Question

which quotation from julius caesar is an example of a literary allusion?

\i, as aeneas our great ancestor / did from the flames of troy upon his shoulder / the old anchises bear, so from the waves of tiber / did i the tired caesar.\ (act 1, scene 2)
\pardon, caesar; caesar, pardon.\ (act 3, scene 1)
\he shall but bear them as the ass bears gold, / to groan and sweat under the business\ (act 4, scene 1)
\why, i will see thee at philippi then.\ (act 4, scene 3)

Explanation:

Define literary allusion

An allusion is an indirect or passing reference to an event, person, place, or artistic work outside the immediate text.

Analyze the given options

• Option 1: Cassius references Aeneas, Troy, and Anchises, which are classical mythological and literary figures from Virgil's Aeneid.
• Option 2: A direct plea for pardon within the play's immediate dramatic action.
• Option 3: A simile comparing a person to a donkey carrying gold.
• Option 4: A direct plot-related statement referencing the geographical location of Philippi.

Identify the correct quotation

The first option is a clear literary allusion to classical epic literature.

Answer:

• (A) "I, as Aeneas our great ancestor / Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder / The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber / Did I the tirèd Caesar." (act 1, scene 2) (Correct answer)
• (B) "Pardon, Caesar; Caesar, pardon." (act 3, scene 1)
• (C) "He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold, / To groan and sweat under the business" (act 4, scene 1)
• (D) "Why, I will see thee at Philippi then." (act 4, scene 3)