QuestionMay 22, 2025

6. In Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar," he attributes to Caesar the final dying lines: "Et tu, Brute?" What do the ancient sources record? Do these lines affect our reaction to Brutus or Caesar in any way? Explain.

6. In Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar," he attributes to Caesar the final dying lines: "Et tu, Brute?" What do the ancient sources record? Do these lines affect our reaction to Brutus or Caesar in any way? Explain.
6. In Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar," he attributes to Caesar the final dying lines: "Et tu, Brute?" What do the ancient sources record? Do these lines affect our reaction to Brutus or Caesar in any way? Explain.

Solution
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Answer

The ancient sources do not confirm the exact words "Et tu, Brute?" attributed to Caesar. They highlight themes of betrayal, affecting our perception by evoking pity for Caesar and moral conflict regarding Brutus’s actions, portraying him as a tragic figure caught between loyalty and duty. Explanation In ancient sources, such as Plutarch's "Life of Julius Caesar," there is no record of Caesar saying "Et tu, Brute?" before his death. Instead, he reportedly uttered a phrase in Greek or Latin that translates to "You too, my child?" This line emphasizes betrayal and evokes sympathy for Caesar while complicating our feelings towards Brutus, who is seen as both honorable and treacherous.

Explanation

In ancient sources, such as Plutarch's "Life of Julius Caesar," there is no record of Caesar saying "Et tu, Brute?" before his death. Instead, he reportedly uttered a phrase in Greek or Latin that translates to "You too, my child?" This line emphasizes betrayal and evokes sympathy for Caesar while complicating our feelings towards Brutus, who is seen as both honorable and treacherous.
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