Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar Notes

The Real Caesar  Julius Caesar really existed, and Shakespeare took his story from Plutarch’s biography of Caesar and made it into a play.  Caesar lived from 102 B.C. to 44 B.C.  He was Rome’s military leader.

The Real Caesar  Rome ruled the world at this time.  They were constantly waging wars and taking over countries.

The Real Caesar  Once they would take over a country, a Roman governor would rule that place.  The Roman officials were often times very cruel.  Many times the generals who took over the countries were asked to stabilize the place.  Many generals got power-hungry and turned on each other.

The Real Caesar  Caesar, a real commander, turned on another general, Pompey.  Caesar and Pompey had been friends.  Pompey tried to sway the Roman government to overturn Caesar.  Caesar gained control by bribing the people with his money.  He took control of Rome, and went after Pompey.

The Real Caesar  Pompey was murdered before Caesar could get him in Egypt.  While in Egypt, Caesar fell in love with Cleopatra.  He made her the ruler of Egypt.  Caesar went back to Rome a hero and was made dictator, which is the same thing as a king.  He made his friend, Brutus, a senator, while also putting other of his supporters in powerful positions.

The Real Caesar  Caesar was seemingly invincible.  He was extremely confident.  He wrote this on the Temple walls…  “To the Unconquerable God”  Talking about himself.

The Real Caesar  Although the common people seemed to love him and adore him, many Romans thought having another king sounded horrible.  They had been run by a republican government for 450 years.  Caesar became more pretentious and showy with his power. He became obsessive over it.  Senators were in fear of losing their power, along with the citizens’ losing their power to the ambitious Caesar.  They made plans to assassinate him on March 15, 44 B.C.

Shakespeare’s play opens a month before the planned assassination…

Quick Facts About the Play  This play by Shakespeare is considered a tragedy play (because it involves death) and a history play (because it is based heavily on historical fact).  It is believe to have been written in 1599.

Setting for the Play…  When? 44 B.C.  Where? Ancient Rome

Characters of the play… Caesar & his homeboys Julius Caesar Octavius: Caesar’s adopted son Marc Antony: A very loyal friend to Caesar Lepidus: Very loyal to Caesar; not as close to him as Antony Calphurnia: Caesar’s wife

Characters, continued… The Conspirators AKA: The dudes against Caesar Casca: Roman Tribune; jealous of Caesar Metellus Cimber CinnaDecius LigariusTrebonius Brutus: Roman Senator; longtime friend of Caesar; very noble Portia: Brutus’s wife Cassius: Roman General; Known Caesar a long time; he’s very jealous Pindarus: Cassius’s servant

Characters, continued… Brutus’s Servants: 1. Varro 2. Clitus 3. Claudius 4. Strato 5. Lucius 6. Dardanius Miscellaneous: 1. A Soothsayer 2. Cinna the Poet 3. Another Poet 4. Artemidorus 5. Other Senators, Citizens, Guards, Attendants, etc. Other Senators: 1. Cicero 2. Publius 3. Popilius Lena 2 Tribunes: 1. Flavius 2. Marullus

Resources…  ame.htm