Question

read the excerpt from julius caesar, act 2, scene 1. portia. brutus, my lord. brutus. portia, what mean you? wherefore rise you now? it is not for your health thus to commit your weak condition to the raw cold morning. portia. nor for yours neither. you’ve ungently, brutus, stole from my bed, and yesternight at supper you suddenly arose, and walked about musing and sighing, with your arms across, and when i asked you what the matter was, you stared upon me with ungentle looks. i urged you further, then you scratched your head and too impatiently stamped with your foot. yet i insisted, yet you answered not, but with an angry wafture of your hand gave sign for me to leave you. so i did. which statement best summarizes the conflict in this passage? a portia is upset because brutus is behaving as if something is wrong, and he will not confide in her. b brutus is concerned that portia will betray him to her acquaintances. c portia is offended because brutus is rudinely impatient with her. d brutus is very sick, and portia is worried that he will die if he does not eat or sleep.

Explanation:

To determine the best summary of the conflict, analyze each option:

• Option 1: Portia is upset because Brutus acts as if something is wrong (he is restless, ungentle, and will not confide in her) – this matches the excerpt (Portia describes his odd behavior and his refusal to share what’s wrong).
• Option 2: Brutus’ concern about betrayal is not supported (the excerpt focuses on his secrecy, not her loyalty).
• Option 3: Brutus’ “impatience” is part of his odd behavior, but the core conflict is his secrecy, not just impatience.
• Option 4: Brutus is not “very sick” (Portia says “’tis not for your health” and his actions are secretive, not ill).

Answer:

A. Portia is upset because Brutus is behaving as if something is wrong, and he will not confide in her.