The Tragedy of Julius Caesar By William Shakespeare

Shakespearean drama 3 classifications of Shakespearean drama Tragedy Comedy History

Tragedy II. Tragedy and tragic hero. III. Qualities of a tragic hero: A. importance or high rank B. Extraordinary talents C. Tragic flaw; leads to downfall D. Courage dignity

IV Verse dramas; poetry A. blank verse B. iambic pentameter; five unstressed; stressed C. Upper-class; lower-born

Blank verse example U S U S U S U S U S In sooth, / I know / not why / I am / so sad; So, the rhythm of blank verse in iambic pentameter is usually pronounced da dum / da dum / da dum / da dum / da dum

V. Stage devices A. Soliloquy B. Aside C. Monologue

VI- VII Rhetorical devices; language; sound A. Repetition B. Parallelism C. Rhetorical questions VII- Dramatic irony

VIII- IX VIII- Fourth wall IX- Foil

The Theater of Shakespeare’s plays 1) public theater, Globe Theater 2) roofless courtyards; artificial light; daylight hours 3) galleries; wealthier 4) Poorer; courtyard; pit

The Theater of Shakespeare’s plays 5) scenery; references; dialogue 6) elaborate costumes; props 7) women; men; boys 8) boys; female

The Globe Theatre

The stage at The Globe

Side view of the stage

The Gallery during performance

Parts of the Globe Theatre cont. Flag- a white flag hoisted above the theatre meant a show would be performed that day. White-comedy, Black- tragedy, Red-history

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Written in England in 1599; setting Rome 45 BC Based upon the assassination of Julius Caesar by his close friends and confidants. Based on Plutarch’s book about the Romans.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Rome was constantly at war. The ruling power of Rome was in the hands of its generals. These generals would contract “private armies” and subdue other countries that were weaker than Rome.

Julius Caesar

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar cont. Julius Caesar – born in 100 B.C. in Rome; Rose to power through the use of his oratory/speaking skill; was A member of the democratic or popular party.

Pompey the Great

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar cont. Caesar and Pompey agreed that one would leave to fight every three years. Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus form the First Triumvirate. They took over the Senate and the rulings of Rome for a while.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar cont. 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 is too powerful and selfish.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar cont. Pompey declares a war with Caesar. Caesar had the backings of the Legions (army) and Pompey only had the backing of the Senate.

Roman Legionnaire

Roman Helmets

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar cont. 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. Shakespeare’s play begins after Caesar defeats Pompey’s sons.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar cont. German took the name and turned it into Kaiser. The Russian word Czar as well traces its roots back to “Caesar.” The term “caesarian sections,” or “C- sections” can trace its origins back to Julius Caesar because the popular belief was that Caesar did have not a natural childbirth, but instead was “cut from the womb.”

Connection to Shakespeare’s time  In 1599, Queen Elizabeth was getting old and had no heirs.  There was concern that a civil war could start after her death. Shakespeare may have written The Tragedy of Julius Caesar as a warning.

Important Points to Consider Do the ends ( the outcome) justify the means (what you did)? What is the difference between persuasion and manipulation? Who is the tragic hero? Is Brutus an honorable man?

Summarizer- On the index card Identify and define the three types of drama Provide 2 facts about Shakespeare Provide 1 fact about Caesar

Activator Four sentences- Write about a time you had to persuade someone, teacher, parent, friend. How did you do it?

: Rewrite these statements so that they are true: Caesar is emperor of Rome. Calpurnia is Brutus’s wife. Brutus is trying to persuade Antony to join the conspiracy. Brutus is the head of the conspirators now.

Activator Four sentences- At the end of Scene Two, what does Cassius plan to do to persuade Brutus? What does this tell us about him?

Activator Four sentences- Did Brutus make the right decision? Why or why not?

Correct these sentences- Brutus was the first to stab Julius Caesar. Antony begged the conspirators not to kill him. Antony asked to speak at Caesar’s wedding.

Activator Four sentences- Write a summary of Act III. Be sure to include Caesar’s death and funeral.

Correct these statements Antony considers Octavius to be an errand boy. Cassius accuses Brutus of taking bribes. Brutus takes Cassius’ advice to not go to Philippi. Brutus is visited by Portia’s ghost.

Activator Four sentences- How do you think the play should end? Which side should win? Who should die, and how should they die?