Act 1, Scene 1 Summary and Analysis
Summary
Roman tribunes Flavius and Marullus spot a group of commoners on the street and chide them for idling on a working day. When Marullus asks one of the men what he does for a living, the cobbler describes himself obliquely as a “mender of bad soles,” which enrages Marullus. The man finally explains that he is a cobbler, repairing the worn-out soles of slippers for a living.
The cobbler tells Marullus that he and the other workmen “make holiday, to see Caesar and to rejoice in his triumph.” Marullus is incredulous at their celebration of Caesar, since he has returned to Rome with no tributaries or conquest. Marullus also finds the commoners’ adoration of Caesar inexplicable, as they once loved Pompey, whom Caesar killed and displaced, with equal fervor.
Marullus orders the crowd to go home and “pray to the gods to intermit the plague,” likely to befall them for their ingratitude toward Pompey. The commoners depart. Flavius asks Marullus to move toward the Capitol and “disrobe” statues of any decorations or banners in honor of Caesar. When Marullus questions the disrobing, saying that today is the fertility feast of Lupercal in honor of the god Pan, Flavius answers that the acts are necessary to quell both Cesar’s ego and his growing popularity.
Analysis
The three scenes comprising act 1 of Julius Caesar are particularly significant because of the swift, precise way in which they use rich, figurative language to introduce the plays’ themes, characters, and motifs. Scene 1 sets the stage with a sharp interplay between Marullus, Flavius, and the commoners. The cobbler’s wordplay with Marullus, especially his pun as a “mender of soles” (souls), foreshadows the theme of Romans attempting to “fix” or heal the spirit of Rome. This punning introduces a central tension between perception and reality, as men’s public images clash with their underlying motives, foreshadowing the varying views on Caesar’s rule.
The cobbler’s character also reflects the era’s social dynamics: while the Roman aristocracy, represented by Marullus and Flavius, looks down on tradespeople, the clever cobbler has a distinctly Elizabethan self-assurance, suggesting the plebeians’ wit and resilience. Flavius’s command to strip Caesar’s statues of decorations introduces the image of Caesar as a falcon whose wings must be clipped—an early metaphor for curbing Caesar’s power and ego. This metaphor, rooted in falconry, is an anachronism, as falconry didn’t exist in Caesar’s time, revealing Shakespeare’s use of Elizabethan references to emphasize themes.
Expert Q&A
Explain the humor in Act 1, Scene 1 of Julius Caesar.
The humor in Act 1, Scene 1 of Julius Caesar relies on puns and wordplay. Shakespeare uses the cobbler’s dialogue, where he makes puns on "soles" and "souls," to entertain the audience. The cobbler’s impertinent responses and double meanings, such as referring to himself as a mender of bad "soles" (shoes) and "souls" (morals), create humorous misunderstandings with the tribunes, amusing the Elizabethan audience.
Who speaks only in prose in Act 1, Scene 1 of Julius Caesar?
In Act 1, Scene 1 of Julius Caesar, the cobbler and carpenter speak only in prose. Shakespeare uses prose for lower-class characters to make their dialogue accessible to the audience. This is contrasted with the tribunes Flavius and Murellus, who speak in blank verse, reflecting their higher social status.
Why does Flavius compare Caesar to a bird at the end of Act 1, Scene 1 in Julius Caesar?
Flavius compares Caesar to a bird to illustrate how Caesar's power relies on public support. By removing Caesar's "feathers"—his supporters—Flavius hopes to prevent him from becoming too powerful and aspiring to monarchy. This metaphor underscores the tribunes' efforts to curb Caesar's rising influence by pulling down decorations and driving his supporters away.
Why does Marullus get annoyed with the cobbler in Act 1, Scene 1 of Julius Caesar?
Marullus gets annoyed with the cobbler in Act 1, Scene 1 of Julius Caesar because the cobbler uses puns and double meanings, making it difficult for Marullus to understand him. Additionally, Marullus views it as improper for the cobbler and other workmen to be dressed in their best clothes on a workday to celebrate Caesar's return, especially after defeating Pompey's sons.
How does Act 1, Scene 1 of Julius Caesar demonstrate the crowd's fickle-mindedness?
Act 1, Scene 1 of Julius Caesar demonstrates the crowd's fickle-mindedness through Marullus's scolding of the people for celebrating Caesar's triumph. He reminds them that they once cheered for Pompey, highlighting their quick shift in loyalty. This scene underscores the theme of the masses' easily swayed opinions and their lack of steadfast loyalty.
What is the significance of the shoes in act 1, scene 1 of Julius Caesar?
The significance of the shoes in Act 1, Scene 1 of Julius Caesar lies in the cobbler's puns, which highlight the tension between commoners and officials. The cobbler uses wordplay with "sole/soul" and "awl/all" to mock the tribunes, suggesting he can mend their problems. This exchange illustrates the commoners' witty defiance and sets the tone for the political unrest in the play.
What does the exposition in Act 1, Scene 1 of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar reveal about characters, setting, and situation?
In Act 1, Scene 1 of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, the exposition reveals a tense Rome under the influence of Julius Caesar's power. The scene features commoners celebrating Caesar's victory over Pompey, highlighting Caesar's popularity but also the division it causes. The tribunes, Flavius and Murellus, express dissatisfaction with Caesar's rise, foreshadowing further conflict. Their actions of dismantling decorations from Caesar's statues signify the brewing unrest and challenges to his authority.
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