Read the passage from act 2, scene 1, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar . BRUTUS: Kneel not, gentle Portia. . . . You are my true and honourable wife, As dear to me as are the ruddy drops That visit my sad heart. PORTIA: If this were true, then should I know this secret. . . . Tell me your counsels; I will not disclose 'em. I have made strong proof of my constancy, Giving myself a voluntary wound Here in the thigh. Can I bear that with patience, And not my husband’s secrets? Which tragic element reveals the theme that lying to one's spouse can lead to tragedy?
Answer
A
Portia's catharsis of wounding her thigh leads to her husband’s mistrust of her and her death by suicide.
B
Brutus's catharsis of telling his wife how much he honors her leads to her death by suicide.
C
Brutus's tragic flaw of being easily manipulated leads to his lying to his wife and her suicide.
D
Portia's tragic flaw of lying to her spouse about her secrets contributes to her father’s death by suicide.