Question

"and here you have a people who won it by themselves and need only the help to preserve it" how do you construe this line​

Answer 1

Answer:

Be not deceived. If I have veiled my look, I turn the trouble of my countenance Merely upon myself. Vexèd I am Of late with passions of some difference, Conceptions only proper to myself, Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviors. But let not therefore, my good friends, be grieved— Among which number, Cassius, be you one— Nor construe any further my neglect Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war, Forgets the shows of love to other men. (1.2.39-49).

In these first words spoken by Brutus in the play, Brutus describes his inner struggle about the current status of Rome. He explains to Cassius that he is struggling between his love for Caesar and his concern that Caesar’s assumed ambition will cause harm to Rome. This conversation also reveals the close relationship between Brutus and Cassius.

I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus, As well as I do know your outward favor. (1.2.92-93)

While Cassius and Brutus discuss honor, Brutus tells Cassius that he “loves the name of honor more than he fears death.” Here, Cassius explains that he agrees, revealing that he sees this quality of honor in Brutus. Throughout the play, Brutus is described as honorable through his intentions, his treatment of others, and his loyalty to Rome.