Julius Caesar | Study Guide

William Shakespeare

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Check out this Infographic to learn more about William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Study visually with character maps, plot summaries, helpful context, and more.

julius-caesar-william-shakespeareot that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.Brutus, Act III, Scene II= DiesCaesarRome’s ambitiousmilitary leaderOctaviusCaesar’s heir andadopted sonCassiusLeader of theconspiracyBrutusAdmired andidealistic magistrateMark AntonyRoman general andfriend of Caesar’sThemesThe main characters, Caesar in particular, are often blinded by their preoccupation with power. The mob plays a disturbing role in the play, easily swayed and acting without thought.A central question of the play remains: is Caesar a tyrant, and if so is his murder justified?PowerTyrannyMob MentalityYear in which Caesar was murdered.44BCENumber of conspirators who plotted to murder Caesar. 60Age when Caesar married his first wife, Cornelia, in 84 BCE.~16Caesar introduced the leap year in the calendar reform of 46 BCE.1DAYMore than two thousand years after his death, Caesar remains one of the most fascinating—andconsequential—historical figures.by the NumbersJulius CaesarWILLIAM SHAKESPEARE1564–1616Arguably the most famous playwright of all time, Shakespeare is credited with 38 plays. With Julius Caesar (written around 1599-1600), he explored themes that were very relevant for Renaissance England, where Roman rebellion resonated with European political turmoil.Julius Caesar is full of famous quotes (“Beware the Ides of March,” “Et tu, Brute?”), and many come from the pivotal Act III scene in which Brutus and Antony deliver speeches. The use of words to manipulate is central to—and at the center of—the play.RhetoricAuthorOVERVIEWThe Noblest of Romans Act IAct IVAct VAct IIIJulius Caesar is the quintessential political thriller: the first half culminates in Caesar’s murder, while the second depicts the fallout of his death. The motives and actions of Caesar and his conspirators are far from black and white—and Shakespeare brilliantly reveals the murky nature of political power and manipulation.Caesar returns triumphantly to Rome after defeating Pompey’s sons, but some senators—led by Cassius—fear his power will lead to tyranny and plot his murder.The conspirators stab Caesar to death. At his funeral, Brutus explains their reasoning eloquently, but Antony’s oration turns Rome against the plotters.Having fled the city, Brutus and Cassius prepare for battle and await the armies of Antony and Octavius, Caesar’s adopted son.Cassius convinces Caesar’s ally Brutus to join their cause; he reluctantly agrees, but will not condone killing Caesar’s friend Antony.Defeated on the battlefield, Cassius and Brutus choose to commit suicide. Act IIWilliam Shakespearec. 1599–1600EnglishPlayAuthorYears WrittenOriginal LanguageJulius CaesarTragedyMain Characters
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