Act 1, Scene 1 Summary
Summary
In Julius Caesar, Act 1, Scene 1 opens with a busy street scene in Rome. Two Roman officials, Flavius and Marullus, are roaming the streets when they bump into a group of commoners who are celebrating Julius Caesar — who had just returned from defeating Pompey, another Roman leader.
Flavius and Marullus aren't happy about this and stop to question the crowd, wondering why everyone is so quick to celebrate Caesar’s victory. A cobbler steps forward and jokes around, explaining that the people are out having a good time to celebrate Caesar’s big win.
But Marullus quickly gets serious and scolds the commoners for being so easily swayed. He reminds them that just a short while ago, they were cheering for Pompey, and now they’re celebrating Caesar’s defeat of him. He also accuses them of being ungrateful and disloyal to a man they once respected as a great leader.
Flavius and Marullus then order the commoners to go home and reflect on their actions. After the crowd leaves, the two tribunes share their concerns about Caesar's growing influence and grow worried that if the people continue to support him so blindly, he might become too powerful, and the freedom of Rome could be in danger.
In an attempt to curb this growing enthusiasm, they intend to strip down the decorations from Caesar’s statues hoping it will lessen the public’s excitement for Caesar and stop him from gaining even more power.
This opening scene sets up the major political tension in the play, showing that not everyone is thrilled about Caesar’s rise. It also highlights the divide between the common people, who are excited about Caesar’s victories, and the Roman officials, who fear that his growing power could threaten the Republic.
Significance of this Scene
This scene is the most important because it introduces the conflict over Caesar’s popularity and the fear that he might become a dictator. It portrays the divide between the Roman leaders, who fear losing their freedoms, and the commoners, who idolise Caesar. The tension between the tribunes and the commoners also hints at the bigger political struggles that will take place as the play continues.
The scene helps build the themes of power and loyalty, as it raises the question of whether loyalty should lie with a leader or with the state. Shakespeare uses this scene to foreshadow the conspiracies and tragic events that will come later.
Important Quotes
"And do you now strew flowers in his way that comes in triumph over Pompey's blood?" - Marullus
Marullus criticised the crowd for their sudden change in loyalty, questioning how they can celebrate Caesar’s victory just after cheering for Pompey not a long time ago.
"These growing feathers plucked from Caesar’s wing will make him fly an ordinary pitch." – Flavius
Flavius expresses his desire to reduce Caesar’s power, fearing that Caesar’s influence is becoming too great.
"Disrobe the images, if you do find them decked with ceremonies." – Flavius
This line highlights Flavius’s plan to stop the public from glorifying Caesar by removing the symbols of his victory.
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