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 Option 1: The idea that "only commoners enjoy holidays" is not supported by the allusion to Lupercal. Lupercal was a festival for all Romans, so this is incorrect.
• Analyze Option 2: The Lupercal festival has no direct association with wolves in a way that would intensify a sense of coming violence. The myth of Romulus and Remus involves a wolf, but the festival itself is about purification and fertility, not violence. So this is incorrect.
• Analyze Option 3: The excerpt does not compare Flavius and Marullus to Romulus and Remus. The allusion to Lupercal is about the festival, not a character comparison. So this is incorrect.
• Analyze Option 4: Lupercal was an important patriotic festival in Rome, and celebrating Caesar's triumphant return during this festival highlights his high status and importance in Roman society. This matches the context of the excerpt where Caesar's trophies and his position are relevant.

Answer:

D. Lupercal alludes to an important patriotic festival, and celebrating Caesar’s triumphant return at the same indicates his high position in Rome.