Julius Caesar Group

Question:

larie
larie
Student
High School - 11th Grade

Why does Shakespeare introduce the tribunes and what are the characteristics of the common people in Act 1, scene i?

I'm reading Julius Caesar and it's hard to understand some things, so please answer understandably.  Thank you.

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Posted by larie on Friday November 16, 2007 at 1:34 PM and tagged with act 1 scene 1, characters, julius caesar, tribunes.

Answers:


  1. malibrarian Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Shakespeare is showing us from the very beginning how the common people are easily swayed. First we see these guys, celebrating and having a holiday because Caesar has returned in triumph (even if it is a triumph over fellow Roman citizens).  Then they're shooed away by the tribunes who ultimately are seeking to take Caesar down - they are trying to prevent Caesar becoming king or emperor and destroying what they consider to be the glorious Republic.

    Throughout the rest of the play, you'll see more and more instances of how the commoners switch back and forth in their loyalties, remaining pawns for whoever happens to be speaking the most eloquently at the time.

    Check the link below for more information.  Good luck!

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/jc/act-1-scene-1-summary-analysis

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    Posted by malibrarian on Friday November 16, 2007 at 7:10 PM