The Tragedy of Julius Caesar By: William Shakespeare

An Introduction to Julius Caesar Answer the following questions on a sheet of paper. Turn in when you are finished. Define the term ambition. When can ambition be a positive quality? When can ambition be a negative quality?

In class writing / discussion Ambition = being exceptionally eager for fame and power. – Positive characteristic = an ambitious person who works hard and sets goals. – Negative characteristic = an ambitious person acts only in his or her self interest, not caring what is right or good for others.

Julius Caesar Play Background Overview of the play / The Results of Violence – Assassination (murder of a public figure) Can change the course of history in a split second. – Julius Caesar – Shakespeare play that deals with the assassination of a Roman general and dictator who lived and died (an extremely violent death) more than two thousand years ago.

Shakespeare’s Motivation to write Julius Caesar The Parallel Lives, ancient biographical text – Written by Plutarch, a Greek writer and biographer, who lived close to the time of Julius Caesar. – Shakespeare drew his material for the play Julius Caesar from this text.

Who was Julius Caesar? Caesar was 1 of 3 men from the First Triumvirate, a political alliance of three people (Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus) *60 B.C. – These three men were in charge of Rome together as one government However, Crassus was killed in 53 B.C. – The Senate decides Pompey should be in charge ordering Caesar to give up his army and return to Rome as a private citizen. Caesar refused, risking a civil war. He marched into Rome with his army (“crossing the Rubicon”) He defeated Pompey’s army, winning the war. Declared himself a lifetime dictator of Rome, which was the greatest empire of the time. *49 B.C.

Caesar Perspectives During his life, Caesar was greatly admired by many people. However, he was also hated by many others. – Some believed he was too ambitious and exceptionally eager for fame and power – Some said his ambition would keep him from acting in Rome’s best interest.

Caesar Perspectives Caesar was a… “Great Leader and Reformer” – Military leader with good strategy – Treated defeated enemies generously / appointed some of them to government positions (including Brutus) – Ended the rule of corrupt Roman nobles – made nobles give up land to poor people (poor looked to him as a God) – Brought order and peace to Rome / strengthened and expanded the state of Rome – Restored cities that had been destroyed – Started public jobs / programs to aid the poor – Granted Roman citizenship to people from foreign countries or states – Had a statue of himself built Inscription: “To the Unconquerable God”

Caesar Perspectives Caesar was a … “Dangerous Dictator” – Refused to follow the Senate’s order to return to Rome (became an enemy) – Started a civil war that led to the destruction of the republic – Increased the number of senator to add to his number of supporters – Treated his defeated enemies with cruelty – Punished those who wanted to uphold the traditions and laws of the republic – Weakened the Senate to gain absolute power over Rome – Kept hidden any facts that did not make him look brave and/or intelligent – Sought glory for himself at the expense of the republic (accepted bribes and handouts) to gain support – Arrogance and power became unbearable to many

Growing Ego and Power Some became fed up with Caesar’s power and arrogance. – They made plans to assassinate him on March 15, 44 B.C. “Ides of March” Shakespeare's play opens a month before Caesar’s murder…

Literary Focus Tragedy – Play, novel, or other narrative that depicts serious and important events and ends unhappily for the main character. Main character - often high ranking and dignified (not ordinary). –Tragic hero – admirable hero who has a personal failing that leads to his/her downfall. Main character – has a tragic flaw –a defect in character or judgment – that directly causes the character’s downfall Work often ends unhappily – with the death of the main character.

What can you expect for this unit? Some reading aloud / some individual or group reading – BRING TEXTBOOKS EVERYDAY! Watching “some” of the play Reading guide / Study questions Vocabulary (focus will be on 16 th century meanings) Small individual writing activities Potential quiz after each Act Caesar Final Project – Group Activity Caesar Unit Test