Julius Caesar Act 1 Scene 1 EASY

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Questions and Answers

What action do the commoners take in response to their guilt?

They run to their houses and pray. (correct)

They ignore their feelings of guilt.

They gather to accuse each other.

They celebrate Caesar's triumph.

What is Flavius's intention regarding Caesar's imagery?

To disrobe the images decked with ceremonies. (correct)

To enhance the festivities with more decorations.

To celebrate it during the feast of Lupercal.

To relocate it to the Capitol building.

What metaphor does Flavius use to describe Caesar's ambitions?

He will fly an ordinary pitch without influence. (correct)

His reach extends beyond that of ordinary men.

His wings are weighed down with guilt.

He will rise with the power of the masses.

What philosophical state is Flavius concerned about among the people?

A servile fearfulness caused by power. Signup and view all the answers

What does Marullus suggest doing about the situation in the streets?

To drive away the vulgar from the streets. Signup and view all the answers

What trade does the Carpenter identify himself as?

A carpenter Signup and view all the answers

How does the Cobbler describe his profession?

A surgeon to old shoes Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Cobbler say he is leading men in the streets?

To wear out their shoes for more work Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason Marullus questions the celebration of Caesar?

He misses Pompey’s past triumphs Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the attitude of the Commoners towards Caesar's triumph?

They are excited and supportive Signup and view all the answers

What does Marullus accuse the Commoners of being?

Fickle and ungrateful Signup and view all the answers

What does Flavius question about the Cobbler's attire?

Why he has no leather apron Signup and view all the answers

What does Marullus say about the crowd's actions towards Caesar?

They are foolish for celebrating him Signup and view all the answers

What does Flavius instruct the countrymen to do in response to their guilt?

Flavius instructs them to assemble and weep their tears into the Tiber river. Signup and view all the answers

What does Flavius mean by 'growing feathers plucked from Caesar's wing'?

It symbolizes the removal of Caesar's power and ambition to prevent him from dominating the people. Signup and view all the answers

How does Flavius feel about Caesar's trophies being displayed?

Flavius is opposed to them and wants to ensure no images of Caesar are adorned with trophies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'feast of Lupercal' mentioned by Marullus?

The feast of Lupercal is a traditional festival that highlights the common people's celebration, which Marullus questions. Signup and view all the answers

What does Flavius intend to do about the public gathering in the streets?

Flavius intends to disperse the crowd and drive away the common people from the streets. Signup and view all the answers

What does Marullus specifically demand from the Cobbler when he asks about his trade?

Marullus demands the Cobbler to answer him directly about his trade. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Cobbler humorously refer to his trade with Flavius?

The Cobbler humorously refers to himself as a 'surgeon to old shoes' and claims he can mend bad soles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Cobbler's reason for leading men around the streets?

The Cobbler leads men around the streets to wear out their shoes and to see Caesar in triumph. Signup and view all the answers

What does Marullus criticize the Commoners for doing in response to Caesar's return?

Marullus criticizes the Commoners for celebrating Caesar's triumph while they once supported Pompey. Signup and view all the answers

What imagery does Marullus use to describe the previous support for Pompey?

Marullus uses imagery of people climbing walls and sitting on chimney-tops to see Pompey pass. Signup and view all the answers

What does Flavius suggest to the Commoners about their celebration?

Flavius suggests that they should not celebrate Caesar as they did for Pompey, implying they are wrong to ignore Pompey's legacy. Signup and view all the answers

How does Flavius question the Cobbler's presence in the streets instead of his shop?

Flavius asks the Cobbler why he is not in his shop today, questioning the appropriateness of his attire for a laboring day. Signup and view all the answers

What is Marullus’s reaction to the Commoners wearing their best clothes for the holiday?

Marullus expresses disdain, asking why they dress well for Caesar when they used to honor Pompey. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scene Summary

Commoners celebrating Caesar's triumph, ignoring Pompey.
Tribunes Flavius and Marullus rebuke the crowd for their ingratitude.
Flavius and Marullus order the removal of Caesar's decorations.

Character Interactions

Flavius and Marullus chastise commoners for celebrating Caesar's triumph over Pompey.
Commoners, including a carpenter and cobbler, initially defend their celebration.
Commoners eventually comply with the tribunes' directives.

Key Themes

Ingratitude and fickle adulation: The commoners are criticized for their lack of loyalty to Pompey and their quick shift to celebration of Caesar.
Political manipulation: The scene reveals how celebrations and public displays can be used to manipulate popular opinion and gain favor.
Authority and resistance: The tribunes try to maintain some sort of public order that opposes the celebration of Caesar.

Dialogue Analysis

Flavius's rebuke: Flavius uses strong language ("idle creatures," "worse than senseless things," "cruel men of Rome") to express his disapproval of the celebration.
Cobbler's response: The cobbler's defense of his actions ("to wear out their shoes," "make holiday to see Caesar") reveals a more pragmatic view (earning his living) yet also acknowledging popular opinion (celebrating Caesar).
Marullus's speech: Emphasizes the contrast between Caesar's triumph and Pompey's past glory, highlighting the people's failure to remember the past.
Implied threat: Flavius hints at Caesar's potential for tyranny and controlling the people through his influence due to their fickle nature.

Setting

Rome's streets, near the Capitol.
The time is during Caesar's triumph.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the events of Act 1 Scene 1 of Julius Caesar. This scene encapsulates the themes of ingratitude, political manipulation, and the tension between authority and public opinion as tribunes Flavius and Marullus confront the celebrating commoners. Explore character interactions and key themes reflected in this vital opening act.