Question

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 1, of Julius Caesar.

CAESAR. I must prevent thee, Cimber.
These couchings and these lowly courtesies
Might fire the blood of ordinary men,
And turn preordinance and first decree
Into the law of children. Be not fond
To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood
That will be thawed from the true quality
With that which melteth fools: I mean sweet words,
Low-crookèd courtesies, and base spaniel fawning.
Thy brother by decree is banished.
If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him,
I spurn thee like a cur out of my way.
Know Caesar doth not wrong but with just cause,
Nor without cause will he be satisfied.

What is the central idea of this excerpt?

Caesar will not reverse the exile of Cimber’s brother in response to begging and flattery.
Caesar tells Cimber to leave the senate for pleading to release his brother.
Caesar will free Cimber’s brother if Cimber provides Caesar with good reasons to do so.
Caesar will not tolerate being treated like a dog for exiling Cimber’s brother.

Answer 1

Answer: Caesar will not reverse the exile of Cimber’s brother in response to begging and flattery.

Answer 2

Answer: Caesar will not reverse the exile of Cimber’s brother in response to begging and flattery.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Julius Caesar, Caesar is betrayed by his friend Brutus, who organizes his assassination together with other conspirators.

Act III, Scene I is a scene in which Caesar is murdered.

Before the murder happens, Metellus begs Caesar to allow his brother (Publius Cimber), who has been banished from Rome, to return. It is not specifically stated why Publius has been banished, but Caesar replies that he would not absolve his guilt, as he was banished by lawful decree. Brutus and Cassius join Metellus in his plea, but Caesar does not change his mind. By mentioning Publius, Metellus is actually trying to distract Caesar. His brother is just an excuse which allows Metellus and his fellow conspirators to gather around Caesar before they murder him.