LEPIDUS. Upon condition Publius shall not live,

Question

Who is your sister’s son, Mark Antony.

ANTONY. He shall not live. Look, with a spot I damn him.

But Lepidus, go you to Caesar’s house;

Fetch the will hither, and we shall determine

How to cut off some charge in legacies.

LEPIDUS. What, shall I find you here?

OCTAVIUS. Or here or at the Capitol. . . .

ANTONY. This is a slight, unmeritable man,

Meet to be sent on errands. Is it fit,

The three-fold world divided, he should stand One of the three to share it?



–The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,

William Shakespeare

Which statement best explains the connection between the bartering for lives of loved ones and a central idea of the play?

Octavius’ actions show concern for the people of Rome.
Lepidus’s actions show kindness toward others.
Their actions show the ruthlessness of power.
Antony’s actions show loyalty to one’s family and friends.

Answer 1

The statement that best explains the connection between the bartering for lives of loved ones and a central idea of the play is:

Their actions show the ruthlessness of power.

In this passage, Antony and Octavius discuss the fate of Lepidus and the use of his life as a bargaining chip, demonstrating a cold and calculating approach to power. It highlights how the quest for control and dominance in the political landscape leads to a disregard for human life and loyalty, which is a central theme in "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar."