The central idea that the allusion to the ides of March supports is remembering that their actions should be based in honor. Brutus is reflecting on the moral implications of their actions and emphasizes the importance of integrity and honor, particularly in contrast to the dishonorable act of accepting bribes. He holds up the values of justice and principled action, questioning the motives behind their conspiracy against Caesar.
BRUTUS. Remember March, the ides of March, remember.
Did not great Julius bleed for justice’ sake?
What villain touched his body, that did stab,
And not for justice? What, shall one of us,
That struck the foremost man of all this world
But for supporting robbers, shall we now
Contaminate our fingers with base bribes,
And sell the mighty space of our large honours
For so much trash as may be graspèd thus?
I had rather be a dog and bay the moon
Than such a Roman.
–The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,
William Shakespeare
In the passage, Brutus makes a historical allusion to the ides of March. Which central idea does this allusion support?
reflecting on the devastation and loss Caesar’s death meant to the conspirators
remembering that their actions should be based in honor
the importance of strengthening their friendship
agreeing that it is time to accept bribes and build their own ambitions
1 answer