PORTIA. I must go in. Ay me! How weak a thing

Question

The heart of woman is! O Brutus,

The heavens speed thee in thine enterprise!—

Sure, the boy heard me. Brutus hath a suit

That Caesar will not grant. O, I grow faint!

Run, Lucius, and commend me to my lord.

Say I am merry. Come to me again,

And bring me word what he doth say to thee.

–The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,

William Shakespeare

What impact does the image of a "heart of a woman” have on the audience?

It shows the audience that Portia is always weak and worries about fainting.
It shows the audience that Portia loves her husband and is worried about him.
It shows the audience that Portia is jealous and wants to go to the Senate with Brutus.
It shows the audience that Portia is deceitful and sends the boy to tell a lie to her husband.

Answer 1

The image of a "heart of a woman" in Portia's speech highlights her emotional vulnerability and strength, particularly in relation to her love and concern for Brutus.

Therefore, the most accurate impact on the audience would be:

It shows the audience that Portia loves her husband and is worried about him.

This line reflects her deep affection for Brutus and her anxiety about his involvement in the conspiracy against Caesar, emphasizing her emotional turmoil and the gender expectations of the time. Instead of suggesting jealousy or deceit, it illustrates her genuine feelings of concern and helplessness in the face of the dangerous events unfolding.