1. Shakespearean Tragedy

2. Globe Theater Public theater
Roofless, no lights, three levels of galleries
Groundlings stood in the pit
Globe was round or octagonal, seated 2,500-3,000 people
No scenery – relied on words
All male actors

3. Words to know Mark: notice An: if Marry: an exclamation (Mary)
Prithee: pray thee (please)
Save:except
Soft: wait a minute
Wherefore: why
Whither: when
Withal: also
An: if
Aught: anything
Beseech: beg
But: only
Durst: dared
Ere: before
Hie: hurry
Hither: here
Thither: there

4. Inverted word order
Because it is poetry, words are often switched around to preserve rhyme
Mentally switch it to subject verb order or a more common order
Ex: Knew you not Pompey?
Ex: Yet in the number I do not know but one that unassailable holds on his rank. . .

5. Drama terms
Stage directions: author’s directions for action or movement.
Dialogue: speech of characters
Soliloquy: speech given by a character alone on stage to reveal thoughts and feelings
Monologue: speech given by a character to other characters
Aside: words spoken aloud but that imply only audience or specific characters can hear.
Dramatic irony: difference between what the characters know and what the audience knows.

6. Tragedy
Type of drama that shows the downfall or destruction of a noble or outstanding person

7. Tragic hero The central character in a tragedy.
A person of high rank and personal quality that because of a fatal weakness (tragic flaw) becomes involved in a series of events that lead to his downfall and destruction.

8. Tragic flaw
The weakness in a tragic hero’s character that leads to his downfall.

9. Conflict
External conflict: between a character and another person or outside force.
Internal conflict: within the mind of a character

10. Mood/ Atmosphere
The feeling created by the author.

11. Julius Caesar

12. Setting Rome 44BC Major division between social classes
Senate, which favored more democratic rule, feared that Julius Caesar’s reign would lead to slavery.

13. Tragic Hero
Brutus
Caesar
Tragic Flaw
Ambition

14. Discussion questions Do the ends justify the means?
How can a person make ethical choices?
How does society decide what is good/appropriate and what is not?

15. Discussion questions How can ambition be both good and bad?
How do today’s societal standards differ from past standards?
What aspects of human nature and society do not change?

16. Discussion questions
What are the qualities and responsibilities of a good leader?
What are the key factors that determine whether a leader will fail or succeed?
How does a leader affect a group or society?