1. The Tragedy of Julius Caesar By: William Shakespeare

2. An Introduction to Julius Caesar Answer the following questions on a sheet of paper. Turn in when you are finished. Define the term ambition. When can ambition be a positive quality? When can ambition be a negative quality?

3. In class writing / discussion Ambition = being exceptionally eager for fame and power. – Positive characteristic = an ambitious person who works hard and sets goals. – Negative characteristic = an ambitious person acts only in his or her self interest, not caring what is right or good for others.

4. Julius Caesar Play Background Overview of the play / The Results of Violence – Assassination (murder of a public figure) Can change the course of history in a split second. – Julius Caesar – Shakespeare play that deals with the assassination of a Roman general and dictator who lived and died (an extremely violent death) more than two thousand years ago.

5. Shakespeare’s Motivation to write Julius Caesar The Parallel Lives, ancient biographical text – Written by Plutarch, a Greek writer and biographer, who lived close to the time of Julius Caesar. – Shakespeare drew his material for the play Julius Caesar from this text.

6. Who was Julius Caesar? Caesar was 1 of 3 men from the First Triumvirate, a political alliance of three people (Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus) *60 B.C. – These three men were in charge of Rome together as one government However, Crassus was killed in 53 B.C. – The Senate decides Pompey should be in charge ordering Caesar to give up his army and return to Rome as a private citizen. Caesar refused, risking a civil war. He marched into Rome with his army (“crossing the Rubicon”) He defeated Pompey’s army, winning the war. Declared himself a lifetime dictator of Rome, which was the greatest empire of the time. *49 B.C.

7. Caesar Perspectives During his life, Caesar was greatly admired by many people. However, he was also hated by many others. – Some believed he was too ambitious and exceptionally eager for fame and power – Some said his ambition would keep him from acting in Rome’s best interest.

8. Caesar Perspectives Caesar was a… “Great Leader and Reformer” – Military leader with good strategy – Treated defeated enemies generously / appointed some of them to government positions (including Brutus) – Ended the rule of corrupt Roman nobles – made nobles give up land to poor people (poor looked to him as a God) – Brought order and peace to Rome / strengthened and expanded the state of Rome – Restored cities that had been destroyed – Started public jobs / programs to aid the poor – Granted Roman citizenship to people from foreign countries or states – Had a statue of himself built Inscription: “To the Unconquerable God”

9. Caesar Perspectives Caesar was a … “Dangerous Dictator” – Refused to follow the Senate’s order to return to Rome (became an enemy) – Started a civil war that led to the destruction of the republic – Increased the number of senator to add to his number of supporters – Treated his defeated enemies with cruelty – Punished those who wanted to uphold the traditions and laws of the republic – Weakened the Senate to gain absolute power over Rome – Kept hidden any facts that did not make him look brave and/or intelligent – Sought glory for himself at the expense of the republic (accepted bribes and handouts) to gain support – Arrogance and power became unbearable to many

10. Growing Ego and Power Some became fed up with Caesar’s power and arrogance. – They made plans to assassinate him on March 15, 44 B.C. “Ides of March” Shakespeare's play opens a month before Caesar’s murder…

11. Literary Focus Tragedy – Play, novel, or other narrative that depicts serious and important events and ends unhappily for the main character. Main character - often high ranking and dignified (not ordinary). –Tragic hero – admirable hero who has a personal failing that leads to his/her downfall. Main character – has a tragic flaw –a defect in character or judgment – that directly causes the character’s downfall Work often ends unhappily – with the death of the main character.

12. What can you expect for this unit? Some reading aloud / some individual or group reading – BRING TEXTBOOKS EVERYDAY! Watching “some” of the play Reading guide / Study questions Vocabulary (focus will be on 16 th century meanings) Small individual writing activities Potential quiz after each Act Caesar Final Project – Group Activity Caesar Unit Test