Anticipation Guide It is never right to kill another person Whiteboard Agree Disagree Whiteboard

Anticipation Guide It is sometimes acceptable to betray your friends Whiteboard Agree Disagree

Anticipation Guide The more success and power you have, the more people dislike you. Whiteboard Agree Disagree

Anticipation Guide Political leaders usually act in the best interest of their countries Whiteboard Agree Disagree

Anticipation Guide No cause, political or otherwise, is worth dying for. Whiteboard Agree Disagree

Anticipation Guide If a political leader has done something wrong, it is okay to get rid of him or her by whatever means necessary Whiteboard Agree Disagree

Julius Caesar Background Information

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Most scholars agree that Shakespeare wrote The Tragedy of Julius Caesar in 1599. This play is based upon the assassination of Julius Caesar by his close friends and confidants.

Background Information The Romans were superstitious. They believed that future events could be seen in dreams, the stars, and unnatural occurrences. Many Romans believed that fate controlled one’s life.

Background Information In 503 BC, Rome ended the rule of the Tarquins, a series of harsh, cruel rulers. Rome decided to never again be under the rule of such an oppressive government. They refused ALL forms of government that consisted of kings or emperors, basically any ruler who achieves power based on inheritance instead of an election.

Rome’s Government: After the Tarquins Rome set up a republic: A government in which officials are elected. The new government is made up of two parts: Two consuls (leaders) and a senate. + +

The Consuls were elected officials. They appointed the Senate members who could be from any walk of life—noble or common.

Julius Caesar’s Rise to Power Julius Caesar got into politics during a time in which the Consuls and the Senate were having problems. In this time of instability and arguing, he became an outspoken leader. Consuls Senate

Julius Caesar Pompey Crassus In 60 BC the first triumvirate (3-person governing body) was formed. It consisted of Caesar, a famous general named Pompey, and a wealthy man named Crassus. Julius Caesar Pompey Crassus

After Crassus was killed in battle, Pompey began to fear that Caesar was growing too powerful and popular. Crassus Caesar

At this time, Caesar and his army were far away from Rome, conquering many lands for the Roman Empire.

Pompey ordered Caesar back so that he would not have to fear Caesar and his powerful army. Instead, Caesar attacked Pompey, defeating his forces and killing him in the midst. Pompey

Caesar = Dictator for Life Caesar returned to Rome and was accepted by the people for his military abilities. He was loved for all of the goods he brought back from his conquests, and he was elected Dictator for Life. This meant that he would rule Rome until his death, and the next leader would have to be elected. We Love Ceasar!!! Caesar = Dictator for Life

Many believed that Caesar wanted to be emperor instead of just Dictator for Life. If he was Emperor, Julius Caesar’s son would inherit the throne after his death.

Many feared that Caesar would bring back a style of governing similar to Tarquin’s. To prevent this, some members of the senate carried out a deceitful plan . . .

Shakespeare Background Book Of Sonnets  Shakespeare Background

Shakespeare Biography Born in 1546 in Stratford-upon-Avon At 18: married Anne Hathaway Had three children Left for London to pursue career in theatre

Shakespeare Background Wrote in bars and pubs because: Free light from candles Cheap food Inspiration

Types of Writings Shakespeare wrote Sonnets Three types of plays Histories Tragedies Comedies

His plays remain popular today Have been made into films and other plays

Tragedies: Five Elements Very Important People (kings, princes, movers and shakers in Renaissance society) Very Important Things (wars, coronations, marriages, battles as the story begins) Tragic Hero With a Tragic Flaw Tragic flaw- A personality defect that will cause the protagonist’s downfall Magic or Fantasy (ghosts, magical storms, witches) Hero Dies

Shakespearean Conventions Soliloquy: long speech given by a character while alone on stage to reveal private thoughts

More Conventions Monologue: Longer speech made by one person on stage to others on stage Aside: Character’s quiet remark to another

Ms. Polson’s #1 Pet Peeve: Shakespeare did not write in “Old” English; in fact, it is actually very similar to the English that we speak today. Old English Middle English

Shakespeare—Modern English

Totus mundus agit histrionem The Globe Theater Where many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed Called the “Wooden O” because of its shape Totus mundus agit histrionem

Ms. Polson’s Pictures from the Globe Theater