WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE An Introduction to the Playwright and his Play, Julius Caesar and his Play, Julius Caesar Have out your worksheet on the topic. Open your lit book to page You may want additional paper for notes.

Biographical Information Born: Stratford-Upon Avon, England Born: Stratford-Upon Avon, England April 23, 1564 April 23, 1564 Parents, John and Mary (Arden) – not affluent Married Anne Hathaway, November, 1582 Three children: Susanna & twins (Hamnet & Judith) Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Big Picture Time Period- Renaissance Time Period- Renaissance Reign of Elizabeth I – Elizabethan Era Reign of Elizabeth I – Elizabethan Era Followed by Reign of James I Followed by Reign of James I Where is America historically at this time? 1492-Columbus sailed the ocean blue Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Pre-Revolutionary War Pre-Revolutionary War Pre-Civil War Pre-Civil War

The Bard In the 1580's, William Shakespeare left his family to pursue a career as a playwright, poet, and actor in London. Wrote 154 sonnets and 37 plays (38?)154 sonnets 37 plays No plays after 1613 No sonnets before 1609 Sonnet form named for him Died 1616 Playwright, Poet, Actor

Shakespeare’s Theatre Globe Theatre- one of most famous playhouses of all time where Shakespeare performed many of his greatest plays Built from wood 3-story 3000 capacity No artificial lighting or heat Open air courtyard Limited scenery Ornate costumes & sound effects Co-owned by William Shakespeare has become almost as famous as the playwright himself

The Stage In Shakespeare’s Time A show lasted about 2 ½ hours usually in open air theatres during the afternoon. There were no acts but frequent intermissions There was no scenery but props and costumes to give reality Devices such as trap doors and scaffolds were used to make gods, witches, etc. disappear

The Stage In Shakespeare’s Time (continued) No actresses- All parts were played by men or boys Closeness of stage to the audience led to- use of "asides" and "soliloquies“ In front of stage was a big open area- where the "penny-public" or “ground-lings” stood to watch as they could not afford seats

Points of Shakespeare's Style: Use of metaphors– "That lowliness is young ambition’s ladder" Use of soliloquies– usually longer speeches given by characters when alone on stage– e.g. a person talking to himself out loud Use of asides– when a character says something to the audience, but the other characters on stage cannot hear it, e.g. like muttering to himself Use of puns– The Cobbler says, "A trade, sir, that I hope I may use with a safe conscience, which is indeed a mender of bad soles”

Julius Caesar Born in 100 B.C. Gained power and wealth due to a series of successful campaigns in which he conquered what is now Britain, France, much of central and eastern Europe, and parts of North Africa. “veni, vidi, vici”

What Did Caesar Do for Rome? Built roads Developed irrigation systems Financed public parks and buildings Made changes to the calendar Well liked and very powerful

What Got Caesar into Trouble? Appeared more interested in issues other than military conquest After a series of civil wars that lasted until 48 B.C., Caesar declared himself “Rome’s dictator for life” Many people believed that Caesar wanted more than just power; he wanted a powerful title.

What Got Caesar into Trouble? (Continued) Many Romans assumed that Caesar was ready to declare himself King of Rome and eliminate the 500 year old republic of which the Romans were so proud. Tarquins, the tyrant kings who ruled over Rome for 243 years--- no way Romans were going to return to that style of government. Someone had to put a stop to this pursuit of absolute power, and so enter the conspirators....Beware the Ides of March!

Play Versus The History Much historically accurate information but a story to entertain the audience must also unfold Much to learn from the works of William Shakespeare When studying this play, remember Shakespeare wished- not only to inform his audience about the history of Julius Caesar but also to entertain them.

Works Cited “Absolute Shakespeare”. Online. Internet. May 9, Available: “Converse: The Literature Web Site”. Online. Internet. May 9, Available: Goldberg, Neil Dr. “Rome Project: Maps of the Roman Empire”, Online. Internet. May 9, Available: “Julius Caesar: The Last Dictator”, Online. Internet. May 9, Available: “Roman Empire Map”, Online. Internet. May 9, Available: Roy, Ken, ed. Julius Caesar. Toronto: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Saliani, Dom, Chris Ferguson, and Dr. Tim Scott, eds. Introducing Shakespeare. Toronto: International Thomson Publishing, “Shakespeare’s Birthplace”. Online. Internet. May 9, Available: “Shakespeare Online”. Online. Internet. May 9, Available: