Podcast
Questions and Answers
What motivates the tribunes, Flavius and Marullus, to disrupt Caesar's triumphal procession?
What motivates the tribunes, Flavius and Marullus, to disrupt Caesar's triumphal procession?
- A desire to instigate a rebellion against Caesar's rule by inciting the common citizens.
- Loyalty to Pompey and resentment towards Caesar's growing power and popularity. (correct)
- A personal vendetta against Caesar stemming from past grievances and injustices.
- A genuine concern for the welfare of the common citizens who are neglecting their work.
Why does Marullus question the commoners about their professions and their absence from work?
Why does Marullus question the commoners about their professions and their absence from work?
- To publicly shame them for their perceived fickleness and disrespect towards Pompey. (correct)
- To identify skilled laborers to assist in preparing decorations for Caesar's celebration.
- To assess their eligibility for government assistance programs and employment opportunities.
- To determine if they are loyal supporters of Caesar or if they are secretly plotting against him.
What does the cobbler's witty response to the tribunes reveal about the common citizens of Rome?
What does the cobbler's witty response to the tribunes reveal about the common citizens of Rome?
- They possess a dry wit and are able to use humor to deflect criticism. (correct)
- They are deeply committed to their trades and take pride in their work.
- They are easily manipulated by those in positions of power and authority.
- They are uneducated and incapable of understanding complex political issues.
What does Flavius imply will happen if they do not remove the decorations from Caesar's statues?
What does Flavius imply will happen if they do not remove the decorations from Caesar's statues?
What does the opening scene suggest about the political climate in Rome at the time?
What does the opening scene suggest about the political climate in Rome at the time?
How do the tribunes' actions towards the commoners reflect their social standing and beliefs?
How do the tribunes' actions towards the commoners reflect their social standing and beliefs?
What is the significance of setting the opening scene on February 15th, 44 B.C.?
What is the significance of setting the opening scene on February 15th, 44 B.C.?
What can be inferred from the citizens' initial enthusiasm for Caesar and their subsequent shame after being rebuked by Marullus?
What can be inferred from the citizens' initial enthusiasm for Caesar and their subsequent shame after being rebuked by Marullus?
Flashcards
Julius Caesar Setting
Julius Caesar Setting
The play is set in Rome, during a triumphal procession for Caesar.
Caesar's Triumph
Caesar's Triumph
Caesar defeated Pompey in a civil war and is celebrating victory over Pompey's sons.
Who are Flavius and Marullus?
Who are Flavius and Marullus?
Flavius and Marullus are officials who oppose Caesar's growing power.
Citizens' initial mood
Citizens' initial mood
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Marullus' Accusation
Marullus' Accusation
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Tribunes' Command
Tribunes' Command
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Citizens' reaction
Citizens' reaction
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Statue decorations
Statue decorations
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Study Notes
- Caesar is at the peak of his power and glory
- Caesar extended Roman rule, defeated Pompey in a civil war, and is now the master of Rome
- Caesar is celebrating a triumphal procession in Rome after defeating Pompey's sons
- This is to mark the end of civil wars
- There is opposition to Caesar's authoritative rule
Act 1 Scene setting
- The play begins with a street scene in Rome
- Roman citizens are crowding the streets of the capital dressed in their holiday best
- The date is February 15th, 44 B.C.
- The citizens are eager to see Caesar's triumphant return after campaigns against Pompey's sons
- The holiday mood is interrupted by the Tribunes Flavius and Marullus
Tribunes Question Citizens
- The Tribunes question citizens about their trades and absence from work
- The first commoner answers directly
- The second uses puns, identifying as a cobbler who gathered with fellow workmen to see Caesar's triumph
- Marullus accuses the workmen of forgetting and disrespecting Pompey, whose triumphs they once celebrated
- He blames them for honoring the man who defeated Pompey's sons
- The Tribunes order them home to seek the gods' forgiveness for their ingratitude
- Flavius orders them to gather commoners, take them to the Tiber's banks and fill it with tears of remorse for dishonoring Pompey
Consequences and Concerns
- Ashamed, the common citizens leave
- The two Tribunes decide to remove decorations from Caesar's statues
- Marullus questions the legality of disrobing images on the Feast of the Lupercalia
- Flavius reassures him, noting Caesar will soon have everyone living "in servile fearfulness" if they don't act
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