The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Part 5: Developing Central Ideas
Question 1 of 10 • TX-English II B-CR
Read the excerpt from act 4, scene 3, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.CASSIUS. Hath Cassius livedTo be but mirth and laughter to his BrutusWhen grief and blood ill-tempered vexeth him?BRUTUS. When I spoke that, I was ill-tempered too.CASSIUS. Do you confess so much? Give me your hand.BRUTUS. And my heart too.CASSIUS. O Brutus!BRUTUS. What’s the matter?CASSIUS. Have not you love enough to bear with meWhen that rash humour which my mother gave meMakes me forgetful?BRUTUS. Yes, Cassius, and from henceforth,When you are over-earnest with your Brutus,He’ll think your mother chides, and leave you so.
Answer
A
The two men continually make jokes about each other, which shows that they have no concern for one another.
B
Brutus and Cassius’s honest sentiment and humor reflect the central idea of the importance of friendship.
C
When Cassius says he has inherited his temper from his mother, he suggests that he is not in control of his own fate.
D
Brutus and Cassius both blame their mothers for their ill-temper, demonstrating that neither can take responsibility for their own actions.