Lesson-5  Patol Babu

 Answer the following questions briefly(a) What was the news that Nishikanto Ghosh gave Patol Babu?

Ans.   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.

(b) How did Patol Babu react? Why?

 Ans.  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.

(c) Why had Patol Babu lost his first job in Calcutta?

 Ans   The Second World War had resulted in Patol Babu being retrenched from his nine-year-old clerical job at Hudson and Kimberley.

(d) How does Patol Babu reconcile to the dialogue given to him?
Ans. Initially Patol Babu was very dejected to know that he was required to speak just one word ‘Oh!’, but later he accepted it because the director told him that he was the only one who had the speaking part that day. Even the lead actor had no dialogues to speak that day.

(e) Who was Mr. Pakrashi? How do his words help Patol Babu in enacting his role?

Ans.  Mr. Pakrashi was Patol Babu's mentor. He was a wonderful actor, without a tract of vanity in him. He remembered that he had said that however small a part he was offered, never  to consider it beneath his dignity,to accept it. These words influenced Patol Babu a lot and they helped him enact his role with confidence and determination. From these words, Patol Babu drew spirit, energy, inspiration and dignity to enact such a small role. He no more felt his role in the movie to be condescending.

(f) How do we know that Patol Babu was a meticulous man?
Ans.  Patol Babu was indeed a meticulous man. When he got his dialogue, monosyllabic exclamation 'Oh!', he tried his best to give his best. First he tried to understand different inflections of 'Oh!' when spoken in different tones carrying different meanings in various ways. Along with that he worked out how he would react physically when the collision took place, how his features would be twisted in pain, how he would express pain and surprise. When his turn came, he even suggested for a rehersal. He calculated his steps and timed it excellently well. All these things shows his hard-work and pain taking attitude.

(g) Why did Mr. Mullick turn down Patol Babu's request for a rehearsal?
Ans. Mr Mullick was a very busy and preoccupied director. He had no patience to grant rehearsal for an insignificant role. Moreover, the scene had to be shot in sunlight and as the clouds were seen approaching, he had to take the shot quickly. So he declined Patol Babu’s request for a rehearsal.

(h) What were the special touches that Patol Babu gave to his role to make it more authentic?
Ans.  Patol Babu was given the role of an absent-minded pedestrian who collided with the hero Chanchal Kumar on his way from his car to office. First of all, he himself rehearsed his own bit. He worked out his steps, his reactions and his facial expressions. When the shot was ready, he suggested to Barren Mullick if he had a newspaper open in his hand then it would be more natural and realistic. then, he calculated his speed and distance of the spot where the collision was to take place and expressed his feelings of anguish, surprise and irritation in proper ratio and proportion. In this way, he timed it very well.

4.(a)  'I hope the part calls for some dialogue?' Who says this? Why does he /she ask this question?
Ans. Patol babu says  this. He asked Naresh Dutt, the producer of the film to know about this role and the dialogue so as to be very clear in mind, what he has to do exactly because Naresh Dutt has not told him anything about it till now.
(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?
Ans. Patol babu has all these thoughts as soon as he gets the dialogue from Jyoti. It is a single exclamatory word 'Oh!'. He feels upset and displeased at this dialogue. He has spoiled his day. He has come all the way into the middle of the city for such a small dialogue.
(c) Patol Babu is an amateur actor for whom walk-on part in a movie turns into an ultimate challenge. Discuss.

Ans. 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.

(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.
Ans. Yes, I do agree with this statement. Patol Babu has to struggle hard to earn his livelihood. But he does not lose heart. He tries many jobs, every means of earning a livelihood. He is an iron-willed man, undeterred by hardships of life.

As soon  as he gets an offer to play a walk on part in a movie, he accepted it. He performs it to his own utmost satisfaction. He puts all the labour and imagination into one shot. It is true that he needs money but he does not run after it. He performs his act with perfection, dedication and experience intense satisfaction of true actor.

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

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

Ans. 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.

Writing Task 

9. Patol Babu writes a letter to Nishikanto Ghosh to thank him for being instrumental in his getting a role in a film. He also shares his experience at the film shoot including the excitement and deep satisfaction that he derived from the same. Write the letter in about 200 words.

Examination Hall
New Delhi.

8th Dec.2014

Dear Nishikanto Babu,
How are you? Hope you are doing fine. It was indeed a pleasure meeting you the other day. I wanted to thank you for recommending me for that role.

At first, I was surprised that an acting offer would come my way after so many years. However, as you know how passionate I am about acting that I just couldn’t refuse. When I reached the shooting site, I realised how different acting in a film was than acting on stage. I saw so many new things—cameras, lights, make up artists, production people, etc. It was a completely new experience for me. I must confess something—I was initially disappointed with my role and dialogue. It was a very small part with almost no dialogue. however, my mentor’s advice motivated me and I rehearsed and performed my part to perfection. In fact I can say that it was my finest performance till date.

I am very grateful to you as it was because of you that I had this fantastic experience at the first place.

I must also add that your brother-in-law is a thorough gentleman. He took good care of me. Thanks again.

Yours truly,
Patol Babu

Ozymandias
ozymandias

Summary :                            

The Narrator: The narrator starts the poem with the
introduction as to how the traveller had narrated his
trip to the ancient land.
The Traveler: Two huge yet without the upper part of
the body sculptures stood in the desert. Near them lay
a shattered face, which had a frown and a wrinkled
expression on his face. The face also held a hostile
expression of cold command. The expression could be
read very well on these lifeless things because of the
sculptor’s artistry. On the pedestal appeared the words
of the king himself. It read that his name was
Ozymandias, king of kings, who commanded the
forthcoming rulers to look up to him, and be saddened
by the fact that they can never beat the glory he had
achieved.
Ozymandias: I am Ozymandias, king of all kings: look
upon my work and be despaired by my might, which
you can never surpass.

5. a) “The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed”. Whose hand and heart has poet referred to in this line?

The expression ‘the hand that mocked’ refers to the sculptor’s skill in reproducing king Ozymandias’s facial expressions in stone and ‘the heart that fed’ refers to the arrogance of the conceited king Ozymandias who considered himself to be the mightiest of the mighty.

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- The king Ozymandias described himself as the king of kings because he was very proud of his power, position and glory, he thought himself to be the greatest of all kings 

It shows the vanity and pretentiousness of the arrogant king. 

c) “Look on my works, ye mighty and despair!” Who is Ozymandias referring to when he speaks of “ye mighty”? Why should they despair?

He is referring to his fellow kings who consider themselves to be   very powerful,mighty and great.

 He feels that his greatness is unparalleled, for nobody can overpass the greatness and strength of him,it would pale their achievements into insignificance and give them reasons to be ashamed and dejected.

d) ‘Bring out the irony in the poem.

Answer: The once powerful king who glorified himself  through a grand statue with the thought of immortalizing himself,  is no more  Time devoured all his grandeur and magnificence and his statue is shattered into pieces; lying neglected and half-buried in the sand.Today his challenge to all fellow kings sounds hollow  and the inscription on the pedestal with the trunkless legs ironically mocks at Ozymandias’s claim to power and might.

e) ‘Nothing beside remains’. What does the narrator mean when he says these words?

Answer: Apart from the trunkless legs on the pedestal and a shattered visage, no remains of the once grand statue can be seen in the vast desert. By saying this, the narrator tries to highlight that even Ozymandias had not realized that time will wipe out everything and fragments of the broken statue will lie neglected in the sand.

f) What is your impression of Ozymandias as a king?

Answer-Ozymandias like many other kings is proud, arrogant and  a conceited king. He considered himself incomparable in regard to his greatness and achievements. He was a shortsighted person with a condescending attitude who never could realize that everything in the world is subject to decay, decline and destruction with no exception.

g) What message is conveyed through the poem.

Answer-The Might and majesty of a king do not last. Only great art endures for a period of time. The statue symbolizing the glory of pharaoh has crumbled. Now except some fine pieces of work by the sculptor nothing else remained. The poem compels us to realize that ‘time plays its final hand on every living and non-living creation and a proud king like Ozymandias is of no exception’. 

Question 7:

Shelley's sonnet follows the traditional structure of thefourteen-line Italian sonnet, featuring an openingoctave, or set of eight lines, that presents a conflict ordilemma, followed by a sestet, or set of six lines, thatoffers some resolution or commentary upon theproposition introduced in the octave.

Poetic Device Lines from the poem Alliteration ...and sneer of cold command Synecdoche (substitution of a part to stand for the whole, or the whole to stand for a part) the hand that mock'd themRepitition King of Kings Personification
the hand that mocked them

Content of Caesar’s Will

Antony tells the angry mob the contents of Caesar's will  and explains that Caesar hasl bestowed "seventy-five drachmas" to each citizen (Line 247).
Antony adds that Caesar gave all his walks, "His private arbours," and his newly planted orchards, to the Citizens for their pleasure.

Contrast between the funeral speeches of Brutus and Antony.

•Brutus’ speech to the mob is the speech of a philosopher who speaks in a logical manner whereas Antony’s speech is emotional and is intended to stir the feelings and passion of the listeners.
•Brutus’ speech is cold and intellectual. His speech appeals to the intelligence of the listeners and it fails because the listeners in this case are not intelligent enough.
•Brutus’ speech was argumentative and somewhat difficult to understand. His speech is undoubtedly an excellent specimen of reasoning. The logic behind his speech is absolutely clear but again the point remains that logic is something which the common people do not understand. But it does not mean that Brutus is speaking to people who are utterly ignorant. The point is that the people understand his reasoning only to a limited extent. They surrender to his logic only because they have a high opinion about him.

•Brutus fails to understand the mob:
Brutus tries to appeal to the people’s love of freedom. He tries to stir their hatred of tyranny but he does not understand that people at this point in Roman history are not very enlightened and they do not understand the talk about freedom and slavery.

Speech of Antony

The merits of Antony’s speech are:
•Antony knows the psychology of the mob and he appeals directly to this psychology. He does not talk of the principle of freedom or the evil of tyranny and slavery rather he speaks about the wounds which have been inflicted upon Caesar’s body.
•He speaks about the ingratitude of Brutus who was loved as a dear friend by Caesar.
•He talks of Caesar’s will in which he had made the roman mob an heir to his property.
•Antony makes use of several rhetoric devices in the course of his speech. He makes use of irony when he says again and again that Brutus is an honorable man and others too are honorable man.
•He exploits the sympathy of the mob by pointing to each wound on Caesar’s body by connecting it with one or other conspirator.
•Another important difference is that Brutus speaks to the mob in prose, whereas Antony speaks to mob in verse. Antony’s speech makes use not only of rhetorical but also of poetic devices. Therefore Antony imparts narrative quality to his speech and targets the feelings and passion of his listeners.

Character sketch of Julius Caesar

ØCaesar, as portrayed by Shakespeare, is a mixture of weakness and strength. In the very opening scene of the play the playwright gives us an impression of Caesar as a political and military strength, though at certain times he tells us that his power is being undermined by certain officers of the state.

ØAlthough Caesar shows complete disregard for any kind of superstition yet at certain occasions he reveals to be under the impact of superstitions.

ØCaesar is fearless but at the same time he has a wavering mind also. When Calpurnia tries to convince him to remain indoors, Caesar fearlessly says that he is ready to accept whatever may be the consequences of stepping out on that day. He very philosophically declares that cowards die many times before their death and the brave never taste of it except once. But when Calpurnia pleads in front of him and bends on her knees, Caesar agrees to follow the words of his wife.

ØAgain when Decius comes and misinterprets Calpurnia’s dream, Caesar is fully convinced and also tempted by the thoughts of being offered the kingly crown, so he decides to get ready to leave the house.

•Here Caesar feels greatly pleased by the flattering interpretation of Calpurnia’s dream .Thus, he appears to have a wavering mind.

ØCaesar reveals his firmness and his arrogance in the Senate House when Metellus Cimber approaches him with a petition. Caesar firmly rejects the request. Here we admire Caesar’s firmness but we strongly disapprove the arrogant and proud manner in which he speaks to the petitioner. He claims to be one man among countless men as he never changes his mind and never modifies his decisions.

ØCaesar is also very graceful and dignified in receiving the Senators when they come to his house to fetch him to Senate House. In a very hospitable manner, he offers them to come inside and taste some wine.

ØCaesar as portrayed by Shakespeare does arouse our admiration because of his strength of character and understanding of human nature but we feel disappointed by his wavering nature, his love of flattery, his arrogance and his boastfulness.

Character Sketch of Marcus Brutus

•When Cassius approaches Brutus and tries to convince and bring him into conspiracy, Shakespeare shows the conflict in his mind due to his love for Caesar and love of freedom .Cassius is able to read the disturbance going on in Brutus’ mind. He targets the mind of Brutus accordingly and succeeds in luring him in the conspiracy party by playing upon his sense of honour and love for freedom and partly also by appealing to him in the name of his ancestors.

•Although Brutus greatly values freedom and wants to safeguard the interest of the common people, yet he is at the same time a dear friend of Caesar.

•Brutus is an idealist who is opposed by the realism and practical sense of Cassius.

•The idealism of Brutus comes out in the course of the play especially when the conspiracy is being planned against Caesar.

•Being an idealist and a visionary with little knowledge of practical realities he fails as a statesman and as a military leader. The lack of political foresight and incapacity to judge the characters of the people whom he has to convince constitute the tragic flaw in him. He shows himself to be too self righteous and self opinionated.

•In dealing with Antony, Brutus shows the same ignorance of the practical reality of life as he had previously when the conspiracy was discussed by him with his fellow conspirators. He shows himself to be more than willing to negotiate with Antony, contrary to the wishes of Cassius and permits him to address the mob. He certainly takes the precaution of himself addressing the mob first, but he then departs, leaving the field free for Antony. He does not foresee the harm which Cassius could and which Antony now does to the cause of the conspirators.

JULIUS CAESAR

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgyAPrv30egJULIUS CAESAR

JULIUS CAESAR: WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Question and Answer - Part - II

Answer the following questions briefly:

Question: 1 - How do the heavens ‘blaze forth’ the death of Julius Caesar?

Answer: In this statement, Calpurnia tries to paraphrase an age old belief that when an important person dies even the heavens mourn on the death. Meteors fall and comets blaze through the sky as if mourning the demise of the great person.

The heavens do commence the ultimate demise of Caesar through several omens. Horrifying and shivering and the outcomes as interpreted  in giving birth of a lioness in the street, opening of the graves with dead bodies stirring, warriors fighting upon the clouds, drizzling of blood on the capitol along with the shrinking and squealing of ghosts around do epitomize the heavenly hint of Caesar’s gathering to forefathers.

Question: 2 - What does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar of?

Ans.: Calpurnia dreamt of Caesar’s statue spouting blood through different holes with vigorous smiling Romans saturating their hands in his blood.She considers it as bad omen, so she is trying to stop Caesar from going to attend the Senate and remain in the house.

Question: 3 - Why does Calpurnia say Caesar’s ‘wisdom is consumed in confidence? What does she mean?

Answer: Calpurnia means to say that Caesar is unable to comprehend the bad omens because of his overconfidence and is not paying attention to her warnings.

Question: 4 - What does Calpurnia dream about Caesar? How does Decius Brutus interpret the dream?

Answer: Calpurnia dreams that Caesar’s statue is spouting blood like a fountain and lusty Romans are pleased to bathe in the blood of Caesar. Decius Brutus interprets the dream to depict a positive picture. He says that the blood from the statue is reinvigorating the Romans. He tells Caesar that great men always strive to act in a way which could prove to be a source of sustenance for their subjects.

Question: 5 - What are the arguments put forward by Decius Brutus to convince Caesar to go to the Capitol?

Answer: Decius Brutus tries to make a positive interpretation of the dream and then he also raises a doubt that the Senate may change its mind on the decision to crown Caesar.

Question: 6 - Why is Decius more successful than Calpurnia in persuading Caesar?

Answer: Calpurnia is not telling what Caesar would like to hear. On the other hand, Decius frames his statements to the liking of Caesar. Brave men often commit the blunder of becoming overconfident and by doing so they ignore certain warnings.

Question: 7 - What is the petition put before Caesar by the conspirators? How does Caesar respond to it?

Answer: They want Publius Cimber to be forgiven and his banishment to be revoked. Caesar straightaway refuses this demand.

Question: 8 - Who says “Et tu Brute”? When are these words spoken? Why?

Answer: Brutus is a close friend of Caesar and is a highly respected person for his sense of justice. Hence, when Brutus stabs Caesar,he was shocked and utters the words, “Et tu Brute” which means ‘you too Brutus’; when translated into English.

Question: 9 - In the moments following Caesar’s death what do the conspirators proclaim to justify Caesar’s death?

Answer: After the death of Caesar, the conspirators try to justify the event by claiming that it was necessary to liberate the people of Rome from imminent slavery at the hands of Caesar.

Question: 10 - Seeing the body of Caesar, Antony is overcome by grief. What does he say about Caesar?

Answer: Seeing the body of Caesar, Antony says that all the conquests, glories and triumph of Caesar had sadly come to such a lowly end. He is shaken by the fact that even a great person; like Caesar could meet such an inglorious end.

Question: 11 - Whom does Antony call “the choice and master spirits of this age”? Why?

Answer: He is referring to the conspirators, it is with irony  Antony tells the conspirators that they are in control of Rome and what has happened.

Question: 12 - How do Brutus and Cassius respond to Antony’s speech?

Answer: Brutus and Cassius try to explain the reason behind carrying out such a dastardly act. They want to make friendship with Antony and they also assure him due share in power.

Question: 13 - Why does Cassius object to allowing Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral? How does Brutus overcome this objection?

Answer: Cassius is apprehensive that Antony may create a rebellion among people by speaking in his funeral. Brutus says that he would speak before Antony does and would give valid reason for killing Caesar. Moreover, he also says that he would tell people that Antony is speaking only after his permission.

Question: 14 - What are the conditions imposed by the conspirators before allowing Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral?

Answer: The conspirators allow Antony the freedom to speak all the good things about Caesar. But Antony is not allowed to say a single negative thing about the conspirators.

Question: 15 - When he is left alone with the body of Caesar what does Antony call Brutus and and others?

Ans. He calls them butchers.

Question: 16 - What predictions does Antony make regarding the future events in Rome?

Answer: Antony predicts a civil war in Rome. He predicts that all the people would have to suffer domestic and civil war. He predicts that the spirit of Caesar would roam the town alongwith he goddess of revenge and it would bring catastrophe in Rome.

Question: 17 - What reasons does Brutus give for murdering Caesar?

Answer: Brutus argues that Caesar was becoming ambitious and may have turned into a dictator. Hence, it was necessary to kill Caesar.

Question: 18 - Who says, “Let him be Caesar”? What light does this throw on the speaker?

Answer: A citizen makes this statement. The citizen seems to be convinced by the logic which was given by Brutus. The person portrays the herd mentality in which everyone is swayed by sudden changes in event and especially by powerful speech by a powerful public figure.

Question: 19 - Why is Antony’s speech more effective?

Answer: Antony begins with many examples of the past deeds of Caesar to convince the people that contrary to what was claimed, ambition was never on Caesar’s mind. He then engages the audience by showing various wounds on Caesar’s body andAnswer: Cassius is apprehensive that Antony may create a rebellion among people by speaking in his funeral. Brutus says that he would speak before Antony does and would give valid reason for killing Caesar. Moreover, he also says that he would tell people that Antony is speaking only after his permission.

Question: 20 - At the end of the scene what is the fate of Brutus and Cassius?

Answer: Brutus and Cassius are defeated and they finally commit suicide.

Q. How does Antony begin his speech?

Ans. , He begins with the statement that he is speaking with Brutus’ permission. He also says that Brutus and his associates killed Caesar because of his ambition and it was indeed ambition then the assassination was a just act. dramatizes the situation. Finally, he utilizes the will to great effect to sway the public sentiment against the conspirators. These instances make Antony’s speech more effective.

JULIUS CAESAR

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Plot Overview

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Two tribunes, Flavius and Murellus, find scores of Roman citizens wandering the streets, neglecting their work in order to watch Julius Caesar’s triumphal parade: Caesar has defeated the sons of the deceased Roman general Pompey, his archrival, in battle. The tribunes scold the citizens for abandoning their duties and remove decorations from Caesar’s statues. Caesar enters with his entourage, including the military and political figures Brutus, Cassius, and Antony. A Soothsayer calls out to Caesar to “beware the Ides of March,” but Caesar ignores him and proceeds with his victory celebration (I.ii.19, I.ii.25).

Cassius and Brutus, both longtime intimates of Caesar and each other, converse. Cassius tells Brutus that he has seemed distant lately; Brutus replies that he has been at war with himself. Cassius states that he wishes Brutus could see himself as others see him, for then Brutus would realize how honored and respected he is. Brutus says that he fears that the people want Caesar to become king, which would overturn the republic. Cassius concurs that Caesar is treated like a god though he is merely a man, no better than Brutus or Cassius. Cassius recalls incidents of Caesar’s physical weakness and marvels that this fallible man has become so powerful. He blames his and Brutus’s lack of will for allowing Caesar’s rise to power: surely the rise of such a man cannot be the work of fate. Brutus considers Cassius’s words as Caesar returns. Upon seeing Cassius, Caesar tells Antony that he deeply distrusts Cassius.

Caesar departs, and another politician, Casca, tells Brutus and Cassius that, during the celebration, Antony offered the crown to Caesar three times and the people cheered, but Caesar refused it each time. He reports that Caesar then fell to the ground and had some kind of seizure before the crowd; his demonstration of weakness, however, did not alter the plebeians’ devotion to him. Brutus goes home to consider Cassius’s words regarding Caesar’s poor qualifications to rule, while Cassius hatches a plot to draw Brutus into a conspiracy against Caesar.

That night, Rome is plagued with violent weather and a variety of bad omens and portents. Brutus finds letters in his house apparently written by Roman citizens worried that Caesar has become too powerful. The letters have in fact been forged and planted by Cassius, who knows that if Brutus believes it is the people’s will, he will support a plot to remove Caesar from power. A committed supporter of the republic, Brutus fears the possibility of a dictator-led empire, worrying that the populace would lose its voice. Cassius arrives at Brutus’s home with his conspirators, and Brutus, who has already been won over by the letters, takes control of the meeting. The men agree to lure Caesar from his house and kill him. Cassius wants to kill Antony too, for Antony will surely try to hinder their plans, but Brutus disagrees, believing that too many deaths will render their plot too bloody and dishonor them. Having agreed to spare Antony, the conspirators depart. Portia, Brutus’s wife, observes that Brutus appears preoccupied. She pleads with him to confide in her, but he rebuffs her.

Caesar prepares to go to the Senate. His wife, Calpurnia, begs him not to go, describing recent nightmares she has had in which a statue of Caesar streamed with blood and smiling men bathed their hands in the blood. Caesar refuses to yield to fear and insists on going about his daily business. Finally, Calpurnia convinces him to stay home—if not out of caution, then as a favor to her. But Decius, one of the conspirators, then arrives and convinces Caesar that Calpurnia has misinterpreted her dreams and the recent omens. Caesar departs for the Senate in the company of the conspirators.

As Caesar proceeds through the streets toward the Senate, the Soothsayer again tries but fails to get his attention. The citizen Artemidorus hands him a letter warning him about the conspirators, but Caesar refuses to read it, saying that his closest personal concerns are his last priority. At the Senate, the conspirators speak to Caesar, bowing at his feet and encircling him. One by one, they stab him to death. When Caesar sees his dear friend Brutus among his murderers, he gives up his struggle and dies.

The murderers bathe their hands and swords in Caesar’s blood, thus bringing Calpurnia’s premonition to fruition. Antony, having been led away on a false pretext, returns and pledges allegiance to Brutus but weeps over Caesar’s body. He shakes hands with the conspirators, thus marking them all as guilty while appearing to make a gesture of conciliation. When Antony asks why they killed Caesar, Brutus replies that he will explain their purpose in a funeral oration. Antony asks to be allowed to speak over the body as well; Brutus grants his permission, though Cassius remains suspicious of Antony. The conspirators depart, and Antony, alone now, swears that Caesar’s death shall be avenged.

Brutus and Cassius go to the Forum to speak to the public. Cassius exits to address another part of the crowd. Brutus declares to the masses that though he loved Caesar, he loves Rome more, and Caesar’s ambition posed a danger to Roman liberty. The speech placates the crowd. Antony appears with Caesar’s body, and Brutus departs after turning the pulpit over to Antony. Repeatedly referring to Brutus as “an honorable man,” Antony’s speech becomes increasingly sarcastic; questioning the claims that Brutus made in his speech that Caesar acted only out of ambition, Antony points out that Caesar brought much wealth and glory to Rome, and three times turned down offers of the crown. Antony then produces Caesar’s will but announces that he will not read it for it would upset the people inordinately. The crowd nevertheless begs him to read the will, so he descends from the pulpit to stand next to Caesar’s body. He describes Caesar’s horrible death and shows Caesar’s wounded body to the crowd. He then reads Caesar’s will, which bequeaths a sum of money to every citizen and orders that his private gardens be made public. The crowd becomes enraged that this generous man lies dead; calling Brutus and Cassius traitors, the masses set off to drive them from the city.

Meanwhile, Caesar’s adopted son and appointed successor, Octavius, arrives in Rome and forms a three-person coalition with Antony and Lepidus. They prepare to fight Cassius and Brutus, who have been driven into exile and are raising armies outside the city. At the conspirators’ camp, Brutus and Cassius have a heated argument regarding matters of money and honor, but they ultimately reconcile. Brutus reveals that he is sick with grief, for in his absence Portia has killed herself. The two continue to prepare for battle with Antony and Octavius. That night, the Ghost of Caesar appears to Brutus, announcing that Brutus will meet him again on the battlefield.

Octavius and Antony march their army toward Brutus and Cassius. Antony tells Octavius where to attack, but Octavius says that he will make his own orders; he is already asserting his authority as the heir of Caesar and the next ruler of Rome. The opposing generals meet on the battlefield and exchange insults before beginning combat.

Cassius witnesses his own men fleeing and hears that Brutus’s men are not performing effectively. Cassius sends one of his men, Pindarus, to see how matters are progressing. From afar, Pindarus sees one of their leaders, Cassius’s best friend, Titinius, being surrounded by cheering troops and concludes that he has been captured. Cassius despairs and orders Pindarus to kill him with his own sword. He dies proclaiming that Caesar is avenged. Titinius himself then arrives—the men encircling him were actually his comrades, cheering a victory he had earned. Titinius sees Cassius’s corpse and, mourning the death of his friend, kills himself.

Brutus learns of the deaths of Cassius and Titinius with a heavy heart, and prepares to take on the Romans again. When his army loses, doom appears imminent. Brutus asks one of his men to hold his sword while he impales himself on it. Finally, Caesar can rest satisfied, he says as he dies. Octavius and Antony arrive. Antony speaks over Brutus’s body, calling him the noblest Roman of all. While the other conspirators acted out of envy and ambition, he observes, Brutus genuinely believed that he acted for the benefit of Rome. Octavius orders that Brutus be buried in the most honorable way. The men then depart to celebrate their victory

Virtuallly true- By Paul Stewart

Virtually true – By Paul Stewart

Textual Questions

1. According to the newspaper, what had happened to Sebastian Shultz?

Sebastian Shultz was badly injured in a car accident. His condition was described by doctors as

critical but stable. In spite of doctors’ efforts Sebastian could not regain consciousness. He went

into coma.

2. 'Dad's nutty about computers.' What evidence is there to support this statement?

Michael’s dad was crazy about computers. He had bought the latest computer which could do

anything: paint, play music, create displays. He also bought many latest psycho-drive games and

a virtual reality visor and glove. In fact, he was so obsessed that he couldn’t resist buying any

new gadgets and gizmos that came on the market.

3. In what way did the second game seem very real?

There are various instances in the chapter to describe that the second game seemed very real,

such as “As I lowered myself down I felt the dragon's fiery breath”, “And the whole time I could

hear and feel and even smell the evil dragon following in close pursuit”, etc.

4. The last game has tanks, jeeps, helicopters, guns and headings would you put this and the

other games under?

Warzone can be categorised under simulation games. Wildwest is a strategy game. Dragonquest

is a fantasy role-playing game and Jailbreak is an action game.

5. What was Michael's theory about how Sebastian had entered the games?

According to Michael, Sebastian was probably playing those games when he banged his head in

the accident. The computer had saved his memory into its own. Michael bought a lot of games

at the fair. Some of them were the stolen ones of Sebastian. When Michael was playing those

games, the computer was trying to retrieve Sebastian’s memory.

'That was my idea' said Sebastian excitedly.' If only it would go a big faster’.

i. Where was Sebastian when he spoke these words?

Sebastian had just broken a jail with help of Michael and was on the rooftop.

ii. What was his idea, and what was he referring to?

Sebastian was referring to be rescued by a helicopter from the jail, before the guards catch up

on him.

iii. Was the idea a good one and did it eventually succeed? How?

The idea was a good one, yet did not succeed because the jail guards and their dogs catch up on them,

while Sebastian slips and falls down.

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

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 realised that he was the same person whom he l

had met in the virtual world and was trying to rescue him. Michael couldn’t understand that

how he could meet Sebastian if he was in coma.

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

and how?

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.

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

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.

4. Describe the first place where Michael was virtually transported.

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.

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

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 which appeared on his printer.

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

Michael couldn’t rescue Sebastian the first time because before he could save him, he was shot

by gunmen.

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

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.l

8. Narrate the accident that injured Sebastian Shultz.

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.

9. How had Sebastian Shultz entered the games?

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

computer had saved his memory in its own. Thus, Sebastian had entered the games but could

not come out of it.

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

At the time of the accident, Sebastian was plugged on to the computer. The computer had saved

his memory in 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.

Sebastian Shultz had a close brush with death. After he recovers, he returns to school

and narrates his experience to his classmates. As Sebastian Shultz, narrate your

experience.

Hi friends, great to see you all. I had almost lost hope to meet you all again ever. Six weeks ago, I was on my way out of town with some friends for a weekend. I had my laptop with me. It was a four-hour journey to our destination. So, to engage myself, I logged on to one of my psycho-drive games. After an hour of driving on the highway, the car suddenly screeched to a halt. Since we were driving at a great speed, the driver lost control of the car and car somersaulted before falling into a ditch. As the car fell into the ditch, my head hit against the roof of the car and everything blacked out. I don’t remember what happened to me after that.

I was told that I had slipped into coma and only a miracle had brought me back. Another miraculous

thing happened to me. At the time of the accident, I was in the midst of a game. Although, I entered it I couldn’t come out of it. Somebody stole my lot of games while I was in the hospital. Some of those were bought by a person called Michael, who rescued me and got me out. So, indirectly he is my saviour. I am planning to meet him soon. It is great to be back friends! I have had a harrowing time, VIRTUALLY!!

Write an article entitled 'Virtual games are a reality.

Virtual world or cyberspace is an environment using computer technology to create a simulated, three dimensionalworld that a user can manipulate and explore while feeling as if he were in that world. In a virtual reality environment, the user experiences the feeling of being inside and a part of that world. He is also able to interact with his environment in meaningful ways. Virtually real environment has

benefited the health care industry. The doctors use virtual reality products to treat phobias, addictions

and other mental health needs.

However, some psychologists are concerned that virtual reality games could psychologically affect a

player. They suggest that these games place a player in violent situations, particularly as the perpetuator of violence and could result in the user becoming desensitised. Some psychologists also believe that these games can lead to cyber addiction. There have been several news stories of gamers neglecting their real lives for their online, in-game presence.

Another rising concern is about criminal acts. In a virtual game, defining a criminal act has been

problematic. At what point can authorities charge a person with a real crime for actions within a virtual game? Studies indicate that people can have real physical and emotional reactions to stimuli within a virtual game. Thus, it’s quite possible that a victim of a virtual attack could feel real emotional trauma.

Can the attacker be punished for causing real-life distress? We don’t have answers to these questions

yet.