Question

citing evidence to support an inference

read the passage. then answer the question that follows.

brutus. only be patient till we have appeased
the multitude, beside themselves with fear,
and then we will deliver you the cause
why i, that did love caesar when i struck him,
have thus proceeded.
-the tragedy of julius caesar, william shakespeare

what inference can be made about brutuss feelings toward caesars assassination?

brutus organized the conspiracy.
brutus has mixed feelings.
brutus is indifferent.

Explanation:

Analyze the passage

The passage from William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar features Brutus speaking:
"Only be patient till we have appeased
The multitude, beside themselves with fear,
And then we will deliver you the cause
Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him,
Have thus proceeded."

Evaluate the options

• "Brutus organized the conspiracy": While historically true in the play, this is a factual action rather than an inference about his feelings toward the assassination itself based on this specific quote.
• "Brutus has mixed feelings": The text explicitly states "I, that did love Caesar when I struck him". This shows a conflict between his personal affection ("did love Caesar") and his political action ("struck him"), indicating mixed, complex feelings.
• "Brutus is indifferent": This is incorrect because loving someone while killing them shows deep emotional conflict, not indifference.

Formulate the final selection

The option "Brutus has mixed feelings" directly reflects the emotional duality expressed in the line "Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him, Have thus proceeded."

Answer:

• Brutus organized the conspiracy.
• Brutus has mixed feelings. (Correct answer)
• Brutus is indifferent.