Question

Read the excerpt from act 5, scene 5, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.

[BRUTUS.] Night hangs upon mine eyes; my bones would rest,
That have but laboured to attain this hour. . . .

I prithee, Strato, stay thou by thy lord.
Thou art a fellow of a good respect.
Thy life hath had some smatch of honour in it.
Hold then my sword, and turn away thy face
While I do run upon it. Wilt thou, Strato?

STRATO. Give me your hand first. Fare you well, my lord.

BRUTUS. Farewell, good Strato. . . .
Caesar, now be still:
I killed not thee with half so good a will.

Which piece of evidence best supports the theme that dignity has a high cost?

"Night hangs upon mine eyes."
"I prithee, Strato, stay thou by thy lord."
"Thy life hath had some smatch of honour in it."
"I killed not thee with half so good a will."

Answer 1

The piece of evidence that best supports the theme that dignity has a high cost is "I killed not thee with half so good a will".

By using these words, what Brutus is trying to say is that he was never completely willing to murder Caesar; however, Caesar can rest in peace because he is willing to die now. Brutus dies immediately after saying these words. He had been part of the conspiracy to kill Julius Caesar in order to save Rome. In that way, although Brutus was worthy of honour due to his love for Rome, he had to pay for murdering Caesar with his own death, which reflects the idea that dignity has a high cost.

Answer 2

Which piece of evidence best supports the theme that dignity has a high cost?

"I killed not thee with half so good a will."

~Hope this answers your question!~