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Select the correct text in the passage.
Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. Which statement develops the theme that abuse of power leads to destruction?
CASSIUS: Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world
Like a Colossus, and we petty men
Walk under his huge legs and peep about
To find ourselves dishonorable graves.
Men at some time are masters of their fates.
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars
But in ourselves, that we are underlings.
Brutus and Caesar-what should be in that "Caesar"?
Why should that name be sounded more than yours?
Write them together, yours is as fair a name.
Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well.
Weigh them, it is as heavy. Conjure with 'em,
"Brutus" will start a spirit as soon as "Caesar."
Now in the names of all the gods at once.
Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed
That he is grown so great? Age, thou art shamed!
Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods!!



Answer :

In the excerpt from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, the statement that develops the theme that abuse of power leads to destruction is when Cassius questions why Caesar's name should be more significant than Brutus'. This highlights the idea that unchecked power and favoritism towards one individual can lead to conflict and downfall in a society.

1. Cassius expresses his concern about Caesar's growing power and influence over the people, questioning why Caesar's name holds more weight than Brutus'.
2. He points out the consequences of allowing one person to amass too much power, suggesting that Rome has lost its noble lineage due to Caesar's unchecked rise to greatness.
3. By emphasizing the disparity in treatment between Caesar and others like Brutus, Cassius hints at the potential negative outcomes of allowing one individual to dominate and overshadow the rest, ultimately leading to destruction and loss of honor in Rome.

This statement underscores the theme that abuse of power and favoritism can have detrimental effects on society, ultimately leading to its downfall.