The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare: Act 3.2-3.3
Question 5 of 10 • SS - TX-English II B
Read the excerpt below from act 3.1 of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar and answer the question that follows. CAESAR:I could be well moved if I were as you.If I could pray to move, prayers would move me.But I am constant as the Northern Star,Of whose true fixed and resting qualityThere is no fellow in the firmament . . . .So in the world: ‘tis furnished well with men,And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive;Yet in the number I do know but oneThat unassailable holds on his rank,Unshaked of motion; and that I am he . . . . How does Shakespeare’s use of the specific simile “I am constant as the Northern Star” support the statements he makes in the rest of his speech?
Answer
A
Caesar says that he’s constant like the Northern Star but that he can change his mind depending on what other men say or do.
B
Caesar says that he is never set like the Northern Star, but instead, he likes to change his mind and actions just like other men do.
C
Caesar says that he’s as constant as the Northern Star set in the sky, and he talks about the ways he differs from other men by being constant.
D
Caesar says that he’s not set like the Northern Star, and he talks about the ways he is like other men by being constant.