William Shakespeare

 Began by overthrowing the Roman Monarchy  Government headed by two consuls, elected by the citizens and advised by the senate  Three separate branches (Legislative, Senate, and Consuls)  Public offices were only held for one year so that no individual wielded absolute power.

 Gracchus brothers introduced reform measures to help the poor and limit senators’ power.  Angry senators and sympathizers rioted and killed both the Gracchi.  Violence became the primary tool of Roman politics.  Because violence was important, Gaius Marius worked to strengthen the Roman army.

 Leaders began recruiting their own armies, loyal to themselves rather than to Roman government  Lucius Sulla raised an army to gain power and control Rome.  Sulla marched his loyal legions on Rome, starting a civil war between his army and that of the senate.  Upon victory, Sulla was named dictator, thus, technically, ending the Roman Republic.

 The Roman Republic was never restored, but never fully abolished.  In 60 BC, Caesar helped form a dominant alliance  Also known as the first Triumvirate  Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey  The Republic favored Pompey but his army was weaker and Caesar stormed the city unopposed.  Once all political rivals were defeated, Caesar was named the Dictator of Rome.  He hand picked members of the senate  He decided, personally, which laws would be passed

 Caesar was well liked and respected by many  Within the Triumvirate, Caesar created legislation to redistribute land specifically for the poor.  Caesar was a great military leader  His military conquests expanded Rome a great deal.

 Tribunes & Plebeians  Tribunes: wealthy, government officials  Plebeians: commoners  Ides of March  Romans did not number the days  The Nones (1 st or 7 th )  The Ides (13 th or 15 th )  The Kalends (1 st of the following month)

 Written in 1599  It’s not about the character, Julius Caesar, but about his assassination and the conspirators.  Contains a handful of deviations from Plutarch.  Emphasis on Rhetoric  Ethos- A form or argument using position of power or celebrity to appeal  Pathos- A form or argument using emotional appeal such as fear, desire or anger.  Logos- A form or argument based on logic or facts

 Monologue -Long speech spoken while other characters are on stage (long – not necessarily true thoughts)  Soliloquy- Long speech spoken alone on stage – perhaps to/toward audience (long – true thoughts)  Aside- short speech spoken to audience, other characters can’t hear it. (short – true thoughts)