how would the meaning of this passage be affected if fawned were changed to cowered? it would show that the conspirators did love caesar. it would demonstrate how brutus always admired caesar. it would imply that the conspirators responded to caesar out of fear. it would show that the conspirators were honest in their praise for caesar.
How would the meaning of this passage be affected if “fawned” were changed to “cowered”?
Answer:
In William Shakespeare’s play “Julius Caesar,” the word choice between “fawned” and “cowered” significantly impacts the interpretation of the passage. Let’s explore the implications of changing “fawned” to “cowered” in the context provided:
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It would show that the conspirators did love Caesar: If “fawned” is changed to “cowered,” it would suggest that the conspirators responded to Caesar out of fear rather than genuine admiration or affection. The act of cowering implies a sense of submissiveness and fear, indicating that their actions were driven by intimidation and not love for Caesar.
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It would demonstrate how Brutus always admired Caesar: Changing “fawned” to “cowered” would contradict the idea of Brutus admiring Caesar. Instead of admiration, cowering signifies a sense of fear or inferiority towards Caesar. This alteration would portray Brutus and the conspirators in a different light, highlighting fear over admiration.
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It would imply that the conspirators responded to Caesar out of fear: The substitution of “fawned” with “cowered” shifts the dynamics of the conspirators’ relationship with Caesar. Cowering suggests a lack of independence and agency, indicating that their actions were dictated by fear of Caesar’s power rather than genuine feelings of loyalty or respect.
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It would show that the conspirators were honest in their praise for Caesar: If “fawned” were changed to “cowered,” it would suggest that the conspirators’ praise for Caesar was insincere and merely a facade to mask their fear. This alteration would imply that their outward expressions of admiration were not genuine but rather a strategic response to Caesar’s authority.
Therefore, the replacement of “fawned” with “cowered” alters the tone of the passage, portraying the conspirators’ motives and feelings towards Caesar in a more apprehensive and submissive light, as opposed to genuine admiration and love.