Julius Caesar 3.1 Word Nerd: Rank

The transcript explores the word 'rank', highlighting its dual meanings in Shakespeare's time. Initially, 'rank' referred to someone tall and proud, but it also had a negative connotation, describing someone arrogant. Additionally, 'rank' had a medical meaning, referring to a swollen body part treated by bloodletting. Antony cleverly uses both meanings to question if Brutus and Cassius see others as arrogant as Caesar, suggesting they might need to be 'bled' or eliminated.

What was the negative connotation of the word 'rank' in English?

• Someone who is humble and kind

• Someone who is overly proud and arrogant

• Someone who is wealthy and powerful

• Someone who is tall and upright

How did Shakespeare's contemporaries understand the term 'rank'?

• As a reference to wealth

• As a synonym for bravery

• As a description of a swollen body part

• As a term for nobility

What clever use of the word 'rank' does Antony employ?

• He uses it to describe Caesar's wealth

• He uses it to question Brutus and Cassius's intentions

• He uses it to praise Caesar's bravery

• He uses it to describe a physical ailment

In the context of the play, what does Antony suggest about people who are 'rank'?

• They should be given more power

• They should be praised

• They should be ignored

• They might need to be dealt with like Caesar

What does the dual meaning of 'rank' imply about Antony's view of Caesar?

• Caesar was a wise ruler

• Caesar was a humble leader

• Caesar was a physical giant

• Caesar was both arrogant and in need of control