Question

BRUTUS:

If there be any in
this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar's, to him 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.

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.

Answer 1

The universal theme most present in the lines from Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar spoken by Brutus is 'Things aren't always what they seem', as Brutus explains that his betrayal of Caesar stemmed from his love for Rome rather than a lack of love for Caesar.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the lines from Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, Brutus addresses the concern of why he took part in the plot against Caesar, asserting that it was not out of a lack of love for Caesar, but out of a greater love for Rome. The universal theme that resonates most within these lines is that 'Things aren't always what they seem.' This statement reflects the complexity of Brutus's actions and the overall ambiguity in human motives and political intrigue that are central to many works of literature and historical events. In claiming his love for Rome supersedes his love for one man, even a friend, Brutus encapsulates the struggles of duty, loyalty, and the public good against personal affection and the appearances that can arise from such complex emotions.