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Introduction to "Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare

Learn about the key terms, historical background, and Shakespeare's career in this introduction to his play "Julius Caesar." Explore the Globe Theater and Shakespearean language and gain insight into the Roman Republic and the rise of Julius Caesar.

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Introduction to "Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare

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  1. Introduction to “Julius Caesar” By William Shakespeare

  2. Julius Caesar terms • Monarch- a person who reigns over a kingdom or empire, usually for life and by hereditary succession • Republic- government in which power resides in citizens who are entitled to vote. • Dictatorship-government in which absolute authority or power resides in one man.

  3. Terms cont. • Patricians- nobles; wealthy people • Plebeians- commoners; poor people • Groundlings- the poor, commoners within a society while attending the plays at the Globe Theater

  4. Terms cont. • Legions- a very large number or multitude of devoted followers. • Tribunes- Roman official under the monarchy and the republic • Triumvirate- a group, party, or association of three

  5. Terms cont. • Conventions- a formal meeting or assembly, as of a political party

  6. Shakespeare/ Caesar

  7. William Shakespeare (1564-1616) • Birthplace: Stratford-on-Avon, near London • Prominent family • Married Anne Hathaway-had 3 children • Lived during the Elizabethan era • Career: actor, playwright, poet businessman

  8. Shakespeare cont. • Acting troupe: • The Chamberlain’s Men (Lord Chamberlain) • The King’s Men (King James I) • Globe Theater- 1599 • Retired to hometown –died on his birthday

  9. Shakespeare’s Epitaph Good friend, for Jesus’ sake forbear, to dig the dust enclosed here. Blest be the man that spares these stones, and curst be he that moves my bones.

  10. Shakespearean Stage • Plays performed in daylight in traveling wagons • Globe Theater

  11. Globe Theater

  12. Globe Theater • Octagon shape • Balcony seats for wealthy • Standing room for groundlings (poor) • Two backstage doors-dressing rooms • Back stage-behind curtain-caves, bedrooms, tombs • Upper balcony • Minimal scenery/props, but lavish, expensive costumes

  13. Globe Theater today

  14. Shakespearean Audience • Monarchy form of government • Rulers chosen by God • Superior • Source or order, stability • Believed in ghosts • Believed in nature responded to human moods

  15. Language Poetry • Early Middle English • Thee, thou, thine • What, know ye not? • Old contractions: ‘tis • Epithets: Ye gods • Poetry rather than prose • Blank verse, unrhymed iambic pentameter

  16. History • Caesar born in 100/102 BC • Rome founded in 753 BC by King Romulus • Ancestor of Brutus overthrew the last Tarquin family kings, which ended the monarchy

  17. History • Rome formed a Republic (power shared by two groups) • Patricians (nobles) • Plebeians (commoners) • Rome became leader of Mediterranean world

  18. Map of the Mediterranean World • http://www.uncg.edu/cla/maps/mediterranean.htm

  19. History • First century BC-Republic began crumbling • Civil wars • Government wavered between a monarchy, republic, and dictatorship • Julius Caesar rose to power

  20. History • 85 BC- Caesar’s only legitimate child, a daughter, Julia, was born • 60 BC- Caesar formed a triumvirate (a ruling authority of 3 people) • Original triumvirate: • Caesar, Crassus, Pompey

  21. History • 59 BC-Caesar arranged a marriage between his daughter, Julia, to Pompey to consolidate their triumvirate alliance • 58 BC-Caesar made governor of Gaul, doubling Rome’s empire • 54 BC- Crassus killed in battle • Senate and Pompey ordered Caesar’s return, fearing growing power

  22. History • Caesar attacked Italy, then Greece • Pompey fled to Egypt in fear • Caesar’s rise to dictator • 48 BC: dictator for 1 year • 46 BC: dictator for 10 years • 45 BC: dictator for life • This is the situation in Rome when play begins

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