Question

read the excerpt from act 1, scene 1, of the tragedy of julius caesar and the background information on the allusion it contains.

excerpt:

flavius. see whether their basest mettle be not moved.
they vanish tongue-tied in their guiltiness.
go you down that way towards the capitol;
this way will i. disrobe the images
if you do find them decked with ceremonies.

marullus. may we do so?
you know it is the feast of lupercal.

flavius. it is no matter; let no images
be hung with caesars trophies. ill about,
and drive away the vulgar from the streets:
so do you too, where you perceive them thick.

which statement best explains the meaning added by the allusion in this excerpt?

alluding to the ancient festival of lupercal demonstrates that only commoners enjoy holidays.
the allusion to lupercal provides an association with wolves, which intensifies the sense that violence is coming.
this allusion compares flavius and marullus to romulus and remus.
lupercal alludes to an important patriotic festival, and celebrating caesars triumphant return at the same indicates his high position in rome.

Explanation:

Analyze the context of the allusion

The excerpt mentions "the feast of Lupercal," which was an ancient, highly significant Roman festival. Flavius orders the removal of decorations ("Caesar's trophies") from statues despite the holiday, showing opposition to Caesar's growing power.

Evaluate the options based on historical and textual meaning

• Option 1: Incorrect. The holiday is celebrated by many, not just commoners, and this does not capture the political meaning.
• Option 2: Incorrect. While Lupercal has mythological associations with wolves, the text does not use it here to foreshadow wolf-like violence.
• Option 3: Incorrect. The text does not compare Flavius and Marullus to Romulus and Remus.
• Option 4: Correct. Lupercal was an important patriotic and religious festival. Merging this celebration with Caesar's triumphant return highlights his elevated, near-kingly status in Rome, which the tribunes are trying to push back against.

Answer:

• (A) Alluding to the ancient festival of Lupercal demonstrates that only commoners enjoy holidays.
• (B) The allusion to Lupercal provides an association with wolves, which intensifies the sense that violence is coming.
• (C) This allusion compares Flavius and Marullus to Romulus and Remus.
• (D) Lupercal alludes to an important patriotic festival, and celebrating Caesar's triumphant return at the same indicates his high position in Rome. (Correct answer)