Question

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

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.

1. What instruction has Flavius given to Marullus before this extract? What does it reveal about his position in relation to Marullus? (Understanding & Analysis)

2. Why is Marullus hesitant to carry out the orders of Flavius? What is the significance of Lupercal? (Understanding)

3. What does Flavius volunteer to do after the extract? (Understanding)

4. ‘This extract shows Flavius’s dissatisfaction against the celebration of Caesar’s victory’. How? (Analysis)

5. How is Flavius more assertive than Marullus? Why do you think so? (Evaluation)

Answer 1

1. Before this extract, Flavius tells Marullus to go towards the Capitol and remove the decorations from Caesar’s statues. This shows that Flavius takes the lead and speaks with greater authority, while Marullus follows his direction.

2. Marullus hesitates because it is the feast of Lupercal, a public religious festival, and he is unsure whether removing the decorations is allowed on such an occasion. Lupercal was an important Roman festival celebrated in honour of fertility and purification.

3. After the extract, Flavius volunteers to go around and remove the decorations from Caesar’s statues himself. He also tells Marullus to do the same wherever he finds them.

4. Flavius’s dissatisfaction is clear because he does not want Caesar’s statues to be decorated with ‘trophies’. He fears that such public honours will increase Caesar’s popularity and encourage his rise to greater power.

5. Flavius is more assertive because he does not allow the feast of Lupercal to stop him. When Marullus hesitates, Flavius firmly says, ‘It is no matter,’ and insists that the decorations must be removed.