BRUTUS. He is not doubted.—A word, Lucillius.

Question

How he received you let me be resolved.

LUCILLIUS. With courtesy and with respect enough,

But not with such familiar instances,

Nor with such free and friendly conference,

As he hath used of old.

BRUTUS. Thou hast described

A hot friend cooling. Ever note, Lucillius:

When love begins to sicken and decay

It useth an enforcèd ceremony.

There are no tricks in plain and simple faith;

But hollow men, like horses hot at hand,

Make gallant show and promise of their mettle;

But when they should endure the bloody spur,

They fall their crests and, like deceitful jades,

Sink in the trial. Comes his army on?

–The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,
William Shakespeare

Based on this passage, how have the interactions between characters changed? Choose two options.

Cassius has decided to be more trusting of Lucillius.
Brutus has come to appreciate his friendship with Cassius.
The conflict between Cassius and others is becoming strained.
Brutus says Cassius is pretending to be friendly.
The conflict between Brutus and Lucillius causes Brutus to distrust Lucillius.

Answer 1

Based on the passage, the two appropriate options that reflect the change in interactions between characters are:

1. The conflict between Cassius and others is becoming strained. - Brutus's observation about Cassius cooling as a friend indicates that there is a tension or conflict that is affecting their relationship.

2. Brutus says Cassius is pretending to be friendly. - Brutus's remarks about "hollow men" and "enforced ceremony" suggest that he perceives Cassius's friendliness as insincere or superficial, implying that he believes Cassius is not being genuine in his interactions.

These options highlight the evolving dynamics in their relationships as they navigate conflict and trust.