1. By William Shakespeare
Julius Caesar
By William Shakespeare

2. Background ancient Rome 44 B.C. Based on real historical events
Shakespeare’s shortest play
Shakespeare compresses the actual historical time of three years into a period of 6 days.

3. Life in Rome
There were two classes of people in Rome, either rich or poor
The rich were called Patricians and the poor were called Plebeians
The plebeians were known to be very fickle and would rally around any leader or form of government that seemed good at the time.

4. Politics
For centuries, Romans debated and fought wars trying to decide which form of government was best: a monarchy (kingdom), republic (people rule), or dictatorship (one man makes rules).
At the time of the play, Rome is technically a Republic in which an elected Senate rule Rome.

5. Who was Caesar?
A patrician (wealthy Roman) who supported the people of Rome.
spent money for public entertainment and establishing laws lifting heavy tax burdens
Formed a triumvirate (three-man rule) with Crassus and Pompey in 60BC to govern Rome.

6. Who was Caesar? (continued)
Expanded the Roman Empire through military conquests, including Gaul (Southern France and Northern Italy).
Fought and defeated Pompey and his sons after Pompey, jealous of Caesar’s popularity, persuaded the Senate to order Caesar to disband his army and return to Rome.
Made dictator for life, which is where the play begins.

7. Political Tension
Question: What political tension can you infer from the information just provided?
Answer:
Caesar was a powerful military General; therefore, many members of the Senate are afraid that the people will make the well- respected Caesar their absolute ruler, which would overturn the Republic of Rome and turn it into a Dictatorship.
Because of this fear and the “good of Rome”, Caesar’s friends (members of the Senate) decide to take matters into their own hands.

8. Major Ideas 1. The power of Rhetoric and Persuasion
2. The role of Fate, Superstition, and the Supernatural in our lives
3. Personal Principles VS. Public Welfare - which is more important?

9. Tips for reading Shakespeare
Don’t get awkward phrases or sentence structure stop you – just reword them so they make sense!
EX: “Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar,
I have not slept…”
Paraphrased: I have not slept since the moment Cassius turned me against Caesar.

10. Tips for Reading Shakespeare
Read to the end of a sentence, not the end of a line, and paraphrase lines as you read.
EX:
“What need we any spur but our own cause
To prick us to redress. What other bond
than secret Romans that have spoke the word
And will not palter? “
We don’t need any other reason that the one we have. We don’t need any other bond except the fact that we are all Romans and will honor our word.

11. Use your resources!! Notes on the left side of the book
Study guides to help you focus
Character list to keep track of who’s who
Context clues for unfamiliar words

12. And most importantly, enjoy reading!!
Ask Questions!!!
You are not expected to know everything!
You are expected to read, think, reread, answer study guestions to the best of your ability, and ask questions.
And most importantly, enjoy reading!!