The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Part 2: Causal Relationships
Question 5 • [ELA10] ELA 10, Sem 2 (26-27)
Read the excerpt from act 1, scene 3, of Julius Caesar.CASSIUS. And why should Caesar be a tyrant then?Poor man, I know he would not be a wolfBut that he sees the Romans are but sheep.Why is this excerpt an example of verbal irony?
Answer
A
Cassius speaks of the Romans as sheep, but he believes they are strong independent thinkers.
B
Cassius portrays Caesar as a cruel-hearted tyrant, and at the same time says he pitties Caesar because Caesar can’t help himself.
C
Cassius believes himself to be innocent, and only the audience knows that he is like a scheming wolf.
D
Cassius wishes that he could be a cruel leader like Caesar.
Explanation
Cassius calls Caesar a “Poor man,” which sounds like pity, but he is really criticizing him as a would-be tyrant who takes advantage of the Romans. This contrast between the words’ apparent meaning and Cassius’s intended meaning is verbal irony. Choice B captures that contrast.
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