Question

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Brutus:

I did send to you For certain sums of gold, which you denied me; For I can raise no money by vile means: By heaven, I had rather coin my heart, And drop my blood for drachmas, than to wring From the hard hands of peasants their vile trash By any indirection.

1. To whom are these words addressed?
   Why is Brutus angry with this person?  [3]
2. How does this person feel when he hears these words?
   What does he say to defend himself?  [3]
3. Why did Brutus need ‘certain sums of gold’?
   Why was he unable to raise these sums of money?  [3]
4. Earlier in this scene, Brutus refers to Lucius Pella.
   What had he been accused of?
   Who had supported him and how?  [3]
5. Mention any two aspects of Brutus’ character that are revealed in the above extract.
   What do you understand about the relationship between Brutus and the person he addresses?  [4]

Answer 1

1. These words are addressed to Cassius.
   Brutus feels betrayed and let down by Cassius' refusal to provide the gold he requested. Since both of them are in the middle of a critical and resource-intensive military campaign, the denial of these funds not only impacts their operations but also puts them at a strategic disadvantage.
   Brutus prides himself on his moral integrity and refuses to raise money by exploiting the common people, which he considers "vile" and beneath his ethical standards. His statement about preferring to "coin [his] heart, and drop [his] blood for drachmas" rather than extort money from the poor illustrates his commitment to these principles. He is frustrated with Cassius because he perceives Cassius' actions—or, in this case, inactions—as being in conflict with these moral standards.

2. Cassius feels hurt and misunderstood when he hears Brutus' accusations. He is surprised that Brutus would question his loyalty and integrity, especially given their shared commitment to the cause of liberating Rome from what they perceived as tyranny. Cassius is also frustrated because he believes he has been wrongfully accused and that his actions have been misinterpreted.

   To defend himself, Cassius argues that he did not deny the request out of selfishness or greed. Instead, he explains that the message Brutus sent did not reach him as intended. Cassius says, “I did not deny you, for I was sure it was not he that had received gold from Antony.” This statement is intended to clarify that there was a misunderstanding or miscommunication rather than a deliberate refusal of aid. Cassius expresses his distress over the situation, stating that he is an honest man and has been unjustly maligned by Brutus' accusation.

3. In "Julius Caesar," Brutus needed 'certain sums of gold' primarily to fund his army during the civil war that followed Caesar's assassination. The military campaign required significant resources, including money to pay soldiers, buy supplies, and sustain operations against opponents who were also vying for control of Rome.

   Brutus emphasizes his unwillingness to engage in unethical methods to acquire funds. He explicitly states that he cannot raise money by "vile means," reflecting his strong moral principles. Brutus is committed to maintaining his honour and ethical stance, even in the face of dire financial needs for his military efforts.
   Specifically, Brutus mentions his aversion to extracting wealth from the peasants. He would rather "coin [his] heart, and drop [his] blood for drachmas" than "wring from the hard hands of peasants their vile trash by any indirection." This statement underscores his disdain for the idea of oppressing the common people to fund his campaign, which he considers morally reprehensible and a betrayal of his values.

4. Brutus had accused Lucius Pella of taking bribes from the Sardians — and had humiliated and disgraced him.

   Cassius had supported Lucius Pella despite the accusations against him. He disregarded the charges and defended Pella, which infuriated Brutus. Brutus reproaches Cassius for his support of Pella, arguing that defending a man accused of corruption compromises the moral high ground they claimed in their opposition to Caesar. He insists that their endeavour must be kept pure and free from corruption to maintain public support and the moral legitimacy of their regime. This disagreement is significant as it underscores the ideological rift between Brutus and Cassius, with Brutus emphasizing ethical conduct and Cassius perhaps taking a more pragmatic approach to political alliances and support.

5. Two Aspects of Brutus' Character Revealed in the Extract:

   1. Moral Integrity: Brutus emphasizes his unwillingness to compromise his ethical standards for financial gain.
   2. Principled Leadership: The extract reveals Brutus' approach to leadership, which is grounded in principled actions and ethical governance.

   Relationship Between Brutus and the Person He Addresses:

   • Tension and Conflict: There is evident tension between Brutus and Cassius, stemming from their differing methods and philosophies. Brutus' rebuke over the denied funds indicates a conflict over how to best manage their resources and conduct their affairs amidst the political turmoil following Caesar's death.

   • Differences in Ethical Perspectives: Their contrasting views on morality and ethics in leadership complicate the relationship. Brutus is shown to be more concerned with moral purity and ethical consistency, whereas Cassius is more pragmatic, focusing on the practical aspects of their struggle for power. This difference creates fundamental discord in their alliance, affecting their cooperation and mutual trust.

   • Respect and Friction: Despite the tension, there is also a foundation of respect and shared goals between Brutus and Cassius. They are both leaders in the same cause, driven by a common objective to overthrow what they see as a tyrannical rule. However, the way they pursue this goal and their interactions reflect ongoing friction, influenced by their individual values and tactical approaches.