Question

BRUTUS:
Had you rather Caesar were living and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him. As he was fortunate, I rejoice at it. As he was valiant, I honor him. But, as he was ambitious, I slew him. There is tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honor for his valor, and death for his ambition.

William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, 3.2.22–30

In Act III, scene ii of Julius Caesar, why does Brutus say he killed Caesar?

A. Because of Caesar's love
B. Because of Caesar's fortune
C. Because of Caesar's ambition
D. Because of Caesar's honor

Answer 1

In Act III, scene ii of Julius Caesar, Brutus says that he killed Caesar because of Caesar's ambition.

While addressing the crowd after the murder of Caesar, Brutus says that he has killed Caesar because of his growing ambition which would be very harmful to the citizens of Rome. He adds that he would never accept that because of one person the whole of the Roman empire would be trapped in the web of slavery.

Answer 2

The answer is:

C. Because of Caesar's ambition

In the excerpt Brutus finishes with this line:

"and death for his ambition. "

As in the book they were alla  little jealous of what Caesar had accomplished and wanted to kill him because they believed he would meant the ruin for the empire, people loved Caesar and wanted him emperor, but his pairs didn´t like him and decided to betray him, Brutus and the others needed a good reason to justify their actions, Caesar´s ambition and pride were the perfect flaws to justify its murder.