Julius Caesar By William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s Motivations: Why Caesar? • Absolute monarchy did not allow for political discourse • means of expressing societal fears regarding England’s leadership. • Shakespeare’s audience identified with Caesar’s conflicts/plot • Political commentary
parallels between Caesar and Queen Elizabeth I • • • Shift from republican to imperial Rome much like the Elizabethan trend towards consolidated monarchy on the throne for nearly 40 years! Grew more powerful over time, at the expense of the house of commons Like Caesar, Elizabeth Lacked heirs to inherit throne British citizens feared her death would plunge England into chaos, just as Caesar’s death did to Rome.
From Plutarch to Shakespeare • Plutarch authored influential history book: Parallel Lives • Parallel Lives – Series of biographies of famous Greeks & Romans • Shakespeare’s source of information for Julius Caesar.
Key Players • Pompey • Cassius • Brutus • Marc Antony
Pompey • Formed 1 st Triumverate with Caesar & Crassus • Allies until death of Crassus • Battled Caesar for power • Married to Julia Caesar, Caesar’s daughter & only child. • Defeated by Caesar and murdered by his own men • Play opens with discussion regarding Caesar’s defeat of Pompey
Cassius • Military general & acquaintance of Caesar • Shrewdly opportunistic • Jealous of Caesar’s power
Brutus • Caesar’s best “friend” • Staunchly supported the Republic • Power to the People! • Tragic Hero
Marc Antony • Married to J-Lo • Allegiance questionable • Skilled orator
Why Caesar Today? • • Loyalty Greed Fear Power of Rhetoric
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