Introduction to “Julius Caesar” By William Shakespeare

Julius Caesar terms Monarch- a person who reigns over a kingdom or empire, usually for life and by hereditary succession Republic- government in which power resides in citizens who are entitled to vote. Dictatorship-government in which absolute authority or power resides in one man.

Terms cont. Patricians- nobles; wealthy people Plebeians- commoners; poor people Groundlings- the poor, commoners within a society while attending the plays at the Globe Theater

Terms cont. Legions- a very large number or multitude of devoted followers. Tribunes- Roman official under the monarchy and the republic Triumvirate- a group, party, or association of three

Terms cont. Conventions- a formal meeting or assembly, as of a political party

Shakespeare/ Caesar

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) Birthplace: Stratford-on-Avon, near London Prominent family Married Anne Hathaway-had 3 children Lived during the Elizabethan era Career: actor, playwright, poet businessman

Shakespeare cont. Acting troupe: Globe Theater- 1599 The Chamberlain’s Men (Lord Chamberlain) The King’s Men (King James I) Globe Theater- 1599 Retired to hometown –died on his birthday

Shakespeare’s Epitaph Good friend, for Jesus’ sake forbear, to dig the dust enclosed here. Blest be the man that spares these stones, and curst be he that moves my bones.

Shakespearean Stage Plays performed in daylight in traveling wagons Globe Theater

Globe Theater

Globe Theater Octagon shape Balcony seats for wealthy Standing room for groundlings (poor) Two backstage doors-dressing rooms Back stage-behind curtain-caves, bedrooms, tombs Upper balcony Minimal scenery/props, but lavish, expensive costumes

Globe Theater today

Shakespearean Audience Monarchy form of government Rulers chosen by God Superior Source or order, stability Believed in ghosts Believed in nature responded to human moods

Language Poetry Early Middle English Poetry rather than prose Thee, thou, thine What, know ye not? Old contractions: ‘tis Epithets: Ye gods Poetry rather than prose Blank verse, unrhymed iambic pentameter

History Caesar born in 100/102 BC Rome founded in 753 BC by King Romulus Ancestor of Brutus overthrew the last Tarquin family kings, which ended the monarchy

History Rome formed a Republic (power shared by two groups) Patricians (nobles) Plebeians (commoners) Rome became leader of Mediterranean world

Map of the Mediterranean World http://www.uncg.edu/cla/maps/mediterranean.htm

History First century BC-Republic began crumbling Civil wars Government wavered between a monarchy, republic, and dictatorship Julius Caesar rose to power

History Caesar, Crassus, Pompey 85 BC- Caesar’s only legitimate child, a daughter, Julia, was born 60 BC- Caesar formed a triumvirate (a ruling authority of 3 people) Original triumvirate: Caesar, Crassus, Pompey

History 59 BC-Caesar arranged a marriage between his daughter, Julia, to Pompey to consolidate their triumvirate alliance 58 BC-Caesar made governor of Gaul, doubling Rome’s empire 54 BC- Crassus killed in battle Senate and Pompey ordered Caesar’s return, fearing growing power

History Caesar attacked Italy, then Greece Pompey fled to Egypt in fear Caesar’s rise to dictator 48 BC: dictator for 1 year 46 BC: dictator for 10 years 45 BC: dictator for life This is the situation in Rome when play begins