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.
Words have the power to move mountains

Answer 1

The universal theme most present in Brutus’ lines from Shakespeare's play is that honor and public duty can necessitate difficult, personal decisions, which aligns with the theme 'Honor is the most valuable of attributes.'

Step-by-step explanation:

The speech by Brutus in Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar highlights a universal theme that centers around the conflict between personal love and public duty. Brutus argues that his assassination of Caesar was not out of a lack of love for Caesar but from a greater love for Rome and what he believed was best for the city-state. The theme present here is that honor and duty to one's country can sometimes necessitate difficult decisions, which aligns closest with the theme 'Honor is the most valuable of attributes.' However, the notion that words can be powerful and inspire action ('Words have the power to move mountains') may also resonate in the context of Brutus' persuasive rhetoric.