CINNA
“I dreamt tonight that I did feast with Caesar,
And things unluckily charge my fantasy.
I have no will to wander forth of doors,
Yet something leads me forth.”
Explanation:
Cinna begins by describing a dream he had where he was dining with Caesar. The word “unluckily” suggests that the dream was not a positive one and could be a bad omen. “Charge my fantasy” means that these thoughts or dreams are weighing on his mind. Cinna doesn’t want to leave the house (“no will to wander forth of doors”), but he feels compelled to do so, as if some force is pushing him.
Analysis and Literary Devices:
- Foreshadowing: The dream can be seen as a foreshadowing of the chaos and violence that will unfold in the city after Caesar’s assassination.
- Metaphor: “Charge my fantasy” uses metaphor to express how Cinna feels burdened by his thoughts.
- Alliteration: The repetition of the “w” sound in “wander forth” creates a rhythmic quality.
FIRST PLEBEIAN:
“What is your name?”
SECOND PLEBEIAN:
“Whither are you going?”
THIRD PLEBEIAN:
“Where do you dwell?”
FOURTH PLEBEIAN:
“Are you a married man or a bachelor?”
Explanation:
The plebeians (common people) are curious about Cinna’s identity and personal life. They ask straightforward questions, such as his name, where he is going, where he lives, and whether he is married or single. These questions reflect their desire for clarity and a sense of control over the situation.
Analysis and Literary Devices:
- Rhetorical Questions: The plebeians’ questions are not meant to gather information but rather to interrogate Cinna, increasing the tension in the scene.
- Repetition: The plebeians repeat the pattern of questioning, highlighting their growing suspicion and aggression.
SECOND PLEBEIAN:
“Answer every man directly.”
FIRST PLEBEIAN:
“Ay, and briefly.”
FOURTH PLEBEIAN:
“Ay, and wisely.”
THIRD PLEBEIAN:
“Ay, and truly, you were best.”
Explanation:
The plebeians continue to demand specific, clear, and honest answers from Cinna. They use “directly,” “briefly,” “wisely,” and “truly” to emphasize that they want the truth without any evasion or hesitation.
Analysis and Literary Devices:
- Imperative Verbs: The use of imperative verbs like “Answer,” “Ay,” and “best” conveys the plebeians’ command and control over the situation.
- Parallel Structure: The repetition of these adverbs—”directly,” “briefly,” “wisely,” and “truly”—creates a rhythmic flow and reinforces the tone of authority.
CINNA:
“What is my name? Whither am I going? Where do I dwell? Am I a married man or a bachelor?
Then to answer every man directly and briefly,
wisely and truly: wisely I say, I am a bachelor.”
Explanation:
Cinna sarcastically repeats the plebeians’ questions, mocking them by suggesting that he must answer in the exact way they demanded. He then answers that he is a bachelor, using “wisely” to show his compliance with their demand for a “wise” response.
Analysis and Literary Devices:
- Irony: Cinna’s repetition of the questions with a mock tone highlights the absurdity of the situation, especially considering the plebeians’ growing aggression.
- Dramatic Irony: The audience knows that Cinna is not a conspirator, but the plebeians misunderstand him, creating a sense of dramatic irony.
SECOND PLEBEIAN:
“That’s as much as to say they are fools that marry. You’ll bear me a bang for that, I fear. Proceed directly.”
Explanation:
The second plebeian interprets Cinna’s statement about being a bachelor as an insult to married people, implying that marriage is foolish. He also humorously warns that Cinna might get in trouble for his comment (“bear me a bang for that”), showing how volatile the crowd is.
Analysis and Literary Devices:
- Metaphor: “Bang” refers to a punch or physical harm, reflecting the crowd’s readiness to react violently.
- Sarcasm: The plebeian sarcastically suggests that Cinna’s remark is foolish, showing the increasing tension.
CINNA:
“Directly, I am going to Caesar’s funeral.”
Explanation:
Cinna directly answers that he is going to Caesar’s funeral, which is a sensitive and dangerous subject given the recent assassination.
Analysis and Literary Devices:
- Directness: His straightforward response contrasts with the plebeians’ escalating aggression.
- Symbolism: The funeral represents the official end of Caesar’s life, and Cinna’s association with it makes him vulnerable to suspicion.
FIRST PLEBEIAN:
“As a friend or an enemy?”
Explanation:
The plebeians continue their interrogation, questioning Cinna’s allegiance—whether he is attending as a supporter of Caesar or as someone involved in his assassination.
Analysis and Literary Devices:
- Antithesis: The choice between “friend” or “enemy” creates a clear contrast, highlighting the division in Roman society at this point.
CINNA:
“As a friend.”
Explanation:
Cinna claims that he is attending the funeral as a friend of Caesar, which is meant to reassure the plebeians.
Analysis and Literary Devices:
- Reassurance: This simple answer is meant to calm the crowd, though it does not prove his innocence.
SECOND PLEBEIAN:
“That matter is answered directly.”
Explanation:
The second plebeian acknowledges that Cinna’s answer about being a friend is clear and satisfactory.
FOURTH PLEBEIAN:
“For your dwelling—briefly.”
Explanation:
The plebeian asks for further details about where Cinna lives, showing their continued desire for information.
CINNA:
“Briefly, I dwell by the Capitol.”
Explanation:
Cinna answers briefly that he lives near the Capitol, a significant location tied to political power in Rome.
Analysis and Literary Devices:
- Conciseness: Cinna follows their demand for brevity, keeping his response short and to the point.
THIRD PLEBEIAN:
“Your name, sir, truly.”
Explanation:
The third plebeian insists on confirming Cinna’s name, possibly to ensure that they have the right person.
CINNA:
“Truly, my name is Cinna.”
Explanation:
Cinna truthfully states his name, reinforcing his honesty.
FIRST PLEBEIAN:
“Tear him to pieces! He’s a conspirator.”
Explanation:
The first plebeian, upon hearing Cinna’s name, mistakenly identifies him as a conspirator, blaming him for the assassination of Caesar. The crowd becomes violent and calls for Cinna to be torn apart.
Analysis and Literary Devices:
- Hyperbole: The command to “tear him to pieces” is exaggerated to show the extreme anger of the plebeians.
- Mob Mentality: This line represents the irrationality of the mob, who quickly jump to conclusions without full knowledge.
CINNA:
“I am Cinna the poet, I am Cinna the poet!”
Explanation:
Cinna desperately tries to explain that he is a poet, not a conspirator, repeating his claim to distinguish himself from the conspirator Cinna.
FOURTH PLEBEIAN:
“Tear him for his bad verses, tear him for his bad verses!”
Explanation:
The fourth plebeian, misunderstanding, decides to attack Cinna for his poetry, not the political conspiracy. This absurdity shows how irrational the mob has become.
CINNA:
“I am not Cinna the conspirator.”
Explanation:
Cinna insists that he is not the conspirator, but the mob ignores him.
FOURTH PLEBEIAN:
“It is no matter. His name’s Cinna. Pluck but his name out of his heart, and turn him going.”
Explanation:
The fourth plebeian dismisses Cinna’s protestations. He suggests that Cinna’s name alone is enough to condemn him. They focus on the name “Cinna,” not the actual person, showing the dangerous nature of mob mentality.
THIRD PLEBEIAN:
“Tear him, tear him! Come, brands, ho, firebrands! To Brutus’, to Cassius’, burn all! Some to Decius’ house, and some to Casca’s, some to Ligarius’. Away, go!”
Explanation:
The third plebeian urges the mob to continue their violence, spreading chaos across the city, calling for the homes of other conspirators to be burned. The mention of specific conspirators highlights how the mob’s rage is indiscriminate.
Analysis and Literary Devices:
- Imagery: The use of “brands” and “firebrands” creates a vivid picture of burning destruction and chaos.
- Exaggeration: The mob’s rage is so intense that they seek to burn down the homes of the conspirators, even if they are not directly involved in Caesar’s assassination.
All the Plebeians exit, carrying off Cinna.
Explanation:
The mob drags Cinna away, showing their intent to harm him, marking the tragic end of a mistaken identity.
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