Question

lepidus. upon condition publius shall not live,
who is your sister’s son, mark antony.
antony. he shall not live. look, with a spot i damn
him.
but lepidus, go you to caesar’s house;
fetch the will hither, and we shall determine
how to cut off some charge in legacies.
lepidus. what, shall i find you here?
octavius. or here or at the capitol. . . .
antony. this is a slight, unmeritable man,
meet to be sent on errands. is it fit,
the three - fold world divided, he should stand one of the
three to share it?
—the tragedy of julius caesar,
which statement best explains the connection between
the bartering for lives of loved ones and a central idea
of the play?
○ octavius actions show concern for the people of
rome.
○ lepidus’s actions show kindness toward others.
○ their actions show the ruthlessness of power.
○ antony’s actions show loyalty to one’s family and
friends.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Octavius' actions here don't show concern for Rome's people; the excerpt focuses on power dynamics and bartering lives, so this is incorrect.
• Option 2: Lepidus is bartering a life (Publius) and being sent on errands, not showing kindness, so incorrect.
• Option 3: Antony agrees to kill Publius (his sister's son) easily, and they discuss dividing power. Their actions (bartering lives, planning power division) show the ruthless nature of those seeking/holding power, which aligns with a central idea of the play about power's ruthlessness.
• Option 4: Antony damns Publius (his sister's son) without hesitation, so his actions don't show loyalty to family, incorrect.

Answer:

Their actions show the ruthlessness of power.