### Julius Caesar: Extract Discussion

#### Extract from Act 1, Scene 1

*Flavius: Hence! home, you idle creatures, get you home. Is this a holiday? What, know you not, Being mechanical, you ought not walk Upon a labouring day without the sign Of your profession? Speak, what trade art thou?*

*First Citizen: Why, sir, a carpenter.*

*Marullus: Where is thy leather apron and thy rule? What dost thou with thy best apparel on? You, sir, what trade are you?*

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#### Questions & Answers

**1) Who are Flavius and Marullus? Where are they and what are they doing there? Why?**  

- Flavius and Marullus are Roman officials. They're on the streets, asking why commoners aren't working. They're upset that people are celebrating Caesar's return instead of working.

**2) Who are the "idle creatures"? Why are they called so? What makes the speaker ask if it is a holiday?**  

- The "idle creatures" are the commoners not working. They're called "idle" because they aren't doing their jobs. The speaker wonders if it's a holiday since people are usually off work on special days.

**3) Give the meaning of the following:**  

  - **a) Being mechanical**: Being a laborer or worker  

  - **b) A labouring day**: A regular workday  

  - **c) Sign of your profession**: Something that shows what your job is, like a tool or uniform  

**Example from Extract:** Leather apron is a sign of a carpenter's profession.

**4) Whom does Marullus address in the last line of the extract? What reply does he get? How does he react to the reply?**  

- Marullus talks to a citizen and learns he's a carpenter. He reacts by questioning why the man isn't in his work clothes.

**5) Giving an example each, show how Flavius and Marullus are men in authority. Who among them do you think exercises greater authority? Why?**  

- Both Flavius and Marullus show authority by questioning and scolding the commoners. It's hard to say who has more authority, but both are clearly in positions of power.