Question

In talking about Brutus, Casca says "Oh, he sits high in all the people’s hearts / And that which would appear offense in us / His countenance, like richest alchemy / Will change to virtue and to worthiness." Do your best to "translate" this into modern language. In other words, what does this passage mean?

Answer 1

Answer:

"Oh, people love him very much / And things that would look wrong if we did them / He could do them and look honorable, like magic.

Explanation:

In Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," Casca tells Cassius that if they involve Brutus in the plan to murder of Caesar, he will make it look like a good deed. The reason is that Brutus is considered a man of integrity and people love him, so their scheme will be regarded acceptable by the people of Rome.