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Question
'Not that I loved Caesar less, but I loved Rome more.'
Brutus says this as he justifies to the Romans why Caesar was assassinated by them. Do you agree with Brutus? Justify your answer in 120‒150 words by giving examples from the play.
Why values does Brutus display as he says this line to the Romans ?
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Solution
Yes, I agree with Brutus when he says the given statement to justify his reasons for assassinating Caesar. Brutus was a patriotic man. To him, the safety of the Romans was more important than anything else. His sole reason for joining the conspiracy was that he thought Rome would be ruined if Caesar was crowned. He had no personal grudges against Caesar; rather, he loved him dearly. But he sacrificed his love for Caesar to save his countrymen. The following lines spoken by Brutus prove this – “As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honour him: but, as he was ambitious, I slew him.”
Brutus also says at the end of his speech, “— as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself, when it shall please my country to need my death.”
When Brutus says, "Not that I love Caesar less, but I loved Rome more.", he displays idealism and nobility.
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Given below are some characteristics of the mob. Complete the table by quoting the lines wherein these are revealed.
| Words/ actions of the mob | Characteristics |
| 1. | Foolish |
| 2. | Does not understand the ideals of democracy |
| 3. | Emotional |
| 4. | Greedy |
| 5. | Fickle |
| 6. | Violent |
Antony employs a number of devices to produce the desired effect on the mob. These devices maybe described as rhetorical devices. He first speaks in such a manner that it seems to the mob that he is in full agreement with Brutus about Caesar. Then step by step he moves away from Brutus' position, depicting Brutus as a villain and Caesar as a wronged man. Copy and complete the following table by showing how Antony builds the argument in Caesar's favour.
| Antony's words | Argument |
| 1. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. | Does not wish to eulogise Caesar |
| 2. The noble Brutus Hath told you Caesar was ambitious: If it were so, it was a grievous fault, And grievously hath Caesar answer'd it. | Seemingly agrees with Brutus |
| 3. | |
| 4. | |
| 5. | |
| 6. |
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
But speak all good you can devise of Caesar,
And say you do it by our permission;
……. ……. ……. …….
(a) Identify the speaker.
(b) Who is being granted permission?
(c) What is the speaker afraid of?
(d) What opinion do you form of the speaker?
