Julius Caesar William Shakespeare “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars/But in ourselves…” --Cassius

Tragic plays… …tell of a reversal of fortune, from good to bad, experienced by a man or woman, usually of noble birth For Greek tragedies, Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero contains other specific elements particular to Greek tragic plays. (Oedipus Rex, Medea, Antigone, Electra)

Shakespeare’s Tragedies: Distinctive Features Shakespeare’s tragic heroes are sometimes based on historical characters. (Julius Caesar, Henry VIII) The hero often displays a tragic flaw, a characteristic that brings about his downfall. Shakespeare emphasizes the hero’s internal conflict.

Shakespeare’s Tragedies: Distinctive Features (cont.) Tragic hero’s inner turmoil is presented directly—through devices such as soliloquy (a speech in which a character thinks aloud). Tragic hero’s choices are emphasized rather than fate. Shakespeare’s tragic hero’s problems often concern the difference between the reasons for an action and its outcome.

Shakespeare’s Tragedies: Distinctive Features (cont.) Commoners often play key supporting roles and provide comic relief in humorous scenes that serve as a break from the intense emotions of the play.

Plot Diagram—Shakespeare’s Tragedy

History Connection—Roman Society Play premise: Brutus & Cassius fear that the common people will support Caesar in his bid to become emperor. Their fear reflects tensions in Roman society at that time. Historical background--  Poor plebians (commoners), including farmers who could no longer compete w/ wealthy landowners, flooded Rome.

History Connection—Roman Society (cont.) They created a restless mass of unemployed poor. Some leaders took their side and won power w/ their support. Other leaders took the side of the patricians (aristocrats) and the wealthy plebians. The conflict between rich and poor led to civil unrest, including riots and assassinations.

History Connection—Roman Triumphs Triumphs were held to celebrate a general’s victory. Events included—  Temples decorated/sacrifices held  Victorious general/troops marched through city to the Capital/preceded by Roman Senators and trumpeters

History Connection—Roman Triumphs (cont.)  Triumphant general, dressed in royal purple toga and holding a laurel branch, rode in a golden chariot drawn by 4 white horses  On display---the spoils of war, including carts full of treasure and exotic animals  Captive enemy leaders (sometimes even their children) marched in front of the general  People of Rome gathered to view and cheer

Roman Triumphs

The Roman Senate Before Caesar’s rise to power, the Senate…  was made up of 500 to 600 members.  met in the Curia in the Roman Forum.  shaped policy through advice it issued to various officials, its powers to appoint officials, and its power to negotiate w/ foreign countries.

The Roman Senate (cont.) Senators—appointed for life. Originally, all were from the patrician (aristocratic) class. After Caesar won victory, he—  eliminated his enemies in the Senate  packed senate w/ supporters, including men of lower rank and people from outlying provinces.

Background on the Play Julius Caesar Rome—a republic since 509 B.C. Ruled for decades by— **2 public officials called consuls **Senate--made of up of high-born patricians or aristocrats and assemblies of plebians (lower-class citizens) By era of Julius Caesar ( B.C.), Rome ruled an empire won by military expansion.

Background on the Play Julius Caesar (cont.) Powerful generals arose/balance of power grew unstable Civil wars  common General named Pompey tried to make himself sole consul/Julius Caesar defeated him

Background on the Play Julius Caesar (cont.) As the play opens, all of Rome wonders whether Caesar will become emperor, ending the republic.

Act I--Characters Flavius & Murellus—2 tribunes who criticize plebians for their fickleness Carpenter & Cobbler—commoners who are taking holiday to honor Caesar Caesar—a great Roman general/just returned to Rome after a military victory Calpurnia—wife of Caesar

Act I—Characters (cont.) Casca—a tribune (an official elected to represent the common people) conspirator against Caesar Antony--(Marcus Antonius)—loyal friend to Caesar Soothsayer—prophet/fortuneteller Cassius—general and longtime acquaintance of Caesar

Act I—Characters (cont.) Brutus—high-ranking, well-regarded nobleman; friend to Caesar Cicero—Roman senator renowned for his oratorical skill; speaks at Caesar’s triumphal parade Cinna—a poet

Tips for Reading **Follow along closely as the CD plays. Pay particular attention to the characters who are speaking. The characters often refer to themselves in the 3 rd person, which can be confusing at times. **Follow along with the actual original text, if you have the No Fear edition. Clarification notes can be used later for study use.