Read the excerpt from act 1. scene 1, of The Tragedy of
Julius Caesar and the background information on the
allusion it contains
Which statement best explains the meaning added by the
allusion in this excerpt?
Excerpt:
[FLAVIUS.] See whether their basest mettle be not
moved.
They vanish tongue-tied in their guiltiness.
Go you down that way towards the Capitol;
This way will l. Disrobe the images
If you do find them decked with ceremonies.
MARULLUS. May we do so?
You know it is the feast of Lupercal
FLAVIUS. It is no matter, let no images
Be hung with Caesar's trophies. I'll about,
And drive away the vulgar from the streets
So do you too, where you perceive them thick
These growing feathers plucked from Caesar's wing
Alluding to the ancient festival of Lupercal explains why
people are celebrating and decorating the streets.
The allusion to Lupercal provides an association with
wolves, which intensifies the sense that violence is
coming
Since Lupercal is associated with the ancient gods, this
allusion invokes the sense that fate governs human
endeavors
Lupercal alludes to an important patriotic festival, and
celebratigmCaesar on Lupercal indicates his high
position in Rome