Question

43

Read the excerpt from act 3, scene 2, of Julius Caesar.

[BRUTUS.] 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. Had you rather Caesar were living, and
die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live
all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him.
As he was fortunate, I rejoice at it. As he was
valiant, I honour him. But as he was ambitious, I
slew him. There is tears for his love, joy for his
fortune, honour for his valour, and death for his
ambition.

What is the effect of Brutus's speech that claims that Caesar's ambition led to his death?

Antony agrees with Brutus's assessment of Caesar's ambition.
Antony accuses Brutus of being a murderer and seeking the crown.
Antony exposes Brutus's folly by showing how Caesar did not seek to be king.
Antony tells the funeral goers that Brutus should be believed because he is honorable.

Answer 1

C

Step-by-step explanation:

Took the test on Ed.

Answer 2

The correct answer is “-Anthony exposes Brutus's folly by showing how Caesar did not seek to be king.”

Indeed, although he uses ironic over repetition of the term “honorable” to describe Brutus and his accomplices, both the context and the excessive repetition indicate that the opposite effect is intended. However, this is more addressed to Brutus’ co-conspirators than to Brutus himself since Brutus did love Caesar since Caesar had been merciful and magnanimous to him. Furthermore, Anthony refers to Brutus, and only to him as “noble”, implying that the company he keeps is not very honorable. And that like “brutish beasts” they have misguided him since he sincerely acted for the good of Rome. And tragically, he has succumbed to such folly since he is “a man that has lost his reason”.