Transcript Shakespeare`s Julius Caesar

Shakespeare’s
Julius Caesar
Introduction
Shakespeare’s Culture
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Elizabethan England
– “Age of Exploration”
– Influenced by change and adventure
– Consumed with exploration
– Conquer verse being conquered
– Challenged boundaries brought forth
English traditions (rank, property, dress)
– Sumptuary Laws
What does clothing tell us?
Why Julius Caesar?
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History centers around challenged
Roman traditions
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Political uproar verse national pride
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History play shaped around the
Elizabethan culture and its’ fears
Who is Julius Caesar?
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Roman general, gifted speaker, and
popular ruler
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Assassinated by political rivals who
happen to also be his friends
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Came to power by defeating Pompey
War with Pompey
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Pompey was a wealthy Roman
At twenty, he raised an army and
defeated the previous leader, Marius
In 60 BC, Pompey, Caesar, and
Marcus formed the first triumvirate
group
Pompey grew concerned with
Caesars’ growing popularity
Violent civil war broke loose…
Where did Shakespeare get
His Information From?
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Fascinated by Plutarch’s Lives
Greek biography of famous people in
history
All historical figures except for a
servant appear in Plutarch’s work
What does Julius Caesar
have to do with Us?
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Bipartisanship
Split political nations
Historical American assassinations
Modern precautions and fears
More than Politics…
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Julius Caesar is a history play concerning
– Friendship
– Betrayal
– Ambition
– Fear
Macbeth and Julius Caesar?
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Macbeth serves as a transition to
Julius Caesar…
– “Why should I play the Roman Fool and
die on my own sword?”
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Macbeth Act V