Question

Read the passage from act 2, scene 1, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.

BRUTUS. Kneel not, gentle Portia. . . .
You are my true and honourable wife,
As dear to me as are the ruddy drops
That visit my sad heart.
PORTIA. If this were true, then should I know this secret. . . .
Tell me your counsels; I will not disclose 'em.
I have made strong proof of my constancy,
Giving myself a voluntary wound
Here in the thigh. Can I bear that with patience,
And not my husband’s secrets?
Which details best support the theme that loyalty to one's spouse is important? Select two options.

Brutus's admission that he is joining the conspiracy

Portia's insistence that she will not tell Brutus's secrets to anyone

Brutus's statement praising her as his loving wife

Brutus's admonition to Portia for pressing him for information

Brutus's anger at Portia’s violent act

Answer 1

The details that best support the theme that loyalty to one's spouse is important are:

Brutus's statement praising Portia as his true and honorable wife and as dear to him as the ruddy drops that visit his sad heart.

Portia's insistence that she will not disclose Brutus's secrets and her willingness to prove her constancy by giving herself a voluntary wound in the thigh.

Therefore, options 2 and 3 best support the theme that loyalty to one's spouse is important