Read the excerpt from act 5, scene 1, of Julius Caesar
BRUTUS. Even by the rule of that philosophy
By which I did blame Cato for the death
Which he did give himself-I know not how,
But I do find it cowardly and vile
For fear of what might fall so to prevent
The time of life-arming myself with patience
To stay the providence of some high powers
That govern us below
Why does Shakespeare most likely use arming as
opposed to a word like providing?
Arming describes the steps Brutus is taking to
prepare for battle
Arming reminds readers of the swords used in
past actions in the play
Arming reveals Brutus's growing sense of
confusion and uncertainty
Arming suggests that Brutus will face whatever
happens with strength.