Julius Caesar Act 1 Scene 1 HARD

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Questions and Answers

What action do Flavius and Marullus intend to take regarding the statues?

To build new statues in honor of the community

To decorate them with flowers

To remove decorations associated with Caesar (correct)

To re-erect fallen statues

What do Flavius and Marullus imply about the commoners' guilt?

They openly acknowledge it

They are too proud to express it

They are unaware of their guilt

They are tongue-tied due to their guiltiness (correct)

Why do Flavius and Marullus want to gather the 'poor men of your sort'?

To celebrate the feast of Lupercal

To engage in communal prayer for prosperity

To make a public demonstration against Caesar (correct)

To propose a new leadership

What is suggested by the phrase 'These growing feathers plucked from Caesar's wing'?

Caesar's influence will ultimately decline Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying theme of Flavius's speech to the commoners?

A warning against the dangers of unchecked power Signup and view all the answers

What does Flavius accuse the Commoners of regarding their appearance on a workday?

Being idle and improperly dressed for work Signup and view all the answers

What is the Cobbler's primary response when asked about his trade?

He is simply a mender of old shoes. Signup and view all the answers

How does Marullus refer to the Commoners' behavior and choices during the holiday?

Disrespectful towards past heroes like Pompey Signup and view all the answers

What does Flavius mean when he asks the Cobbler where his 'leather apron and thy rule' are?

Questioning his skills and tools of trade Signup and view all the answers

What is the Cobbler’s explanation for leading men around the streets?

To create demand for shoe repairs Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state does Marullus express concerning the Commoners' current actions towards Caesar?

Anger at their forgetfulness of Pompey Signup and view all the answers

What rhetorical question does Marullus pose about the Commoners' remembrance of Pompey?

How could they forget Pompey’s victories? Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor does Marullus use when referring to the Commoners' hearts?

You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things Signup and view all the answers

What does Flavius mean by 'assemble all the poor men of your sort' in the context of the plea to the commoners?

Flavius is urging the commoners to gather the impoverished to collectively mourn and express their discontent regarding Caesar's rise to power. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Flavius's speech reflect the theme of manipulation of public opinion?

Flavius's speech demonstrates manipulation as he seeks to incite emotion and action among the commoners against Caesar by appealing to their sense of guilt and injustice. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Flavius's statement about 'disrobing the images' of Caesar during the feast of Lupercal?

Flavius's desire to disrobe Caesar's images signifies a rejection of Caesar's glorification and an attempt to undermine his authority among the people. Signup and view all the answers

How does the imagery of 'growing feathers plucked from Caesar's wing' serve to convey Flavius's view of power?

The imagery suggests that removing Caesar’s power and followers will prevent him from becoming an uncontested ruler, keeping him grounded and less threatening. Signup and view all the answers

What underlying motivations can be inferred from Marullus's concerns about the celebrations during the feast of Lupercal?

Marullus's concerns reflect a distrust of the common people and a fear that their celebration jeopardizes the republic, showing his desire to protect Roman values. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Cobbler's claim that he mends 'bad soles'?

It serves as a pun, referencing both shoes and the moral state of the people. Signup and view all the answers

How do Flavius and Marullus view the celebration of Caesar's triumph?

They see it as an act of betrayal against Pompey and a sign of fickleness in the Commoners. Signup and view all the answers

What rhetorical strategies do Flavius and Marullus employ in their speech to the Commoners?

They use rhetorical questions and evocative imagery to instill guilt and provoke reflection. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Marullus's interaction with the Cobbler highlight social class dynamics?

It underscores the tension between the upper class's authority and the lower class's responses. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things' reveal about Marullus's feelings?

It conveys his deep frustration and disappointment with the Commoners' uncritical enthusiasm. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the Cobbler's character through his assertion that he is 'a surgeon to old shoes'?

It implies resourcefulness and a sense of pride in his craft, despite his low social status. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Marullus criticize the Commoners for wearing their best apparel?

He challenges their choice to celebrate Caesar’s triumph while forgetting past leaders like Pompey. Signup and view all the answers

What does Flavius's question about the Cobbler's absence from his shop suggest about societal expectations?

It highlights expectations for the lower class to prioritize work over leisure, even during celebrations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scene Opening

Two tribunes, Flavius and Marullus, address commoners.
Commoners, a carpenter and a cobbler, are questioned about their trades.

Commoners' Trades

Carpenter identifies as a carpenter.
Cobbler identifies as a cobbler, a "mender of bad soles".
Cobbler emphasizes his profession's value and independence.

Tribunes' Criticism

Flavius and Marullus rebuke the commoners for celebrating Caesar's triumph while Pompey's death remains unaddressed.
They criticize the commoners' lack of gratitude for Pompey and instead welcoming Caesar, questioning their loyalty to Rome.
Marullus highlights the commoners' previous enthusiastic reception of Pompey's triumph, contrasting it with their current celebration of Caesar.
Tribunes express concern that Caesar’s triumph shows a lack of respect for the memory of Pompey and will diminish the importance of Rome now that Caesar is ruling.

Commoners' Defense

Cobbler argues he's celebrating a holiday.
Commoners are encouraged to express their grief and feelings relating to Ceasar's rise to power and Pompey's death in public.

Action Taken by Tribunes

Flavius and Marullus order the commoners to assemble and demonstrate their grief, directing the commoners to cry on the Tiber riverbank.
They intend to remove Caesar's celebratory decorations and discourage public celebrations in support of Caesar.
Tribunes recognize the celebration of Lupercal but dismiss it as a reason to support Caesar, arguing that Caesar's position is unjustified.
They plan to remove Caesar's trophies from the images.

Tribunes' Actions

Tribunes urge the removal of Caesar's celebratory displays throughout the city.
They aim to reduce Caesar's influence and power by diminishing the public display of his victory.

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Description

Test your understanding of the opening scene of Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar'. This quiz covers the interactions between the tribunes, Flavius and Marullus, and the commoners, as well as the significance of their trades and the political tensions of the time. Explore themes of loyalty and celebration in the context of Roman history.