Question

Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 2, scene 1. PORTIA. Brutus, my lord. BRUTUS. Portia, what mean you? Wherefore rise you now? It is not for your health thus to commit Your weak condition to the raw cold morning. PORTIA. Nor for yours neither. You’ve ungently, Brutus, Stole from my bed; and yesternight at supper You suddenly arose, and walked about Musing and sighing, with your arms across, And when I asked you what the matter was, You stared upon me with ungentle looks. I urged you further; then you scratched your head, And too impatiently stamped with your foot. Yet I insisted, yet you answered not, But with an angry wafture of your hand Gave sign for me to leave you. So I did, Fearing to strengthen that impatience Which seemed too much enkindled, and withal Hoping it was but an effect of humour, Which sometime hath his hour with every man. It will not let you eat, nor talk, nor sleep, And could it work so much upon your shape As it hath much prevailed on your condition, I should not know you, Brutus. Dear my lord, Make me acquainted with your cause of grief. BRUTUS. I am not well in health, and that is all. Which statement best summarizes the conflict in this passage? Portia is upset because Brutus is behaving as if something is wrong, and he will not talk to her. Brutus is concerned that Portia is awake so early in her weakened state. Portia is offended that Brutus waved her away with an angry hand. Brutus is very sick, and Portia is worried that he will die if he does not eat or sleep.

Answer 1

Answer:

The Answer is A.) Portia is upset because Brutus is behaving as if something is wrong, and he will not talk to her.

Explanation:

Took the test on EDG 2020

Answer 2

The correct answer is: Portia is upset because Brutus is behaving as if something is wrong, and he will not talk to her.

Indeed, this scene takes place in the plot when Brutus has received the visit of the senators who wish to include Brutus in their conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar. While Brutus as a character may symbolize the concepts of logic, principles, justice, patriotism and reason; his wife Portia symbolizes the notions of love, compassion and goodness. Their external conflict is a conflict of impaired communication which typifies Brutus’ own internal lack of communication between his rational motives and his love and gratitude towards Caesar. In this manner, the microcosm of the protagonist mirrors the larger political macrocosm of the political conspiracy.