1. Shakespeare and Elizabethan Drama

2. The Globe Shakespeare’s main theater was named The Globe. Shakespeare’s main theater was named The Globe. It was shaped like a “wooden O.” It was shaped like a “wooden O.” Those who could not pay for a seat in the galleries stood on the floor: the “groundlings.” Those who could not pay for a seat in the galleries stood on the floor: the “groundlings.”

3. The Globe (cont.) There were no sets: settings were indicated by props and references in dialogue. There were no sets: settings were indicated by props and references in dialogue.

4. Reading Shakespeare (cont.) All of Shakespeare’s plays are written in blank verse: unrhymed iambic pentameter. All of Shakespeare’s plays are written in blank verse: unrhymed iambic pentameter.

5. Julius Caesar Background The play is set in Rome, 44 B.C. The play is set in Rome, 44 B.C. Caesar had previously been part of a triumvirate (three person ruling power) consisting of Crassus, Pompey, and Caesar. Caesar had previously been part of a triumvirate (three person ruling power) consisting of Crassus, Pompey, and Caesar.

6. Julius Caesar Background (cont.) These three men ruled the Roman provinces. These three men ruled the Roman provinces. Caesar’s military conquests during this time made him famous. Caesar’s military conquests during this time made him famous. The Senate backed Pompey, who tried to restrain Caesar’s power, and war started. The Senate backed Pompey, who tried to restrain Caesar’s power, and war started.

7. Julius Caesar Background (cont.) Caesar defeated Pompey and returned to Rome as dictator. Caesar defeated Pompey and returned to Rome as dictator. Though the general populace supported Caesar, the Senate was outraged at Caesar’s “takeover.” Though the general populace supported Caesar, the Senate was outraged at Caesar’s “takeover.”

8. Julius Caesar Background (cont.) Caesar was assassinated on March 15 th, 44 B.C. by a group of Senators (conspirators). Caesar was assassinated on March 15 th, 44 B.C. by a group of Senators (conspirators). This date is known in the play as “the Ides of March”—the “middle” of March. This date is known in the play as “the Ides of March”—the “middle” of March.

9. Julius Caesar Background (cont.) Possible themes of the play: Possible themes of the play: Chaos results when social order is broken. Chaos results when social order is broken. Intentions of good men can lead to tragedy. Intentions of good men can lead to tragedy. Language can be used as a vehicle to manipulate people, often with negative results. Language can be used as a vehicle to manipulate people, often with negative results. Violence can never have morally good results. Violence can never have morally good results. A stable rule, even a dictatorship, is preferable to chaos. A stable rule, even a dictatorship, is preferable to chaos.

10. Vocabulary Elizabethan Tragedy – a dramatic form in which a character of high rank is involved in a struggle that ends in disaster Elizabethan Tragic Hero - main character with a tragic flaw (usually excessive ambition, pride, jealousy, or some other human frailty) Catharsis – purging of emotion, usually pity or fear Fatal Flaw (Hamartia or Tragic Flaw) - a fatal weakness in the character that causes this person to become enmeshed in events that lead to his or her downfall Hubris – excessive pride or self-confidence Iambic Pentameter – five sets of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable Blank Verse – unrhymed poetry written in iambic pentameter

11. Vocabulary Soliloquy - longer speech in which a character – usually alone on stage – speaks as if to himself or herself Monologue - a long uninterrupted speech by one character that others can hear Aside – a brief comment a character makes to reveal his or her thoughts to the audience or to one other character

12. Act I – Scene i The opening scene acts as “exposition” by explaining Caesar is returning victorious from war The common people used to support Caesar’s enemy, Pompey, but now that Caesar has defeated Pompey the people support Caesar The common people are shown to be less than intelligent and their feelings and allegiances are easily swayed Amongst the leaders of Rome, men are divided over whether Caesar will be a good leader

13. Act I – Scene ii In the victory parade as Caesar returns home and enters the Coliseum We are introduced to the major players – Caesar, Mark Antony, Brutus, and Cassius The Soothsayer warns Caesar Caesar is suspicious of Cassius Cassius tries to gauge Brutus’ opinions of Caesar as a potential emperor Cassius tries to persuade Brutus that Caesar would NOT be a good emperor and that Brutus IS a good man and good potential leader