Question

BRUTUS. He is not doubted.—A word, Lucillius.

How he received you let me be resolved.

LUCILLIUS. With courtesy and with respect enough,

But not with such familiar instances,

Nor with such free and friendly conference,

As he hath used of old.

BRUTUS. Thou hast described

A hot friend cooling. Ever note, Lucillius:

When love begins to sicken and decay

It useth an enforcèd ceremony.

There are no tricks in plain and simple faith;

But hollow men, like horses hot at hand,

Make gallant show and promise of their mettle;

But when they should endure the bloody spur,

They fall their crests and, like deceitful jades,

Sink in the trial. Comes his army on?



–The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,
William Shakespeare

What conflict does Brutus describe in this passage?

his external conflict with Cassius
his external conflict with Mark Antony
his internal conflict over killing Caesar
his internal conflict about the state of Rome

Answer 1

his external conflict with Cassius This is the correct option.

Brutus has the feeling his bond with Cassius is becoming weak. Brutus has this conversation with Lucillus before he and Cassius decide to have a private conversation. Brutus and Cassius had an argument about corruption, yet they make peace during their private meeting. They remain friends.

These options are nort right.

-his external conflict with Mark Antony. ( Mark Anthony is Brutus rival. He does not doubt about it).

-his internal conflict over killing Caesar. ( He has this conflict but it is not reflected in these lines).

-his internal conflict about the state of Rome. ( Same as above).

Answer 2

The answer is: his external conflict with Cassius

An external conflict refers to a struggle between a character and an outside force.

In the passage from Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," Lucillius reports to Brutus that Cassius received him with consideration but lack of warmth. Therefore, Brutus describes how Cassius has changed and how their friendship has cooled and weakened after assassinating Caesar.