Julius Ceasar:

Why does Marullus believe that the citizens should not rejoice in Cesar's conquest?

To understand why Marullus believes that the citizens should not rejoice in Caesar's conquest, it is necessary to examine the historical context and Marullus' perspective. Julius Caesar was a Roman military general and statesman who played a major role in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. When Caesar returned victorious from his military campaign against Pompey and his allies in 45 BC, he was met with enthusiastic celebration from the Roman citizens.

Marullus, as a character in Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar," expresses disapproval of the citizens' jubilation for several reasons. First, he sees their rejoicing as fickle and hypocritical. He points out that just a short time ago, many of those cheering for Caesar had supported Pompey, Caesar's political rival. Marullus believes that they are merely following the tide of public opinion without any true loyalty or conviction.

Additionally, Marullus questions the significance of Caesar's conquest. He sees it as a further step towards consolidating Caesar's power and ultimately undermining the Roman Republic. In his eyes, Caesar's dominance threatens the balance of power and the democratic institutions of Rome. Marullus, like many other senators and citizens who opposed Caesar, fears that their liberties and rights would be eroded under his rule.

Marullus' belief that the citizens should not rejoice in Caesar's conquest stems from his concern for the preservation of the Roman Republic and his suspicion of Caesar's ambitions. By examining the historical context and understanding Marullus' perspective, we can gain insight into his reasons for opposing the citizens' celebration.