Why does Shakespeare's Julius Caesar switch to Latin for the "Et tu, Brute" line?

Question

Like all of Shakespeare's plays, his *Julius Caesar* is of course written and performed almost entirely in English. But there is one line of this particular play - perhaps the most famous - which is always reproduced in the original Latin: > CASCA: Speak, hands, for me! > *CASCA first, then the other Conspirators and BRUTUS stab CAESAR* > CAESAR: **Et tu, Brute!** Then fall, Caesar. > *Dies* > _{-- Act III, Scene I (bold emphasis mine)} I've actually never liked this change in language, because it spoils my suspension of disbelief - it reminds the audience that these characters were in ancient Rome and likely to be speaking Latin rather than English, and therefore that all the *rest* of the dialogue in the play isn't true to life - so I'm curious about what it's supposed to add to the play. **Why this brief switch from English to Latin?**

Answer 1

As with most literature questions, there will not be a single answer. However, here are a few possibilities.

#1- does this not arrest your attention? It immediately draws our focus to the momentous event with an elevated sense.

#2 - Caesar has a question that would not work as lyrically in English - imagine, for a moment, the flatness of, "You, too, Brutus?"

#3 -brinigng us to the ancient language could suggest that Shakespeare would like us to think that perhaps this question resounds through many centuries....not only this act, but any time one sees a dear friend turned into traitor.

Those are my thoughts!