Question

BRUTUS. He is not doubted.—A word, Lucillius.

How he [Cassius] received you let me be resolved.

LUCILLIUS. With courtesy and with respect enough,

But not with such familiar instances,

Nor with such free and friendly conference,

As he hath used of old.

BRUTUS. Thou hast described

A hot friend cooling. Ever note, Lucillius:

When love begins to sicken and decay

It useth an enforcèd ceremony.

There are no tricks in plain and simple faith;

But hollow men, like horses hot at hand,

Make gallant show and promise of their mettle;

But when they should endure the bloody spur,

They fall their crests and, like deceitful jades,

Sink in the trial. Comes his army on?



–The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,
William Shakespeare

What conflict does Brutus describe in this passage?

his external conflict with Cassius
his external conflict with Mark Antony
his internal conflict over killing Caesar
his internal conflict about the state of Rome

Answer 1

Answer: This passage describes the external conflict with cassius, because Brutus refers Cassius as a 'hot' friend, which means the he is angry.

Explanation: According to Lucillius, Brutus describes that the friend is angry and yet calm and according to him this happens when love starts to dissolve between two friends,

According to Brutus, Cassius is trying to be polite instead of the warm greetings that is exchanged between close friends. Brutus compares Cassius with horses, as when they are angry they show off their courtesy but when the time comes to take actions they sink into the war and justifies the conflict.