7 Questions
What is the significance of Marullus questioning the citizens' trades?
To assert his authority and criticize their actions
Why does Marullus inquire about the citizens' profession?
To ensure they are following proper work regulations
What does the citizen's response 'A trade, sir, that I hope I may use with a safe conscience...' suggest?
He is proud of his ethical work practices
What is the main reason Flavius and Marullus reprimand the citizens?
For working on a religious holiday
Why does Marullus ask 'What dost thou with thy best apparel on?'
To mock their lack of proper work attire
'A trade, sir, that I hope I may use with a safe conscience...' implies the citizen feels:
Proud of his ethical standards
'But what trade art thou?' - What does this question primarily aim to ascertain?
The citizen's specific occupation
Study Notes
Scene 1: Rome, a Street
- The scene opens with Flavius, Marullus, and certain Citizens present.
- Flavius orders the Citizens to go home, asking if they know it's a laboring day and shouldn't be walking around without their work clothes.
- A First Citizen, a carpenter, is questioned by Marullus about his absence of leather apron and rule.
- A Second Citizen, a cobbler, is also questioned by Marullus about his occupation.
- The Second Citizen responds that he mends bad soles, making a pun on the phrase "bad soles" having multiple meanings.
Key Terms and Phrases
- "Hence" means "get away" or "go away".
- A "holiday" refers to a religious manual work day.
- "Mechanical" refers to people who work with their hands.
- A "labouring day" is a day when people work.
- A "sign of your profession" refers to the work clothes or tools worn by a laborer.
- A "rule" is a foot ruler, a tool used by carpenters.
- "Apparel" refers to clothes.
- The phrase "in respect of" means "as regards" or "with regard to".
- The word "but" is used to mean "merely" or "only".
- The word "cobbler" is used as a pun, referring to both the occupation and the act of mending shoes.
- The word "soles" is used as a pun, referring to both the soles of shoes and the idea of people's souls.
Test your knowledge on Act 1 Scene 1 of William Shakespeare's play 'Julius Caesar'. Questions may cover the characters, setting, and events that take place in this scene.
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