Political Intrigue in Julius Caesar

Social Commentary and Political Intrigue

• Characters express disapproval of commoners celebrating Caesar's triumph, criticizing their lack of gratitude and suggesting that their celebration is inappropriate.
• Murellus accuses the commoners of celebrating a victory over Pompey's sons, highlighting the contrast between their present conduct and past loyalty to Pompey.
• An underlying political tension is evident, with concern about Caesar's growing power and the potential consequences of his continued rise.

Trades and Occupations

• Characters are identified by their professions (carpenter, cobbler), and their attire is used to judge their social standing and conduct.
• The cobbler defends his trade and explains his reason for being in the street, which is to celebrate Caesar's triumph and to support Caesar.
• The disapproval of the wealthier characters (Flavus and Murellus) highlights a contrast between the perceived needs and rights of the commoners versus the concerns of the upper classes.

Class Conflict and Power Dynamics

• The dialogue underscores a sharp contrast in social classes, with the upper class (Flavus, Murellus) expressing disdain for the commoners (carpenter, cobbler).
• Upper-class characters criticize the commoners for celebrating Caesar's triumph and wearing celebratory attire on a workday.
• The play reveals a struggle for power, with the upper-class characters seeking to restrain Caesar's rise in popularity by using the commoners' actions as an example of what not to support.

Action and Subsequent Orders

• The commoners are explicitly ordered to leave and to expiate their perceived wrong-doing.
• Instructions are given on how the commoners should atone for their actions.
• Orders are also given to others to take action and remove decorations from statues if they find them, including a reminder that it is the Festival of Lupercal.
• A further plan is presented to control Caesar's growing power among the commoners.