Download Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar
An Introduction
Julius Caesar, the play
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Shakespeare wrote the play in 1599
It is a historical tragedy
Terms to Review:
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Prologue
Soliloquy
Aside
Pun
Tragic Hero
New Terms
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Anachronism – out of place/time objects,
customs, beliefs
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Shakespeare put in what he knew of his time
period because he didn’t have much reliable info.
beyond that
Ex. = striking clocks, chimneys, hats, doublers (all
Elizabethan time)
New Terms
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Stoicism = the belief that one should master
all of his emotions and lead a life of virtue,
reason, and duty
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Submit to fate, it is going to happen, no good
wallowing in it
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Which character seems to fit this description?
Who Was Julius Caesar?
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Roman General and Politician (100-44 B.C.)
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One of the greatest military leaders in Roman
history
Part of the 1st Triumvirate (ruling body of 3)
st
1
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Triumvirate
Pompey = military power
Crussus = $
Caesar = brains
Julius Caesar gains power
Conquers areas of France, Belgium, Egypt, Britain
Roman Senate feared that he would try to control
the govt.
Pompey told him to disband his army and return to
Rome as a private citizen; Caesar refused
Fought a civil war against his former friend and was
victorious in 46 B.C. (Pompey is murdered before
Caesar could attack)
Opening of the Play
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Begins on Feb. 15 – Feast of Lupercal
Julius Caesar has just returned to Rome after
defeating Pompey – his rival for power
Flavius and Marullus – tribunes (govt.
officials), support Pompey
Social Classes
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Patrician = aristocrats/ruling class
Plebian = working class/common folk
Tribunes = 2 patricians elected by plebians to
vote on their behalf