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All Site ContentJulius CaesarAct 3Scene 1
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"common pulpits"
Allusion
Act 3,
Scene 1
Lines 77-82

An explanation of Cassius’ reference to “the common pulpits” in Act 3, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

Casca

Speak, hands for me!
[Casca first, then the other Conspirators, and finally Brutus stab Caesar.]

Caesar

Et tu, Brute? — Then fall, Caesar!
[Caesar dies.]

Cinna

Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!
Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the streets!

Cassius

Some to the common pulpits, and cry out
'Liberty, freedom, and enfranchisement!'

In ancient Rome, before the existence of printed material, information was disseminated to the citizenry by speakers from stages throughout Rome. These speaking platforms are referred to as pulpits.