Thursday, September 18, 2014 Aim: Introduction of Julius Caesar/Shakespeare Bellwork: What is your opinion of Shakespeare? Explain.

Introduction to Julius Caesar A tragedy by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare’s Life 1564 – 1616 Married Anne Hathaway – three children Susanna and twins Hamnet and Judith; he did not live with them for much of his career - he preferred to stay close to the theater Works published after his death; prospered from his acting/producing career - did NOT enforce publication of his works

Shakespeare’s Works 37 plays & 154 sonnets His stories are not original; he borrowed from many different sources, often taking well-known tales and manipulating them to illuminate character and humanity He wrote for the common people - noblemen and peasant alike would enjoy his shows Realistic characters Influenced literature and culture everywhere: The pilgrims who settled in America spoke Elizabethan English…so Shakespeare’s language and culture were transplanted to the “new continent” in his lifetime

Shakespeare’s Impact Great impact on the English language: –Coined many words and phrases, and used old words in new ways –Helped shaped the modern language that we speak today He is believed to have the largest vocabulary of any writer in history (he was extremely well-read!) We can thank him for preserving in his writing: –phrases that he heard used in and around London –The common speech; he used Latin-inspired and flowery poetic speech for lovers and upper- class…but he was also a master of the plain speech of the common person

The Globe Theater Shakespeare – part owner – built in 1599 Round, open roof (daytime performances) No scenery --> lines in the plays would often describe the scene Elaborate costumes Because the city nobility forbid promotion of the theatre, they used a flagpole to signal: –Black flag = tragedy –White flag = comedy –Red flag = history All actors, no actresses – young boys played women; because of this, he needed to use strong language to bring out the characters of his women Intimacy with audience  aside, soliloquy

At the start of the play, Caesar has just returned to Rome. When he returns, he is now the “tribune of the people” and “dictator for life.”

This is where our play begins… When it opens, we see some citizens in support of Caesar and some against him.

February* 15: The Feast of the Lupercal What is that? Lupercus was the fertility god the Romans worshipped. They would sacrifice goats and a dog. The goats’ blood would be smeared on the foreheads of two young men, then wiped off with wool dipped in milk. Then young men wearing only strips of goatskin around their loins, ran around the city striking women with strips of goatskin. It was believed that pregnant women would have an easier labor and infertile women would become fertile. *februaue actually means “to purify”

During this feast some of the conspirators discuss Caesar and what to do about him having too much power. The plan to kill him is hatched…

Would you be worried if someone told you something terrible would happen to you in a month?

Beware the Ides of March...

Julius Caesar is warned to beware the ides of March. “Ides” means the middle of the month; he was warned that something bad would happen on March 15th, 44 B.C. He is, in fact, killed on March 15th.

ThemesMisuse of Power Corruptive Force of Power Man’s Fallibility The Inherent Jealously and Selfishness of Man Power Corrupts: Caesar is a dictator who is suspected of abusing his power; Cassius is so power hungry that he assassinates Caesar; Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus become even worse than Ceasar!

Themes, Continued Honor found in loyalty and friendship Corruption found in conspiracy and anarchy Stability through political order Viability of republic form of government Countless books, movies and other theatre adaptations have built on the theme of a “friend’s betrayal”

Literary Focus Mood Setting Overcast of impending doom, darkness and catastrophe There is no trust left, only manipulation and corruption Julius Caesar is largely set in Rome, 44 B.C. Ancient Rome Tiber River the Capitol the House of the Senate The Forum

A tragic figure or hero is one who has a character flaw which causes them to act poorly or make poor decisions resulting in their downfall.

Julius CaesarAn ambitious and ruthless politician Skilled general Believes that he is worthy of more power than just being the head of Rome; he wants to be crowned the leader of the entire Roman Empire. His ambition led to his downfall Long-time friend Brutus betrayed and stabbed him to stop him from becoming a tyrant.

Every Shakespearian tragedy has one. However, in Julius Caesar, the tragic hero is NOT the title character.

BRUTUS Instead, Shakespeare makes BRUTUS a key figure in the play. Those eyes, though…

Brutus Friend of Caesar and Honorable man Feelings of patriotism convince him that Caesar must die rather than become a tyrant. His strong principles led him to allow his rival, Antony, to speak at Caesar's funeral.

CalpurniaJulius Caesar's sensible and loving wife Warned her husband not to leave the house during the Ides of March after having a prophetic dream. Calpurnia’s dream foreshadowed future events

CassiusBecomes jealous of Caesar’s power and fearful he will abuse that power Urges Brutus to assassinate both Caesar and Antony Tries to convince Brutus to not allow Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral

Marcus Mark Antony Soldier and Caesar's right-hand man Calculating and persuasive with words Uses his influence to turn the people of Rome against Brutus With Caesar slain, seizes the opportunity to take control of Rome Antony delivers Caesar’s funeral oration

As we read The Tragedy of Julius Caesar… We will discuss the conspiracy… We will discuss how Rome fell to mob rule after Caesar’s death… We will discuss why history seems to repeat itself over and over again… And we will discuss our own flaws in our personalities and how we can prevent a tragedy in our lives by our every day actions…

Do you realize it when you are quoting Shakespeare? (Yes, you DO quote Shakespeare!) If you have ever said…

“Catch a cold” “Laugh it off” “Disgraceful conduct” That’s “lousy” “In a pickle” I didn’t “sleep a wink” It won’t “budge an inch” I’ve “seen better days” “Knit your brows” “Vanish into thin air” “Give the devil his due” An “eye sore” “Tongue-tied” “Fair play” “Foul play” “Tower of strength” “Dead as a door nail” “Send him packing” “That’s the long and short of it” “Be that as it may” “Fool’s paradise” “As luck would have it” “Lie low” “Without rhyme or reason” …you are quoting Shakespeare!

…and it’s “HIGH TIME” you knew how much Shakespeare has influenced your life!

Insights Into Bill’s Language Use Poetic language and vivid imagery symbolized society’s turning away from strictly religious subjects and focusing on sophistication Blank verse: unrhymed iambic pentameter (five strong beats), wherein occasional variations in rhythm are introduced to create emphasis  utilized for its remarkable resemblance to common spoken English He used rhythm, or meter, to add meaning: –Iambic pentameter is used in most dialogue and for soliloquies –Prose is used to indicate dialogue of the peasantry, or comic crudeness (like a fool, or jester)

Elizabethan London’s Madison Square Garden The front of the stage. It was common to throw anything you could at the actors, the most common item being hazelnuts. Side Gallery

The full gallery, during a performance. The best seats in the house were right on the stage! Groundlings, or the peasant folk, paid a penny to stand in the floor area in front of the stage.