“The opening scene of “Julius Caesar” strikes the keynote of the whole action.” – Elucidate.
Julius Caesar is a notable literary work by William Shakespeare. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Julius Caesar.
Answer
“The opening scene of “Julius Caesar” strikes the keynote of the whole action.” – Elucidate.
“Julius Caesar,” first performed in 1599, is a historical play and tragedy by William Shakespeare (1564-1616). In the play, Brutus joins a conspiracy led by Cassius to assassinate Julius Caesar to prevent Caesar from being a tyrant and save the people of Rome. Set in 44 BC Rome, the play delves into the political tension surrounding the assassination of Julius Caesar and its aftermath.
In the play’s opening scene, two public officials, Flavius and Murellus, enter a Roman street. They derisively/angrily (expressing contempt or ridicule) order the commoners to return home and get back to work who have gathered to celebrate the victory parade of Julius Caesar. Murellus suggests that Caesar’s victory against his rival Pompey, another Roman, does not merit a triumph since it involves no conquering of a foreign foe. Murellus scolds in Scene 1,
“What conquest brings he home?
What tributaries follow him [Caesar] to Rome
To grace in captive bonds his chariot wheels?”
Flavius and Murellus suggest they thin the crowd to regulate Caesar’s popular support because such overwhelming popularity can turn Caesar into a dictator.
The play’s opening scene sets the stage for the entire play and foreshadows the upcoming events. Cassius conspires against Julius Caesar to murder him for personal ambition. Cassius manipulates Brutus to join the conspiracy as Brutus wants to save the people of Rome from tyranny, fearing Caesar would become a dictator. The play delves into the political tension surrounding the assassination of Julius Caesar and its aftermath.
Here, we take note of the significance of the opening scene.
Political Turmoil and Loyalty: The scene opens with Flavius and Murellus scolding the commoners for celebrating Caesar’s triumph. This immediately introduces the political tension in Rome, where Caesar’s rise to power threatens the traditional order and loyalty to the Republic. This spark of political tension ignites as Cassius, Brutus, and other public officials murder Caesar,Unlock this study guide now