Read the excerpt from act 4, scene 3, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar . [ BRUTUS: ] Messala, I have here receivèd letters, That young Octavius and Mark Antony Come down upon us with a mighty power, Bending their expedition toward Philippi. MESSALA: Myself have letters of the selfsame tenor. BRUTUS: With what addition? MESSALA: That by proscription and bills of outlawry, Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus Have put to death an hundred senators. BRUTUS: Therein our letters do not well agree. Mine speak of seventy senators that died By their proscriptions, Cicero being one. CASSIUS: Cicero one! MESSALA: Ay, Cicero is dead, And by that order of proscription. How does this interaction affect the plot?
Answer
A
It clarifies the relationship between Brutus and Mark Antony.
B
It provides background information about Brutus’s relationship with Messala.
C
It informs the audience about events that took place off stage.
D
It demonstrates the lack of power that Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus hold in Rome.
Explanation
Brutus and Messala learn from letters that Octavius and Antony are marching toward Philippi and that the rulers have executed senators, including Cicero. These events happened elsewhere and are reported in the conversation rather than shown on stage, so the exchange informs the audience about offstage events. The best answer is C.
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