Question
Read the excerpt from act 5, scene 1, of Julius Caesar.
CASSIUS. Then if we lose this battle,
You are contented to be led in triumph
Through the streets of Rome?
BRUTUS. No, Cassius, no:
Think not, thou noble Roman,
That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome.
He bears too great a mind. But this same day
Must end that work the ides of March begun;
And whether we shall meet again I know not.
How does Shakespeare’s use of triumph instead of victory affect the meaning of the passage?
A: It shows that Cassius thinks that Brutus is always too emotional and the first to accept defeat.
B: It implies that Cassius expects that he and Brutus will win in battle and walk once again through the streets of Rome in honor.
C: It reveals that Brutus and Cassius regret killing Caesar, and they would like to make amends to the people of Rome.
D: It creates a greater sense of humiliation for Brutus and their armies who would be led in shame by Antony and Octavius.
CASSIUS. Then if we lose this battle,
You are contented to be led in triumph
Through the streets of Rome?
BRUTUS. No, Cassius, no:
Think not, thou noble Roman,
That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome.
He bears too great a mind. But this same day
Must end that work the ides of March begun;
And whether we shall meet again I know not.
How does Shakespeare’s use of triumph instead of victory affect the meaning of the passage?
A: It shows that Cassius thinks that Brutus is always too emotional and the first to accept defeat.
B: It implies that Cassius expects that he and Brutus will win in battle and walk once again through the streets of Rome in honor.
C: It reveals that Brutus and Cassius regret killing Caesar, and they would like to make amends to the people of Rome.
D: It creates a greater sense of humiliation for Brutus and their armies who would be led in shame by Antony and Octavius.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The correct answer is **B**: It implies that Cassius expects that he and Brutus will win in battle and walk once again through the streets of Rome in honor.
In this context, the use of the word "triumph" carries connotations of a victorious march, typically involving celebration and honor. Cassius's question implies an expectation of victory, suggesting that if they lose, they would face the humiliation of being paraded through the streets as defeated foes. This word choice enhances the gravity of the situation and underlines the stakes of the upcoming battle.
In this context, the use of the word "triumph" carries connotations of a victorious march, typically involving celebration and honor. Cassius's question implies an expectation of victory, suggesting that if they lose, they would face the humiliation of being paraded through the streets as defeated foes. This word choice enhances the gravity of the situation and underlines the stakes of the upcoming battle.