William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Act I

William Shakespeare ’s Julius Caesar The Roman Empire ca. 117 C.E. The Roman Empire (265 B.C.-167 A.D.) had expanded from the city of Rome until it included all of the land around the Mediterranean. The Roman Empire

Two tribunes, Marullus & Flavius, scold the fickle Romans for changing their loyalty so quickly and carelessly. Last week they cheered for Pompey, now they cheer for Caesar. Stop partying in the streets and get back to work you fickle knaves!

“Cobbler” has two meanings: 1. One who mends shoes 2. A clumsy, unskilled workman; a bungler, screw up, klutz, idiot (archaic meaning) PUNS: “I am/ but, as you would say, a cobbler” ( ).

“withal” = nevertheless PUNS: “Truly sir, all that I live by us with the/ awl….but withal, am indeed, a surgeon to old shoes” ( ). “awl” = a pointed instrument for piercing small holes in leather, wood, etc.

Caesar and his entourage walk to the stadium to watch the Lupercalia races and festivities.

On the way, a Soothsayer tells Caesar to “Beware the Ides of March”—Caesar ignores this warning and calls the Soothsayer a dreamer. Beware the Ides of March! Caesar’s 1 st fatal mistake

Cassius & Brutus stay behind to talk. Cassius asks if Brutus is mad—he’s not— and both men admit that they are worried that Caesar is becoming too powerful.

Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world/ Like a Colossus; and we petty men/ Walk under his huge legs… CASSIUS I.ii Cassius says that Caesar towers over them like a Colossus.

After the race, Casca stops to talk with Cassius and Brutus. He tells them what they missed….

Anachronism: “He plucked me ope his doublet” ( ). A doublet is a close-fitting jacket worn by men during the Renaissance (14 th c. to 17 th c). Ancient Romans like Julius Caesar (who died in 44 B.C.) did not dress in doublets.

Casca says that Antony offered to make Caesar the king of Rome, but...

Caesar refused to be crowned king… ONCE

Caesar refused to be crowned king… TWICE

Caesar refused to be crowned king… THREE TIMES.

Casca also says that Caesar had an epileptic seizure. Despite this apparent weakness, the Roman people still cheered for Caesar.

…ONE MONTH LATER... (14 & 15 March 44 B.C.)

On the day of March 14, there is a terrible tempest. Many strange and portentous events are seen

That same night, Cassius forges 3 letters. The letters are supposedly from the Roman people and are meant to convince Brutus to join the conspiracy. Cassius has Cinna leave the letters in Brutus’ house, on his Senate chair, and attached to his statue.