Background on The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

1. Background on The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

2. Who was Julius Caesar? Julius Caesar was a Roman dictator and general This is a story about how individuals act out in a conspiracy against Caesar and how the Roman people (mob) respond to these individuals

3. Questions to consider as we read… What motivates individuals? What motivates groups of individuals? What influences individuals?

4. GOALS Recognize fickleness/malleability of mob/masses  mob caprice (Plato) Recognize the role of “mass media” in its various forms Define problems inherent in a democracy

5. Where does The Tragedy of Julius Caesar begin? In order to understand The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, you must understand his role in Roman government: • Caesar began his career as a general – a position that brought him both power and wealth • He became involved in politics when he was appointed as a Roman consul (our version of a Senator or Representative) by his friend, Pompey the Great

6. How did Caesar become so powerful? Even though Rome was a democracy at the time, Caesar gained a great deal of power when he formed a strategic alliance with two fellow consuls In 66 B.C., he, along with Pompey and Crassus, developed the First Triumvirate – a three-person government that ruled Rome This triumvirate was quite successful because it restored order to a government weakened by in-fighting amongst Roman leaders

7. What went wrong? As a part of the triumvirate, Caesar continued to make successful military conquests around the world – thereby increasing his power and popularity Pompey soon became jealous and attempted to convince the Roman Senate to remove Caesar from office This started a battle between the two men, in which Caesar came out triumphant – defeating both Pompey and his sons Pompey the Great

8. What was Caesar like? As a general, Caesar was extremely successful – executing brilliant military campaigns He was charismatic, extravagant and beloved by the people of Rome However, he was also arrogant and a tyrant – a tragic quality that many feel directly led to his death

9. What happened next…? Once Pompey was gone, Caesar named himself “Dictator for Life” and was able to secure absolute power While the people loved him, Roman Senate hated the fact that he had so much power

10. Cast of Characters Julius Caesar: Dictator of Rome Mark Antony: Friend of Caesar who uses rhetoric and manipulation to get his way. Brutus: Friend of Caesar who always considers choices “for the good of Rome.” Cassius: Leader of the conspiracy against Caesar. Octavius: Caesar’s adopted son and appointed successor. Casca: A public figure opposed to Caesar’s rise to power

11. Discussion • Should Caesar have been killed? • Was Caesar a hero? • How do people make informed decisions? • What does Plato say about this? • “Little” people rely on leaders, media, experience for information. • People are often self-serving and mislead you for their own ends.

12. Discussion • Brutus? • Caesar’s companion • Logical speech • Antony? • Manipulative/emotional • Stole will $ from poor • Manipulated the “mob” • Took control