William Shakespeare Born in Stratford-upon-Avon Married Anne Hathaway, age 26,when he was 18 Had three children: a daughter, Susanna, and twins, Hamnet & Judith Had successful career as an actor, playwright, and part-owner of a playing company

Shakespeare the Writer Body of Work 38 plays 154 sonnets 2 narrative poems Many other poems Three main genres: Comedies (Much Ado About Nothing) Tragedies (Romeo & Juliet) Histories (Richard II)

The Globe Theatre Shakespeare’s plays were performed at the Globe Theatre. The original Globe was destroyed by fire in 1613. A modern reconstruction of the globe opened in 1997 near the original site. Today, Shakespeare’s plays are still performed in Globe Theatres all over the world.

Shakespeare the Wordsmith Shakespeare invented over 1700 words in the English language. Many were formed by changing & combining existing words, while others were his original creations. Addiction Advertising Bedroom Champion Drugged Elbow Eyeball Gossip Hint Lonely Skim Milk Tranquil

Shakespeare Trivia Had a “shotgun wedding” six months before the birth of his first child Though he’s considered by most to be a genius, Shakespeare never attended a university. Was the 3rd most popular playwright of his lifetime: 1.Ben Johnson, 2. Christopher Marlowe, 3. William Shakespeare

Blank Verse Shakespeare wrote in blank verse, which is unrhymed & alternates between stressed & unstressed syllables. When read aloud, blank verse creates a catchy, natural rhythm. Shakespeare used blank verse to distinguish the speaking style of the noble characters from the commoners, who do not speak blank verse.

Gaius Julius Caesar (100BC – 44BC) Who am I?

Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar was based on true historical events. Now we’ll learn a little about the life of Julius Caesar, the most famous Roman of all.

He was born to a noble family Caesar was born into a patrician family, the gens Julia or Julians, which claimed descent from Ascanius, son of the legendary Trojan prince Aeneas, supposedly the son of the goddess Venus. The Birth of Venus Patrician Families

He was kidnapped by pirates & held for ransom When told they were asking for 20 talents, Caesar claimed he was worth at least 50. Caesar maintained a friendly relationship with the pirates, but he promised to have them crucified once he was released—which later he did.

He made powerful friends Since Caesar was born into a Patrician family, he could be in the Senate. As a young man, he made a deal with 2 of the most powerful members of the Senate: - Pompey (a powerful general) - Crassus (a very rich man) Working together, the three of them controlled the Senate.

He arranged the First Triumvirate Pompey: commander in chief of the army Crassus: wealthiest man in Rome Caesar: the mastermind behind the coalition & the glue that held it together once tensions formed between Pompey and Crassus

He was a great military general Caesar was popular with his soldiers because he endured the same rough conditions as them. He is also said to have known each of his men by name. He defeated the Gauls (a Celtic people inhabiting what are now France & Belgium) & expanded the Roman territory.

He defeated his Roman enemies Pompey grew jealous of Caesar’s success & asked the Senate to force Caesar to give up his army Instead, Caesar defeated Pompey’s forces in Egypt (where he had an affair with Cleopatra) & in Spain The play begins as Caesar returns to Rome victorious

He ruled over Rome After he defeated Pompey, Caesar went on to become dictator perpetuus or “dictator for life” by 45 B.C.

He made many lasting reforms Revised the previously flawed Roman calendar Created many new jobs for citizens Lowered interest rates & canceled ¼ of all debt Gave property to thousands of families Rebuilt many famous Roman buildings & structures

He had an affair with Cleopatra Cleopatra sought to form a political alliance with Caesar. To protect herself, Cleopatra rolled herself into a rug which her servants presented to Caesar. When Caesar unrolled the rug & Cleopatra tumbled out, he was captivated by her beauty and charm. Despite a more than 30 year age difference , Caesar & Cleopatra became lovers & bore a child, Caesarion (or “Little Caesar”).

He was murdered by his own people Caesar’s assassins were his fellow Senate members and close friends. They approached him at a Senate meeting & each stabbed him at least once in order to “spread” the guilt. Caesar was stabbed 23 times before breathing his last.

Brutus Sincere: Brutus truly believes that his role in the assassination is for the good of Rome Honest: He refuses to take bribes Naïve: He believes in the essential goodness of those around him Philosophical: His philosophies guide his actions and decisions

Cassius Envious: Cassius has contempt for Caesar and envies Caesar’s position Corrupt: Prior to the battle at Philippi, he is accused by Brutus of taking Bribes Manipulative: He tells people what they want to hear to convince them to meet his own selfish needs. Military Strategist: His battle plan for Philippi is well thought out and based on sound military principles

Marc Antony Loyal to Caesar: Antony loved & admired Caesar Clever: Antony pretends to befriend the conspirators & asks permission to speak at Caesar’s funeral. A skilled orator: Antony’s speech at Caesar’s funeral sways the crowd Hard: Antony’s role in condemning men to death shows he can be as cold-hearted as he is passionate

Julius Caesar Physically weak: Caesar has several infirmities Superstitious: Caesar believes in portents and dreams Indecisive: Caesar cannot make up his mind whether or not to go to the senate Inflexible: Caesar thinks himself perfect & decisive

Tragic Hero The main character in a tragedy The hero comes to unhappy ending The hero is usually dignified, courageous, and high-ranking The hero’s downfall is caused by a tragic flaw (character weakness) or by forces beyond his control The hero wins some self-knowledge and wisdom, despite defeat or even death

The Five-Part Dramatic Structure Act III Crisis or Turning Point Act II Rising Action or Complications Act IV Falling Action Act I Exposition or Introduction Act V Resolution or Denouement

Journal Prompts & Activities Julius Caesar Journal Prompts & Activities

Journal 1 In 2-3 sentences, explain which qualities a good leader should possess. Why are these qualities important? How would they help?

Journal 2 How important to you is loyalty? Under what circumstances, if any, would you be willing to betray a friend? Why or why not?

Journal 3 Do you have any superstitions or rituals you perform for good luck? Describe the superstitions of yourself or someone you know. -good luck charms -knocking on wood -lucky number (athletes) -making a wish at 11:11 -“an apple a day keeps the doctor away” -horoscopes

Journal 4 In your opinion, which is more important—Power or Respect? Why? Respond in 2-3 sentences.

Journal 5 In Julius Caesar, do you think Shakespeare portrays Portia & Calpurnia as strong women? Why or why not?

Journal 6 Do you think Brutus is a hero or a villain? He did what he thought was best for Rome, but this required him to murder his friend. Write 2-3 sentences on your opinion of Brutus.

Journal 7 In 2-3 sentences, briefly describe a time when you did something others warned you not to do. What might have happened if you had heeded their warnings?

Sketch and complete the chart below comparing Brutus and Caesar. Journal 9 Sketch and complete the chart below comparing Brutus and Caesar. Brutus Caesar Strengths Weaknesses

Journal 10 Choose a character from Julius Caesar & follow the directions below to write a biopoem about him or her. Line 1: First name of character Line 2: Four traits that describe the character Line 3: relative of _________ or friend to _________ Line 4: Lover of (things or people) Line 5: Who feels ____________ Line 6: Who would like to see ___________ (things for the future) Line 7: Resident of ____________ (city, state, or country) Line 8: Last name of character

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare Act I

Act I Scene i Questions In Scene I, what do Flavius and Marcellus want the commoners to do? Break up, move along, & ignore Caesar’s victory.

Act I scene i Because Caesar has returned from his victory over Pompey’s sons, the working people of Rome have a day off to celebrate. Flavius & Murellus are two Roman officers who are angry about the celebration because they think Caesar is a threat to the Roman Republic. They dismiss the crowd and then remove all banners and signs honoring Caesar.

Act I Scene ii Questions 2. What is the Soothsayer’s advice to Caesar? “Beware the Ides of March.” 3. Explain the difference between the views of Caesar held by Cassius & Brutus. Cassius openly wants Caesar out of power. Brutus loves Caesar, but recognizes his flaws & thinks about the state of his countrymen.

4. Caesar clearly gives his thoughts about Cassius. What does he say? “He has a lean & hungry look. He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.” 5. What is Casca’s explanation of Caesar’s sad look? He really wants the crown, but the crowd cheered when he refused it. 6. At the end of Scene II in lines 312-326, Cassius makes plans. What plans does he make? Why? He is going to forge notes to Brutus from several citizens in order to help sway Brutus against Caesar.

Beware the ides of March! Act I scene ii Beware the ides of March! Caesar marches through the streets of Rome with his full entourage. A soothsayer warns Caesar to “Beware the ides of March.” Caesar disregards the warning and moves on.

Two senators, lag behind and discuss their concerns about Caesar’s growing power. Cassius, Caesar’s political foe, begins to flatter Brutus, Caesar’s friend. Cassius’s flattery is designed to gauge Brutus’s thoughts and to determine whether or not Brutus is willing to join the conspiracy to kill Caesar.

Casca tells Cassius and Brutus that the crowds offered Caesar a crown three times, and that Caesar refused it each time. This adds to the fears the men already have about Caesar. Brutus admits that he is dissatisfied & agrees to discuss his feelings later with Cassius. Meanwhile, Caesar sees Cassius & Brutus talking. He tells Antony that he does not trust Cassius.

Act I scene iii Questions 7. Casca says, “For I believe they are portentous things / Unto the climate that they point upon.” What does he mean? He thinks the “unnatural” sights he has seen are signs of tragedy about to unfold in his country. 8. Why does Cassius want Brutus to join the conspiracy? Brutus is well thought of by the people. If he supported the conspiracy, the conspirators would be in better favor with the people following the assassination.

Act I scene iii During a violent, stormy night, Cassius recruits Casca to the conspiracy. In further attempt to recruit Brutus, Cassius instructs Cinna, a fellow conspirator, to place an anonymous note in Brutus’s chair, throw one through Brutus’s window, and fix yet another note to the statue of Brutus’s father. Brutus, ------- --- -- ---- --- - -- --- ----------- Brutus, --- --- - --- - -- --- ----------- Brutus, ------- --- -- ---- --- - -- --- -----------

Who is Caesar?

Background information on Superstitions found in Julius Caesar, (Holt, Rinehart Winston)

Journal Write a response to the following prompt using complete sentences: Are you superstitious? What superstitions do you believe (or not) in? Do you believe fortune tellers can predict the future? Why or why not?

Julius Caesar Shakespeare uses Roman customs and superstition to create spooky conditions to mirror the dangerous plot being planned.

Julius Caesar The Romans believed that omens could reveal the future. These omens could take the form of unusual weather, flights of birds, or other natural phenomena.

Julius Caesar Animals were seen as indicators of the future. The Romans often sacrificed animals to the gods, and had their entrails examined by an official called a haruspex (In ancient Rome, a priest who attempted to foretell the future, especially by examining the entrails of an animal). Any abnormalities or imperfections indicated the anger of a god or a particularly bad event about to happen.

Animal Sacrifices in Ancient Rome (video from unitedstreaming.com)

Julius Caesar Unusual astronomical and meteorological occurrences were also seen as indicators of future events. Solar eclipses were believed to portend doom, as was lightning.

Superstitions and Omens in JULIUS CAESAR Owl, lion, storm, etc… Walking under a ladder Black cat crosses your path Broken mirror mean 7 years bad luck. Step on a crack… Crossing fingers Knock on wood Examples…..????

Fortune Telling In Julius Caesar, the soothsayer or fortune teller warns Caesar about March 15 (the ides of March). Do you believe in fortune tellers? Tarot cards, crystal balls, palm reading, astrology (horoscopes), auras, etc.

Palmistry Activity Life Line Long line – long life, the further it curves towards the center of your hand, the more energy you have. Short line – You live life to the fullest and make every moment count. Shallow line – You let other people have power over you. Broken line – This shows a sudden change in your life.

Palmistry Activity Heart Line Long and steady – You’re a true romantic and give your heart away easily. Straight and short – You don’t like games. If you see somebody cute, you go for it. Wavy or broken – You have lots of relationships, but they don’t last very long. Ends under your index finger – You’re picky when it comes to significant others. Touches the life line – You’re sensitive and have had some bad relationships.

Palmistry Activity Head Line Upwards curve – you are flaky Downwards curve – You’re imaginative Straight – You’re logical and insightful. Forked – You’re good at keeping an open mind and seeing issues from many different sides. Separate from the life line – Charming and lucky

Threes in Shakespeare 3 3 In Shakespeare's time, the number three was considered unlucky and the people, being quite superstitious, watched plays with witchcraft, murder, and ghosts much the same as we watch horror movies today. It might be interesting to enquire why today the number three is considered lucky and "ten plus three" unlucky. Journal Prompt (3-4 sentences): Do any numbers today have any significance? Do you have any superstitions about any numbers? Why or why not?

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare Act II

Act II Scene I Questions To what decision does Brutus come in his orchard? Why? He decides to join the conspiracy to murder Caesar , because he thinks Caesar will abuse his power if he is crowned. 2. What does Lucius give to Brutus in Scene I? He brings the forged note that has been thrown through the window. 3. Why doesn’t Brutus want to swear an oath with the conspirators? He thinks a just cause needs no oath to bind the doers to their cause.

6. Why did Brutus say, “Render me worthy of this noble wife!”? 4. For what reason does Metellus Cimber want Cicero to join the conspiracy? “…his silver hairs / Will purchase us a good opinion. / And buy men’s voices to commend our deeds…” 5. Brutus is against including Cicero and against killing Mark Antony. Why? Cicero will not follow any plan started by someone else, and killing Mark Antony would be too bloody. 6. Why did Brutus say, “Render me worthy of this noble wife!”? Portia has shown her concern for him and insists on sharing his emotional burden.

Act II scene i Alone in his garden, Brutus decides that Caesar must be assassinated to prevent him from becoming a tyrant. The conspirators then meet & decide to kill Caesar the next day at the Capitol. Brutus convinces them not to kill Antony, which would make them seem murderous.

Brutus’s wife, Portia, later pleads with Brutus to tell her what is troubling him. Brutus fears that she will not be able to bear the news, but she proves her strength to him by wounding herself. In response to this act of courage, Brutus reveals the conspiracy plot to her.

Act II scene ii Questions 7. Of what does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar? Her dreams are omens of tragedy and he should not go to the Senate meeting. 8. Caesar yields to Calpurnia’s wishes at first. Why does he change his mind and decide to go to the Senate meeting? Decius interprets Calpurnia’s dream to entice Caesar to go to the meeting. 9. What does the note Artemidorus wants to give to Caesar say? It warns Caesar of the Conspiracy and names the conspirators.

Act II scene ii Calphurnia, Caesar’s wife, sees evil omens in the night’s storm and asks Caesar not to go to the Capitol. He agrees until Decius, one of the conspirators, plays on his pride with a flattering interpretation of Calphurnia’s dream and convinces him to go.

Act II scene iii & iv On a street near the Capitol, Artemidorus reads a paper he plans to give Caesar warning him about the conspiracy. Meanwhile, a nervous Portia sends her servant to the Capitol to gain news about Brutus. She also questions a soothsayer for news of Caesar’s whereabouts.

Staple together Act II answers to questions and journal Staple together Act II answers to questions and journal. Review and be prepared to take quiz shortly after video of Act II.

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare Act III

Act III Scene i Questions What is ironic about the timing of Caesar’s murder (in relation to the preceding events)? He is destroyed just after proclaiming his magnificence and indestructibility. 2. In the moments following Caesar’s death, what do the conspirators proclaim to justify their deed? “Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!” 3. Antony’s servant brings a message to Brutus. What does he say? Antony praises Brutus for being honest and requests to be able to safely see Brutus to hear why Caesar was murdered.

5. Under what conditions will Antony speak at the funeral? 4. Antony wants to speak at Caesar’s funeral. What reaction does Brutus have? Cassius? Brutus agrees, but Cassius thinks it is dangerous to let Antony speak to the people. 5. Under what conditions will Antony speak at the funeral? He must not blame the conspirators, admit he speaks by their permission, and speak last, after Brutus.

Eulogy Journal What is a eulogy? A eulogy is a written speech for someone who has died. Write a eulogy for Julius Caesar. In your eulogy, you must decide if you will praise Caesar for being a great leader or denounce him as a power hungry leader. Incorporate historical evidence discussed in class or evidence from Shakespeare’s play that explains and supports your opinion.

Act III scene i Caesar ignores the warnings of Calphurnia & two others and goes to the Capitol. There he gives an arrogant speech and is murdered by the conspirators.

Antony approaches the conspirators, says he understands and forgives them, and asks to give Caesar’s eulogy. Brutus agrees, against the wishes of the more realistic Cassius. When left alone with Caesar’s body, Antony vows to seek revenge against the conspirators.

Act III scene ii Questions 6. What did Brutus say to the people at the funeral? He told them the assassination was the only logical way to do the best thing for the people. 7. What did Antony say to the people at the funeral in his now famous “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears” speech? He contradicts the accusations made by the conspirators of treason and demands that they be put to death for Caesar’s murder.

Act III scene ii Questions 8. Why did Brutus and Cassius flee Rome? Their lives were in danger after Antony’s remarks at the funeral.

Act III scene ii At Caesar’s funeral, Brutus gives a logical, unemotional speech to convince the crowd to make him the new Caesar.

Antony halts the crowd’s support for the conspirators with a masterful speech that plays on the crowd's emotions. Antony learns that Octavius and Lepidus are staying at Caesar’s house, and that Brutus and Cassius have left the city because of the people's reaction to Antony’s speech. He plans to meet with Lepidus to suggest they join forces.

Act III scene iii Question 9. What is the point of Act III Scene III? It graphically shows the violent mood of the crowd.

Act III scene iii The enraged crowd attacks Cinna the poet and kills him, believing him to be Cinna the conspirator.

Staple together Act III notes Staple together Act III notes. Review and be prepared to take quiz shortly after video of Act III.

The Tragic Hero The main character in a tragedy The hero comes to unhappy ending The hero is usually dignified, courageous, and high ranking The hero’s downfall is caused by a tragic flaw (character weakness) or by forces beyond his control The hero wins some self-knowledge and wisdom, despite defeat or even death

Understanding the Tragic Hero Characteristic Julius Caesar Brutus is the main character shows evidence of high rank shows nobility of character is marred by tragic flaw or fatal mistake in judgment gains self-knowledge and wisdom comes to an unhappy end

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare Act IV

Act IV Scene I Questions What did Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus gather to discuss? They were deciding which potential troublemakers to kill. 2. To what does Antony compare Lepidus? To a horse to be trained and used.

Act IV scene i The triumvirate of Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus plan to pursue and destroy Brutus and Cassius. In their preparations, they coldly compile a death list of anyone who might stand in their way.

Act IV scene ii At a camp near Sardis, Brutus waits for Cassius’s arrival by speculating that their relationship has deteriorated.

Act IV Scene iii Questions 3. What problem has developed between Cassius and Brutus? How is it resolved? Cassius was offended that Brutus did not seriously consider his letters on behalf of Lucius Pella. Brutus accuses Cassius of accepting bribes. Brutus holds to his position. 4. What news did Messala bring Brutus? Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus have had a hundred Senators killed, and Portia is also dead.

Act IV Scene iii Questions 5. For what reasons does Brutus want to lead his armies to Philippi? They can gather fresh forces as they march; The enemy is increasing & his army is at a high point ready to decline; They should strike while they are on a “tide” of good “fortune.” 6. What message did Caesar’s ghost bring Brutus? He would see Brutus at Philippi.

Act IV scene iii Brutus & Cassius argue violently over Cassius allowing his officers to accept bribes. The quarrel ends when Cassius learns that Brutus’s anger is really the result of the news that Portia is dead.

That night, Brutus is visited by the ghost of Caesar who tells Brutus he will meet him at Philippi.

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare Act V

Act V scene i On the plains of Philippi, the two armies meet and the generals argue over who is at fault. When nothing is resolved, they return to their armies and prepare for battle. Brutus and Cassius vow to win or not be taken alive.

Act V scene ii On the battle field, Brutus sends a messenger to Cassius instructing him to attack Octavius.

Act V Questions Why did Pindarus stab Cassius? Cassius asked him to do it when they thought Titinius had been captured by the enemy. 2. What causes Titinius to say, “The sun of Rome is set!”? He learns that Cassius is dead and gives him high praise.

Act V scene iii Retreating from the onslaught of Octavius’s troops, Cassius sends his trusted friend Titinius to see if the oncoming troops are friends or foes. Seeing Titinius suddenly surrounded by the troops, Cassius mistakenly believes they are enemies. Having lost all hope for victory, he takes his own life. Brutus mourns Cassius’s death.

Act V Scene iv Question 3. Who do the soldiers believe they have captured in Scene IV? Who is it really? They think it is Brutus, but it is actually Lucilius.

Act V scene iv Lucilius, masquerading as Brutus, is captured by Antony’s troops. Antony honors him for protecting Brutus.

5. Why did Antony say Brutus was “the noblest Roman of them all”? 4. How does Brutus die? He kills himself with his sword. 5. Why did Antony say Brutus was “the noblest Roman of them all”? The others killed Caesar for personal gain, but Brutus believed he was doing the right thing for his countrymen.

Act V scene v When he sees that the battle is lost, Brutus runs upon his own sword rather than being captured.

Antony gives a moving eulogy over his body proclaiming him “the noblest Roman of them all.” In a gesture of good will, Octavius agrees to pardon all Brutus’s men and take them into his service. The civil war ends with an omen of peace for the future.

Character List Brutus Pompey Caesar Decius Brutus Portia Plutarch Cassius Lucius Calpurnia Ligarius Antony Casca Artemidorus Octavius Marullus

STORY FRAME Julius Caesar In this story, the problem starts when_____________________________________ After that __________________________________________ Next,_______________________________________ Then,_______________________________________ The problem is finally solved when __________________________________________ The story ends with __________________________________________

Semantic Feature Analysis Chart Julius Caesar Directions: This chart has a list of characters from Julius Caesar and a list of attributes. One by one, analyze each of the characters and decide if he or she can be described by these words. Put an ‘X’ in the boxes that describe the character, and leave those blank that do not. Do this for each of the 4 characters listed. Character Attribute Trustworthy Ambitious Manipulative Insightful Julius Caesar Brutus Antony Cassius

Compare and Contrast Chart Julius Caesar Historical Information on Julius Caesar Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar How are they alike? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ How are they different? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bio Poem Line 1 : First name of character Choose a character from Julius Caesar and follow the formula to make your own poem. Line 1 : First name of character Line 2: four traits that describe the character Line 3: relative of or friend to (“brother of…,” “friend to…”) Line 4: Lover of (things or people) Line 5: who feels (phrases or phrases) Line 6: who needs Line 7: who fears Line 8: who gives (items or ideas) Line 9: who would like to see (things for the future) Line 10: resident of (city, state, or country) Line 11: Last name of character

Example Bio Poem from To Kill a Mockingbird Scout Tomboy, brave, intelligent, loving Sister of Jem Lover of justice, chewing gum, reading, and Alabama summers Who feels outrage when her dad is maligned, happiness when school is over, and fright on a dark Halloween night. Who needs her dad's acceptance, Jem's loyalty, and Dill's admiration Who gives friendship easily, black eyes to cousins, and sassy words to Calpurnia Who fears Boo's dark house, owls in the night, and giving her open palms to the teacher Who would like to see all mockingbirds sing freely whether they are creatures of flight, shy neighbors, or kind handymen Resident of Maycomb, Alabama Finch

Literary Report Card Rate Antony as you see him Student: Antony Area Grade Comments Friend A Antony is loyal to Caesar and seeks revenge for his death. Public Speaker Member of Triumvirate Soldier

Julius Caesar Unit Test Preparations Fill out study guide and be prepared for unit test Friday.

Julius Caesar Unit Test Number an answer sheet according to the parts of the test I 1-17 and II 1-14

Julius Caesar Unit Test Use blue side of scantron answering 1-50 a = true b = false Plutarch wrote history of Julius Caesar