The Tragedy of Julius Caesar By William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare

Background on William Shakespeare Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon in England. His parents were Mary Arden and John Shakespeare, a respected glove-maker. He attended the local grammar school Learned to read and write in English and Latin.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Shakespeare background cont. Married Anne Hathaway at 18 - she was 26 It is unclear as to whether or not Shakespeare actually loved her They married upon Hathaway’s pregnancy

Shakespeare background cont. Shakespeare and Anne had three children together From , there are no official records of Shakespeare “The Lost Years” title is given to this period. It is speculated that he worked numerous odd jobs to try and support his family.

Shakespeare background cont. After Shakespeare had saved money, he moved to London to become an actor and left Anne and the kids in Stratford-upon-Avon. In 1594, Shakespeare became a charter member of a theatrical group known as the Lord Chamberlain’s Men which became the King’s Men in 1603.

Shakespeare background cont. Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, at the age of fifty-two. At the time of his death he was considered one of the greatest playwrights and actors to have ever graced the stage. He wrote 37 plays, 154 sonnets, and 2 long poems.

Shakespeare background cont. There is much speculation as to whether or not there was an actual “Shakespeare” Many historians claim that “Shakespeare” is actually a collection of several poets and playwrights works, while others claim that it was a pseudonym for another writer.

Shakespeare background cont. Reasons for speculation: many find it difficult to accept that a man of poor education and upbringing could write such eloquent masterpieces and have such a strong command of the English language.

The Elizabethan Stage Queen Elizabeth ( ) was the ruling monarch in England during Shakespeare's day. She was an avid fan and supporter of the arts. London reflected all the vibrant qualities of the Elizabethan Age.

Elizabethan Age cont. London became a leading center for culture and commerce. Traveling acting companies would come into England and set up their own stages. These “stages” were actually more like platforms, and they were often set up in the courtyards of inns.

Elizabethan Age cont. In 1576, James Burbage built the first permanent theater, called The Theatre, just outside of London. Burbage was behind on rent payments so the landlord threatened to take it over. James Burbage and his company took the theater apart and relocated across the river. They reconstructed a new theater called The Globe Theatre Shakespeare became part owner of The Globe Theatre

The Globe Theatre

Julius Caesar Most scholars agree that Shakespeare wrote The Tragedy of Julius Caesar in Based on assassination of Julius Caesar by his close friends and confidants

Julius Caesar cont. Julius Caesar was born in 100 B.C. in Rome. In 60 B.C., Caesar sought election as consul Asked Crassus for help because he had power in government from his wealth Caesar sought out Pompey to join 60 B.C. marks ruling of Rome by First Triumvirate

Julius Caesar cont. Pompey had the political power, Crassus had the financial backing, Caesar had Legion (army) backing 58 B.C. - Caesar governs part of Gaul and eventually conquers all of it Crassus killed in Battle of Carrhae Marks end of First Triumvirate Jealousy develops between Pompey and Caesar

Julius Caesar cont. Pompey returned early from his sieges and told Caesar that it was his turn to leave again. While Caesar was gone, Pompey used this opportunity to rally people behind him by claiming that Caesar has become too powerful and was only interested in benefitting himself and not the Roman Empire.

Julius Caesar cont. By making these allegations, Pompey declares a war with Caesar. The problem: Caesar had the backings of the Legions, and Pompey only had the backing of the Senate. While Caesar is conquering new territory for Rome, he gets word of Pompey’s plan. Caesar decides to quit his campaigns and return to Rome to face Pompey and the charges against him.

Julius Caesar cont. When Caesar returns to Italy, Pompey warns him that if he crosses the Rubicon River, he is declaring a civil war on Rome Caesar easily makes his way into Rome and forces Pompey to flee. Caesar was now in total control of Rome.

Julius Caesar cont. During this time, Caesar proclaims himself Senator for Life. Caesar eventually tries to go after Pompey, who fled to Egypt, but he never catches him. Servants of Cleopatra later kill Pompey while he is in Egypt Shakespeare’s play begins after Caesar defeats Pompey’s sons.

Julius Caesar cont. Contrary to popular belief, Caesar was not an actual Emperor of Rome. In fact, Rome had no actual emperors until about twenty years after Caesar’s death. While Caesar was living, Rome was a Republic ruled by a Senate. The name “Caesar” eventually became not a name, but a word meaning “ruler” or “chief” in Latin.

The Forum of Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar Terms Tragedy Tragic hero Soliloquy Rhetorical devices Dramatic irony Pathetic fallacy Aside Anachronism

Ed.Ted Talks – Globe Theatre and Julius Caesar  