Student Question
Is the omission of Brutus informing Portia about Caesar's plot a weakness in the play? How might Portia have reacted to this news?
Quick answer:
The omission of Brutus informing Portia about the plot against Caesar can be seen as a weakness in the play, as it leaves Portia's motivations unclear and her subsequent suicide sudden. If Portia knew, she might have tried to dissuade Brutus, possibly threatening to leave or harm herself to influence his decision. This could deepen her character and provide more context to her actions, highlighting Brutus's internal conflict and love for Portia.
I do see it as a weakness because it's unclear is scene IV if Portia is worried because her husband is putting himself in a dangerous situation or if she's worried because her husband is about to kill a leader she loves. Remember Caesar treated Brutus like a son, so I'm sure Portia and Caesar were close too. I would like to see a scene added that explained how Portia feels about the conspiracy. That would also give more meaning to her suicide in Act IV and not make it so sudden and surprising.
I would write a scene in which Portia begs Brutus to not be a part of the conspiracy. Portia could insist that Brutus have no part. She could threaten to kill herself and try and stop him from assassinating Caesar.
Portia could convince Brutus that he should not allow men such as Cassius to persuade him. She could point out Cassius' lean, hungry look. She could convince Brutus that Cassius himself is power hungry.
If this doesn't convince Brutus, she could threaten to leave Brutus. She could begin packing her bags directly in front of Brutus. Perhaps his love for Portia could change his mind.
Obviously, Brutus loves Portia and that is exactly why he conceals the conspiracy from her. He is concerned that she could convince him to not be a part of the conspiracy.
I would write a scene in which Portia begs Brutus to not be a part of the conspiracy. Portia could insist that Brutus have no part. She could threaten to kill herself and try and stop him from assassinating Caesar.
Portia could convince Brutus that he should not allow men such as Cassius to persuade him. She could point out Cassius' lean, hungry look. She could convince Brutus that Cassius himself is power hungry.
If this doesn't convince Brutus, she could threaten to leave Brutus. She could begin packing her bags directly in front of Brutus. Perhaps his love for Portia could change his mind.
Obviously, Brutus loves Portia and that is exactly why he conceals the conspiracy from her. He is concerned that she could convince him to not be a part of the conspiracy.
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