10 January 2013 Agenda: Pre-Assessment Assign Act I & II Vocabulary- Quiz 1/18 Notes: Julius Caesar

Act I & II Act I: Withal Replication Intermit Aim Vulgar Construe Chidden Wenches Act II: Forth Tempests Rived Alchemy Ghastly Portentous Offal Countenance

Julius Caesar

Notes 503 BC – Rome ends rule of Tarquins, a series of harsh, cruel rulers. Rome decides never again to be under the rule of an oppressive government. Refuse all forms of govt. that consists of kings & emperors (rulers who achieve power based on inheritance).

Rome sets up a Republic – a govt. in which officials are elected The new govt. was made of 2 parts: 2 Consuls (leaders) – elected officials Senate – appointed by Consuls Governing bodies could be made of people from any walk of life: noble or common

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

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

Crassus died. Eager for more power and realizing that he could only achieve it with conquests and money, Caesar departed for what has been called the Gallic Wars. His armies roamed Europe for 8 years. Caesar amassed huge sums of money, which he sent back to Rome to gain favor with the people.

o Pompey, jealous of Caesar’s growing power and favor with the people, threw his weight to the Senate, which was also weary of Caesar’s ambitions. Caesar refused the Senate’s order to give up his command and return to Rome. Instead, Caesar’s army marched on Rome, took control, and chased Pompey all the way to Egypt. There, Pompey was murdered.

Caesar returned to Rome, was accepted by the people for his military abilities, was loved for all the goods he brought back from his conquests, and was elected Dictator for Life. Caesar would now rule Rome until his death, and the next leader would have to be elected.

Many believed that Caesar wanted to be Emperor instead of just Dictator for Life. If emperor, Caesar’s son would inherit the throne, instead of being elected.

Many feared that Caesar would bring back a style of life similar to when the Tarquin’s ruled. To prevent this, some members of the legislature carried out a deceitful plan…

Key Themes Honor Ambition Envy Power

Cast of Major Characters

Julius Caesar Ruler of the Roman Empire. He is presented as a man of strong will and self-belief. He is used to issuing commands and being obeyed. He is stubborn and will not listen to pleas for mercy if he thinks he is in the right. He considers himself to be resolute and unwavering. Caesar denies he is afraid of Cassius and claims not to fear anyone or anything. The conspirators believe Caesar is too ambitious and will soon acquire such power that Rome will be enslaved to one man. Although Caesar is a commanding figure, he is physically weak, suffering from epilepsy as well as deafness in one ear.

Mark Antony Mark Antony is Julius Caesar’s right- hand man and personal friend. He enjoys sports and theater. It is Antony’s cunning speech to the masses after Caesar’s death that turns public opinion against the assassins, who gravely underestimated and misread him. He shows fairness/nobility in victory.

Brutus Marcus Brutus is recruited for the assassination by Cassius. He becomes part of the plot because he is concerned about the welfare of Rome. He does not covet power for its own sake, and nor does he have any personal complaint about Caesar. He is presented throughout as a man of courtesy and honor, although perhaps also as a man who is unsuited to wield political power. After he is dead, Antony salutes him as “the noblest Roman of them all.”

Cassius Cassius is the chief conspirator against Caesar. It is he who recruits Brutus and the others. Cassius is consumed with envy of Caesar, and sees no reason why Caesar should hold power over him. Cassius is a good observer of men and he has uncommon insight into people’s motivations. Caesar observes that Cassius has a “lean and hungry look.” He is in every way a contrast to the more sociable Antony.

Casca Casca is one of the conspirators, and it is he who stabs Caesar first. Casca is known for his wit and liveliness. He is a man of action who can get things done.

Cinna The conspirator who urges Cassius to bring "noble" Brutus into the conspiracy; he assists by placing some of Cassius' forged letters where Brutus will discover them.

Artemidorus Artemidorus is a teacher of rhetoric who tries but fails to warn Caesar of the plot against him.

Trebonius A member of the conspiracy against Caesar.

Decius Brutus Conspirator who uses flattery to get Caesar to the Senate House.

Calphurnia Caesar’s wife. Calphurnia invests great authority in omens and portents.

Portia Brutus’s wife; the daughter of a noble Roman who took sides against Caesar.

Flavius A tribune (an official elected by the people to protect their rights).

Murellus A tribune-condemns the plebeians for their fickleness in cheering Caesar (they once cheered for Caesar’s enemy Pompey.

Cicero A Roman senator renowned for his oratorical skill.