Extract 1: Marullus — “And when you saw his chariot but
appear…”
1️⃣ Whose chariot was seen? When? What did “you” do on seeing the
chariot?
The chariot seen was that of Pompey, the Roman general. The people had seen it during his
triumphal returns after victories. On seeing Pompey’s chariot, the commoners gathered on
walls, towers, and windows and shouted with joy to honour him.
2️⃣ What is meant by “universal shout”? State in your own words what
happened as a consequence of the shout.
The term “universal shout” refers to the loud, collective cheer of all the people of Rome. As a
consequence, their loud cry echoed along the hollow shores of the Tiber, making it seem as if
the river itself trembled to hear the repeated echoes of their shouting.
3️⃣ What is meant by “Pompey’s blood”? Who comes now in triumph?
“Pompey’s blood” refers to Pompey’s sons and followers, whom Caesar has defeated. The
person who comes now in triumph is Julius Caesar, celebrating his victory over Pompey’s
forces.
4️⃣ How do the people now prepare for the triumphal entry of the person?
The people now prepare for Caesar’s triumph by putting on their best
clothes, declaring a holiday, and scattering flowers along Caesar’s path.
What does the speaker want to achieve by his speech given in the extract?
The speaker, Marullus, wants to remind the people of their past loyalty to Pompey and make
them realise their ingratitude in now celebrating Caesar, who has defeated Pompey’s sons.
Through his speech, he aims to stir their conscience, stop their mindless celebration, and
shame them into reflecting on their disloyalty. He wants the people to feel remorse and to
question their change of heart.
🌟 Extract 2: Flavius & Marullus — “May we do so?…”
1️⃣ “May we do so?” What was Marullus supposed to do? Why?
Marullus was supposed to go to the Capitol and remove decorations (like garlands and wreaths)
from statues and images of Caesar. Flavius asked him to do so in order to reduce Caesar’s
rising popularity and prevent him from gaining more power.
2️⃣ What was the feast of Lupercal? How was the feast normally celebrated?
The feast of Lupercal was a Roman festival celebrated on 15th February in honour of Lupercus,
the god of fertility. It was marked by sacrifices, races, and rituals meant to promote fertility and
prosperity.
3️⃣ What is meant by “trophies”? Why does Flavius say that no images
should be hung with Caesar’s trophies?
“Trophies” refers to decorations and symbols of victory — garlands, wreaths, and ornaments
celebrating Caesar’s triumphs. Flavius insists that no images should be hung with Caesar’s
trophies because he wants to prevent Caesar from becoming too popular and powerful in the
eyes of the people.
4️⃣ Who are “the vulgar”? Why are they so called?
“The vulgar” refers to the common people or masses. They are called so
because of their fickle nature — easily swayed by emotion and spectacle,
lacking steadfast loyalty.
5️⃣How does the scene reflect the changing fortunes of men in power and
indicate the behaviour of the common people of Rome?
This scene reflects how fortunes change: once the crowd cheered Pompey, now they cheer
Caesar who defeated Pompey’s sons. The common people are shown to be inconsistent in their
support — celebrating whoever is currently in power without remembering their former loyalties.
