CASSIUS. But ere we could arrive the point proposed,

Question

Caesar cried ‘Help me, Cassius, or I sink!’

Ay, as Aeneas our great ancestor

Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder

The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber

Did I the tirèd Caesar.

–The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,
William Shakespeare

How does this allusion help contribute to the meaning of the play? Choose three options.

It shows that Cassius is jealous of Caesar and believes himself to be stronger than Caesar.
It teaches the audience about the Trojan horse.
It contributes to the meaning of the drama by showing that Caesar is an old weak man who is not respected by people of Rome.
It enables a better understanding of Cassius because he says he is like the great Aeneas
It connects the context of the play to the myth of a great hero that Cassius admires.

Answer 1

The allusion to Aeneas in this passage from "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar" contributes to the meaning of the play in the following ways:

1. It contributes to the meaning of the drama by showing that Caesar is an old weak man who is not respected by people of Rome. - This suggests that despite his past greatness, Caesar is currently viewed as weak and burdensome, highlighting the tension between his past glories and his present state.

2. It enables a better understanding of Cassius because he says he is like the great Aeneas. - This allusion reveals Cassius's self-perception and ambition, positioning himself alongside a legendary hero, which gives insight into his character and motivations within the play.

3. It connects the context of the play to the myth of a great hero that Cassius admires. - The reference to Aeneas not only shows Cassius's desire for heroism but also relates the Roman context of the play to the broader themes of heroism and legacy, suggesting a longing for greatness that resonates throughout the play.

These options highlight the themes of power dynamics, self-image, and historical context that are central to the narrative of "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar."