The excerpt revolves around a historical allusion. It references the festival of Lupercalia, a significant event in ancient Roman culture that celebrated historical and mythological figures and events. This background provides context to the characters' actions and concerns about the political climate in Rome regarding Julius Caesar.
[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
Will make him fly an ordinary pitch,
Who else would soar above the view of men,
And keep us all in servile fearfulness.
Background information:
In Rome, February 15 was Lupercalia, an annual festival celebrating the myth of the she-wolf that saved the lives of the infant twins Romulus and Remus. According to legend, the two boys became the founders of Rome. The festival is also said to have celebrated the god who protected flocks from hungry wolves.
This excerpt revolves around a
cultural allusion.
historical allusion.
literary allusion.
religious allusion.
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1 answer