Question

review the passage. the antithesis is shown in bold.
brutus: romans, countrymen, and lovers! hear me for my cause, and be silent, that you may hear: believe me for mine honour, and have respect to mine honour, that you may believe: censure me in your wisdom, and awake your senses, that you may the better judge. if there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of caesar’s, to him i say, that brutus love to caesar was no less than his. if then that friend demand why brutus rose against caesar, this is my answer: not that i loved caesar less, but that i loved rome more.
from william shakespeare, julius caesar
what is the effect of the antithesis on the passage’s meaning or tone?
it emphasizes that brutuss actions were borne out of good intentions.
it suggests that brutus regrets what he did to caesar.
it contributes to a critical tone.

Explanation:

The antithesis "Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more" contrasts Brutus's love for Caesar and Rome. This contrast emphasizes his actions were for Rome's good (good intentions), not regret (he says love for Caesar was not less) nor a critical tone (it's justifying, not criticizing).

Answer:

It emphasizes that Brutus's actions were borne out of good intentions.