The central idea of this excerpt is that the plebeians mistake Cinna the poet for Cinna the conspirator. Despite Cinna the poet's insistence that he is not the conspirator, they are determined to harm him simply because he shares the name "Cinna." This reflects the chaos and mob mentality following Caesar's assassination, as the plebeians are driven by anger and vengeance rather than reason, leading to the unjust punishment of an innocent man.
CINNA THE POET. Directly, I am going to Caesar’s funeral.
FIRST PLEBEIAN. As a friend or an enemy?
CINNA THE POET. As a friend.
SECOND PLEBEIAN. That matter is answered directly.
FOURTH PLEBEIAN. For your dwelling—briefly.
CINNA THE POET. Briefly, I dwell by the Capitol.
THIRD PLEBEIAN. Your name, sir, truly.
CINNA THE POET. Truly, my name is Cinna.
FIRST PLEBEIAN. Tear him to pieces! He’s a conspirator.
CINNA THE POET. I am Cinna the poet, I am Cinna the poet.
FOURTH PLEBEIAN. Tear him for his bad verses, tear him for his bad verses.
CINNA THE POET. I am not Cinna the conspirator.
FOURTH PLEBEIAN. It is no matter, his name’s Cinna. Pluck but his
name out of his heart, and turn him going.
THIRD PLEBEIAN. Tear him, tear him! Come, brands ho! Firebrands!
To Brutus’, to Cassius’! Burn all! Some to Decius’
house, and some to Casca’s; some to Ligarius’. Away, go!
[Exeunt]
What is the central idea of this excerpt?
Cinna the poet is attempting to flee Rome because of his role in Caesar’s assassination, but is caught by the plebeians.
The plebeians mistake Cinna the poet for Cinna the conspirator, and while they learn his true identity, they decide to tear him to pieces anyway before going after Caesar’s killers.
Cinna the conspirator wants to attend Caesar’s funeral and disguises himself as Cinna the poet, but the plebeians discover him and escort him to the funeral.
The plebeians are roaming the streets to round up friends of Caesar to bring them to the funeral to support Brutus and Cassius.
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