Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar , act 2, scene 1. BRUTUS: It must be by his death: and for my part I know no personal cause to spurn at him But for the general. He would be crowned: How that might change his nature, there’s the question. It is the bright day that brings forth the adder, (5) And that craves wary walking. Crown him that, And then I grant we put a sting in him That at his will he may do danger with. Th’ abuse of greatness is when it disjoins Remorse from power. And to speak truth of Caesar . . .(10) Which statement best describes the meaning of the imagery in the line "It is the bright day that brings forth the adder”? (An adder is a snake.)
Answer
A
Some animals cannot be trusted, no matter what.
B
The warm praise of the people can cause Caesar to be more powerful and dangerous.
C
Brutus will kill Caesar with a bite of stinging fangs.
D
The sun shines on Caesar, but he must watch his steps around others.
Explanation
Brutus compares a bright day that brings out a dangerous adder to the possibility that crowning Caesar could bring out a dangerous side of him. The next lines explain the image: Caesar would have a “sting” and could “do danger” if given the power. So the imagery suggests that public elevation or praise may make Caesar more powerful and dangerous, not that Brutus plans to bite him or that Caesar must watch his steps.
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