Which statement best explains how the catharsis Brutus experiences supports the theme that there can be honor in defeat? Excerpt- BRUTUS. Farewell to you, and you, and you, Volumnius.
Strato, thou hast been all this while asleep.
Farewell to thee too, Strato. Countrymen,
My heart doth joy that yet in all my life
I found no man but he was true to me.
I shall have glory by this losing day,
More than Octavius and Mark Antony
By this vile conquest shall attain unto.
So fare you well at once, for Brutus’ tongue
Hath almost ended his life’s history.
Night hangs upon mine eyes; my bones would rest,
That have but laboured to attain this hour.
–The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,
William Shakespeare
Choices:
- Realizing that he has been defeated, Brutus reflects upon his deeds and believes that he will be glorified in death.
- The defeat comes as a shock to Brutus, and he fears what will happen to him if Antony captures him alive and imprisons him in Rome.
- Because Brutus is easily manipulated and persuaded by others, he follows the advice of Volumnius and Strato and decides to take his own life instead of losing the battle.
- Brutus blames Octavius and Mark Antony for the violent battle that will result in the deaths of many Roman citizens, and he cannot bear to watch.