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: Wrong, as the festival isn't just for commoners.
• Option 2: The Lupercal allusion's wolf - related origin (Romulus/Remus) doesn't directly link to impending violence here.
• Option 3: Flavius/Marullus aren't compared to Romulus/Remus.
• Option 4: Lupercal was a patriotic Roman festival, and celebrating Caesar's return at it shows his high status in Rome.

Answer:

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