfully
Unsaid: words which remain unspoken
Bound: attached
Nurture: care and encouragement
Radiance: bright qualities
Wizened: shrivelled
Fall away: sag, slacken
Dark cold caves: dark caves of despair
Soothing: comforting
Restored: brought back

ICSE Class 10 English When Great Trees Fall Question Answers

A Considerable Speck

Speck: a very small spot / a small piece of dirt
Set off: ran
Idly: without any purpose, lazily
Poised: held steady
Unmistakably: undoubtedly
Mite: a very small insect
Inclinations: feelings
Racing: running
Manuscript: piece of written text
Paused: stopped
Loathing: strong dislike or hatred
Plainly: clearly
Room: here, space
A set of them: here, a set of feet
Terror: fright
Cunning: cleverness
Faltered: walked with less confidence
Hesitate: uncertain / reluctant
Cower down: hand down and move backward in fear
Desperation: a state of hopelessness which leads to extreme behaviour
Accorded: granted
Tenderer-than-thou: more loving / delicate than you are (attitude)
Collectivistic: concerned with some group, class or society, not individuals
Regimenting: something imposed strictly by the state or society
Swept: strongly affected
Microscopic item: almost invisible insect (mite)
Mind: Ability to think
Guise: Cover
Display of Mind: show of intelligence

ICSE Class 10 English A Considerable Speck Question Answers

The Power of Music

Hums: sings
Strain: song / music
Staked: put on bet
Hell-bent: determined, stubborn
Dazed: unable to think clearly
Retire: leave
Amazed: greatly surprised
Trampled: crushed
Panic rout: stampede
Languish: force to suffer
Sickly: ill
Plead: request
Near our end: have lost patience
Overturned: turned upside down
Unconcerned: does not bother
Booming out his broadside: sings in such a loud voice that sounds harsh to others
Wretched: pitiful
Brutes: animals (horses)
Resent: protest
Blare: loud, unpleasant noise
Whine: cry out
Confounded: highly upset
Dived: plunge down
Frantic: desperate
Collapse: fall down
Crash: loud sound (thud)
Feathered fly: birds
Turn turtle: go upside down
Winging: flying
Soared: sang so loudly
Grumble: complain in an unpleasant way
Welkin: sky
Screech: loud, unpleasant sound
Mighty: strong
Mansions: buildings
Tumble: fall down
Billy goat: male goat
Sagacious: wise
Downs: put down
Charges: hits
Bellow: shout in a loud voice
Whirled: circled
Tossed: thrown up in the air

ICSE Class 10 English The power of Music Question Answers

DRAMA

Julius Caesar Act 3 Scene 1

Ides of March: The fifteenth day of March, a date famously associated with Caesar’s death.
Ay: An archaic word for ‘yes’.
Hail: A greeting to express respect or honor.
Schedule: A written document, a scroll or letter.
Doth: An archaic form of ‘does’.
O’er-read: To read over.
Leisure: Free time.
Humble suit: A modest or respectful request or petition.
Suit: A petition or a formal request.
Touches Caesar nearer: Refers to a matter of great personal importance or urgency to Caesar’s own well-being.
Sirrah: A term used to address a man or a boy, often implying inferiority or a lack of respect.
Give place: To step aside or move out of the way.
Urge: To press or plead with someone to do something.
Petitions: Formal written requests, often signed by many people, appealing to authority with respect to a particular cause.
Capitol: The building where the Roman Senate met; the seat of the Roman government.
Enterprise: A project or undertaking. In this context, it refers to the plot to assassinate Caesar.
Thrive: To prosper or be successful.
Fare you well: A formal way of saying goodbye.
Aside: A remark made by a character in a play that is intended to be heard by the audience but not by the other characters in the play.
Purpose: The goal or objective of the group, which is to murder Caesar.
Discoverèd: A poetic form of ‘discovered’, meaning to be found out or revealed.
Makes to: An archaic phrase meaning approaches or moves toward.
Mark: To pay attention to or observe closely.
Prevention: The act of being stopped or hindered from carrying out a plan.
Constant: To be firm, unwavering, or calm in a difficult situation.
Purposes: Intentions or plans;
Draws.. out of the way: To lead someone away or divert their attention.
Presently: (archaic) At once; immediately.
Prefer: To present or offer for consideration.
Suit: A formal request or petition.
Addressed: Prepared and ready for a specific task.
Rears: To raise or lift up.
Amiss: Wrong; not as it should be.
Redress: To set right; to remedy or correct.
Puissant: Having great power or influence; mighty.
Humble: Showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance; submissive.
Prevent: To stop or get in the way of an action.
Couchings: Bowing or kneeling in a subservient manner.
Courtesies: Polite acts or gestures.
Preordinance: A previously established law or decree.
Fond: Foolish or naive.
Rebel blood: A rebellious or weak disposition; blood that is easily moved to change.
Thawed: Softened, melted, or made to change.
Low-crookèd curtsies: Deep, low bows showing great deference.
Spaniel fawning: Fawning or showing excessive, dog-like devotion.
Spurn: To reject with disdain or contempt.
Cur: A mongrel or stray dog, used as a term of contempt.
Repealing: The act of revoking or canceling a law or decree. Here, it means to end his brother’s banishment.
Flattery: Excessive and insincere praise given to someone to please them.
Enfranchisement: The giving of a right or privilege, in this case, the right to return from exile.
Pardon: An act of forgiving a person for an offense.
Doth: An archaic third-person singular present form of the verb ‘do’.
Firmament: The sky or the heavens.
Unnumbered sparks: Countless shining stars.
Apprehensive: it means capable of understanding or perception, rather than fearful.
Unassailable: Unable to be attacked, questioned, or defeated.
Unshaked of motion: Not moved or swayed by emotion or external influence.
Cimber: Refers to Publius Cimber, whose banishment Metellus Cimber and the other conspirators are begging to have repealed.
Olympus: In Greek mythology, Mount Olympus is the home of the gods. Caesar uses the reference to imply that the conspirators’ pleas are an impossible and futile task.
Bootless: This means futile, useless, or pointless.
Et tu, Bruté?: A Latin phrase meaning ‘And you too, Brutus?’ It is an iconic line expressing profound surprise, shock, and a sense of ultimate betrayal.
Proclaim: To announce officially or publicly.
Pulpits: Public platforms or raised stands from which a speaker addresses an audience.
Enfranchisement: The giving of a right or privilege, especially the right to vote; here, it means to be set free.
Affrighted: Frightened or afraid.
Ambition’s debt is paid: The punishment for Caesar’s ambition (his murder) has been delivered.
Confounded: Confused or bewildered.
Mutiny: An open rebellion against a legitimate authority, especially by soldiers or sailors. Here, it refers to the chaotic scene and the assassination itself.
Stand fast together: To hold a position firmly; to stick together and not retreat.
Good cheer: A cheerful or happy state of mind.
Abide: To accept or tolerate.
Amazed: Overwhelmed with surprise or terror; astonished.
Doomsday: The last day of the world’s existence; here used to describe a scene of chaos and widespread panic.
Fates: In classical mythology, the three goddesses who were believed to control human destiny and life.
Stand upon: To attach importance to something; to care about or be concerned with.
Abridged: to shorten or lessen, in this case, to cut short Caesar’s life.
Stoop: to bend the body forward and downward, as if in a gesture of humility or in this case, to kneel.
Lofty: very high, grand, or impressive; noble.
Accents: a distinctive way of speaking a language, often associated with a particular country, region, or class; here, it refers to future languages.
Pompey’s basis: the base or pedestal of the statue of Pompey the Great, where Caesar’s body has fallen.
Knot: a close group of people; here it refers to the conspirators.
Grace his heels: to honor or follow closely behind someone.
Prostrate: Lying stretched out on the ground with one’s face downward, often as a sign of submission or adoration.
Vouchsafe: To give, grant, or condescend to give, as a favor or privilege.
Resolved: To be fully informed or assured; to have one’s questions answered.
Hath deserved to lie in death: An archaic way of saying ‘deserved to be killed’.
Untrod state: A new, untrodden, and uncertain political situation or government. It refers to the state of Rome after Caesar’s assassination, which has no clear ruler or direction.
Thorough: A poetic and archaic form of ‘through’.
Valiant: possessing or showing courage or determination; brave.
Presently: right away or immediately. In Shakespeare’s time, this word meant ‘at the present time’, or ‘without delay’.
Untouched: unharmed or not physically harmed.
Well to friend: to be a good friend or ally. The phrase means to have someone’s friendship and support.
Misgiving: a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequence of something; a sense of foreboding.
Falls shrewdly to the purpose: proves to be accurate or very relevant to the situation. ‘Shrewdly’ means in a clever or astute way, and ‘to the purpose’ means relevant or on point.
Dost thou lie so low?: A poetic way of asking, ‘Do you lie here so lifeless and defeated?’
Spoils: Plunder or goods taken from a defeated enemy in war.
Shrunk to this little measure: Reduced to this small, insignificant form (referring to a corpse).
Let blood: To kill. The phrase is a medical term for bloodletting, which the conspirators used as an analogy to justify their act as a purging of Rome’s political disease.
Rank: Overgrown or corrupt; a reference to a plant that has grown excessively and is unhealthy. Antony uses this term to mirror the conspirators’ view of Caesar’s ambition.
Bear me hard: To hold a grudge against me or to dislike me.
Purpled hands: Hands stained with blood.
Reek and smoke: To give off a strong, unpleasant odor and steam, referring to the fresh blood on their hands.
Apt to die: Ready to die; willing to die.
Mean of death: Method of death.
Bloody: Covered in blood, or characterized by violence and bloodshed.
Cruel: Willfully causing pain or suffering to others.
Pitiful: Deserving or inspiring pity or compassion
General wrong of Rome: The overall harm or injustice that Caesar’s ambition was causing the Roman Republic.
Leaden points: The tips of their swords are blunt or dull like lead. Brutus uses this metaphor to mean that they have no intention of harming Antony, suggesting their swords are harmless to him.
Malice: The intention or desire to do evil; ill will.
Reverence: Deep respect for someone or something.
Dignities: This refers to positions of high rank, honor, or public office. In this context, it means the new political power and titles that would be created and distributed after Caesar’s death.
Appeased: To soothe, pacify, or calm someone by satisfying their demands or anxieties.
Multitude: A large crowd of people.
Proceeded: To carry out an action or series of actions.
Struck: The past tense of ‘strike’, meaning to hit forcefully.
Credit: Reputation or credibility.
Slippery ground: An unstable or dangerous position.
Conceit: To think of or to judge.
Corse: A dead body or corpse.
Bayed: Cornered or trapped, like an animal at the end of a hunt.
Hart: A male deer.
Sign’d in thy spoil: Marked by taking part in the destruction of the spoils.
Crimson’d in thy lethe: Stained red (crimsoned) with your blood. Lethe is a river in Greek mythology that causes forgetfulness, but here it metaphorically refers to blood.
Strucken: Struck.
Compact: An agreement or a contract.
Pricked: To be marked or listed. Here, it means to be officially counted or included in a list of their friends.
Swayed from the point: To be diverted or distracted from the main issue or topic.
Conceit: To regard or think of something in a certain way; to imagine.
Lethe: In Greek mythology, a river in the underworld whose water caused forgetfulness. Here, it is used poetically to refer to blood, suggesting a bloody act that will not be forgotten.
Savage spectacle: A brutal, barbaric, and cruel public display.
Good regard: Sound, well-reasoned, or valid arguments.
Suitior: A person who makes a request or a petition.
Pulpit: A platform or raised structure from which a speaker addresses an audience, in this case, a platform in the Roman Forum.
Moved: To be emotionally stirred or influenced to take action.
Utter: To speak or express something out loud
Pardon: An apology or a request for forgiveness.
Pulpit: A raised platform or lectern in a church or public hall from which a person may deliver a sermon or speech.
Protest: To declare or affirm solemnly.
Leave: Permission or consent.
Rites: A religious or other solemn ceremony or act.
Conceited: To have an idea or belief about something, to imagine.
Pricked: To mark a name on a list with a pinprick, signifying selection or choice.
Bootless: Useless or futile.
Bootless knelt: Knelt in vain.
Thou art the ruins of the noblest man: You are the remains of the most noble man.
Tide of times: The passage of time, or the course of human history.
Dumb mouths: Mute or speechless mouths. In this context, it refers to Caesar’s wounds.
Ope their ruby lips: Open their red lips. The red color refers to blood.
Domestic fury: Fury within one’s own country; civil strife.
Fierce civil strife: Intense and violent conflict between citizens of the same country.
Cumber: To overwhelm, burden, or weigh down.
Quartered: Torn or cut into pieces.
Fell deeds: Cruel or deadly deeds.
Ranging for revenge: Roaming or searching for revenge.
Ate: The Greek goddess of discord, ruin, and vengeance.
Confines: The territory or boundaries of a place.
Cry “Havoc!”: A military command that meant to give no quarter and allow for general slaughter.
Let slip the dogs of war: To unleash the brutal forces of war.
Carrion men: Dead, rotting men.
Thy heart is big: This means your heart is full of emotion or grief.
Passion is catching: This means that intense emotion, like sorrow, spreads from one person to another.
Beads of sorrow: This is a poetic metaphor for tears.
Seven leagues: A league is an old unit of distance, typically about three miles. Therefore, seven leagues would be approximately 21 miles.
Hath chanced: Archaic form of ‘Has happened’.
Hie hence: Archaic form of ‘Go quickly from this place’.
Corse: Archaic form of ‘A corpse or dead body’.
Oration: A formal public speech, especially one delivered on a special occasion.
Cruèl issue: A grim or terrible outcome. The ‘issue’ here refers to the assassination.
Discourse: To speak or write formally about a subject. Here, it means to report or inform.
Bloody men: A derogatory term for the conspirators, portraying them as bloodthirsty murderers.

Julius Caesar Act 3 Scene 1 Question Answers

Julius Caesar Act 3 Scene 1 Character Sketch

Julius Caesar Act 3 Scene 2

Satisfied: To be given a full explanation or justification for something; to have one’s curiosity or doubts fully answered.
Audience: A formal hearing or opportunity to speak to a person or group.
Part: To divide or separate into different groups.
Numbers: A colloquial term for the crowd or group of people.
Rendered: Formally presented or given.
Severally: Separately or individually.
Ascended: To have gone up, in this case, onto the public platform or pulpit.
Be patient till the last: This means to wait until the end of the speech.
Censure me in your wisdom: Judge me using your good sense and reason.
Senses: One’s ability to think and feel; in this context, it refers to good judgment.
Bondman: A person who is a slave or serf.
Rude: In this context, it means ignorant or uncultured, not impolite.
Vile: Morally corrupt; wicked.
Valiant: Possessing or showing courage or determination; brave.
Enrolled: Registered or officially recorded.
Capitol: Refers to the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, a central and sacred site in Rome where important government records were kept.
Extenuated: To make something seem less serious or important.
Enforced: to be emphasized or exaggerated.
Commonwealth: Refers to the Roman Republic, the state, and its government.
Slew: Killed. Brutus is saying he killed his best friend.
Lover: Here, lover means a dear and close friend, not in a romantic sense. It emphasizes the deep personal relationship Brutus had with Caesar.
Triumph: A great victory or achievement. In ancient Rome, a triumph was a civil ceremony and religious rite held to publicly celebrate a military commander’s victory.
Ancestors: The people from whom one is descended, especially those more remote than a grandparent.
Crowned: To be given a crown, symbolizing being made a king or a leader.
Clamors: Loud and confused noises, especially that of people shouting vehemently.
Ho: An exclamation used to attract attention or express a state of being.
Pulpit: A raised platform or lectern in a church or chapel from which the preacher delivers a sermon. Here, it refers to a public speaking platform in the Roman Forum.
Depart: To leave.
Grace: To show honor or respect.
Tending to: Referring to or concerning.
Entreat: To earnestly request or beg. Brutus is begging the people not to leave.
Save: Except for.
Public chair: The pulpit or platform from which public speeches were given.
Beholding to: Indebted to or grateful to.
‘Twere best: It were best, or it would be best.
Bless’d: Blessed or fortunate.
Lend me your ears: An idiom meaning ‘give me your attention’. Antony is asking the crowd to listen carefully.
Interrèd: Buried.
Grievous fault: A terrible mistake or wrongdoing.
Hath Caesar answered it: Caesar has paid for it (with his life).
Under leave: With permission.
General coffers: The public treasury or bank.
Lupercal: A Roman festival held in February. This refers to the historical event where Antony offered Caesar the crown.
Brutish beasts: Wild, unthinking animals. Antony suggests that men, by acting without reason, are no better than these creatures.
Bear with me: Be patient with me; show me some understanding.
Methinks: An archaic form of ‘I think’.
Thou: archaic form of You. The Second Plebeian is addressing the First Plebeian.
Dear abide it: An expression meaning pay dearly for it or suffer for it.
Noble: of high moral principles; honorable.
Reverence: Deep respect. In this context, it means no one is showing Caesar the respect he deserves.
Disposed: Inclined or willing to do something. Antony says he is not disposed to stir their hearts to mutiny.
Mutiny: An open rebellion against lawful authority. Here, it refers to the public rebellion against the conspirators.
Parchment: A stiff, flat, thin material made from the prepared skin of an animal, used as a durable writing surface. In this case, Caesar’s will.
Testament: A person’s last will.
Napkins: small handkerchiefs.
Bequeathing: Leaving property or money to a person or other beneficiary by a will.
Legacy: An amount of money or property left to someone in a will.
Issue: one’s children or descendants.
Patience: The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
Meet: appropriate or suitable.
Inflame: To arouse or excite strong feelings in someone; to ignite anger or passion.
Heirs: Persons who inherit or are entitled to inherit property, rank, title, etc., on the death of another.
Compel: To force or oblige someone to do something.
O’ershot myself: A figurative phrase meaning to have gone too far or said something unintentionally that has led to a negative consequence.
Corpse: A dead body, especially of a human.
Descend: To move or fall downward.
Leave: Permission to do something.
Descend: To move or go down to a lower level.
Leave: Permission to do something; in this case, permission to come down from the pulpit.
A ring! / Stand round: A command to form a circle around Caesar’s body.
Hearse: A vehicle or a stand for carrying a coffin to a grave. In this context, it refers to the platform or stretcher on which Caesar’s body lies.
Press not so upon me: Don’t crowd me so closely.
Mantle: A loose, sleeveless cloak or cape.
Nervii: A powerful and fierce Gallic tribe defeated by Caesar, a victory that cemented his military reputation.
Rent: A tear or rip in a piece of cloth.
Envious: malicious or full of spite, referring to Casca’s resentment toward Caesar.
Unkindly: Cruelly or unnaturally.
Vanquished: Defeated completely. Caesar was defeated by the ingratitude of his best friend, not by the physical blows.
Treason: The crime of betraying one’s country or a ruler. Antony labels the conspirators’ act as treasonous, undermining their claim of patriotism.
Dint: the force or impact of a blow, but Antony uses it to refer to the ‘force of pity’ that moves the crowd to tears.
Vesture: Clothing, particularly an outer garment like the mantle.
Piteous: Deserving of pity or compassion; a pathetic sight.
Spectacle: A public show, display, or scene, especially one that is dramatic or impressive.
Woeful: Full of sorrow or distress; very sad.
About: An archaic command meaning ‘to the task’ or ‘to get going’.
Slay: To kill in a violent way.
Live: Survive; to remain alive.
Mutiny: A rebellion against authority.
Blunt: Frank or direct in speech, without subtlety.
Orator: A public speaker, especially one who is eloquent or skilled.
Right on: In a direct, straightforward manner.
Dumb: Mute or unable to speak.
Ruffle up: To stir or agitate.
Mutiny: An open rebellion against the proper authorities, especially by soldiers or sailors. Here, the citizens’ revolt against the conspirators.
Drachmas: An ancient Greek silver coin. In the Roman context, it was a form of currency.
Several: means each individual or every single person.
Royal: Having the status of a king or queen; belonging to a king.
Arbors: Shaded places, often with benches, made by a framework of plants or vines.
On this side Tiber: Referring to the west bank of the Tiber River, where Caesar had personal land and property. The phrase roots the benefit in a specific, known location.
Recreate: To refresh or revive oneself; to enjoy leisure. It means to relax and enjoy the gardens.
Brands: Torches made from burning or partially burned pieces of wood.
Forms: In this context, it refers to long benches or seats, similar to benches in a church or public hall.
Mischief: Playful or malicious behavior. Here, it is personified as a powerful, destructive force.
Thither: To or toward that place.
Upon a wish: Happening exactly as desired or hoped for.
Belike: Most likely or probably.
Notice: Information or warning.

Julius Caesar Act 3 Scene 2 Question Answers

Julius Caesar Act 3 Scene 2 Character Sketch

Julius Caesar Act 3 Scene 3

Feast: To eat a large and elaborate meal. Here, it suggests a communal and celebratory gathering.
Unlucky: Bringing bad fortune or ill omens.
Charge: To fill or burden something with a certain quality or feeling. Here, it means the unlucky thoughts fill his imagination.
Fantasy: Imagination or the power of imagining things.
Wander forth of doors: To go outside of one’s house.
Whither: An old-fashioned word meaning ‘where to’.
Dwell: To live in a particular place.
Ay: An old word for ‘yes’.
Truly: In a truthful manner.
Whither: An archaic word meaning ‘to what place?’ or ‘where?’
Dwell: To live in or at a specified place.
Bachelor: An unmarried man.
Bang: a hard blow or a beating. The Plebeian is threatening to hit Cinna.
Truly: Here, ‘truly’ means truthfully or honestly.
Conspirator: A person who takes part in a secret plot to do something harmful or unlawful. Here, it refers to one of the men who planned to assassinate Caesar.
Tear him to pieces: A violent phrase meaning to rip his body apart.
Brands, ho! Firebrands: A ‘brand’ is an old word for a burning piece of wood or a torch. ‘Ho’ is a call to get someone’s attention. The phrase means ‘Get torches!’
Pluck: To pull or pull out quickly and forcefully. ‘Pluck but his name out of his heart’ is a poetic and violent way of saying to kill him because of his name.

Julius Caesar Act 3 Scene 3 Question Answers

Julius Caesar Act 3 Scene 3 Character Sketch

Julius Caesar Act 4 Scene 1

Pricked: it means marked on a list with a ‘prick’ or a small dot, signifying that the person is condemned to death.
Consent: To agree to something or give permission for it to happen.
Damn: To condemn or sentence someone to a terrible fate. Here, Antony is sentencing his nephew to death with a simple mark on the list.
Hither: To this place; here.
Determine: To decide or conclude.
Cut off some charge in legacies: To reduce the cost of the money or property left to people in a will.
Slight: it means insignificant or unimportant.
Unmeritable: Lacking worth or merit; undeserving.
Meet: Suitable or fit for a particular purpose.
The threefold world divided: The world is to be divided into three parts, to be ruled by Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus.
Pricked: Marked or selected, as in a list for execution.
Proscription: The act of officially forbidding something, especially the act of condemning a person to death or exile.
Slanderous: Spreading false and damaging statements; here, it means shameful or disgraceful.|
Loads: Burdens; here, it refers to the responsibilities and blame that the triumvirate wishes to avoid.
Ass: A donkey; a beast of burden.
Groan: To make a low, mournful sound in response to pain or effort.
Sweat: To perspire from physical exertion.
Commons: Public land used by everyone; here, it means to be turned out into a field to graze.
Valiant: Possessing or showing courage or determination.
Provender: Food for livestock.
Corporal: Relating to the body.
Barren-spirited: Lacking originality or creativity; having an empty mind.
Abjects, orts: Scraps or discarded refuse. In this context, it refers to worthless ideas or things.
Staled: Grew stale or old; lost its freshness or originality.
Levying powers: Raising an army; gathering military forces.
Straight make head: Immediately prepare for battle.
At the stake: A reference to bear-baiting, where a bear is tied to a stake and attacked by dogs. It means they are trapped and surrounded by enemies.
Bayed about: Surrounded and attacked by barking dogs. Here, it means they are surrounded by their enemies.
Mischiefs: Harms, injuries, or treacherous acts.

Julius Caesar Act 4 Scene 1 Question Answers

Julius Caesar Act 4 Scene 1 Character Sketch

Julius Caesar Act 4 Scene 2

Stand, ho!: Stop; a military command to halt.
Give the word, ho: Announce the password; a military command.
At hand: Very near or close by.
Salutation: A greeting or formal acknowledgment.
In his own change: Due to a change in his own character, mood, or disposition.
Ill officers: Dishonest or corrupt subordinate officials or agents.
Hath given me some worthy cause: Has given me a sufficient or good reason.
To wish things done, undone: To regret certain actions that have already taken place.
Satisfied: To have one’s questions answered or grievances settled; to be assured.
Regard: Respect, consideration, or esteem.
Honor: High respect, integrity, or moral correctness.
Doubted: questioned; suspected
Resolved: informed; clarified
Courtesy: politeness; respectful behaviour
Familiar instances: personal, informal touches or friendly gestures
Conference: conversation; discussion
Hath used of old: had practised previously
Thou hast described: you have spoken of
A hot friend cooling: a passionate friend whose affection is fading
Sicken and decay: become weak and die; decline
Enforcèd ceremony: artificial or forced formality, lack of spontaneity
Plain and simple faith: honest and true loyalty
Hollow men: insincere, dishonest, or emotionally empty people
Hot at hand: spirited and energetic when easily controlled (like a horse)
Gallant show: a brave or impressive display
Mettle: courage, spirit, or quality
Endure: To suffer something difficult or unpleasant patiently.
Bloody spur: Literally, the sharp, blood-drawing point on a boot used to prod a horse; figuratively, a harsh test or painful challenge.
Fall their crests: To drop their heads; figuratively, to lose spirit, courage, or heart.
Deceitful: Dishonest; intending to mislead or trick.
Jades: A derogatory term for a worn-out, worthless, or ill-tempered horse.
Sink in the trial: To fail when put to the test.
Quartered: To be lodged or stationed in a specific place for temporary accommodation, especially for troops.
Horse in general: The entire body of cavalry (horse-mounted soldiers).
Hark: Listen; an exclamation calling attention to something heard.
Sober form: Brutus’s serious, dignified, and outwardly righteous appearance or demeanor.
Wrongs: Unjust, unfair, or injurious actions.
Content: calm, satisfied, or composed.
Griefs: complaints, grievances, or reasons for distress.
Perceive: to observe, notice, or become aware of.
Wrangle: to argue or quarrel, especially in a noisy or long-winded way.
Enlarge: to express fully, detail, or elaborate upon.
Audience: a formal hearing, interview, or opportunity to be heard.
Commanders: officers in charge of troops or military units.
Charges: the troops or units assigned to a commander’s care.
Conference: a formal meeting for discussion.

Julius Caesar Act 4 Scene 2 Question Answers

Julius Caesar Act 4 Scene 2 Character Sketch

Julius Caesar Act 4 Scene 3

Doth: does
Condemned: officially declared to be wrong or guilty; judged and sentenced
Noted: officially marked with disgrace or discredit
Bribes: money or favors given to illegally influence a person in authority
Wherein: in which
Praying on his side: arguing or requesting on his behalf
Slighted off: treated as unimportant; dismissed with contempt
Wrought: wronged; treated unjustly
Meet: proper or fitting
Nice offense: a subtle, fine, or minor fault or crime
Bear his comment: receive public scrutiny, criticism, or punishment
Itching palm: a hand that is greedy for money or bribes
Mart: sell or trade
Offices: official positions or appointments
Undeservers: people who are not worthy of the positions
Else: otherwise
Honors this corruption: lends respectability to this immoral behavior; shields it
Chastisement: severe punishment or discipline
Hide his head: conceal itself or be unable to appear (because it is overshadowed by Cassius’s honor)
Ides: The fifteenth day of March, July, May, or October, or the thirteenth day of any other month in the ancient Roman calendar; the date of Caesar’s assassination.
Justice’ sake: For the sake of, or in the interest of, righteousness and fairness.
Foremost: Most important, prominent, or powerful.
Contaminate: To make impure or unclean by mixing with something bad or harmful; to pollute.
Base: Morally low, dishonorable, or shameful.
Trash: Worthless items; refuse or rubbish. Brutus uses it here to mean dishonorable wealth or money.
Grasped: Seized and held firmly; in this context, money that can be easily acquired or taken.
Bay: To howl or utter a prolonged deep sound, especially as a dog or wolf does.
Bait: To torment or harass with persistent attacks or insults.
Endure: To bear or tolerate with patience.
Hedge me in: To surround, restrict, or confine me; to limit my freedom or authority.
Abler: More capable, skillful, or competent.
Conditions: Terms of agreement; the requirements that must be met.
Go to: An expression used to express disapproval, dismissal, or mild rebuke; roughly meaning Nonsense or Come on.
Urge: To provoke or incite someone to do something.
Slight: Small in amount, degree, or importance; Brutus uses it as an insult meaning insignificant or contemptible.
Rash choler: Hasty and uncontrollable anger; ‘choler’ refers to one of the four humours believed to cause irritability.
Frighted: Frightened or scared.
Madman: A person who is insane or behaving in a wild or reckless way.
Fret: To be visibly or deeply worried, anxious, or distressed; to cause annoyance.
Choleric: Extremely irritable or easily angered; relating to the bodily humor choler, which was believed to cause a passionate temperament.
Bondmen: Slaves or servants; individuals bound to service without personal freedom.
Budge: To move or shift one’s position; in this context, to yield or give way to someone else’s will.
Observe: To show deference or honor to; to obey or yield to.
Crouch: To stoop low with the limbs bent; in this context, to humble oneself or behave subserviently.
Testy: Impatient, irritable, or easily annoyed.
Spleen: An organ believed in ancient medicine to be the seat of emotions like anger, spite, and malice; hence, bitter, ill-natured anger.
Mirth: Amusement, especially as expressed in laughter.
Waspish: Resembling a wasp in temper; easily annoyed or quick to sting with sharp words.
Vaunting: Boasting, speaking proudly or self-aggrandizingly.
Elder: Older; having lived for a longer time or having greater experience.
Durst (Dare): Past tense of ‘dare’, to have the courage or impudence to do something.
Tempted: Provoked or challenged into action, often rashly.
Presume: To assume or suppose something to be true without proof; to take liberties or act with excessive confidence.
Terror: Extreme fear or fright.
Honesty: The quality of being truthful, sincere, and morally upright.
Idle: Lazy, inactive; here meaning useless or without effect.
Respect: To regard with deference or esteem; here meaning to heed or pay attention to.
Vile: Extremely unpleasant, wicked, or morally bad.
Coin: To make or stamp metallic money.
Drachmas: Ancient Greek silver coins, used here generically for money.
Wring: To squeeze or twist forcibly, especially to extract liquid or, in this context, money through coercion.
Vile trash: Worthless and despicable property or money.
Indirection: Indirect or dishonest means; deceitful practices.
Legions: Large units of the Roman army.
Covetous: Having or showing a great desire to possess something belonging to someone else; greedy.
Rascal counters: Worthless or base coins or pieces of money.
Thunderbolts: A shaft of lightning regarded as the weapon of a god (like Jove or Jupiter).
Dash: To throw or smash violently.
Rived: Past tense of the verb “rive,” meaning to split or tear apart violently. Cassius uses it metaphorically to mean that Brutus has deeply wounded or broken his heart.
Infirmities: Physical or mental weakness; personal failings or faults; defects of character.
Practice them on me: To put one’s faults into action against me; to make one’s flaws evident or harmful in a way that directly affects me.
Faults: Defects, shortcomings, or undesirable qualities.
Flatterer’s: Pertaining to a flatterer; a person who praises someone excessively and insincerely, often to gain favor.
Olympus: Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and, in Greek mythology, the home of the major gods. Brutus uses it as a symbol for immense size or height.
Aweary: Tired, weary, or exhausted.
Braved: Challenged, defied, or insulted with impudence or daring.
Checked: Restrained, reprimanded, or sharply rebuked.
Bondman: A slave or a serf; one bound to service.
Observed: Noticed, watched, or remarked upon, often critically.
Conned by rote: Memorized by mechanical repetition, without deep understanding of the meaning.
Cast into my teeth: To throw back or reproach me with; to use my faults as accusations against me.
Plutus’ mine: Referring to Plutus, the Greek god of wealth, whose domain was thought to contain vast underground riches; thus, a mine of immense, almost limitless wealth.
Beest: An archaic form of the verb ‘to be’ (specifically, ‘thou art’, or ‘if you are’).
Durst: The past tense of ‘dare’; had the courage or boldness to do something.
Sheathe: To put a knife, sword, or other sharp weapon into a protective covering (a sheath or scabbard).
Scope: The extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or covers; here, the full range or freedom to express itself.
Dishonor: A state of shame or disgrace; loss of respect.
Humor: A person’s mood or temperament; in the context of the four humours, it refers to a capricious or emotional whim.
Yokèd: Joined together, linked, or paired, typically by a yoke (a wooden crossbar for harnessing animals).
Flint: A hard gray rock that sparks when struck against steel.
Enforcèd: Compelled or forced; in this context, pressured or provoked.
Hasty: Done or acting with excessive speed or insufficient deliberation; quick.
Straight: Immediately or directly.
Ill-tempered: Having or showing a bad temper; irritable or moody.
Confess: To admit or acknowledge something, typically something one has kept secret or been trying to conceal.
Bear with me: To endure, tolerate, or be patient with me.
Rash humor: A sudden, impulsive, or reckless emotional state; temperamental fits.
Over-earnest: Too serious, zealous, or intense.
Chides: Scolds or rebukes someone mildly or gently.
Grudge: A feeling of ill will or resentment, often longstanding; a disagreement or quarrel.
‘Tis not meet: It is not proper or appropriate; not suitable.
Vilely: Terribly, wretchedly, or disgustingly; in a morally low or offensive manner.
Cynic: A person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest; here, used dismissively to mean a blunt, fault-finding person.
Sirrah: A term used to address a man or boy of inferior rank, often used to express contempt or command.
Saucy: Disrespectful, impudent, or cheeky; bold and lively in a rude way.
Hence: Away from this place; go away.
Bear with him: Be patient with him; tolerate his behavior.
Humor (or Humour): A person’s temperament, mood, or disposition, often related to the four humours of ancient medicine; here, meaning strange or odd behavior.
Jigging: Used here to mean rhythmic, metrical, or composing foolish verses; “jigs” were lighthearted songs or dances.
Companion: Used here as a scornful or dismissive term for a fellow or common person; a familiar but often contemptuous address.
Commanders: Officers in charge of military units or groups of soldiers.
Lodge: To provide temporary accommodation or shelter for soldiers; to settle or quarter for the night.
Companies: Military units; a body of soldiers, typically commanded by a captain.
Griefs: Causes of deep sorrow or distress; troubles.
Philosophy: A system of thought concerning the general nature of knowledge, existence, values, and the human mind; Brutus adhered to Stoicism, which emphasizes self-control and detachment from damaging emotions.
Give place to: To yield to; to be overcome by or surrender to.
Accidental evils: Misfortunes or hardships that occur randomly or by chance; things that happen externally and are not caused by one’s own will.
Bears sorrow: Endures, withstands, or handles sadness or grief.
‘Scaped: A contraction of escaped; managed to get away from or avoid.
Crossed: Opposed, thwarted, or displeased; here, it refers to Cassius’s earlier offenses and provocations.
Insupportable: Not able to be endured or tolerated; unbearable.
Touching: Affecting the emotions; causing sadness or sympathy.
Impatient: Restless or agitated because of delay; in this context, unable to tolerate Brutus’s continued absence.
Tidings: News or information.
Distract: Deranged, insane, or mad; full form of the word is “distracted.”
Swallowed fire: A historical reference to the method of Portia’s suicide, which was by swallowing hot coals (fire), a gruesome act signifying profound despair.
Immortal: Living forever; never dying.
Unkindness: Unsympathetic, harsh, or unfriendly behavior; referring to the insults exchanged during their quarrel.
Thirsty: Feeling a need to drink; figuratively, intensely desirous or eager for.
Noble pledge: A solemn promise or vow made with honor and dignity; here, the vow of renewed friendship and loyalty.
O’erswell: To flow over the brim or edge; to overflow.
Taper: A slender candle, especially one used for ceremonial purposes; in this context, a source of light.
Call in question: To discuss or deliberate upon a matter; to investigate or examine.
Necessities: Things that are essential or urgently needed; in this context, urgent military and strategic matters.
Mighty power: A great and formidable army or military force.
Bending their expedition: Directing or aiming their military campaign or journey.
Selfsame tenor: The exact same content, meaning, or general drift of information.
Addition: Something added to an original document or statement; extra details or information.
Proscription: A public list of condemned people; officially declared an outlaw, leading to the confiscation of property and execution.
Bills of outlawry: Official public notices or decrees that declare certain citizens to be outlaws, stripping them of legal protection.
Therein: In that matter or respect.
Agree: To be consistent or correspond; to be in harmony.
Proscription: The act of officially forbidding something, often used in ancient Rome to refer to a public notice listing citizens who were condemned to death or outlawed, often with their property being confiscated.
Methinks: An archaic word meaning ‘it seems to me’ or ‘I think’
Aught: An archaic word meaning ‘anything at all’
Bear: To endure, tolerate, or carry the weight of something difficult or painful.
Meditating: The act of thinking deeply or dwelling upon a subject; reflecting carefully.
Patience: The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or anxious.
Endure: To suffer something difficult or painful patiently; to remain in existence or last.
Art: Philosophical skill or theory, particularly in this context, the Stoic philosophy of enduring pain and loss.
Presently: Immediately or right away.
Offense: Harm or injury; Cassius means the enemy will damage his own strength.
Lying still: Remaining in place; staying stationary.
Nimbleness: Quickness and lightness in movement; agility.
Of force: By necessity or inevitably.
’twixt (Betwixt): Between.
Forced affection: Loyalty or support that is given out of compulsion or obligation, not genuine feeling.
Grudged: Gave reluctantly or unwillingly; resented giving.
Contribution: Money or supplies provided to support the army.
Fuller number: A larger total amount of soldiers or forces.
Under your pardon: Please forgive me for interrupting you; a polite way of silencing someone.
Note beside: You must also consider, or take into account, in addition to what has been said.
Utmost: The greatest possible degree or extent.
Legions: Large units of the Roman army, typically composed of several thousand soldiers.
Brim-full: Completely full; filled to the very edge.
Ripe: Fully developed or ready; here, referring to their military readiness and the timing of their cause.
Increaseth: Increases; grows larger in number or strength (archaic form).
Height: The peak or maximum point of their power and strength.
Decline: To decrease in number, strength, or power; to weaken.
Tide: The periodic rise and fall of the sea, often used metaphorically to mean a current, trend, or turning point.
Flood: The highest point of the tide; the opportune, maximum moment for action.
Omitted: Missed, neglected, or left undone.
Voyage: A long journey, especially by sea; used here metaphorically for the path of life or endeavor.
Bound in: Confined or restricted by.
Shallows: Areas of water that are not deep; metaphorically, a state of limited opportunity or danger.
Miseries: Conditions of great distress, unhappiness, or suffering.
Afloat: Floating on the surface of water; launched or currently active.
Ventures: Undertakings, especially those involving risk; the objectives or goals of their campaign.
Will: Desire, intention, or personal command.
Deep of night: The late or darkest part of the night.
Crept upon: To have advanced slowly, secretly, or unexpectedly.
Nature: The essential character of a person; human need (specifically the need for rest).
Necessity: The state or fact of being required; an unavoidable need.
Niggard: To treat stingily or limit severely; to provide only a small amount of something needed.
Hence: From this time; following this.
Gown: A loose outer garment worn by men indoors; a long robe.
Good repose: Peaceful sleep or rest.
Division: A split, separation, or serious disagreement.
’tween: A contraction for “between.”
Souls: The spiritual or emotional part of a person; in this context, their inner selves or bond of friendship.
Instrument: A musical instrument, likely a small stringed one like a lute, which Lucius is often asked to play for Brutus.
Drowsily: In a sleepy or lethargic manner.
Knave: A serving boy or male servant; often used affectionately or familiarly, rather than as an insult.
O’erwatched: Exhausted from being awake too long; over-tired from keeping watch.
Cushions: Soft objects or bags of material stuffed with cotton or other filling, used for comfortable seating or lying down.
Varrus: A variation of Varro; one of Brutus’s soldiers, who is called in to sleep in the tent.
Pray: To request earnestly or sincerely.
Sirs: A polite, archaic form of address used to speak to men of equal or lower rank.
Raise you: To wake you up from sleep.
By and by: In a short time; soon.
So please you: If it is your will or desire; if it is agreeable to you.
Watch your pleasure: To stand guard and wait to see what you desire or command.
Bethink me: To think about or consider; to change my mind or decision.
Gown: A long, loose outer garment or robe, often worn by men indoors.
Bear with me: Be patient with me; tolerate my current state or error.
Canst thou: An archaic form meaning Can you.
Heavy eyes: Eyes that are droopy or weighed down with sleepiness or exhaustion.
Instrument: A musical device, likely a lute or similar stringed instrument, that Lucius plays.
Strain: A short piece or tune of music.
An ‘t please you: An archaic contraction meaning If it pleases you or If you wish.
Art: An archaic form meaning are.
Urge: To press, plead, or push someone to do something.
Duty past thy might: A task or obligation that exceeds your strength or physical ability.
Young bloods: Young people; youth, who naturally require rest.
Hold thee long: Keep you for a long time.
Mace: A ceremonial staff or club, often associated with authority or, in this metaphor, the crushing weight of sleep or death.
Knave: A tricky, dishonest, or unprincipled man, but here used affectionately by Brutus to mean a young male servant or boy.
Taper: A slender candle, especially one used for lighting. The dimming light is an omen.
Apparition: A ghostly figure; a phantom or specter.
Stare: To stand upright and stiffly; Brutus means his hair is standing on end from terror.
Evil Spirit: In this context, the Ghost is the embodiment of the bad moral outcome or inevitable consequence of Brutus’s action (killing Caesar).
Ill: Bad, harmful, or unfortunate.
False: In this context, out of tune or incorrectly set, referring to the musical strings.
Sirrah: A term used to address men or boys of low social status; usually expressing authority, and sometimes contempt or anger.
Betimes: Early or in good time; promptly.

Julius Caesar Act 4 Scene 3 Question Answers

Julius Caesar Act 4 Scene 3 Character Sketch

Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 1

Tut: An exclamation expressing impatience or contempt; nonsense.
Proves not so: Is turning out to be untrue or incorrect.
Battles: (In this context) The main bodies of an army or forces.
At hand: Close by; imminent.
Warn us: Challenge or give notice of attack.
Demand of them: Make a formal request or challenge to them.
Bosoms: (Idiomatic) Inner thoughts, secrets, or confidences.
Wherefore: Why; for what reason.
Content: Satisfied or willing.
Fearful bravery: A display of courage that is actually rooted in fear.
Fasten in our thoughts: To firmly fix in their minds; to convince them.
Generals: military commanders
Comes on: approaches
Gallant: splendid, noble, or brave
Show: display or appearance
Bloody: indicating bloodshed or violence
Sign: flag, banner, or signal
Hung out: displayed
Battle: division of an army
Even field: level or flat ground
Keep thou: you maintain or you take
Cross me: oppose me or contradict me
Exigent: urgent situation or crisis
I will do so: I intend to act in that way
Parley: A discussion or conference between enemies under a truce, especially to discuss terms of surrender or a suspension of hostilities.
Battles: In this military context, it refers to battalions, divisions, or formations of troops.
Charge: An attack or an aggressive military movement toward an enemy.
Make forth: Move forward; proceed.
Countrymen: Fellow citizens or, in this context, fellow Romans (specifically referring to the conspirators’ allies).
Strokes: Blows, hits, or stabs given with a weapon, typically a sword or dagger.
Witness: To serve as evidence or proof of something.
Hybla: Refers to a mountain in Sicily famous in ancient times for the excellence of its honey.
Posture: The arrangement or position of something; here, meaning the nature or impact of his military actions.
Honeyless: Without honey; empty of sweetness or substance.
Soundless: Without sound; Brutus uses it here to suggest Antony’s threats lack immediate danger
Vile: Extremely unpleasant, wicked, or morally bad.
Hack’d: Cut or chopped with heavy, rough blows.
Fawn’d: Gave exaggerated displays of affection or obedience; groveled in a servile manner
Bondmen: Slaves or serfs; men bound to service without personal freedom.
Damned: Condemned; eternally punished or cursed.
Cur: A mongrel or stray dog; used here as an insult meaning a contemptible, base person.
Flatterers: People who praise someone insincerely to gain favor.
Threat: To express an intention to inflict injury, punishment, or damage.
Flatterers: people who praise someone excessively and insincerely, often to gain favor.
Offended: caused hurt feelings, resentment, or annoyance.
Rul’d: had control or authority; been in charge.
Cause: the reason for action, especially a dispute or battle.
Sweat: exert great effort; in this context, to work hard arguing.
Proof: the outcome or test; the final verification.
Conspirators: people who secretly plan an illegal or harmful act, especially treason.
Aveng’d: taken vengeance for or inflicted retribution.
Slaughter: the killing of a great number of people cruelly or violently.
Traitors: people who betray a friend, country, or cause.
Canst not: an archaic form meaning ‘cannot’.
Bring’st: an archaic form meaning ‘you bring’.
Wert: an archaic form meaning ‘were’ (second person singular past tense of ‘be’).
Strain: lineage, family, or stock; ancestry.
Honorable: deserving of high respect and dignity.
Peevish: easily irritated, especially by unimportant things; fretful or whining.
Worthless: without merit or value; undeserving.
Masker: a participant in a masquerade or revel; often implies a person who hides their true nature or is frivolous.
Reveler: a person who is taking part in a lively and noisy celebration or revelry; often implies someone focused on pleasure and not serious matters.
Defiance: bold disobedience; open resistance.
Hurl: to throw or launch with great force; here, metaphorically, to direct words of insult.
Stomachs: refers to courage or the readiness to fight; having the “stomach” for a fight means having the necessary spirit and fortitude.
Billow: a large wave of water
Bark: a poetic term for a small ship or boat
Hazard: a danger or risk; in this context, everything is risked on the outcome
Hark: listen
Converse apart: talk privately, away from others
General: a high-ranking military commander
Offended: insulted or displeased
Rul’d: commanded or decided
Compell’d: forced
Liberties: freedoms
Held Epicurus strong: strongly supported the philosophy of Epicurus
Opinion: belief or view
Partly credit: partially believe in
Presage: foretell the future; act as an omen
Ensign: a military standard or flag
Perch’d: settled or rested on a spot
Gorging: eating greedily or to the full
Consorted: accompanied; associated with
Kites: a type of predatory bird, often feeding on carrion
Sickly prey: weak or sick animals meant to be eaten
Canopy most fatal: a deadly or doom-filled covering
Give up the ghost: die
Fresh of spirit: full of energy or confidence.
Resolved: determined; firmly decided.
Perils: serious and immediate dangers.
Constantly: firmly or steadfastly.
Incertain: uncertain.
Reason with: consider or discuss logically.
May befall: may happen or occur.
Philosophy: a set of beliefs or principles that guide a person’s life or conduct.
Vile: extremely unpleasant or bad; morally corrupt or wicked.
Prevent: stop something from happening.
Arming myself with patience: preparing oneself mentally to endure hardship calmly.
To stay: to wait for.
Providence: the protective care of God or nature as a spiritual power; destiny or fate.
Thorough: through
Bound: led in chains; imprisoned or shackled.
Great a mind: a noble or high spirit; a soul too honorable to suffer public shame or bondage.
Ides of March: the 15th of March, the day Julius Caesar was assassinated.
Everlasting: lasting forever; eternal; in this context, final or permanent.
Farewell: an expression of good wishes at parting; a final good-bye.
Ere: before
Sufficeth: it is sufficient or enough
Exeunt: a stage direction indicating that all or the specified characters leave the stage.

Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 1 Question Answers

Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 1 Character Sketch

Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 2

Alarum: A call to arms or a signal of danger, typically a trumpet blast.
Bills: Written notes or dispatches, used here to mean written military orders.
Legions: Large units of soldiers in the Roman army; here, it means divisions of the army.
Set on: To begin an attack or charge.
Cold demeanor: A lack of spirit, resolution, or enthusiasm; appearing weak or cowardly.
Octavius’ wing: The specific division or flank of the enemy army commanded by Octavius.
Sudden push: A quick, vigorous, and coordinated attack or charge.
Overthrow: The defeat or rout of an enemy army.
Come down: To descend from a higher position (likely hills or ridges) onto the main field of battle.

Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 2 Question Answers

Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 2 Character Sketch

Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 3

Alarums: A stage direction for the sound of trumpets or drums signaling the noise and action of a battle.
Villains: Here, used by Cassius to refer to his own soldiers who are disgracefully fleeing.
Fly: To flee or run away quickly.
Ensign: The standard-bearer; the soldier carrying the military flag or standard.
Slew: Killed.
Coward: One who shows dishonorable fear and flees danger.
Word too early: Gave the command to attack prematurely.
Took it too eagerly: Seized the advantage too quickly, without caution or discipline.
Fell to spoil: Began to plunder or loot the enemy camp, leading to disorganization.
Enclosed: Surrounded or trapped by the enemy.
Fly: To flee or escape.
Perceive: To observe or become aware of something.
Spurs: Metal devices worn on a rider’s heel, used to urge a horse forward quickly.
Yonder: At some distance away; over there.
Assured: Certain; having no doubt.
Thick: poor, dim, or blurry
Regard: observe closely; pay attention to.
Notest: do notice or observe.
Breathed first: was born.
Time is come round: the cycle of time (from birth) has completed itself; destiny is fulfilled.
My life is run his compass: my life has completed its full course or circle.
Sirrah: a familiar and somewhat condescending form of address used toward social inferiors Enclosed round about: surrounded completely.
Make to him on the spur: ride quickly toward him, urging their horses on with spurs
He lights too: he dismounts from his horse
He’s ta’en: he is captured
Sirrah: A term of address used for an inferior (such as a servant or a slave), often implying slight contempt or familiarity.
Parthia: An ancient empire located southeast of the Caspian Sea; where Cassius took Pindarus as a prisoner of war.
Swore thee: Made you swear an oath
Saving of thy life: As a condition for sparing your life.
Attempt it: To undertake or perform the command
Now be a freeman: The act of killing Cassius automatically frees Pindarus, a condition of the oath of service for a Roman bondman.
Caesar’s bowels: Refers to Caesar’s body or vital organs; the path the sword took when Cassius helped assassinate him.
Search this bosom: A euphemism meaning to stab or plunge the sword into Cassius’s chest.
Stand not to answer: Do not pause to argue or reply; obey instantly.
Hilts: The handle of a sword.
Durst: (archaic) Dared; had the courage or boldness to.
Bondman: A slave or serf; a person bound to service without wages.
Disconsolate: Deeply unhappy or dejected; without comfort or consolation.
Change: Used here to mean an exchange or trade-off; a balanced result where success on one side is matched by failure on
the other.
Tidings: News; information.
Note of him: To observe, recognize, or take notice of him.
Set: Ended; finished; descended
Mistrust: Doubt, suspicion, or lack of confidence.
Hath done this deed: Has caused this death or tragic action.
Melancholy’s child: A poetic reference meaning the product or result of deep sadness, gloom, or pessimism
Apt thoughts: Thoughts that are easily influenced, ready, or prone to accepting suggestions Comest: (Archaic) Comes.
Engender’d: (Archaic) Gave birth to; produced; created.
Hie you: Hurry or hasten; a command to move quickly.
The while: During that time; meanwhile.
Misconstrued: Misinterpreted or understood wrongly; mistook the meaning of an event or statement.
Garland: A wreath of flowers or leaves, traditionally worn on the head; here, it symbolizes victory.
Apace: Quickly or swiftly.
Regarded: In this context, it means honored, respected, or showed loyalty to.
By your leave, gods: An expression asking for the gods’ permission before undertaking a grave action, specifically suicide.
This is a Roman’s part: Refers to the honorable duty (or role) of a high-ranking Roman to choose death by his own hand rather than suffer capture or shame.
Envenomed: Poisoned.
Alarum: A stage direction indicating the sound of trumpets or drums signaling the noise of battle.
Yonder: Over there, at some distance
Slain: Killed, murdered (past participle of slay).
Mighty yet: Still powerful or influential, even though dead.
Walks abroad: Is actively present or circulating in the world.
Turns our swords / In our own proper entrails: A metaphor meaning that Caesar’s spirit is causing the conspirators to use their own weapons to kill themselves
entrails: inner parts/guts/body
Whether: An older spelling for “whether” or here, “look whether,” meaning “see if” or “see whether.”
Breed thy fellow: Produce another person of equal quality or character as you.
Moe tears: More tears.
Thasos: An island in the Aegean Sea, used here as a distant, safe location for the burial.
His funerals shall not be in our camp: The formal rites and ceremony for his burial should not take place here.
Lest it discomfort us: In order to prevent it from causing us distress, discouragement, or demoralization.
Set our battles on: Command our troops to begin fighting.
Try fortune: Take a chance, gamble on fate, or attempt to succeed against the odds.

Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 3 Question Answers

Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 3 Character Sketch

Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 4

Alarum: A loud call or signal like a trumpet blast to arms; the noise or confusion of battle.
Countrymen: Fellow citizens or patriots.
Hold up your heads: An idiom meaning to maintain courage, confidence, or dignity despite difficulties.
Bastard: it refers to a base, ignoble, or cowardly person
Proclaim: To announce officially or publicly.
Foe: An enemy or adversary.
Tyrants: Cruel and oppressive rulers.
Noble: Belonging to a high class in society; having fine personal qualities or high moral principles.
Art thou down?: An archaic way of asking, ‘Have you fallen?’ or ‘Are you dead?’
Diest: An archaic form of the word ‘die’
Titinius: A friend of Cassius who kills himself earlier in the play to prove his loyalty after mistakenly believing Cassius had been captured. Lucilius uses him as a benchmark for bravery.
Mayst: An archaic form of may
Yield: To surrender or give up control
Straight: Immediately or at once.
Ta’en: An archaic contraction of the word ‘taken’, meaning captured or seized
Dare: to be brave enough to do something; to have the courage to assert something.
Assure: to tell someone something confidently; to make a positive declaration.
Shame: a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior, or here, the great dishonor of being captured alive.
Prize: something of great value obtained in a contest or by capture, here referring to Lucilius’s worth as a noble character.
Worth: the value of something; here, the moral or strategic value of Lucilius.
Chanced: happened or occurred

Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 4 Question Answers

Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 4 Character Sketch

Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 5

Remains: survivors; the few people left.
Ta’en: captured; taken prisoner.
Slain: killed.
Hark thee: listen to me.
Deed in fashion: an action that is common or prevalent
Ill request: a bad, harmful, or unwelcome request.
Meditates: thinks deeply or ponders.
Noble vessel: a metaphorical reference to Brutus, meaning a body or person containing great virtue.
Runs over: overflows.
Several: separate, distinct, or different
Hath: an archaic form of the verb ‘to have’.
Thyself: archaic form of ‘you or yourself’ Thou seest: archaic form of the verb ‘you see’
Pit: a metaphor for a grave, death, or complete, inescapable ruin.
Tarried: waited or delayed.
Prithee: an archaic expression ‘I pray thee’
Hilts: the handle or grip of a sword.
Office: a duty, task, or function required of a person
Tarrying: delay; staying or lingering in a place.
Doth joy: feels joy or happiness
True to me: loyal and faithful to me; not treacherous.
Vile conquest: a shameful, wicked, or dishonorable victory.
Attain unto: to achieve or gain
Life’s history: the story or narrative of one’s life.
Night hangs upon mine eyes: A poetic metaphor meaning that death or deep sleep (exhaustion) is beginning to overwhelm his vision.
labored to attain this hour: struggled and worked hard to reach this specific moment, referring to the final resolution of his life and death.
Prithee: A contracted form of ‘I pray thee’
Thy: Archaic form of ‘your’
Thou: Archaic form of ‘you’
Art: Archaic form of the verb ‘to be’
Fellow: In this context, it refers to a man; a companion or servant.
Good respect: High or honorable reputation; good standing.
Smatch: A trace, hint, or slight taste of something; an indication of quality.
Wilt: Archaic form of ‘will’
Good will: Willingness; readiness or enthusiasm to perform an action.
Alarum: A trumpet call or signal for soldiers to take arms or attack; a sudden, noisy sign of danger.
Retreat: A signal for a military force to withdraw; the act of moving away from the enemy.
Bondage: The state of being bound or enslaved; here, Strato implies the moral or political confinement of the victors.
Conquerors: The victors of the battle; here, Octavius and Antony’s forces.
Overcame: Gained victory or mastery over; conquered.
Hath: (Archaic) Has.
Proved: Demonstrated the truth or existence of something.
Entertain: To take into one’s service; to employ or hire.
Bestow thy time: To spend or give your time; to work for.
Prefer: To recommend or present someone for an office or position.
Latest: Most recent or final.
Service: An act of helping or doing work for someone.
Noblest: having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles; most honorable.
Conspirators: people who take part in a secret plan to do something illegal or harmful.
Envy: a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck.
General honest thought: a sincere, selfless intention based on principle rather than personal gain.
Common good: the benefit or interests of all the people in a society
Gentle: of a kind, mild, and tender temperament or disposition.
Elements so mixed: a reference to the Elizabethan belief that personality was determined by a balance of the four humours (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile). ‘So mixed’ means perfectly balanced, creating ideal character.
Virtue: behavior showing high moral standards.
Rites of burial: the formal religious or ceremonial acts that are performed when burying the dead.
Ordered honorably: arranged or treated with respect and dignity, befitting a person of rank.
Part the glories: to share or divide the successes and honors gained from the victory.