...English 326 – Shakespeare’s Tragedies Essay #1 – Julius Caesar Source Study Sourcing Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar Reading the works of William Shakespeare has often proven quite interesting, as most of his plays are works of fiction, due in part to Shakespeare’s wild imagination. The same cannot be said for his tragic drama of Julius Caesar, a story heavily based not only real life events, but also on Plutarch’s Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans, as translated by Sir Thomas North. In studying a source, readers are privy to the creative genius that is Shakespeare, as one takes note of what he has kept in his plays as well as what he changed and added himself along the way. While the majority of the plot of Act three in Julius Caesar is mostly the same, there are subtle changes here and there that reflect the liberties that Shakespeare took in writing his own version. For the most part, the changes are not so much words, but rather the physical actions of the characters and their dramatized presentation. Plutarch’s source states that Caesar’s entrance into the Senate house was cause for all members of the Senate to stand, and as a result of this, the men surrounded Caesar standing, before they stabbed him. In Shakespeare’s version, the men each come forward and kneel before Caesar prior to the violent stabbing. The kneeling is reflective of their pleading for Plubius Cimber’s return from banishment. The brutality of the stabbing is most likely a dramatic effect intended...
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...Hello fellow senators, I am here today to explain to you why Julius Caesar should not be killed but should be kept alive. He may have done some disrespectful things, however, I have 3 main reasons as to why he should stay. Caesar gave to the poor which is amazing, he was a very strong military leader, and last of all, Caesar improved the city's society in many various ways. With all these reasons, I will proceed to explain them in more depth. First of all, Julius Caesar gave to the poor. He distributed free grain which is incredible and gave whole free land to the poor so they could have somewhere to live. Can you believe it? Also Caesar gave an outlet for poor people to improve their lives. That's not all, he also provided money for...
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...Battle of Actium, which with victory solidified his role as a leader. He had only to gain the affection and trust of the people, so he maintained Roman traditions and befriended the Senate. Because of this tact, Octavian gained more influence over the government and people. Octavian strongly advocated for expansionism and, with the support of the senate and his army, conquered most of the countries around the mediterranean sea. Not only was Octavian a warrior, but an excellent diplomat as well. Though, as a result of his great influence over the people, Octavian was renamed as Augustus Caesar and became the first emperor in Rome. Octavian had developed a new means of government that satisfied himself and the people of Rome, and with this new empire, Octavian paved the way for later rulers to build up the might of Rome. Early Life: Gaius Octavius, who would later be known as Caesar Augustus, came...
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...Our People section is the place to go if you have a paper to write about a person of interest and significance, whether historical or contemporary. Turn to this section for writing examples to help you frame your own writing and to inspire some new ideas. Whether you are writing an essay on Julius Caesar as depicted in Shakespeare's play, "Julius Caesar" or are instead writing about the life of William Shakespeare himself, you will find writing here that addresses both figures. You may be looking for expository writing that addresses the complicated reputation of Oliver Cromwell and the fact that he was lauded and revered by men like Thomas Carlyle, while being reviled by other men like David Hume. What was his lasting impact on the history of the British Isles? You may be writing about Napoleon Bonaparte and his military genius or about Benjamin Franklin's pithy sayings or his notoriety with women. Who was Patrick Henry, and why was he considered to be a great orator? As you scroll through this section, you will find essays addressing African American heroes of the underground railroad like Harriet Tubman and early women's rights leaders such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton. You'll discover writing samples explaining Machiavelli's political philosophies and evaluating them in light of our contemporary political climate. Read about the life of Karl Marx and the Russia he knew. What was the impetus behind Marx's Communist beliefs? Whether you are researching an ancient figure or...
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...In The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, following Caesar’s death Antony recited a very impressionable speech to the people to break the news. In this speech he was able to persuade the people by using pathos and logos to make the people come to the realization that the conspirators were the ones in the wrong, despite being told otherwise. To begin with, Antony’s speech cleverly used pathos as a way to appeal to the audience’s emotional side. In order to get them to feel the same grief he was feeling, he ensured he spoke directly to their hearts. He first stated, “when that the poor hath cried, Caesar hath wept: ambition should be made of sterner stuff”, (III.ii.1635-1636). By saying this Antony was telling the common man that Caesar had related to him. He is stating that a man that sympathizes with the poor must not be strong enough to be ambitious....
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...being a role model for his army through both his actions, his spartan-like lifestyle, and his treatment of both his allies and soldiers. Caesar was very generous towards the soldiers he lived alongside, making them want to follow him. Caesar used that loyalty to gain power, attracting allies. Caesar also gained allies through his political generosity, not just his power. Caesar himself realized that convincing people to follow him was a better ruling style than ruling through force. Julius Caesar was a famous politician who accomplished multiple things in his military career, including the conquest of lands. Previous to all of these actions, Caesar began his career...
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...Caesar Summary Option K Rome: Julius Caesar Principal Focus: Students gain an understanding of Julius Caesar in the context of his time. Students learn about: 1 Historical context – geography, topography and resources of Rome and provinces – overview of Roman political and social structures – overview of significant political and military developments 2 Background and rise to prominence – his family background and position – his education, early life and ambitions – paths to power: priesthoods; Marian connections; political alliances and marriages – early political career to 60 BC 3 Career – role in First Triumvirate – Gallic Wars: campaigns and tactics, siege of Alesia – relationship with his army – relationship with the Senate – role in the Civil War – political supporters and enemies – personal relationships: Julia, Cleopatra VII, Brutus, Mark Antony, Cicero – impact of personality on career; significance of his writings – dictatorship: policies and reforms – assassination: motives, manner and impact of his death 4 Evaluation – impact and influence on his time – assessment of his life and career – legacy – ancient and modern images and interpretations of Julius Caesar. 1. Historical Context Geography, topography and resources of Rome and provinces Geography and topography • Most of Italy is...
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...Cicero: The “Father of His Country” Anthony Everitt, in his suave and gripping biography of Cicero, the famed orator of the late republic, paints a picture of one of the most brilliant lawyers and statesmen of all times. He derives most of his facts from Cicero’s own legendary speeches as well as letters to his close personal friend Atticus. His portrait of Cicero is a witty, principled, genius of political and legal tactics who at his core was a true patriot and conservative idealist. Moreover, Cicero was a vain, voluble, wisecracking sort of guy; in fact “often in his career, Cicero let his sense of humor do serious damage to his prospects.”(122) Cicero's life (he was born in 106 B.C., in Arpinum, and died in 43 B.C.) coincided with the last golden age of the Roman republic before it was dismantled and turned into an empire. A brilliant and sometimes scathing lawyer from a well-to-do provincial family, Cicero found himself unwillingly at the heart of a 100-year civil war that pitted the traditional oligarchy of the Senate, known as the “optimates“, against a new breed of fiery class-war demagogues known as “populares“. Like our left and right, Democrats and Republicans, both parties were drawn from much the same social class, attended the same dinner parties and often saw politics as a personal power trip. But they had two radically different visions of the Roman state. The “optimates” yearned for a moderate republican status quo; the radicals wanted reforms that would...
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...| Old Soldiers Never Die | A Historiographical Essay on Douglas MacArthur | | Author Name | MM/DD/YYYY | Course Number | General Douglas MacArthur, one of America’s greatest military commanders, was in a category that few men have ever been. Douglas MacArthur was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1880. Being raised in a military family had a profound effect on MacArthur as a boy and into adulthood. His father, Arthur MacArthur, was a recipient of the Medal of Honor; an award that would later also be bestowed upon Douglas. His grandfather had served on the United States Supreme Court. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated at the top of his class in 1903. This began his long and illustrious career with the United States Army. After rising through the ranks so quickly that he was promoted to Chief of Staff of the United States Army in 1930, he later decided to retire in 1937. History, however, was not finished writing the story of Douglas MacArthur. He was later called back to active duty in 1941 and was sent to defend the Philippines against the Japanese forces. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his efforts in that campaign. It was also during this time that he was promoted to the rank of five-star general; a rank that has only been achieved by five other men in the army, with the exceptions of George Washington and John J. Pershing. MacArthur was then placed in command of the U.S. occupation in Japan...
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...20th Century Genius Award Paper Daric M. Grant HUM/102 University of Phoenix June 25, 2011 Nancy Erickson 20th Century Genius Award Paper Good evening to those who are in attendance tonight, over the last 100 years, we as Americans have bared witness to the evolution of automobiles, participated or hated the civil rights movements, been exposed to the birth of technology and world commerce, and pushed our military strengths to unbelievable measures. Tonight, we are focusing strictly on the men and women who have made contributions in other areas of history. Tonight, we focus on the geniuses. What solidifies a genius? The answer to this difficult yet commonly discussed topic definitely brings about controversy among those who choose to indulge in the conversation. Most American citizens today identify with the so-called “Genius” by the artistic works of that individual. Based on the findings, we analyze and determine whether or not the information pertaining to the subject has impacted society or lack thereof. If it has changed the overall path of human thought, it is considered genius, and the creator should be graced with such a title. If not, we move forward inspecting the next piece of vital information. During the course of this essay we will uncover one of the most underrated African American poets of the 20th century. This individual deserves recognition for his influential speech patterns that have altered the...
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...So many other poets, historians, and biographers who initially wrote about Cleopatra made her out to be no more than some type of sexual woman who got her power through charming powerful men. “Many people have spoken for her, including the greatest playwrights, and poets; we have been putting words in her mouth for almost two thousand years.” Stacy Schiff put an end to this nonsense. “She nonetheless survives as a wanton temptress, not the last time a woman has been transmuted into a shamelessly seductive one.” It is true Cleopatra was a political genius, had an irresistible charm, and knew how to play people, but this does not make her the underrated woman that other writers portray. “Cleopatra’s story was passed down by her enemies,” they wrote about her flaws instead of her success. She acknowledged Cleopatra’s intellectual gifts and independent, strong mindset. “A goddess as a child, a queen at eighteen, a celebrity soon thereafter, she was the object of speculation and veneration, gossip and legend, even in her own time.” Cleopatra was nothing short of a legend. She, also, showed Cleopatra’s fun and witty side that Schiff believes Cleopatra had. You can tell that Schiff really took the time to get to know...
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...and France was granted time to recover and become a rival of England during the Great Age of Exploration which was an entirely different geopolitical reality. Cleopatra, born as Greek queen, governed Egypt through plague and famine with her passionate soul although she ultimately lost her kingdom. Being recognized as one of the most admirable figure in history especially in the involvement with Roman Empire, she gained much popularity in literary and artistic works after her death. At the time when women were not granted, with a clever mind and great leading skill, she is prominent and her enthusiasm toward Egypt was greatly acknowledge by the citizens that pave a way for her become a divinity and pharaoh. Accompanying with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, she rule the entire Egypt in commotion during economic collapses yet fiercely destroyed her enemies. There is no doubt, she was a brilliant multilingual woman who fought for her country and was an ambitious ruler to rule alone. as had a reputation for centuries for her power over men. Though burn at the stake in the year of 1431, Joan of Arc was rehabilitated by the church in the year of 1455, and ever since there had been a constant symbol of French national autonomy and resistance to foreign invaders. In several modern European wars, but especially in World War one and two the name and sacrifice of Joan of Arc has been invoked by the French and used to motivate soldiers and surveillances alike. There have for instances...
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...Unit 1 IP Introduction to Humanities HUMA215-1101B-08 Topics in Cultural Studies Terry Meeks American Intercontinental University Instructor: J. Anderson March 27, 2011 Abstract Many ancient cultures existed throughout time but none as popular as ancient Greece and ancient Rome. Although Rome eventually became powerful and ruled over Greece, much of Roman art, architecture, and religion were adopted from the cultures they conquered and were adapted to meet the needs of the Roman Empire. Much of the Roman society mocked that of ancient Greece. | ANCIENT GREEK CULTURE | ANCIENT ROMAN CULTURE | GEOGRAPHY AND GOVERNMENT | Athens was the center of the Greek world in the fifth and fourth centuries BCE. Athens was the capital of Greece and its name was taken from the Greek goddess Athena. Athens was symbolic of art, freedom, and democracy (the prevailing government of ancient Greece introduced around 500 BCE by an aristocrat). Athens was just one of over 800 city states that made up ancient Greece. Several city states (comparable to a modern county) were isolated from each other and the mainland as they were located on islands that made up the fractured geography of ancient Greece. These islands were located in the Aegean Sea and reached around the Mediterranean to peninsula of Italy and to the shores of Asia Minor. Each city state considered itself a cultural center. City states of ancient Greece were very independent however they remained loyal to Greece...
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...Early European Theater • The writings of this period were primarily hymns, sermons and similar theologically oriented works. • Latin became a literary medium. • Major preserves of learning are the monasteries. • 8th century Europe returned to greater stability under the Carolingian kings. ➢ Charles Martel – defeated the Moslems at Tours in 732 AD, through his innovative use of armored horsemen as the principal military force, initiating the development of knighthood. ➢ Charlemagne – extended his realm into the Slavic territories and converting non- Christians on the way. Charlemagne was crowned by the Pope and pronounced him as the successor to Constantine. The scenario was the first attempt to establish the Holy Roman Empire. • Charlemagne’s death caused Europe to break into small units isolated from each other and from the world. • Moslem controlled the Mediterranean and the Vikings, still pagans, conquered the northern seas. Early Middle Ages • Life was relatively simple. • Feudalistic patterns were fully established. ➢ Manor (large estate)- headed by a noble man, assumed absolute authority over the peasants who worked his land collectively. ➢ Vassals – supplies the lords a specified number of knights upon demand and the lords in return were bound to protect their vassals. The Theater (500- 900 AD) • The theater revived during the early Middle Ages. • After the Western Roman...
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...Greek and Roman financiers: from the 4th century BC Banking activities in Greece are more varied and sophisticated than in any previous society. Private entrepreneurs, as well as temples and public bodies, now undertake financial transactions. They take deposits, make loans, change money from one currency to another and test coins for weight and purity. They even engage in book transactions. Moneylenders can be found who will accept payment in one Greek city and arrange for credit in another, avoiding the need for the customer to transport or transfer large numbers of coins. Rome, with its genius for administration, adopts and regularizes the banking practices of Greece. By the 2nd century AD a debt can officially be discharged by paying the appropriate sum into a bank, and public notaries are appointed to register such transactions. The collapse of trade after the fall of the Roman empire makes bankers less necessary than before, and their demise is hastened by the hostility of the Christian church to the charging of interest. Usury comes to seem morally offensive. One anonymous medieval author declares vividly that 'a usurer is a bawd to his own money bags, taking a fee that they may engender together'. Rome The Roman Empire inherited the spirit of capitalism from Greece (Parker).During the time of the Empire, public deposits gradually ceased to be held in temples, and instead were held in private depositories. The earliest recorded evidence showing banking...
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