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 caesar’s trophies. i’ll about,
and drive away the vulgar from the streets:
so do you too, where you perceive them thick.
these growing feathers plucked from caesar’s wing
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 caesar’s triumphant return at the same
indicates his high position in rome.

Explanation:

• Option 1: The excerpt doesn't suggest only commoners enjoy holidays; the focus is on the political context, so this is incorrect.
• Option 2: The Lupercal festival's association with wolves (from Romulus and Remus' story) and the political tension in the play (Caesar's rise, potential conflict) connects to the sense of impending violence. The characters are trying to reduce Caesar's support, hinting at future strife.
• Option 3: Flavius and Marullus are not compared to Romulus and Remus; they are opposing Caesar's growing power, so this is incorrect.
• Option 4: While Lupercal is a patriotic festival, the excerpt's focus is on Flavius and Marullus undermining Caesar's symbols, not celebrating his return. The allusion's main purpose here is not to show his high position but to set the tense political atmosphere.

Answer:

B. The allusion to Lupercal provides an association with wolves, which intensifies the sense that violence is coming.