shakespeare and caesar background

Shakespeare and CaesarShakespeare and CaesarBackgroundBackground

Basic Shakespeare BackgroundBasic Shakespeare Background

Born in April Born in April 15641564

Baptized on April Baptized on April 26 at Stratford-26 at Stratford-upon-Avon upon-Avon churchchurch

Basic Shakespeare BackgroundBasic Shakespeare Background

In 1582 married In 1582 married Anne Hathaway…Anne Hathaway…he was 18, and he was 18, and Anne was 26Anne was 26

Anne was already 3 Anne was already 3 months pregnant months pregnant with their first with their first daughter, Susanna daughter, Susanna when they got when they got married.married.

Career as an Actor And PlaywrightCareer as an Actor And Playwright

From 1585-1592, Shakespeare moved to From 1585-1592, Shakespeare moved to London to become an actor and London to become an actor and playwright. Little is known about him playwright. Little is known about him during this time.during this time.


Working at the theater Working at the theater was like acting in soap was like acting in soap operas todayoperas today

They were popular, but They were popular, but not seen as serious artnot seen as serious art

Ministers warned their Ministers warned their congregations of the congregations of the dangers of going to dangers of going to playsplays


Queen Elizabeth in England Queen Elizabeth in England (thus the Elizabethan era) (thus the Elizabethan era)

She protected acting She protected acting companiescompanies

Shakespeare wrote several Shakespeare wrote several plays to be performed for the plays to be performed for the queen, including queen, including Twelfth NightTwelfth Night..

When Elizabeth died in 1603, When Elizabeth died in 1603, Shakespeare’s company Shakespeare’s company became known as the King’s became known as the King’s men.men.


The actors performed for The actors performed for James I, who had ruled James I, who had ruled Scotland before Scotland before becoming King of becoming King of England…Shakespeare England…Shakespeare wrote wrote MacbethMacbeth, which , which included two topics of included two topics of strong interest to the kingstrong interest to the king—Scottish royalty and —Scottish royalty and witchcraft.witchcraft.


Unlike many theater people, Shakespeare Unlike many theater people, Shakespeare actually earned a good living.actually earned a good living.

By 1599, he was part owner of the Globe, one of By 1599, he was part owner of the Globe, one of the newest theaters in London.the newest theaters in London.

In 1610 or 1611, he moved back to Stratford.In 1610 or 1611, he moved back to Stratford.


Random fact: When his Random fact: When his play, play, Henry VIIIHenry VIII premiered, the stage premiered, the stage directions called for a directions called for a cannon to be fired when cannon to be fired when “King Henry” came on “King Henry” came on stage. The explosion set stage. The explosion set the stage on fire, and the the stage on fire, and the entire theater burned to entire theater burned to the ground.the ground.


Shakespeare wrote four types of plays:Shakespeare wrote four types of plays:ComediesComediesTragediesTragediesRomancesRomancesHistoriesHistories

Shakespeare’s Death and Shakespeare’s Death and Unanswered QuestionsUnanswered Questions

Shakespeare died in 1616 at the age of Shakespeare died in 1616 at the age of 52.52.

Some scholars have wondered why he Some scholars have wondered why he willed his “second-best bed” to his widow willed his “second-best bed” to his widow

Shakespeare’s Death and Shakespeare’s Death and Unanswered QuestionsUnanswered Questions

Shakespeare’s Gravestone Reads:Shakespeare’s Gravestone Reads:

GOOD FRIEND FOR JESUS SAKE FORBEARGOOD FRIEND FOR JESUS SAKE FORBEAR

TO DIG THE DUST ENCLOSED HERE!TO DIG THE DUST ENCLOSED HERE!

BLEST BE THE MAN THAT SPARES THESE BLEST BE THE MAN THAT SPARES THESE STONES,STONES,

AND CURST BE HE THAT MOVES MY BONES.AND CURST BE HE THAT MOVES MY BONES.

Why a tragedy about ancient Why a tragedy about ancient Rome?Rome?

Queen Elizabeth I had come to power Queen Elizabeth I had come to power because the king had no male heir. She because the king had no male heir. She was a popular ruler, but she was also old was a popular ruler, but she was also old and childless. Her subjects were and childless. Her subjects were concerned about who would succeed her. concerned about who would succeed her. Some were even ready to overthrow her Some were even ready to overthrow her (as some Romans had been ready to (as some Romans had been ready to overthrow Julius Caesar)overthrow Julius Caesar)


Plots to overthrow the queen defied the Plots to overthrow the queen defied the common belief that sovereigns were common belief that sovereigns were appointed by God (divine right). According appointed by God (divine right). According to this doctrine, subjects had no right to to this doctrine, subjects had no right to make a change in rulers.make a change in rulers.


But, certain powerful But, certain powerful people were ready to people were ready to overthrow the queen. The overthrow the queen. The Earl of Essex believed Earl of Essex believed that it was time for a that it was time for a strong young king (like strong young king (like himself) to take the himself) to take the throne.throne.

Essex was getting close Essex was getting close to treason, and was later to treason, and was later executed for this crime. executed for this crime.


1.1. Shakespeare’s decision to write about Shakespeare’s decision to write about Rome fit into the current fashion.Rome fit into the current fashion.

During the Renaissance, artists and During the Renaissance, artists and intellectuals throughout Europe admired intellectuals throughout Europe admired ancient Greece and Rome.ancient Greece and Rome.


2. The story of Julius Caesar had striking 2. The story of Julius Caesar had striking parallels to the politics of parallels to the politics of Shakespeare’s time.Shakespeare’s time.

Like Brutus, Essex invoked honor and Like Brutus, Essex invoked honor and patriotism to support his arguments.patriotism to support his arguments.

Like Brutus, Essex was willing to shed Like Brutus, Essex was willing to shed blood to achieve his goals.blood to achieve his goals.


3. The question of succession was a 3. The question of succession was a burning issue in Caesar’s Rome and burning issue in Caesar’s Rome and in Elizabeth’s England.in Elizabeth’s England.

Significant Difference between Caesar’s Significant Difference between Caesar’s Rome and Elizabeth’s England:Rome and Elizabeth’s England:

Romans had to choose between two Romans had to choose between two forms of government: a republic or an forms of government: a republic or an absolute ruler. absolute ruler.

Julius CaesarJulius Caesar (the play) (the play)

First performed in First performed in 1599. 1599.

It can be thought It can be thought of as either a of as either a history OR a history OR a tragedy.tragedy.

Julius CaesarJulius Caesar (the play) (the play)

Like most tragedies, it describes the pride Like most tragedies, it describes the pride and fall of powerful people.and fall of powerful people.

Like most histories, it has no clear-cut Like most histories, it has no clear-cut villain, so it’s open to different villain, so it’s open to different interpretations. (some consider the murder interpretations. (some consider the murder of Caesar treason, and others see it as of Caesar treason, and others see it as justified and necessary)justified and necessary)

Background on RomeBackground on Rome

Legend says Rome was founded in 753 Legend says Rome was founded in 753 B.C. by the twins Romulus and Remus.B.C. by the twins Romulus and Remus.


The twins were said to be descendants of The twins were said to be descendants of Aeneas, a Trojan who fled to Italy after the Aeneas, a Trojan who fled to Italy after the fall of Troy.fall of Troy.

Background on RomeBackground on RomeRomulus and Remus were thrown into the Romulus and Remus were thrown into the

Tiber River as babies, by an uncle who Tiber River as babies, by an uncle who considered them a threat to his power.considered them a threat to his power.

After floating downstream in a basket, they After floating downstream in a basket, they were found and nursed by a female wolf.were found and nursed by a female wolf.


Kings ruled Rome for Kings ruled Rome for many years. many years.

Rome’s last king was the Rome’s last king was the tyrant Tarquin, who tyrant Tarquin, who abused his power. A abused his power. A patriot Brutus patriot Brutus overthrew Tarquin and overthrew Tarquin and ledi the next stage. ledi the next stage.


The Roman Republic The Roman Republic

Junius Brutus was one Junius Brutus was one of Rome’s great of Rome’s great heroes. He was the heroes. He was the ancestor of Marcus ancestor of Marcus Brutus who killed Brutus who killed Caesar Caesar


Patricians—Patricians—from old noble families, from old noble families, wealthy middle-class citizenswealthy middle-class citizens

Plebeians—Plebeians—working-class citizens (had working-class citizens (had little power, but more than slaves, little power, but more than slaves, foreigners, or women)foreigners, or women)


Consuls—Consuls—highest ranking officials in the highest ranking officials in the Roman RepublicRoman Republic

Julius Caesar became a consul in 59 B.C.Julius Caesar became a consul in 59 B.C.Senate—Senate—Rome’s ruling body (600 Rome’s ruling body (600

members)members)Tribunes—Tribunes—the only plebeians elected to the only plebeians elected to

office…they technically could check the office…they technically could check the power of the senators and protect the power of the senators and protect the rights of ordinary citizensrights of ordinary citizens


Differences Between a Republic and a Differences Between a Republic and a Democracy:Democracy:

During a time of crisis, one man could During a time of crisis, one man could become a dictatorbecome a dictator

Good things: more people had a voice in Good things: more people had a voice in government than ever beforegovernment than ever before

Shakespeare’s Sources Shakespeare’s Sources

Lives of the Noble Greeks and RomansLives of the Noble Greeks and Romans by by PlutarchPlutarch

Lives of the CaesarsLives of the Caesars by Gaius Tarquilius by Gaius Tarquilius Suetonius (secretary to emperor Hadrian)Suetonius (secretary to emperor Hadrian)

Shakespeare was probably familiar with Shakespeare was probably familiar with Caesar’s Caesar’s Commentaries on the Gallic WarCommentaries on the Gallic War

Meeting the PeopleMeeting the People

Julius Caesar:Julius Caesar:

lived from 100-44 B.C.Elected consul after victory in Spain

Julius CaesarJulius Caesar

The First Triumvirate The First Triumvirate (three-man rule):(three-man rule):

Caesar Caesar PompeyPompeyCrassusCrassus


Pompey married Caesar’s daughter. They Pompey married Caesar’s daughter. They were friends, although power struggles were friends, although power struggles often caused strain on the relationship.often caused strain on the relationship.


Caesar departed for the Gallic wars Caesar departed for the Gallic wars (wanted more power), and they lasted 8 (wanted more power), and they lasted 8 yearsyears


1.1. He roamed Europe and gained huge He roamed Europe and gained huge ______sums of moneysums of money_, which he sent back _, which he sent back to __to __RomeRome_ in order to gain ___ in order to gain __favorfavor__ __ with the people.with the people.


Caesar’s Daughter dies…Caesar’s Daughter dies…Pompey, jealous of Caesar’s growing Pompey, jealous of Caesar’s growing

power and favor among the people, threw power and favor among the people, threw his weight to the Senate, which was also his weight to the Senate, which was also wary of Caesar’s ambitions.wary of Caesar’s ambitions.

Views of Julius CaesarViews of Julius Caesar

Caesar: thought he was a defender of the Caesar: thought he was a defender of the peoplepeople

Critics: gained people’s favor by bribes Critics: gained people’s favor by bribes and handouts, and deprived Romans of and handouts, and deprived Romans of their libertytheir liberty

Caesar gets SpunkyCaesar gets Spunky

He marched his army to Rome, took He marched his army to Rome, took control, and chased Pompey all the way to control, and chased Pompey all the way to EgyptEgypt

Lingered in Egypt for nine months, Lingered in Egypt for nine months, enthralled by Cleopatraenthralled by Cleopatra

Established Cleopatra on Egypt’s throne Established Cleopatra on Egypt’s throne under his protectionunder his protection

Went to Spain, and defeated an army led Went to Spain, and defeated an army led by Pompey’s sonsby Pompey’s sons

Spunky CaesarSpunky Caesar

What does that say about his What does that say about his personality?personality?

Caesar in RomeCaesar in Rome

Caesar returned to Rome, and was Caesar returned to Rome, and was declared _declared _dictatordictator_ for 10 years._ for 10 years.

Caesar in RomeCaesar in Rome

What CONNOTATIONS does the What CONNOTATIONS does the word “dictator” have for you?word “dictator” have for you?

Caesar: the favor giverCaesar: the favor giver

Caesar had his supporters named Caesar had his supporters named senators, including Brutus.senators, including Brutus.

Caesar: the statue of infamyCaesar: the statue of infamy

It was a statue of himselfIt was a statue of himselfThe statue said, “To the Unconquerable The statue said, “To the Unconquerable

God” God”

Caesar on the BrinkCaesar on the Brink

Caesar’s ambition became deplorable, or Caesar’s ambition became deplorable, or unforgivable. Because of this, some unforgivable. Because of this, some __senatorssenators__ devised a plan to __ devised a plan to assassinate him on __assassinate him on __March 15, 44 March 15, 44 B.C.B.C.__. __.

Shakespeare’s play opens ___Shakespeare’s play opens ___one one monthmonth__ before the assassination.__ before the assassination.

Death to Caesar!Death to Caesar!

In 44 B.C., Caesar was killed by his best In 44 B.C., Caesar was killed by his best friend Brutus.friend Brutus.

The assassins claimed they wanted to The assassins claimed they wanted to preserve the Roman Republic.preserve the Roman Republic.

The struggle for power after Caesar’s The struggle for power after Caesar’s death actually led the birth of the Roman death actually led the birth of the Roman Empire.Empire.

Lives of the CaesarsLives of the Caesars says: says:

TallTall Fair complexion Fair complexion Black eyesBlack eyes Sound of heathSound of heath Fainting fits (epileptic)Fainting fits (epileptic) Overly concerned with physical appearance (had Overly concerned with physical appearance (had

extra hair plucked out)extra hair plucked out) Comb over (comb forward actually)Comb over (comb forward actually) Liked getting to wear a laurel wreath all the timeLiked getting to wear a laurel wreath all the time

Mark AntonyMark Antony

One of Caesar’s best friendsOne of Caesar’s best friendsTook advantage of the chaos after Took advantage of the chaos after

Caesar’s death, and allied himself with Caesar’s death, and allied himself with Caesar’s heir Octavius, as well as another Caesar’s heir Octavius, as well as another man, Lepidus man, Lepidus

Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus defeated Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus defeated Brutus and Cassius at the Battle of PhilippiBrutus and Cassius at the Battle of Philippi

BrutusBrutus

Descendant of Brutus who defeated the Descendant of Brutus who defeated the last king of Romelast king of Rome

He was looked on as the defender of the He was looked on as the defender of the republicrepublic

Feared Caesar would become king, and Feared Caesar would become king, and joined with the conspirators to assassinate joined with the conspirators to assassinate CaesarCaesar

Fought with Pompey against Caesar, but Fought with Pompey against Caesar, but Caesar pardoned himCaesar pardoned him

CassiusCassius

A Roman GeneralA Roman GeneralFought with Brutus and Pompey against Fought with Brutus and Pompey against

CaesarCaesarCaesar pardoned Cassius as wellCaesar pardoned Cassius as wellCassius recruited Brutus to join him in Cassius recruited Brutus to join him in

assassinating Caesarassassinating Caesar

A Day at the GlobeA Day at the Globe

Before going to a play, people Before going to a play, people often took part in bearbaiting.often took part in bearbaiting.

A bear would be captured and A bear would be captured and chained to a stake inside a pit.chained to a stake inside a pit.

Dogs would be released to Dogs would be released to attack the bear.attack the bear.

Spectators would bet on who Spectators would bet on who would die first.would die first.

A Day at the GlobeA Day at the Globe

Young boys played female roles.Young boys played female roles. It was 50 more years after Shakespeare’s It was 50 more years after Shakespeare’s

time before females became part of acting.time before females became part of acting.

Shakespeare’s Plays and TragedyShakespeare’s Plays and Tragedy

1.1. In Shakespeare’s plays, the characters In Shakespeare’s plays, the characters live in a world that is run by __live in a world that is run by __a just a just GodGod__ who _____ who ___rewards goodrewards good_____ and _____ and ______punishes evilpunishes evil____.____.


1.1. Because the monarch’s right to rule Because the monarch’s right to rule came from God, opposing the appointed came from God, opposing the appointed ruler was considered _ruler was considered _opposition to opposition to GodGod___.___.


Shakespeare’s tragedies:Shakespeare’s tragedies:

a. The main character is high-ranking and a. The main character is high-ranking and dignified; not an ordinary man or womandignified; not an ordinary man or woman

b. The main character has a tragic flaw b. The main character has a tragic flaw (hamartia) a defect in character or judgment—(hamartia) a defect in character or judgment—that directly causes the character’s downfallthat directly causes the character’s downfall

c. The work ends unhappily, with the death of the c. The work ends unhappily, with the death of the main charactermain character


Act I: exposition (introduces the main Act I: exposition (introduces the main characters and their conflicts; establishes characters and their conflicts; establishes the setting, and provides background the setting, and provides background information)information)


Act II: suspense builds as plot events Act II: suspense builds as plot events create a rising action, a series of create a rising action, a series of complications caused by the main complications caused by the main characters when they try to resolve their characters when they try to resolve their conflictsconflicts


Act III: the crisis, or turning point, occurs. Act III: the crisis, or turning point, occurs. This is the dramatic and tense moment This is the dramatic and tense moment when the main character makes a choice when the main character makes a choice that determines the rest of the play’s that determines the rest of the play’s action. (in a comedy the turning point lifts action. (in a comedy the turning point lifts the play upward to a happy ending; in a the play upward to a happy ending; in a tragedy, events spiral downward to an tragedy, events spiral downward to an inevitable unhappy ending)inevitable unhappy ending)


Act IV: presents the falling action—the Act IV: presents the falling action—the consequences, or results, of actions taken consequences, or results, of actions taken during the turning point. This act propels during the turning point. This act propels the main character deeper and deeper into the main character deeper and deeper into disaster; the tragic ending seems disaster; the tragic ending seems inevitableinevitable


Act V: near the end of the play, the Act V: near the end of the play, the climax, or moment of greatest tension, climax, or moment of greatest tension, occurs. In a tragedy, the climax is usually occurs. In a tragedy, the climax is usually the death of the tragic hero. A brief the death of the tragic hero. A brief resolution (or denouement) closely follows resolution (or denouement) closely follows the climax, tying up any loose ends in the the climax, tying up any loose ends in the plot, and the play ends.plot, and the play ends.

ThemesThemes

As we read, consider the themes of the play:As we read, consider the themes of the play: powerpower friendshipfriendship role of fate and superstitionrole of fate and superstition

Phrases from Phrases from Julius Caesar:Julius Caesar:

““It was Greek to me!”It was Greek to me!” ““A dish fit for the gods”A dish fit for the gods” ““Live long day”Live long day” ““Itching palm”Itching palm” ““Lean and hungry look”Lean and hungry look”

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