Question

read the two excerpts from act 4, scene 3, and act 5, scene 5, of julius caesar. cassius. ha! portia? brutus. she is dead. cassius. how scaped i killing when i crossed you so? o insupportable and touching loss! upon what sickness? brutus. impatient of my absence, and grief that young octavius with mark antony have made themselves so strong—for with her death that tidings came. with this, she fell distraught, and, her attendants absent, swallowed fire. brutus. why this, volumnius. which statement best compares brutus’s remarks at the death of his wife, portia, to his words before his own death? 〇 brutus shows extreme sorrow and regret over both deaths. 〇 brutus is matter of fact when talking about both deaths, but he takes time for reflection when talking about his own impending death. 〇 brutus uses more imagery when speaking about portia’s death and is direct when speaking of his own. 〇 brutus explains how portia died, but he completely avoids talking about his own death.

Explanation:

When discussing Portia's death, Brutus is direct but provides a matter-of-fact account of her cause of death. Before his own death, he pauses for reflection (addressing Volumnius, showing a more thoughtful, reflective tone about his impending end) while still maintaining a stoic, straightforward demeanor overall. The other options are incorrect: he does not show extreme sorrow over both, uses no extra imagery for Portia, and does not avoid talking about his own death.

Answer:

Brutus is matter of fact when talking about both deaths, but he takes time for reflection when talking about his own impending death.