Question

passage
research
cassius. why, man, he doth bestride the
narrow world
like a colossus, and we petty men
walk under his huge legs, and peep about
to find ourselves dishonourable graves.
men at sometime were masters of their fates.
the fault, dear brutus, is not in our stars,
but in ourselves, that we are underlings.

—the tragedy of julius caesar,
william shakespeare
why does cassius refer to a colossus in this passage?
○ to show that the roman republic is huge
○ to show cassius is stronger than caesar
○ to show the romans need a strong leader
○ to show caesar puts himself above rome

Explanation:

In the passage, Cassius says Caesar "bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus" and others (petty men) walk under his legs. A Colossus is a huge statue, so this metaphor shows Caesar acts as if he is above the Roman people (walking under his legs implies subordination). Option 1: The focus is on Caesar, not the republic's size. Option 2: Cassius is criticizing Caesar's dominance, not claiming his own strength. Option 3: The passage is about Caesar's overbearing nature, not the need for a strong leader. Option 4 matches: the imagery of Caesar as a Colossus with others under him shows he puts himself above Rome.

Answer:

D. to show Caesar puts himself above Rome