Question

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.

–The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,
William Shakespeare

Which statements support the inference that Brutus is motivated to protect Rome from tyranny? Check all that apply.

Brutus fears his own death.
Brutus cares about all Romans.
Brutus questions the conspiracy.
Brutus only cares about personal reasons.
Brutus does not know how Caesar will change.

Answer 1

Selected:
- Brutus cares about all Romans. — He says he has “no personal cause” and acts “for the general,” showing public, not personal, motivation.
- Brutus does not know how Caesar will change. — “How that might change his nature, there’s the question” shows his uncertainty about how crowning would affect Caesar.

Not supported:
- Brutus fears his own death. — No evidence in the lines.
- Brutus questions the conspiracy. — The lines show him weighing Caesar’s potential change and the public good, not doubting the conspiracy itself.
- Brutus only cares about personal reasons. — Directly contradicted by “I know no personal cause… But for the general.”