Literary Elements of Julius Caesar Act II William Shakespeare Julius Caesar

Anachronism Anachronism is derived from a Greek word anachronous which means “against time.” Therefore, an anachronism is an error of chronology or timeline in a literary piece. In other words, anything that is out of time and out of place is an anachronism. Things in a work that belong to a different time are anachronisms.

Anachronism in Julius Caesar Look for anachronisms in Act II. One of the most famous anachronisms in English occurs in this act: “Brutus: Peace! Count the clock. Cassius: The clock has stricken three.” Think about WHY Shakespeare would have included this anachronism in this scene.

Complication An intensification of the conflict in a story or play. Complication builds up, accumulates, and develops the primary or central conflict in a literary work.  These occur during the rising action of a work.

Irony Like all other figures of speech, irony brings about some added meanings to a situation. Ironical statements and situations in literature develop readers’ interest. Irony makes a work of literature more intriguing and forces the readers to use their imagination and comprehend the underlying meanings of the texts. Moreover, real life is full of ironical expressions and situations. Therefore, the use of irony brings a work of literature closer to the life of the reader.

Dramatic Irony When the audience knows something that a character does not Anthony says this to Caesar: Fear him [Cassius] not, Caesar, he’s not dangerous. He is a noble Roman, and well given (I.ii.196-197)

Situational Irony Involves a situation in which actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended, so that the outcome is the opposite to what was expected. When people talk about irony without a label, they are generally referring to situational irony.

Verbal Irony When the words spoken are the opposite of what is meant Decius says to Caesar to get him to the Capitol: Pardon me, Caesar, for my dear dear love To your proceeding bids me tell you this, And reason to my love is liable. II.iv.102-4. What is ironic about Anthony’s statement when he says, “Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up/To such as sudden flow of mutiny”?

Aside Spoken to the audience or to one character; the other characters on stage do not hear an aside.

Irony in Julius Caesar Look for the following statements that are ironic in Julius Caesar and consider how they affect the plot as it unfolds: “If Caesar hid himself, shall they not whisper ‘Lo, Caesar is afraid’? Pardon me, Caesar, for my dear dear love To your proceeding bids me toll you this, And reason to my love is liable.” “Say I am merry; come to me again, And bring me word what he doth say to thee.”

Motifs The literary device ‘motif’ is any element, subject, idea or concept that is constantly present through the entire body of literature. Using a motif refers to the repetition of a specific theme dominating the literary work. Motifs are very noticeable and play a significant role in defining the nature of the story, the course of events and the very fabric of the literary piece.

Motifs in Julius Caesar Look for the following motifs in Act II: Omens Revenge Greed

Themes Major and minor themes are two types of themes that appear in literary works. A major theme is an idea that a writer repeats in his work, making it the most significant idea in a literary work. A minor theme, on the other hand, refers to an idea that appears in a work briefly and gives way to another minor theme.

Theme Development in Julius Caesar Look for the following themes in Act II: Power Friendship Honor Loyalty Pride

Tragedy Tragedy is kind of drama that presents a serious subject matter about human suffering and corresponding terrible events in a dignified manner. Shakespeare, the most popular of all playwrights, knew the Greek tragedy style well and he used several Greek themes but modified them to his own purpose. He intentionally violates the unity of action and mixes tragic actions with comical.

Tragedy Development in Julius Caesar As you read Act II, consider how the conspiracy to get rid of Caesar becomes more solidified by asking yourself the following questions: Who is part of the conspiracy? What does the conspiracy plan to do to Caesar? What about Caesar’s character could lead to his downfall? What steps are taken to prevent the conspiracy’s plans?