[ANSWER B. THE EXTENT OF LOYALTY]

Read the excerpt from act 4, scene 1, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.

[BRUTUS.] He is not doubted—A word, Lucillius.

How he received you let me be resolved.

LUCILLIUS. With courtesy and with respect enough,

But not with such familiar instances,

Nor with such free and friendly conference,

As he hath used of old.

BRUTUS. Thou hast described

A hot friend cooling. Ever note, Lucillius:

When love begins to sicken and decay

It useth an enforcèd ceremony.

There are no tricks in plain and simple faith;

But hollow men, like horses hot at hand,

Make gallant show and promise of their mettle;

But when they should endure the bloody spur,

They fall their crests and, like deceitful jades,

Sink in the trial.

Which central idea is reflected in this passage?

the impact of fate

the extent of loyalty

the ruthlessness of power

the importance of compromise