Julius Caesar Act One Scene One

Act One Scene One Marullus asks, “You, sir, what trade are you?” to which the cobbler replies, “Truly, sir, in respect to a fine workman, I am but, as you would say, a cobbler.” In other words: In relation to being a skilled worker, I am a clumsy worker. The word cobbler is a pun. Pun: Two meanings suggested by the same word or two similar-sounding words

Act One Scene One Marullus doesn’t like this. He says, “But what trade art thou?” He thinks the cobbler hasn’t answered the question. The cobbler still doesn’t answer directly as requested and says instead: “…a mender of bad soles.” Now Flavius is upset. But the cobbler has more puns for the two tribunes. Cobbler: “Nay, I beseech you, sir, be not out with me: yet, if you be out, sir, I can mend you.” In this case, “be not out…if you be out” also has two meanings—angry versus worn-out shoes.

Act One Scene One The cobbler finally gets through to Flavius with a couple more puns thrown in for fun. (Awl/withal) Flavius asks him why he isn’t at work today and, “Why dost thou lead these men about the streets?” The cobbler answers, but before he does he leaves Flavius with a final joke: “Truly, sir, to wear out their shoes, to get myself more work.”

Act one scene one The reason nobody is working is, as the cobbler says, “We make holiday to see Caesar and to rejoice in his triumph.” Woo, party time!

Why do you think Shakespeare would begin the play with a pun? This has more to do with the structure of the theatre and those who attended. Those closest were referred to as “groundlings” or “penny-stinkers” because they paid a penny to stand in the pit. And they stunk. The best way to appeal to common people (and get their attention) was through the use of humor.

Do Marullus and Flavius like Caesar? How can you tell? Short answer: No. Marullus: “Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home? What tributaries follow him to Rome, / To grace in captive bonds his chariot wheels?” Can you imagine these questions being asked calmly? Is he really looking for answers to these questions? What is it called when a question is asked just for effect or to lay emphasis on some point discussed when no real answer is expected? The repetition of rhetorical questions indicates to the reader/listener that Marullus is unhappy with the current circumstances.

Do Marullus and Flavius like Caesar? How can you tell? They also call the supporters of Caesar names! Marullus: “You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things!” Wow, rude. He even tells them to return home and pray to the gods to stop these problems. Flavius tells them to take down those decorations. Marullus: “May we do so? / You know it is the feast of Lupercal.” (Translation: Can we do that? It’s a holiday after all.) Flavius: “It is no matter; let no images / Be hung with Caesar’s trophies.” (Translation: I don’t care!)

Feast of Lupercal: Feb. 15 What a weird feast. Here’s a brief summary. If you want to know the details, you can look it up later. In the play Julius Caesar, the Feast of Lupercal was a fertility festival honoring Pan, and was celebrated in the Coliseum. One of the events was a foot race, which is what Antony is participating in in the next scene. There were also animal sacrifices and they ate goat. Poor goats.

The Ides of March…& May, July, & October “The ides of March” is in reference to March 15. This term comes from the ancient Roman calendar, which did not number the days of each month. Here’s what they came up with instead: Kalends: The first day of each month Nones: The 7th of March, May, July, and October and the 5th of other months. Ides: The 15th of March, May, July, and October and the 13th of other months. It was complicated and awkward. If Caesar were to ask Antony to meet on March 12th, he would have to say, “Three days before the ides of March.” What would today be according to the Roman calendar?

Beware! When are the ides of March? March 15th What is Lupercal? When is it celebrated? Ancient Roman festival celebrated on February 15th. Where can you find this information in your book? In the margins!