Question

Read the excerpt from Act II, Scene i of Julius Caesar. Then answer the question that follows.

DECIUS:
Never fear that. If he be so resolved,
I can o'ersway him. For he loves to hear
That unicorns may be betrayed with trees,
And bears with glasses, elephants with holes,
Lions with toils, and men with flatterers.
But when I tell him he hates flatterers,
He says he does, being then most flatterèd.
Let me work.
For I can give his humor the true bent,
And I will bring him to the Capitol.

Which of the following universal themes is most present in these lines from the play?

Honor is the most valuable of attributes.
Power has the ability to corrupt and ruin those it touches.
Things aren't always what they seem.
Words have the power to move mountains.

Answer 1

Decius's lines in Julius Caesar represent the universal theme that things aren't always what they seem, as he suggests using flattery to influence Caesar, despite Caesar's dislike for it.

Step-by-step explanation:

The excerpt provided from Act II, Scene i of Julius Caesar significantly portrays the universal theme that things aren't always what they seem. This theme is evident as Decius claims he can sway Caesar with flattery, even though Caesar supposedly despises flatterers. The irony is that Caesar feels most flattered when he is told he is immune to flattery, revealing the deceptive power of words and manipulation. Decius's confidence in shaping Caesar's opinions and getting him to the Capitol also suggests that individuals may be easily influenced under the guise of their own perceived strengths or weaknesses.

Answer 2

Words have the power to move mountains.

Step-by-step explanation:

I got it right on the test.