The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare: Act 3.1
Question 8 • CREDIT RECOVERY - ELA 9 - Summer
Read the excerpt below from act 2.1 of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar and answer the question that follows. CASSIUS:Mark Antony, so well beloved of Caesar,Should outlive Caesar. We shall find of himA shrewd contriver. And you know his means,If he improve them, may well stretch so farAs to annoy us all; which to prevent,Let Antony and Caesar fall together. BRUTUS:Our course will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius, . . . Let’s be sacrificers but not butchers, Caius. . . . This shall makeOur purpose necessary, and not envious; . . . And for Mark Antony, think not of him,For he can do no more than Caesar’s armWhen Caesar’s head is off. What does this interaction reveal about Cassius’ motivations?
Answer
A
Cassius is motivated by jealousy and thinks Antony is not smart.
B
Cassius is best friends with Antony and wants to spare him the pain of Caesar’s death.
C
Cassius does not want to participate in the assassination plot.
D
Cassius is motivated by his greed for increased political power and does not want Antony to get the power.
Explanation
Cassius argues that Antony could use his influence and abilities to threaten the conspirators after Caesar’s death. He wants Antony killed along with Caesar to prevent him from gaining power or opposing their plans. Brutus disagrees, but Cassius’s concern shows he is focused on controlling the political outcome. The best choice is D: Cassius wants political power and does not want Antony to gain it.
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