The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Part 7: Thematic Development
Question 9 of 10 • Summer School 26: Literature & Composition II
Read the passage from act 2, scene 1, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.[BRUTUS.] And to speak truth of Caesar,I have not known when his affections swayed More than his reason. But 'tis a common proofThat lowliness is young ambition’s ladder,Whereto the climber-upward turns his face;But when he once attains the upmost round,He then unto the ladder turns his back, Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degreesBy which he did ascend. So Caesar may.Then lest he may, prevent. And since the quarrelWill bear no colour for the thing he is,Fashion it thus: that what he is, augmented, Would run to these and these extremities;And therefore think him as a serpent’s eggWhich, hatched, would as his kind grow mischievous,And kill him in the shell.
Answer
A
"lowliness is young ambition's ladder, / Whereto the climber-upward turns his face"
B
"scorning the base degrees / By which he did ascend"
C
"I have not known when his affections swayed / More than his reason"
D
"the quarrel / Will bear no colour for the thing he is"