CaesarCaesar

Characters and ThemesCharacters and Themes

TragedyTragedy

1.1. High ranking, dignified protagonistHigh ranking, dignified protagonist

2.2. Tragic hero with a tragic flaw – too much of Tragic hero with a tragic flaw – too much of a good thing.a good thing.

3.3. Ending is unhappy/tragic, with the death of Ending is unhappy/tragic, with the death of the main character.the main character.

4.4. Lesson to be learnedLesson to be learned

5.5. Unity of time and placeUnity of time and place

Who is the Protagonist?Who is the Protagonist?

Even though the play is named after him, Even though the play is named after him, Caesar is not considered the main character of Caesar is not considered the main character of the play.the play.

However, all characters can be examined in However, all characters can be examined in light of their relationship with/to him.light of their relationship with/to him.

Caesar’s Inner CircleCaesar’s Inner Circle

Caesar – Current Ruler of Rome (military Caesar – Current Ruler of Rome (military leader and politician)leader and politician)Power hungry, but admired by the peoplePower hungry, but admired by the people

Antony – Political ally and friendAntony – Political ally and friendDevout friend to CaesarDevout friend to Caesar

Octavius – Grand-nephew and heirOctavius – Grand-nephew and heirPolitically deft and personally aloof Politically deft and personally aloof

Architects of the ConspiracyArchitects of the Conspiracy

Brutus – Politician and ConspiratorBrutus – Politician and Conspirator HonorableHonorable Upholds the interest of the peopleUpholds the interest of the people Main CharacterMain Character

Cassius – Politician and ConspiratorCassius – Politician and Conspirator Brutus’ brother-in-law Brutus’ brother-in-law Key figure in development of the conspiracyKey figure in development of the conspiracy Sinister, sneakySinister, sneaky

Casca – Politician and ConspiratorCasca – Politician and Conspirator First to stab CaesarFirst to stab Caesar Traitor -- begins in Caesar’s inner circleTraitor -- begins in Caesar’s inner circle

MnemonicsMnemonics

Brutus – Brutalized (by the necessity to kill Brutus – Brutalized (by the necessity to kill Caesar to save the Republic)Caesar to save the Republic)

Cassius – Cash (accused to have sold offices Cassius – Cash (accused to have sold offices for cash; values cash)for cash; values cash)

Casca – Casket (wants to put Caesar in a Casca – Casket (wants to put Caesar in a casket; first to stab)casket; first to stab)

WivesWives

Calphurnia -- Caesar’s (third) wifeCalphurnia -- Caesar’s (third) wifeShows genuine concern for CaesarShows genuine concern for CaesarHas a dream foreshadowing Caesar’s assassinationHas a dream foreshadowing Caesar’s assassination

Portia -- Brutus’ wife (and cousin…)Portia -- Brutus’ wife (and cousin…)True and honorable wifeTrue and honorable wifeCommits suicide by swallowing hot coals.Commits suicide by swallowing hot coals.

MnemonicsMnemonics

Calphurnia -- Calendar (watches for the Ides Calphurnia -- Calendar (watches for the Ides of March; warns Caesar)of March; warns Caesar)

Portia -- Pours (her heart out to Brutus; pours Portia -- Pours (her heart out to Brutus; pours hot coals down her throat to commit suicidehot coals down her throat to commit suicide

Themes to TrackThemes to Track

Free Will Vs. Fate Free Will Vs. Fate Actions based on choices vs. actions based on Actions based on choices vs. actions based on

outside forcesoutside forces

Public Identity Vs. Private IdentityPublic Identity Vs. Private IdentityRhetoric and PowerRhetoric and Power

Rhetoric is powerful spoken and written languageRhetoric is powerful spoken and written languageAlso known as the art of persuasion Also known as the art of persuasion

Essential QuestionsEssential Questions

1.1. How does Shakespeare depict the influence How does Shakespeare depict the influence of one’s belief of Free Will vs. Fate?of one’s belief of Free Will vs. Fate?

2.2. What does Shakespeare believe are the What does Shakespeare believe are the consequences of a lack of separation between consequences of a lack of separation between the Public and Private Identities?the Public and Private Identities?

3.3. How does Shakespeare view the power of How does Shakespeare view the power of rhetoric? How does this ability rhetoric? How does this ability shape/maintain a leader?shape/maintain a leader?

Shakespearean Motifs in Shakespearean Motifs in CaesarCaesar

EnvyEnvy What is the source of envy; why do people envy each other?What is the source of envy; why do people envy each other?

RevengeRevenge Why do people seek revenge; what does it provide?Why do people seek revenge; what does it provide?

Honor/LoyaltyHonor/Loyalty Who do people honor and why? What does loyalty look like?Who do people honor and why? What does loyalty look like?

ConflictConflict What causes conflict? How does conflict affect people’s actions and What causes conflict? How does conflict affect people’s actions and

future?future? TragedyTragedy

What is a source of tragedy and sadness? What is a source of tragedy and sadness? What causes tragedy in people’s lives?What causes tragedy in people’s lives?

CharactersCharacters

BrutusBrutus

AntonyAntony

OctavianOctavian

Caesar Refuses the CrownCaesar Refuses the Crown

Caesar with ConspiratorsCaesar with Conspirators

Stabbing of CaesarStabbing of Caesar

And again…And again…

……and againand again

Famous Funeral OrationFamous Funeral Oration

Caesar’s GhostCaesar’s Ghost