William Shakespeare

Background on William Shakespeare Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon in England..

He attended the local grammar school were he learned to read and write in English and Latin.

Shakespeare background cont. When he was 18, he married a woman by the name of Anne Hathaway. She was 26 at the time of their marriage. It is not known if Shakespeare actually loved her, but when she became pregnant he felt that it was his duty to marry her.

Shakespeare background cont. Shakespeare and Anne had three children together: Susanna and the twins Judith and Hamlet.

Shakespeare background cont. Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway did not have a loving marriage. As soon as Shakespeare had saved enough money, he moved to London to become an actor.

Shakespeare background cont. Shakespeare acted in and wrote plays until he retired in By this time he had written thirty-seven plays-comedies, tragedies, histories, and romances.

Shakespeare background cont. Shakespeare died on April 23, 1610, at the age of forty six.

The Elizabethan Stage Queen Elizabeth ( ) was the ruling monarch in England during Shakespeare's day. She was an avid fan and supporter of the arts. At this time, London was the heart of England, reflecting all the vibrant qualities of the Elizabethan Age.

The Globe Theatre

The Globe Theatre cont. All of the plays were performed during the day. The cost of admission was one penny. All of the actors were young boys or men. (Women were not allowed to act until 1660).

The stage at The Globe The Stage- Major playing/acting area

Side view of the stage

The Gallery during performance

The Gallery

The Groundling Area The Pit- Sometimes referred to as “The Yard” where the groundlings watched the play for their one- penny admission.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Most agree that Shakespeare wrote The Tragedy of Julius Caesar in The historical play is based upon the assassination of Julius Caesar by his close friends and confidants.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar During Caesar’s time, Rome was constantly at war. The ruling power of Rome was in the hands of its generals. These generals would have private armies and conquer other countries that were weaker than Rome.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar After these “private armies” conquered a new area, a Roman governor was sent there to watch over the new land. In many cases, the governor forced the conquered people to pay high taxes. Sometimes the generals themselves fought with each other, because they were strong men battling for power. This is exactly what happened in Julius Caesar.

Julius Caesar

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar cont. Julius Caesar was born in 100 B.C. in Rome. Julius Caesar rises to power through the use of his oratory skill. He was always a member of the democratic or popular party. He married Cornelia, the wealthy daughter of Lucius Cornelius Cinna. Caesar’s uncle arranged the marriage.

Roman Toga

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar cont. When Caesar was given orders by Sulla to divorce Cornelia, he fled Rome in 81 B.C. for fear of his life because he refused to obey Sulla. After Sulla’s death, Caesar returned to Rome and began to climb his way through the political arena. Caesar soon began to back Pompey, the head of the popular party. Caesar helped him gain both military and political advantages.

Pompey the Great

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar cont. Caesar and Pompey agreed that one would leave to fight for the good of Rome every three years, and then return to Rome so that the other person could leave and have his turn at conquest. During this time Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus form the First Triumvirate, which means “three men” or “rule by three.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar cont. Pompey had the political power, and Crassus had the financial backing. Pompey was even married to Caesar’s daughter Julia at this time. The First Triumvirate would not last long due to the jealousy that erupted between Caesar and Pompey.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar cont. Pompey returned early from his sieges and told Caesar that it was his turn to leave again. While Caesar is gone, Pompey uses this opportunity to rally people behind him by claiming that Caesar has become too powerful and is only interested in benefitting himself and not the Roman Empire.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar cont. By making these allegations, Pompey declares a war with Caesar. While Caesar is conquering new territory for Rome, he gets word of Pompey’s plan. Caesar decides to quit his campaigns and return to Rome to face Pompey and the charges against him.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar cont. When Caesar returns to Italy, Pompey warns him that if he crosses the Rubicon River, he is declaring a civil war on Rome. Caesar responds with Alea Iacta Est, which translates to “the die is cast.”

Roman Legionaire

Roman Helmets

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar cont. Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon is a symbolic acceptance of Pompey’s challenge. During this time the other member of the First Triumvirate, Crassus, takes his money and flees. Caesar easily makes his way into Rome and forces Pompey to flee. Caesar was now in total control of Rome.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar cont. During this time Caesar proclaims himself Senator for Life. Caesar eventually tries to go after Pompey, who fled to Egypt, but he never catches him. Servants of Cleopatra later kill Pompey while he is in Egypt, and his sons try to avenge the death of their father by declaring war on Caesar. Shakespeare’s play begins after Caesar defeats Pompey’s sons.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar cont. Caesar was not an actual Emperor of Rome. In fact, Rome had no actual emperors until about twenty years after Caesar’s death. While Caesar was living, Rome was a Republic ruled by a Senate. The name “Caesar” eventually became not a name, but a word meaning “ruler” or “chief” in Latin.

Outside the Roman Coliseum

Inside the Roman Coliseum

The Pantheon

The Forum of Julius Caesar