Question

Read the excerpt from act 2, scene 1, of Julius Caesar.

CASCA. Let us not leave him out.

CINNA. No, by no means.

METELLUS. O, let us have him, for his silver hairs
Will purchase us a good opinion,
And buy men’s voices to commend our deeds.
It shall be said his judgment ruled our hands.
Our youths and wildness shall no whit appear,
But all be buried in his gravity.

BRUTUS. O, name him not. Let us not break with him,
For he will never follow anything
That other men begin.

CASSIUS. Then leave him out.

CASCA. Indeed he is not fit.

What is ironic about discussing whether or not to include Cicero in the conspiracy? Select two options.

Casca firmly reverses his position about including Cicero, as if he hadn’t been the one to suggest it in the first place.
Metellus thinks having gray hair is a sign of weakness and poor decision-making, but they also have gray hair.
Casca thinks he is making important decisions when Brutus is really the one leading the way.
Brutus believes Cicero should be included as one of the conspirators while Cassius disagrees.
Cassius agrees with Metellus that Cicero, but Casca’s wise argument sways their opinions.

Answer 1

- Casca firmly reverses his position about including Cicero, as if he hadn’t been the one to suggest it in the first place.
- Casca thinks he is making important decisions when Brutus is really the one leading the way.

Explanation: Casca first urges Cicero be included, then immediately agrees to leave him out, which is ironic. Also Casca's initial assertiveness is undercut by Brutus’s clear leadership and refusal, showing the irony of Casca appearing decisive while Brutus actually controls the group.