The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare: Act 5.3-5.5
Question 3 • CREDIT RECOVERY - ELA 9 - Summer
Read the excerpt below from act 5.1 of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar and answer the question that follows. CASSIUS:Antony,The posture of your blows is yet unknown;But for your words, they rob the Hybla beesAnd leave them honeyless. ANTONY:Not stingless too. BRUTUS:Ah, yes, and soundless too,For you have stolen their buzzing, Antony,And very wisely threat before you sting . . . . OCTAVIUS:Come, come, the cause. . . .I draw my sword against conspirators. What identifies and explains the tone of this excerpt best?
Answer
A
Sincere: Shakespeare has the men exchange heartfelt explanations of why the war at Philippi is necessary.
B
Lighthearted: Shakespeare uses this exchange to show the fun friendships between the characters.
C
Mocking: Shakespeare exchanges the rhetoric of powerful men for insults to show the demise of the Republic.
D
Grieving: Shakespeare uses this exchange to show the characters’ deep sadness over Caesar’s death.