...Probably written in 1599, Julius Caesar was the earliest of Shakespeare's three Roman history plays. Like Antony and Cleopatra and Coriolanus, Julius Caesar is a dramatization of actual events, Shakespeare drawing upon the ancient Roman historian Plutarch's Lives of Caesar, Brutus, and Mark Antony as the primary source of the play's plot and characters. The play is tightly structured. It establishes the dramatic problem of alarm at Julius Caesar's ambition to become "king" (or dictator) in the very first scene and introduces signs that Caesar must "beware the Ides of March" from the outset. Before its midpoint, Caesar is assassinated, and shortly after Mark Antony's famous funeral oration ("Friends, Romans, and countrymen … "), the setting shifts permanently from Rome to the battlefields on which Brutus and Cassius meet their inevitable defeat. Julius Caesar is also a tragedy; but despite its title, the tragic character of the play is Brutus, the noble Roman whose decision to take part in the conspiracy for the sake of freedom plunges him into a personal conflict and his country into civil war. Literary scholars have debated for centuries about the question of who exactly is the protagonist of this play. The seemingly simple answer to this question would be Julius Caesar himself—after all, the play is named after him, and the events of the play all relate to him. However, Caesar only appears in three scenes (four if the ghost is included), thus apparently making him an unlikely...
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...People usually think that Caesar is the protagonist of Julius Caesar, but after looking deep inside the play, Marcus Brutus shows more direction in the story. Marcus Brutus, Julius Caesar’s good friend portrays a personality of a leader in the play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar , by Shakespeare. Throughout the storyline, Brutus shows potential strengths that makes him a good leader because he expresses good communication, wisdom, confidence, and brave. In the play, Brutus illustrates qualities such as excellent public-speaking skills and knowledge that makes him potential to become a leader. Since Brutus is a great speaker, he is able to grab the commoners attention in a polite when, though the situation is messy. He says, “ Romans, countrymen,...
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...* For a long time and to this day it's been questioned whether jealousy can ever be a good thing.Those who claim that jealousy can be beneficial argue that it evokes the determination and will to be better and to work harder to reach goals. However, examples from literature and American history prove that this notion is not necessarily valid. The play of Julius Caesar and the assassination of Martin Luther King illustrate that jealousy can never have a beneficial effect. In life and throughout society the evidence illustrating the dreadful effects of jealousy is prevasive. * In the literary work Julius Caesar ,written by Shakespeare, the protagonist Julius Caesar faces the jealousy and envy of the most close people to him, who were envious and jealous from the power and admiration Caesar was endowed with. Being blinded with jealousy the conspirators murdered Caesar under the mask of wanting the best for their empire, suggesting the truth the jealousy can never result in an advantageous outcome. After Caesar was murdered the conspirators relished their victory, but later after facing the consequences of their actions, they realized how jealousy blinded them into destroying the very thing they were trying to protect. the actions of the conspirators demonstrate that it's implausible for jealousy to be beneficial even if it was seemingly leading to something propitious. * In 1955 the civil rights movement was sparked and led by the American activist, humanitarian and...
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...Julius Caesar - BBC Shakespeare Collection: Analysis Julius Caesar was written in 1599 by William Shakespeare. Shakespeare was one of the greatest writers of his time and most popular in the modern era, with Julius Caesar being one of his greatest works. In his work Julius Caesar, Shakespeare shows the fluctuation of power in Rome and the problems that came with it. Shakespeare expresses the abuse of power and the struggles to obtain in a society that was at its peak. However with great power comes great responsibility along with challenges and dangers. There is no absolute power; every power has limitations; especially when you are just a human, power itself is more than a name or position; it is something that people must do. Every character within Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar has some form of power, however the biggest issue of power in this story, is the change of power in the rulers of Rome. Here once again Shakespeare displays to us many different kinds of power and the use and abuse of it such as, people with power using it just for their convenience. Julius Caesar, the protagonist of this story is the center of power; he is also the first logical person to be introduced. Upon his arrival, he is hailed as a great man who has been offered the crown numerous times, refusing it each time, he is to be seen as the hero of the people at that time. However, when Caesars past actions are looked upon we are meant to question if he has true heroism. These actions being that...
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...intricate character development of a virtuous and respectable protagonist. However, even a seemingly ideal character requires relatable flaws for their audience to connect on an emotional level with them; thus, authors of tragedies also give their heroes a hamartia, which Aristotle defines as a weakness in character. This single...
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...CARIBBEAN E XAM I NAT I O N S COUNCIL 6010 CARIBBEAN SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE® EXAMINATION *J1601219020* 12 JANUARY 2016 (a.m.) J1601219020 FILL IN ALL THE INFORMATION REQUESTED CLEARLY IN CAPITAL LETTERS. TEST CODE 0 1 2 1 9 0 2 0 SUBJECT ENGLISH B – Paper 02 PROFICIENCY GENERAL REGISTRATION NUMBER SCHOOL/CENTRE NUMBER NAME OF SCHOOL/CENTRE CANDIDATE’S FULL NAME (FIRST, MIDDLE, LAST) DATE OF BIRTH D D M M Y Y Y SIGNATURE __________________________________________________ *0121902001* 0121902001 Y 0121902002 E PA G TH IS W RI TE ON T DO NO *0121902002* TEST CODE FORM TP 2016010 CARIBBEAN E XAM I NAT I O N S 01219020 JANUARY 2016 COUNCIL CARIBBEAN SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE® EXAMINATION ENGLISH B Paper 02 – General Proficiency 2 hours 10 minutes READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. 1. This paper consists of TWELVE questions, arranged in THREE sections as follows: Section A: DRAMA Questions 1 and 2: Shakespeare Questions 3 and 4: Modern Drama Section B: POETRY Questions 5 and 6 Section C: PROSE FICTION Questions 7 to 10: Novel Questions 11 and 12: Short Story 2. Answer THREE questions only, ONE question from EACH section. 3. You MUST write in essay format and develop ALL your responses fully. 4. Write your answers...
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...Julius Caesar full title · The Tragedy of Julius Caesar author · William Shakespeare type of work · Play genre · Tragic drama, historical drama language · English time and place written · 1599, in London date of first publication · Published in the First Folio of 1623, probably from the theater company’s official promptbook rather than from Shakespeare’s manuscript publisher · Edward Blount and William Jaggard headed the group of five men who undertook the publication of Shakespeare’s First Folio narrator · None climax · Cassius’s death (V.iii), upon ordering his servant, Pindarus, to stab him, marks the point at which it becomes clear that the murdered Caesar has been avenged, and that Cassius, Brutus, and the other conspirators have lost in their attempt to keep Rome a republic rather than an empire. Ironically, the conspirators’ defeat is not yet as certain as Cassius believes, but his death helps bring about defeat for his side. protagonists · Brutus and Cassius antagonists · Antony and Octavius setting (time) · 44 b.c. setting (place) · Ancient Rome, toward the end of the Roman republic point of view · The play sustains no single point of view; however, the audience acquires the most insight into Brutus’s mind over the course of the action falling action · Titinius’ realization that Cassius has died wrongly assuming defeat; Titinius’ suicide; Brutus’s discovery of the two corpses; the final struggle between Brutus’s men and the troops...
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...From Republic to Dictatorship: Caesar to Octavian (50–30 BCE) Summary The Pompei-Caesar civil war was violent on a scale not previously experienced by Rome. It was bad for the Ancient Mediterranean world in general. The war disrupted its agricultural bases and was economically wasteful, in addition to bringing political uncertainty, as the petty potentates in client relations to Rome were not sure with whom to adhere, since they were uncertain who would be victorious. Additionally, much life was lost, with the elite of Rome and the outlying Italian cities being prominently represented among the victims. In 47 BCE, Caesar returned from the East, and was publicly pardoned by the Senate. Pompeii's supporters renewed the Senate with their own numbers, after which Caesar left to confront North African rebels under Q. Metullus Scipio. Arriving in the winter of 47-46, he only had half an army, and waited until the spring before destroying the Pompeiian-supported rebels at Thapsus. His forces massacred the rebels. The Rome Senate then accorded him the power of Dictator for ten years, allowing him as well a four-fold triumph: victories over the last ten years were celebrated, including Gaul, Egypt, Pontus, and Africa. Just after this he defeated a further rebellion under Pompei's son, Sextus Pompei, in Iberia at Munda. This was the last civil war battle in Caesar's time. His status as Dictator provided him commands of the army and provinces; financial control, foreign policy decisions...
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...Julius Caesar Character Analysis Written around the year 1599, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar written by William Shakespeare, was based on the Roman philosopher Plutarch’s biographies of the hoary Greek and Roman rulers, Julius Caesar, Octavius Brutus, and Marc Anthony. The role and personality of Julius Caesar in the written play was greatly determined in an indirect manner. Julius Caesar is immanently the disputed protagonist who remains a flat character throughout the play; a self-aggrandizing character that is wished death upon. His constant demands and braggart remarks about himself gave him a very egotistical perception. He was plotted against behind his back by people he called his friends, and was eventually stabbed to death on the Ides of March, or on the 15th of March, ironically, in front of the Theatre of Pompey. Julius Caesar often allowed his dignity to get in his way, which strongly made him look very preposterous and moronic. Caesar thought very highly of himself and had a very prominent perspective of himself. Subsequently defeating Pompey, a Roman politician and general, he boastfully returns back to Rome, being greeted by enjoying the show of pomp. After being demanded by Caesar, Marc Antony responded to Caesar saying, “When Caesar says “Do this,” it is performed.” (23.) Marc Antony generates the idea of Caesar being like a God; he’s treated like a deity and Marc follows all his commands and demands as if he’s a slave. Caesar is perceived as a very valiant...
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...Revenge in Julius Caesar Revenge. Revenge causes one to act blindly without reason. It is based on the principle of an eye for an eye, however this principle is not always a justified one to follow. In Julius Caesar, Antony seeks to avenge the death of Caesar. Antony acts on emotion which leads to the demise of Brutus, who is a noble man that does not deserve to be killed. Revenge is a central theme within Julius Caesar. Revenge In Julius Caesar Revenge in Julius Caesar Revenge. Revenge causes one to act blindly without reason. It is based on the principle of an eye for an eye, however this principle is not ... This is demonstrated through Antony s desire to avenge Caesar s death, and also the return of Julius Caesar s ghost. Revenge is again exemplified through the violent course of action, which is taken by the Plebeians in an attempt to seek justice for the assassination of their Roman superior. The theme of revenge is evident when Antony demonstrates a desire to avenge Caesar s death. After Caesar s death, Antony swears to take revenge on those who Revenge In Julius Caesar Revenge in Julius Caesar Revenge. Revenge causes one to act blindly without reason. It is based on the principle of an eye for an eye, however this principle is not ... murdered Caesar, And Caesar s spirit, ranging for revenge, With ate by his side come hot from hell, Shall in these confines with a monarch s voice Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war, That this foul deed shall smell above the earth...
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...Battle Analysis 1. Overview: a. Actium-Rome b. 31 BC c. The battle took place off the coast of Actium in the Ionian Sea 2. Historical Context a. This battle was a part of Roman Civil War between Octavian and Mark Antony. This battle would establish a Roman Emperor and one single ruler of Rome after Julius Caesar’s death. b. There were a lot of key events that led up to this particular battle being fought. Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC. This led to the Second Triumvirate being formed between Octavian, Mark Antony, and Marcus Aerulius Lepidus to rule Rome. They crushed the conspirators Brutus and Cassius at Philippi in 42 BC. After this happened Octavian would rule the western provinces, Antony would oversee the east, and Lepidus was given North Africa. Tensions between Octavian and Anthony became greater over the next few years. In 40 BC Octavia, Octavian’s sister, married Antony. In 37 BC, Antony married Caesar's former lover, Cleopatra VII of Egypt, without divorcing Octavia. After this, Antony worked to expand his power in the east. In 32 BC Antony divorced Octavia, making Octavian even angrier. In response Octavian announced that Antony’s will affirmed Cleopatra's eldest son as Caesar’s true heir. The will turned Roman opinion against Antony because they believed he was trying to make Cleopatra’s son the ruler of Rome. Using this reason for war, Octavian assembled forces to attack Antony and this is how the battle began. c. Octavian wanted...
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...be a great day that I was going to be honored. Not knowing that I was going to get stabbed to death. All I want to know is what I did wrong. I know that I may have not been the best leader, but I was trying my best to help the city of Rome. I thought that I was helping even you Brutus. I still am in shock that my best friend or so what I thought was a best friend betrayed my authority. You should be ashamed; I still don’t know how you can walk around knowing you killed someone that had trust for you. Let me tell you something Brutus, you better watch your back, because the one loyal person I know will not back down. He will come for you and his name is Mark Antony. He will give you what you gave me. With much hate and confusion, Julius...
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...Mohid Rizwan Mr. Bennett ENG-2D0 14 November 2012 Julius Caesar Essay “A leader is someone who knows the way, shows the way, and goes the way.” Cassius is a better judge of character, Brutus makes mistakes, and Cassius is a better general. These reasons help explain why Cassius is a better leader than Brutus. First of all, Cassius is a better judge of character. When Brutus gives Mark Antony permission to speak at Julius Caesar’s funeral, Cassius says, Brutus, a word with you You know not what you do; do not Consent That Antony speak in his funeral. Know you how much the people may be moved By that which he will utter? (III, i, 232-234) This quote suggests that Cassius does not trust Antony. He knows that Antony is going to manipulate the mob against the conspirators. Overall, he judges Antony’s character well. On the other hand, Brutus makes mistakes. One of the most crucial mistakes he makes is when he lets Antony speak at the funeral, even though Cassius warns him not to. When Cassius tells Brutus not to let Antony speak at the funeral, Brutus replies, What Antony shall speak, I will protest He speaks by leave and by permission, And that we are contented Caesar shall Have all true rites and lawful ceremonies. It shall advantage us more than do us wrong. (III, i, 238-242) The quote suggests that Brutus lets Antony speak at the funeral, thinking that it will do the conspirators well. However, letting Antony speak, was his worst...
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...plan to eliminate Caesar or deal with Caesar's potential of rulership. Brutus believed that Caesar was going to be an “overpowered” ruler for Rome. He didn't want the plebeians to become slaves and he cares about the people deeply. Brutus is a true noble man because he keeps true to his word that he loves Rome more than anything and would do anything to protect it. Brutus had to kill his best friend, Caesar, because he feared that he would do bad for Rome. Brutus told the plebeians his true feelings about how we felt for Rome and how he felt about Caesar. “Not that I lov'd Caesar less, but that I lov'd Rome more” (III, ii,21-22). Brutus was showing that he cared for Rome, and that he wasn't selfish. Therefore, Brutus had to clarify why he should eliminate Caesar because of a good cause. Brutus needed to explain to the Romans on why he should kill Caesar. Brutus wanted to explain his thoughts and reasons about Caesar's ruling to the Romans. “Had you rather Caesar were living, and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men?” (III,ii,22-23). Brutus truly adored the Romans and wanted them to know if they wanted to be slaves in Caesar's will or be free without Caesar trying to rule them. Although Brutus shows his compassion to the Romans, he didn't quite show a lot for his “best” friend. Brutus is not a noble man because he schemed against his best friend, Caesar and killed him. The conspirators, along with Brutus, brought Caesar to the council where...
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...Brutus Brutus emerges as the most complex character in Julius Caesar and is also the play’s tragic hero. In his soliloquies, the audience gains insight into the complexities of his motives. He is a powerful public figure, but he appears also as a husband, a master to his servants, a dignified military leader, and a loving friend. The conflicting value systems that battle with each other in the play as a whole are enacted on a microcosmic level in Brutus’s mind. Even after Brutus has committed the assassination with the other members of the conspiracy, questions remain as to whether, in light of his friendship with Caesar, the murder was a noble, decidedly selfless act or proof of a truly evil callousness, a gross indifference to the ties of friendship and a failure to be moved by the power of a truly great man. Brutus’s rigid idealism is both his greatest virtue and his most deadly flaw. In the world of the play, where self-serving ambition seems to dominate all other motivations, Brutus lives up to Antony’s elegiac description of him as “the noblest of Romans.” However, his commitment to principle repeatedly leads him to make miscalculations: wanting to curtail violence, he ignores Cassius’s suggestion that the conspirators kill Antony as well as Caesar. In another moment of naïve idealism, he again ignores Cassius’s advice and allows Antony to speak a funeral oration over Caesar’s body. As a result, Brutus forfeits the authority of having the last word on the murder and thus...
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