Julius Caesar

What comments do you have about the opening scenes in "Julius Caesar" and its impact on the play?

This is a good question for the discussion board, since it is opinion-based.

The 3 scenes in Act I establish a few things.  Scene 1 is the exposition of the play (introducing the setting and characters), so we are introduced to some of the main characters.  We also learn about how others view Caesar and how he is loved by many, but also despised by more than a few of his constituents, including Cassius.  The other 2 scenes of Act II further explore why certain characters have resentment and hatred for Caesar, who many feel has abused his power.  Also, in Scene 3, a plot is revealed to murder Caesar:

Casca reveals that the senators plan to make Caesar king, and give him a crown that he may wear “every place save here in Italy.” (91) Cassius says he would rather kill himself than see Caesar made king. He tells Casca of a plot to kill Caesar, and convinces him to join the conspiracy. (eNotes) 

The opening scenes help to establish the fickle nature of the common people...they readily leave Pompey in the dirt for the new leader, Caesar.  This comes back later when Brutus wins over the crowd with his speech and reasons about why Caesar had to die and moments later, they again change their minds with the eloquent speech of Marc Antony.  Antony so riles them that they become violent to the point that one poor soul with the same name as one of the conspirators (Cicero) is murdered in a case of mistaken identity.