Julius Caesar
Study Guide
Act I, Scene I – Rome. A Street.
Vocabulary
1. Cobbler – a clumsy worker
2. Knave – one who is of low-status, unskilled
3. Beseech – to advise
4. Neats-leather – cowhide
5. Cull – to choose
6. Exalted – elevated
7. Servile – subservient, menial
1. At the very start of the scene, Flavius is yelling to the commoners. Put
Flavius’ first five lines into modern speech.
2. Puns and word play are a popular part of Shakespeare’s plays. Identify
and explain the puns the clobber uses.
3. Flavius asks why the cobbler is out of his shop. What is the cobbler’s
response?
4. How do the Tribunes, Marullus and Flavius, react to this wordplay?
5. Why do the Tribunes chase the commoners away, and for what does
Marullus reprimand them?
6. What literary term is illustrated by the following quote:
“And do you now put on your best attire?
And do you now cull out a holiday?
And do you now strew flowers in his way…”?
7. What does Flavius suggest to the commoners?
8. What are Flavius and Marullus planning to do?

9. Marullus mentions Lupercal. What literary term does this demonstrate?
Do some research about Lupercal and explain its importance.
10.Why do Marullus and Flavius seem to fear Caesar?