Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
Character List

Instructions: As each slide comes up, you will take notes on the text in BLUE. Please title this section “Julius Caesar Background Info.” You will be responsible for learning this information as we go along.

The Scene… Based on a true story, this play takes place in Ancient Rome, where Julius Caesar has just returned in triumph from war. The crowd hails him as their new leader, but there are some Romans who fear he will become too powerful of a ruler, more like an emperor, and they will lose the liberties they have enjoyed as citizens of a free state.

A small group of men conspire to assassinate Caesar, believing they are acting to preserve the freedoms of the Roman Republic.

They surround him in the Forum, and stab him to death.
Death of Caesar They surround him in the Forum, and stab him to death.

The play goes on to tell the story of what happens after the murder, as the conspirators quarrel among themselves, war erupts, and liberties, instead of being protected, appear to be lost.

Your Task… On the next slide, you will see the names of all the primary characters. Try and pick out the two primary leaders of the conspiracy, and the five other conspirators. Then…try to find the two female characters. You don’t need to write anything down…simply talk with a partner to choose characters.

Instructions: There has been a terrible civil war. Pompey and Caesar have fought each other for supreme power in Rome and Caesar has won. All of you are Romans after the war. Group A still supports Pompey’s views, believing in a more democratic type of government, through the elected assembly of the senate. Group B supports Caesar, upholding the direct personal rule of a dictator.

Instructions Group A Make a list of the benefits of senatorial rule
Group B Make a list of the benefits of one-person rule Each group jointly prepare a 60 second speech outlining the group’s views.

Instructions One person practice the delivery, another offer advice for the delivery (pace, intonation, loudness/softness etc) Two people make placards/banners/badges and/ or leaflets to use at the triumph.

Julius Caesar He is the head of the Roman state. He is a great soldier, and has just returned from a series of wars during which he defeated the sons of the previous Roman ruler, Pompey. He is popular with the crowds that stand in the streets to greet his triumphal return, cheering and clapping. Calpurnia is Caesar’s wife.

Mark Antony He is a loyal friend and supporter of Caesar, who he believes will make a good ruler of Rome. He is appalled at the killing of the head of state, and although he shakes hands with the conspirators immediately after the murder, he vows to avenge Caesar’s death. He gives a funeral oration over Caesar’s dead body that stirs the crowd to anger and desire for revenge. He will be one of the three rulers of Rome, after Caesar’s death, and he gathers an army to fight the killers.

Brutus He is a respected Roman, a man of intelligence and honor, who is a personal friend of Caesar, yet wonders whether, as a ruler, he will overstep his powers and become a tyrant rather than a good head of state. He is finally convinced to join the conspirators as their leader. As they raise their daggers to commit the murder, Caesar recognizes his dear friend and cries, in Latin, “Et tu, Brute?” or “You too, Brutus?” Portia is Brutus’ wife.

Cassius Cassius is one of the leaders of the conspiracy. He is suspicious of Caesar from the beginning, gathers others into the band, and convinces Brutus to join with them in their plans for assassination. He and Brutus flee Rome after the killing, each gathers an army, and they try to conquer Mark Antony’s army.

Octavius and Lepidus are the other two who join with Mark Antony after Caesar’s death to rule Rome as a triumvirate.

Casca, Trebonious, Decius, Cinna and Metallus Cimber are the other members of the conspiracy, each of whom participates by stabbing Caesar.

Act One, Scene One Plot overview
Scene One contains the antecedent action (events that happen before the beginning of the play that will effect its outcome). The antecedent action of Julius Caesar is Caesar’s defeat of Pompey and his sons. Although the commoners in a Shakespearean play speak in prose (normal language), the noblemen and noblewomen speak in blank verse (unrhymed lines in iambic pentameter—more simply stated, ten syllable lines that don’t rhyme). The cobbler uses a pun to create humor in the confusion between “soles” and “souls.” In line 35 there are metaphors comparing the commoners to “useless things.” In line 39 of scene one, the reference to chimney tops is an anachronism (mistake in time or place whether intentional or unintentional) as ancient Romans did not have chimneys. The “feathers” in lines compare to Caesar’s ambition. No fear Shakespeare Plot overview

Homework: Due Tuesday Add five quotations each to your Cassius and Brutus pages. Explain what these quotations show about their character.

Find: two lead conspirators, five additional conspirators, and two female characters…
Brutus Soothsayer Artemidorus Casca Lepidus Julius Caesar Calpurnia Cassius Cinna Mark Antony Cicero Lucilius Portia Messala Cato Trebonius Decius Flavius Metellus Cimber Marullus Strato Octavius Titinius Cinna, a poet Volumnius Lucius Pindarus Clitus

Rhetoric In Julius Caesar
Relationship between Brutus and Cassius Imagery, similes or metaphors Repetition Antithesis Exclamations Rhetorical questions

Rhetoric In Julius Caesar
Questions that do not require an answer. Listeners are assumed to answer them themselves, reaching the conclusion the speaker wants them to reach. Powerful imagery that creates a persuasive picture or comparison in the mind of the listener. Repetition of a group of words or phrases for emphasis. The opposition of words or phrases to each other. This technique highlights contrast between one thing or person and another. These are an outburst of emotion. They are usually more planned than they appear.

Act One, Scene Two In lines 3-10 of scene two, Caesar is authoritative in his manner toward Antony and Calpurnia. In line 18 of scene two, the soothsayer tells Caesar to “Beware the Ides of March,” which is an example of foreshadowing (giving clues about what is to come). The central conflict (main problem of the play) is that the Brutus does not want Caesar to become king, yet considers himself Caesar’s friend and supporter.

Act 1 Scene 2 cont. In lines of scene two, Cassius creates a symbol (abstract representation for a concrete object) between the people Caesar and Brutus and the names Caesar and Brutus. In lines of scene two, foreshadowing is used to indicate that the problem that occurred while Caesar was in public may cause a problem with Caesar’s leadership. Brutus says he will think about what Cassius has said. Caesar returns, looking angry. He confides to Antony that he is suspicious of Cassius.

How Does Cassius Try To Persuade Brutus To Join Him In Conspiring Against Caesar?
Brutus And Cassius Act 1 Scene 2 CASSIUS Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus, and we petty men Walk under his huge legs and peep about To find ourselves dishonourable graves. Men at some time are masters of their fates. The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars But in ourselves, that we are underlings. Example 1

Cassius And Brutus Point Evidence Explain Review
The relationship between Cassius and Brutus is complex. When Cassius asks Brutus why he is behaving coldly towards him, Brutus reassures Cassius: ‘Be not deceived…upon myself.’ because they are friends. Brutus explains that he is troubled by his own private thoughts and this preoccupation has left him no time for Cassius. Cassius And Brutus Objective: To closely examine the rhetoric of Cassius and Brutus. What does this tell us about their relationship? No fear Shakespeare Brutus, Be not deceived. If I have veiled my look, I turn the trouble of my countenance Merely upon myself. Pick out 5 quotations that reveal interesting What has Cassius just asked Brutus? What tone does Brutus use in response? Why would Brutus use this tone? What is the reason that Brutus gives for his behaviour? Point Evidence Explain Review

Act 1 Scene 2: Lines 178- Caesar re-enters with his attendants and, in passing, he remarks to Mark Antony that he feels suspicious of Cassius, who "has a lean and hungry look; / He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.“ As Caesar exits, Brutus and Cassius stop Casca and converse with him. He tells them that Mark Antony offered the crown to Caesar three times, but that Caesar rejected it each time and then fell down in an epileptic seizure.

Act 1 Scene 2 The three men agree to think further about the matter, and when Casca and Brutus have gone, Cassius in a brief soliloquy indicates his plans to secure Brutus firmly for the conspiracy that he is planning against Caesar.

Caesar is weak Calphurnia has not borne Caesar any children, and while in the Elizabethan mind the problem would have resided with the woman, here, Caesar's virility is also in question. The fact that he calls upon another man, known for his athleticism, carousing, and womanizing, suggests that Caesar is impotent. He also is unable to recognize and take heed of good advice. A soothsayer enters the scene and "with a clear tongue shriller than all the music," warns Caesar of the ides of March.

Objectives To further understand how the art of persuasion works in Julius Caesar.

Act 1 Sc 3-Act 2 Sc 1 Five ‘Prodigies’
What are the five prodigies that occur in lines 15-32? HOMEWORK: Due Tuesday 4th October Illustrate the five prodigies with the quote written out near your illustrations. Casca and Cicero meet on a Roman street. Casca says that though he has seen many terrible things in the natural world, nothing compares to the frightfulness of this night’s weather. He wonders if there is strife in heaven or if the gods are so angered by mankind that they intend to destroy it.

Cicero and Casca-conspirators?
Cicero and Casca’s opening exchange shows a contrast in their respective characters. Cicero is calm, seeing nothing extraordinary in the storm’s power, carefully avoiding political discussion. Casca is disturbed , deeply affected by the omens of the storm that he has seen, and anxious that they signify a threat to Rome. Lines 41-71 Character Rational Emotional Cassius ‘known the earth’ Casca ‘fear and tremble’

Groupwork: Molly Annabelle Aaron Joe Niamh Phoebe Will Ben Antonio Sam
James Tom Luca Nathan Connor

Language In Act 1 Scene 3 lines 72-130, read through again in groups.
In which line does Cassius link Caesar to the strange events of the night? What is his view of Caesar’s stature? Why does he not name Caesar? Why does he sat Romans are grown ‘womanish’? Look at Cassius’ speech beginning at line 89. Cassius says he has a plan to make sure he never has to live under the reign of Caesar the king. What is the plan and how does having it make Cassius feel?

The use of lists is a favourite rhetorical device. What is the effect of the list in lines 93-94? How does Casca’s speech beginning at line 100 show that Cassius’s persuasion is beginning to work? Cassius’s speech beginning at line 103 is an especially clever piece of rhetoric. Looking carefully at his use of rhetorical questions, metaphors and his seeming change of attitude to Caesar, comment on how the speech works.

Cassius’s speech beginning at line 103 is an especially clever piece of rhetoric. It is clear the speech is well- crafted, so why does he ask ‘But, O grief,/Where hast thou led me? (lines )? What test does Cassius offer Casca at the end of this speech? How can you tell from Casca’s language from line 116 onwards that he now has no doubts about joining Cassius?

Twice in Cassius’s speech beginning at line 120, he describes what they are about to embark on as highly dangerous. Identify where he does this. Explain the effect created by the juxtaposition (putting together) of the words ‘honourable’ and ‘dangerous’. How does Cassius link the conspiracy to the events of the night?

Share your findings

Objective: Investigating A02 Language, Structure and Form In Act 2
And graves have yawned and yielded up their dead.

Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies,
Act 2 Scene 2 Another husband/wife scene. Calpurnia tells Caesar about her vivid nightmares and is frightened for Caesar. How does Shakespeare bring this to life? CALPHURNIA Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies, Yet now they fright me. There is one within, Besides the things that we have heard and seen, Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch. A lioness hath whelpèd in the streets, And graves have yawned and yielded up their dead. omens servant

Fierce fiery warriors fought upon the clouds
In ranks and squadrons and right form of war, Which drizzled blood upon the Capitol. The noise of battle hurtled in the air. Horses did neigh, and dying men did groan, And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the streets. O Caesar! These things are beyond all use, And I do fear them.

CAESAR What can be avoided Whose end is purposed by the mighty gods? Yet Caesar shall go forth, for these predictions Are to the world in general as to Caesar. CALPHURNIA When beggars die there are no comets seen. The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes. Cowards die many times before their deaths. The valiant never taste of death but once. Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, It seems to me most strange that men should fear, Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come.

Homework: Due Tuesday Q:Persuasion In Julius Caesar: How Are Characters Persuaded In Act 1 and Act 2? Find 5 quotes that would be appropriate to help you write this essay.

A02-Structure Stagecraft in Julius Caesar Objective: To learn about how Shakespeare creates tension, suspense and other emotions through stagecraft.

Act 1- Act 2: Stagecraft Shakespeare does not give any overt stage directions. The script has to be searched for references to the time of day, the location and the weather, for example, and then the director has to decide how to stage the play. They could choose to highlight in the staging a particular idea that runs through the play: to make the location specific, even familiar to their audience or to go for a more neutral setting. Some directors choose to open this play with a powerful statement about the triumph of Caesar over Pompey.

How would you stage the opening?
(Act 1 Sc 2- Cassius persuades Brutus) (1950’s Charlton Heston) Begin a ‘Director’s Journal’ to record your ideas about the staging you come across in different versions of Julius Caesar. How would you stage the opening? Would you use music? How many commoners enter and what is their behaviour?

Stage craft: Act 1 Sc 2 Enter Caesar, Antony, for the course, Calpurnia, Portia, Decius, Cicero, Brutus, Cassius, Casca, A Soothsayer, (a great crowd following); after them Murellus and Flavius. Plan how Caesar’s entrance and exit (lines 1-24) can be staged. How will you manage the Tribunes’ exit at the end of the previous scene (to follow Caesar back on shortly afterwards)? How will you enact the stage direction at the start of this scene? What is the behaviour of ‘the great crowd’? How do the different characters speak to, and about, Caesar? How does Caesar address his wife and how sensitive is he about her childlessness? What sort of person is the soothsayer?he How will you use music in the scene? (Consider Caesar’s remark at line 16 and the ‘Sennet’ stage direction at line 24. (Sennet=formal, stately music played on cornets).

Stagecraft Act 1 Sc 2 A big moment…off stage Read through lines 78-84.
Why do you think Shakespeare decided to have this moment take place off stage so the audience would hear it but not see it? It would, after all make a great spectacle.

Mark Morris

Act 2 Scenes 1, 2, 3 & 4: Recap Brutus Alone Garden Decision
Conspirators Plans Portia Kneel Wound Knock Key Quote: Storm Calpurnia Dreams Lions Sacrifice Heart Begs Decius Blood Change Artemidorus Letter Names Share

Act 3 Scenes: 1, 2, 3 Scene 1 On the way to the Capitol, Caesar encounters the soothsayer. Caesar again ignores his warnings and when Artemidorus tries to give his letter to Caesar, Caesar refuses to read it until later. Cassius is nervous that the plot has been discovered but all progresses as planned. Metellus Cimber pleads with Caesar that his brother's banishment be repealed; Caesar refuses and Brutus, Casca, and the others join in the plea. Their pleadings rise in intensity and suddenly, from behind, Casca stabs Caesar. As the others also stab Caesar, he falls and dies, saying "Et tu, Bruté?" Mark Antony has fled home. Then the conspirators all stoop, bathe their hands in Caesar's blood, and brandish their weapons aloft, preparing to walk "waving our red weapons o'er our heads" out into the marketplace, crying "Peace, freedom, and liberty!"

Four Crises in Act 3, Scene 1
The first crisis in this scene is the danger of discovery. How to get near enough to Caesar to kill him. The killing of Caesar. The realisation that Antony remains faithful to Caesar and is strong and politically savvy. He has a plan to turn the populace against the conspirators. The crisis that Rome is now in turmoil and danger

I must prevent thee, Cimber.
CAESAR I must prevent thee, Cimber. These couchings and these lowly courtesies Might fire the blood of ordinary men And turn preordinance and first decree Into the lane of children. Be not fond, To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood That will be thawed from the true quality With that which melteth fools—I mean, sweet words, Low-crookèd curtsies, and base spaniel fawning. Thy brother by decree is banishèd. If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him, I spurn thee like a cur out of my way. Know, Caesar doth not wrong, nor without cause Will he be satisfied 1) Find all the references to dogs. 2)What do these images represent?

I must prevent thee, Cimber.
CAESAR I must prevent thee, Cimber. These couchings and these lowly courtesies Might fire the blood of ordinary men And turn preordinance and first decree Into the lane of children. Be not fond, To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood That will be thawed from the true quality With that which melteth fools—I mean, sweet words, Low-crookèd curtsies, and base spaniel fawning. Thy brother by decree is banishèd. If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him, I spurn thee like a cur out of my way. Know, Caesar doth not wrong, nor without cause Will he be satisfied 1) Find all the references to dogs. 2)What do these images represent? 3)Find all the verbs connected to melting. What do these words represent? puissant- powerful couchings-grovelings and humble bowing turn…decree – change what has been ordained lane/law-pathway

Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!
Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the streets.

Act 3, Scene 1 Questions: What excuse do the conspirators use to approach Caesar at the Capitol? How does Caesar react to them? Who stabs Caesar first? Who stabs Caesar last? What does Caesar say as he dies?

Structure In Julius Caesar
Objective: To further understand the structure of Julius Caesar Denoument Falling action Climax Exposition Rising action Conflict

Structure Recap Five Act Tragedy

Act 3, Scene 2 Brutus and Cassius enter the Forum, which is thronged with citizens demanding satisfaction. They divide the crowd — Cassius leading off one portion to hear his argument, and Brutus presenting reasons to those remaining behind at the Forum. Brutus asks the citizens to contain their emotions until he has finished, to bear in mind that he is honourable, and to use their reason in order to judge him. He then sets before them his reasons for the murder of Caesar and points out that documentation exists in the Capitol that support his claims. The citizens are convinced and at the end of his oration, cheer him with emotion. He then directs them to listen to Antony's funeral oration.

Persuasive Techniques Used By Anthony
Who is Anthony?

Character recap: Brutus Caesar Anthony
BRUTUS Grant that, and then is death a benefit. So are we Caesar’s friends, that have abridged His time of fearing death. Stoop, Romans, stoop, And let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords. Then walk we forth, even to the marketplace, And waving our red weapons o'er our heads Let’s all cry, “Peace, freedom, and liberty!”

BRUTUS Then follow me, and give me audience, friends. Cassius, go you into the other street, And part the numbers. Those that will hear me speak, let ’em stay here; Those that will follow Cassius, go with him; And public reasons shall be rendered Of Caesar’s death.

Write your own modern version of either Brutus’ or Anthony’s Speech.

Julius Caesar In 10 Phrases
Party on the streets Beware the ides of March Brutus and Cassius bromance? Three times refused Portia and Calpurnia warn Bathe hands in blood Friends, Romans, countrymen Brutus and Cassius banished! Armies march Death

Brutus and Cassius vs Anthony
Brutus and Cassius enter the Forum with a crowd of plebeians. Cassius exits to speak to another portion of the crowd. Brutus addresses the onstage crowd, assuring them that they may trust in his honour. He did not kill Caesar out of a lack of love for him, he says, but because his love for Rome outweighed his love of a single man. He insists that Caesar was great but ambitious: it was for this reason that he slew him. He feared that the Romans would live as slaves under Caesar’s leadership. Antony then enters with Caesar’s body. Brutus explains to the crowd that Antony had no part in the conspiracy but that he will now be part of the new commonwealth. The plebeians cheer Brutus’s apparent kindness, declaring that Brutus should be Caesar. He quiets them and asks them to listen to Antony, who has obtained permission to give a funeral oration. Brutus exits.

Anarchy on the streets A different man (a poet) named Cinna has been killed by the crowd (mistaken identity) Act 4 Antony, Octavius and Lepidus get together and decide who now needs to be killed. The three of them intend to rule Rome as a triumvirate. They trade off who will be killed (the brother of Lepidus and Anthony’s nephew). Anthony not sure he trusts Lepidus, so he asks Octavius if he is trustworthy.

barren-spirited-empty
Q: How does Shakespeare use metaphor to explain how Anthony feels about Lepidus? ANTONY So is my horse, Octavius, and for that I do appoint him store of provender. It is a creature that I teach to fight, To wind, to stop, to run directly on, His corporal motion governed by my spirit, And, in some taste, is Lepidus but so. He must be taught and trained and bid go forth, A barren-spirited fellow, one that feeds On objects, arts, and imitations, Which, out of use and staled by other men, Begin his fashion. Do not talk of him But as a property. And now, Octavius, Listen great things. Brutus and Cassius provender-food (hay) corporal-bodily barren-spirited-empty

Julius Caesar - Themes Abuse of Power Fate vs Free Will
Supernatural Events Pride The Power of Speech Public Identity vs Private Identity

Catholic historian, politician and writer
“Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority; still more when you superadd the tendency of the certainty of corruption by authority.” Lord Acton, Catholic historian, politician and writer Lord Acton, Catholic, very educated,

Abuse of Power The primary reason for the conspiracy is Caesar’s perceived abuse of power. Cassius believes Caesar wants to become a king, threatening the republican form of government. Although Caesar is portrayed as arrogant and prideful, Shakespeare does not side with the conspirators. Cassius is also shown as jealous of Caesar’s power and motivated by his own desire for political power. The Triumvirate that replaces Caesar (Antony, Octavius and Lepidus) is more ruthless and tyrannical than Caesar.

Modern bronze statue of Julius Caesar, Rimini, Italy
Abuse of Power – 2 Is Shakespeare saying that the desire for power is inherent in political societies? In human nature? The plot to limit Caesar’s power results in the establishment of a worse dictator (Octavius, later the Emperor Augustus). Ironically, the conspiracy to save the republic results in its destruction. Modern bronze statue of Julius Caesar, Rimini, Italy Would Shakespeare have agreed with Lord Acton that “Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely”? Is this true of Caesar? Brutus? Cassius? Antony? Octavius? All human beings?

Quote Quest: Power Caesar Act 3, Sc 1 lines 58-65
But I am constant as the Northern Star, Of whose true fixed and resting quality There is no fellow in the firmament. Just before his assassination, Caesar refuses to grant a repeal for Metellus’ banished brother. What does this tell us about how Caesar views himself? Caesar boasts of his constancy. This comparison implies more than steadfastness: the North Star is the star by which sailors have navigated since ancient times, the star that guides them in their voyages, just as Caesar leads the Roman people.

But I am constant as the Northern Star, Of whose true fixed and resting quality There is no fellow in the firmament. The North Star is unique as the only star that never changes its position in the sky. Caesar implies that he is unequalled among Romans. Caesar claims permanency, immortality even. The assassins quickly prove Caesar mortal.

Act I – Quotes Beware the Ides of March! 
And this man Is now become a god, and Cassius is A wretched creature, and must bend his body If Caesar carelessly but nod at him. Men at some time are masters of their fates: The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings. Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; He thinks too much: such men are dangerous. Quotes Main Menu

Julius Caesar- Act IV: Can you trust your friends?
You hear from somebody that your current closest friend doesn’t trust you. Do you: A) Ignore the gossip. You and your bestie would never betray each other. B) Confront your best friend in the school canteen at lunch (which draws a huge crowd). C) Break up with your best friend without discussing why. If they want to find out, they have to come to you. D) Discuss privately with your best friend what all this could mean in the hopes that you will find it is all a huge mistake.

Julius Caesar- Language Techniques

Act 4, Sc 2 At a camp near Sardis, Brutus and his generals enter. Brutus hints at some slight he has suffered at the hands of Cassius. He asks Lucilius how Cassius received him. Lucilius replies that he was greeted with respect but without the usual friendliness. Brutus interprets this to mean that his friendship with Cassius has grown cold and that he can no longer rely on it. Cassius enters and accuses Brutus of wronging him. Brutus denies it, but does not want to dispute in front of their generals. He takes Cassius inside his tent so they can discuss the matter alone. This scene moves the action forward and prepares the ground for the quarrel between Brutus and Cassius that is about to take place. Worksheet with extract and questions- language, structure, form

Act 4 Scene 3: Brutus and Cassius Quarrel: The Argument Continues
Stung by Brutus’s criticisms, Cassius asks Brutus to kill him. Brutus relents, admits blame himself and resolves to ignore Cassius’s temper in future. CASSIUS Come, Antony, and young Octavius, come, Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius, For Cassius is a-weary of the world; Hated by one he loves, brav’d by his brother, Check’d like a bondman, all his faults observ’d, Set in a note-book, learn’d, and conn’d by rote, To cast into my teeth. O, I could weep My spirit from mine eyes! There is my dagger, How does the first line appear to show a turning point in the quarrel? What advice would you give an actor playing these lines?

The Argument Is Resolved & The Importance of Friendship
After Cassius’s outburst, Cassius and Brutus become firm friends. The cultivation of friendship was an important duty in the ancient world. In the year of Caesar’s death, Cicero (an important philosopher) wrote an essay ‘Of Friendship’: ‘Take away the bond of kindly feeling from the world, and no house or city can stand. Even the fields will no longer be cultivated. If that sounds exaggerated, consider the opposite state of affairs: note the disasters that come from dissension and enmity. When there is internal hatred and division, no home or country in the world is strong enough to avoid destruction.’ Dissension- disagreement Enmity-hatred

Portia Is Dead BRUTUS Impatient of my absence,
And grief that young Octavius with Mark Antony Have made themselves so strong—for with her death That tidings came—with this she fell distract And, her attendants absent, swallowed fire.

Act IV Scene 1: 1. Who are the members of the triumvirate?
2. What kind of list are the three making at the beginning of the scene? 3. What does Antony say they will do to Caesar’s will? 4. What is Antony’s opinion of Lepidus? 5. What reason does Antony give letting Lepidus help in choosing who shall die? Scene 2: 6. Why does Brutus suggest that he and Cassius talk inside the tent? Scene 3: 7. Why is Cassius angry at Brutus? 8. What does Brutus accuse Cassius of? 9. For what has Brutus asked Cassius that he did not receive? 10. What does Brutus refuse to do as a means to raise money for his army? 11. How does Portia die?

Act IV Scene 1: 1. Who are the members of the second triumvirate? Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus 2. What kind of list are the three making at the beginning of the scene? They are making a list of who is to be killed. 3. What does Antony say they will do to Caesar’s will? They will alter it to cut expenses. 4. What is Antony’s opinion of Lepidus? He’s a stupid man who will do what others tell him to. 5. What reason does Antony give letting Lepidus help in choosing who shall die? He is easily led and will help shoulder any blame. Scene 2: 6. Why does Brutus suggest that he and Cassius talk inside the tent? He doesn’t want the soldiers to see them fighting because it might cause division. Scene 3: 7. Why is Cassius angry at Brutus? Brutus publicly condemned Lucius Pellus for taking bribes. 8. What does Brutus accuse Cassius of? He accuses Cassius of selling things for gold and keeping the money. 9. For what has Brutus asked Cassius that he did not receive? He wanted payment for the army. 10. What does Brutus refuse to do as a means to raise money for his army? He refuses to do anything wrong for the money. 11. How does Portia die? She swallows hot coals.

Shakespeare & Hip Hop

Public Face vs Private Face: Image is everything! Context
Who makes himself out to be invincible? Caesar! Why? -public figures are like celebrities, all their decisions are made in the public eye and the are conscious of this fact -their decisions are scrutinised/criticised by the Roman people who may or may not be receptive. -public figures are also very careful about the image they project to one another. -Caesar walks half-knowingly into his murder, because death would not be as bad for his image as making an effort to avoid death.

Public Identity vs. Private Identity - 1
Private Caesar vs. Public Caesar Early in the play, Cassius points out the reality behind Caesar’s public persona when he describes his physical weakness during the swimming race: Caesar cried "Help me, Cassius, or I sink!“ … And this man / Is now become a god, and Cassius is A wretched creature… (I, 2) Caesar fails to thwart the conspiracy because he puts his public image before the more private, human concerns of his wife. Decius convinces him to go to the forum after suggesting that the senators might change their minds about offering him the crown. If Caesar hide himself, shall they not whisper “Lo, Caesar is afraid"?

Decius also offers a positive public “spin” on Calpurnia’s dream that Caesar’s statue “like a fountain with an hundred spouts, / Did run pure blood…” (II, 2) Decius’s interpretation of the “fair and fortunate” dream is that Rome “shall suck reviving blood” from Caesar’s greatness. Caesar changes his mind about going to the Senate when he realizes the harm it may do to his public image if he stays home. How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia! I am ashamed I did yield to them. Give me my robe, for I will go. (II, 2) Caesar again rejects personal concerns when Artemidorus offers him a letter that will reveal the conspiracy and avert the assassination. What touches us ourself shall be last served. (III, 1)

Private Brutus vs. Public Brutus Brutus struggles with his decision to join the conspiracy because he has strong personal loyalties to Caesar. Privately, Brutus is revealed as a sensitive and studious man who hates violence and loves Caesar. His final decision is based on his assessment of the “general” or common good. It must be by his death: and for my part, I know no personal cause to spurn at him, But for the general. After Portia demonstrates her loyalty to Brutus by concealing her self- inflicted wound, Brutus expresses his love for her. O ye gods, / Render me worthy of this noble wife!

Shakespeare skillfully reveals the “private lives” of Caesar and Brutus by showing them “at home” with their wives in consecutive scenes. II, 1 – Brutus and Portia (follows the meeting with the conspirators) II, 2 – Caesar and Calpurnia (precedes the assassination) Brutus (James Mason) and Portia (Deborah Kerr) Julius Caesar, 1953 and While both scenes juxtapose the public vs. private identities of Caesar and Brutus, they also invite the audience to compare Brutus’s relationship with Portia to Caesar’s relationship with Calpurnia.

How does Shakespeare present the tension between the public and private lives of Caesar and Brutus?

Sam Joe Annabelle Molly Luca Will Tom Ben Niamh Nathan James Antonio Connor

Step 1: Think of four different ‘moments’ in the play that connect to the question. Step 2: Describe how they demonstrate this tension Step 3: Choose suitable quotation and analyse for language technique Step 4: Link to context

Context Shakespeare’s contemporaries, well versed in ancient Greek and Roman history, would very likely have detected parallels between Julius Caesar’s portrayal of the shift from republican to imperial Rome and the Elizabethan era’s trend toward consolidated monarchal power. In 1599, when the play was first performed, Queen Elizabeth I had sat on the throne for nearly forty years, enlarging her power at the expense of the aristocracy and the House of Commons. As she was then sixty-six years old, her reign seemed likely to end soon, yet she lacked any heirs (as did Julius Caesar). Many feared that her death would plunge England into the kind of chaos that had plagued England during the fifteenth-century Wars of the Roses. In an age when censorship would have limited direct commentary on these worries, Shakespeare could nevertheless use the story of Caesar to comment on the political situation of his day.

There is a certain amount of tension between the public and private lives of Brutus and Caesar in Julius Caesar. Both men put their public office above their private lives and Shakespeare portrays the men as sacrificing their personal lives for the greater good of Rome and the people of Rome. Personal feelings seem ignored as the common good and the interests of the public are followed. In Act 1, Shakespeare builds tension around the decision that Brutus needs to make to either join the conspirators or not. We see Brutus’ private internal conflict as he cannot sleep, but we also see Casca’s more public view of Brutus that knows the importance for the conspirators to have Brutus join them as Brutus ‘…sits high in all the people’s hearts, And that which would appear offence in us…will change to virtue and to worthiness’. This metaphor suggests that Brutus is able to easily convince the people since he is well respected and that ideas sound better coming from Brutus than from Casca. Brutus would likely realise these things but is unsure at this point as he is Caesar’s friend. The two qualities that are introduced to the audience of ‘virtue’ and ‘worthiness’ further reinforce to the audience that Brutus is a compassionate man, so further demonstrate the turmoil he must be experiencing.

ACT V Key points Octavius and Antony await Brutus, Cassius, and their armies. Antony orders Octavius to take the left side of the field, but Octavius insists upon taking the right and Antony taking the left. Brutus, Cassius, and their followers enter, and the opposing generals meet. The two sides immediately hurl insults at one another. Brutus sends Messala with a message, urging Cassius to engage the enemy forces at once. Brutus believes that the forces under Octavius, which are positioned before him, are currently unspirited and vulnerable to attack. Cassius is upset because he is afraid his men are running away from the field of battle. Cassius calls Pindarus back down from the hill and hands him the sword with which he stabbed Caesar. He tells Pindarus to take the sword and stab him with it. Pindarus obeys, kills Cassius on the spot, and runs away.

ACT V Key points Titinius and Messala return to where Cassius is lying. Titinius has a wreath of laurels on his head, a sign of victory, and is telling Messala that Brutus has defeated Octavius but Antony has conquered Cassius' army. He sees Cassius on the ground and realizes that Cassius misunderstood what happened on the battle field. He then turns to Cassius' body and says, "Alas, thou hast misconstrued everything" (5.3.83). Titinius then picks up Cassius' sword and kills himself. Brutus arrives and sees the two dead bodies lying on the ground. He remarks, "Oh Julius Caesar, thou art mighty yet" (5.3.93). Brutus quickly recovers from the loss of his confederate and immediately orders the soldiers to prepare for another battle, this time against Antony.

ACT V Key Points Brutus appears again, still leading his troops. He tells his men to continue fighting and leaves them in the midst of battle. Cato valiantly fights but is killed. Lucillius pretends to be Brutus and challenges the soldiers, but is quickly captured. The soldiers send for Antony, thinking they have finally captured Brutus. Antony arrives and recognizes Lucillius and tells his soldiers that although they did not get Brutus, they still captured a nobleman. He orders his soldiers to continue fighting. Brutus arrives accompanied by several stragglers from his defeated army. He first asks Clitus and then Dardanius to kill him so that he will not be captured. They both refuse and stand away from him. He then asks Volumnius to kill him as a friend, but Volumnius tells him, "That's not the office for a friend, my lord" (5.5.29). At the sound of another call to battle, Brutus hastily gets up and orders his men to flee ahead of him. He keeps Strato with him, and finally convinces Strato to hold the sword while he impales himself on it.

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Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

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Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

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