Question

BRUTUS: . . . I say that Brutus’ love to Caesar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more. . . . As Caesar loved me, I weep for him. As he was fortunate, I rejoice at it. As he was valiant, I honor him. But as he was ambitious, I slew him. There is tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honor for his valor, and death for his ambition. Who is here so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak, for him have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak, for him have I offended. Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak, for him have I offended. I pause for a reply. Which statement summarizes the main idea of Brutus’ speech? Though Brutus loved Caesar, his love for Rome outweighed it, so he assassinated the ambitious Caesar in Rome’s best interest. Brutus does not give any reason for assassinating Caesar; he was simply following along with the conspirators’ plan. Brutus did not like Caesar because Caesar accused him of being ambitious; therefore, Brutus killed him. Brutus loved Caesar and participated in the assassination against his will; therefore, he condemns the ambitious conspirators for their actions.

Answer 1

The correct answer here is: Though Brutus loved Caesar, his love for Rome outweighed it, so he assassinated the ambitious Caesar in Rome’s best interest.


The answer we can see in this line: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more. . . Brutus here explains that he loved Caesar but the he loved Rome more than his friend and that because of Caesar's ambition he had to kill his friend, as he thought that was in the best interest of Rome.