Overview
Act 1 Scene 1 of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar introduces the tension around Caesar's authority as tribunes confront celebrating commoners and foreshadow a growing conflict over power.
Setting and Context
- The scene takes place on February 15th during the Feast of Lupercal.
- Julius Caesar returns to Rome after defeating Pompey's sons.
- Commoners fill the streets to honor Caesar's victory.
Actions of the Tribunes
- Flavius and Murellus, two tribunes, chastise the commoners for their shifting loyalties.
- They disperse the crowd and remove decorations from public statues celebrating Caesar.
- The tribunes fear Caesar's growing influence and potential tyranny.
Themes Introduced
- The main theme is authority, particularly the scope of Caesar's power.
- Caesar is depicted both as a hero and a possible tyrant, highlighting public ambivalence.
- The tribunes worry that unchecked power will lead to rule by fear.
Foreshadowing
- The tribunes' defiance of custom hints at the larger conspiracy against Caesar that will unfold later in the play.