The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Part 7: Thematic Development — Quiz
Question 3 • English Language Arts 10
Read the passage from act 5, scene 4, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar . LUCILLIUS: Only I yield to die. There is so much, that thou wilt kill me straight: [Offering money] Kill Brutus, and be honoured in his death. FIRST SOLDIER: We must not.—A noble prisoner! SECOND SOLDIER: Room, ho! Tell Antony, Brutus is ta’en. FIRST SOLDIER: I’ll tell the news. Here comes the general.— [Enter ANTONY] Brutus is ta’en, Brutus is ta’en, my lord. ANTONY: Where is he? LUCILLIUS: Safe, Antony, Brutus is safe enough. I dare assure thee that no enemy Shall ever take alive the noble Brutus. The gods defend him from so great a shame. When you do find him, or alive or dead, He will be found like Brutus, like himself. ANTONY: This is not Brutus, friend, but, I assure you, A prize no less in worth. Keep this man safe. Give him all kindness. I had rather have Such men my friends than enemies. Go on, And see whether Brutus be alive or dead, And bring us word unto Octavius’ tent How everything is chanced. [Exeunt] Which statement best explains what takes place in this passage?
Answer
A
Mark Antony wants to turn Brutus to fight on his side and criticizes the soldiers for killing him.
B
The soldiers who capture Brutus decide they should honor him and disregard Antony’s orders to have him killed.
C
The soldiers think they’ve captured Brutus, but they realize that Lucillius has fooled them by pretending to be Brutus.
D
Mark Antony orders the capture of Brutus, and the soldiers decide to kill Brutus for his crime.
Explanation
The soldiers announce that Brutus has been captured, but Lucillius reveals that he is only pretending to be Brutus. He tells Antony that Brutus will never be taken alive, and Antony recognizes that Lucillius is not Brutus. Antony orders the soldiers to keep Lucillius safe and treat him kindly, so choice C best explains what happens.
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