Julius Caesar

1. Julius Caesar Facts, Context, Plot, and Parallels: Concepts You Should Know

2. FACTS • Shakespeare wrote 37 plays/154 sonnets • Shakespeare lived during the Elizabethan era (16th and 17th century – 1500’s and early 1600’s) • His work affected the course of Western Literature and culture forever

3. More Facts • Caesar Setting: Rome, Italy (44 B.C) – Rome was the center of the entire empire • Rome was getting stronger – threats still existed. • Caesar is Shakespeare’s shortest play. It is the first to be performed, but it took many years to make it to text.

4. Context • Constant fighting between ambitious military leaders and Senators (they were weak) to whom they owed allegiance. • Lots of division between citizens. • Many wanted to be the absolute ruler of Rome – Caesar was the only likely candidate • The citizens who favored democratic rule feared Caesar’s power. Thus begins the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar. This was ill-fated, leading to civil war, and eventually the end of the Roman Empire.

5. Caesar - Plot • The events leading to the assassination • Civil War • Deaths of the conspirators • Revenge

6. Parallels – Roman Empire and Elizabethan • Shift from Republican to Imperial Rome and historically – Elizabethan Era heading toward Monarchial power. • Elizabeth did not have an heir to her throne and there was fear that her death may put England into chaos. The play, Caesar, is Shakespeare’s commentary on the political situation of the day. • The actions of leaders of Roman society determined the history, rather than class conflicts or large political movements.