Read the excerpt from act 5, scene 1, of Julius Caesar . CASSIUS: Then if we lose this battle, You are contented to be led in triumph Through the streets of Rome? BRUTUS: No, Cassius, no: Think not, thou noble Roman, That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome. He bears too great a mind. But this same day Must end that work the ides of March begun; And whether we shall meet again I know not. How does Shakespeare’s use of triumph instead of victory affect the meaning of the passage?
Answer
A
It implies that Cassius expects that he and Brutus will win in battle and walk once again through the streets of Rome in honor.
B
It creates a greater sense of humiliation for Brutus and their armies who would be led in shame by Antony and Octavius.
C
It reveals that Brutus and Cassius regret killing Caesar, and they would like to make amends to the people of Rome.
D
It shows that Cassius thinks that Brutus is always too emotional and the first to accept defeat.
Explanation
A triumph was a public procession in which a victorious Roman general displayed defeated enemies as captives. Cassius asks whether Brutus would accept being led through Rome in such a procession if they lose, and Brutus says he would never go bound. The word “triumph” therefore makes their possible defeat especially humiliating, rather than simply describing who wins the battle. Choice C correctly emphasizes that shame.
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