William. Shakespeare. Domestic Fury and. Republic to Empire. --a lame triumvirate --' GcEro (he's Greek. avoc. and let ~~~p the III .

Transcription

1 -, ", J ufius-- CaeSar William by Shakespeare England-1S99 El izabeth ~~igns in excommunication from the ~ [P)~, dodging Q murder plot from 'Eng[isfi (athollcs. Domestic Fury and Fierce Civil Strife are brewing. -Rome 44BCE Republic to Empire Caesar Brutus Cassius -- A1ffi~(o)1ffiy O~~@lWJi '(ill 1Lce]pJidi '(ill --a lame triumvirate --' GcEro (he's Greek tome) -Ettu, Brute. For Brutus is an honorable III man. Cry \\H dogs of war. avoc. and let ~~~p the The answer to the question, "Why Shakespeare?"must be ttwho else is there?" -- Harold Bloom from Shakespeare: the invention of the human, "

2 In Search of Shakespeare As you view the 4 film series take notes on the effects of the Shakespeare s life on his Writings. Episode 1: Describe the Shakespeare s early world. Speculate as to how this might have influenced his later work. Episode 2: How did Shakespeare develop as a writer? Describe his transition to the big city of London.

3 Episode 3: What makes Shakespeare the greatest writer ever? What were the events that molded him? Episode 4: Explain how the political events of Shakespeare s later career may have influenced his writing.

4 Notes on Day 1

5 Name _ (Reading) I Don t Understand Shakespeare! Do I? Below are two boxes in which you will write a short description of what has just transpired and record some thoughts bout the attitudes, feelings, and intentions of the actors you have seen on screen. Much Ado About Nothing: Benedict and Beatrice have been an item at one point and will be again. They are both smart and independent. After Viewing: What can you say about the type of people they are. Do you know anyone like this or have ever seen a situation like this? Describe it. The Merchant of Venice: Portia is a fine looking woman with plenty of money. The Prince of Morocco is after Portia for these reasons. Portia s father, who is dead, knew this would happen and set up a test for would be suitors. After view: What does the Prince think of himself? How do you know?

6 Notes cont.

7 Act One Lit Elements Puns Find the Definition of Pun: Shakespeare s audience was not looking for spiritual enlightenment, nor were they looking for fine displays of great art; they were at the theater for one reason, to be entertained. Shakespeare was a master; he mixed not only high comedy but extremely low comedy into every one of his plays. He liked to make audiences groan, in fact often a theater patron would show up just to see how low he could go this time, but in doing this Shakespeare achieved something remarkable, by giving the low he made the high seem even higher, and in giving the comedy he made the tragedy seem even greater. In the first scene of Julius Caesar puns not only make us laugh but also serve to further the plot and theme. Identify at least 2 puns in the scene and explain their meaning and effect. What is the effect on our understanding of Marullus and Flavius? Who is Shakespeare siding with in this exchange? Read these lines and imagine the crowd entering the globe theater to view a play by the name of Julius Caesar. With each line they cringe a little more but chuckle under their breath. Now fast forward two hours to the end of the play. They have been taken on a ride from jovial laughter to epic tragedy thanks to the genius of Shakespeare.

8 Julius Caesar Act 1 Scene 1 1. Explain the political conflict in this opening scene? 2. Explain on which side of this conflict the two Roman castes represented here, plebeians (common working class) and tribunes (government officials), stand. 3. Explain the humor in this scene and which caste you think Shakespeare is siding with through this humor. 4. Why does Marullus scold the cobbler and the carpenter? 5. What are the two tribunes heading out to do at the end of the chapter? 6. Tell what Marullus' metaphor for Caesar is at the end of the scene, and explain its implications. 7. List three puns in the scene.

9 Act 1 Scene 2 1. What superstition does Caesar show a belief in at the opening of this scene? 2. What is our first impression of Antony? 3. What is the warning of the soothsayer? 4. What message are the intermittent flourishes and shouts intended to convey? 5. What childhood story does Cassius tell that demonstrates his personal jealousy and resentment toward Caesar? 6. Give three reasons why Caesar distrusts Cassius. 7. What does Caesar refuse three times? What purpose does this refusal serve? 8. List two physical weaknesses that Caesar demonstrates in this scene.

10 9. Explain why Marullus and Flavius are punished and what that punishment is. 10. What devious plan does Cassius explain in his final soliloquy for influencing Brutus? "

11 Act 1 Scene 3 1. Name at least three of the supernatural things Casca claims to have seen in the night. What does he take them to mean? 2. To whom does Cassius compare the horrors of the night? Why? 3. According to Cassius, what is the reason that Caesar is a wolf"? 4. Do the Staging Sheet. Make sure to write a good full description with plenty of supporting detail and intended effects.."

12 Act 1 --Quotations To Know And Love For each of the following quotations, (l)identify the speaker and (2)to or about what or whom he or she is speaking. Then (3)explain the significance. You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome Knew you not Pompey? Beware the ides of March. No, Cassius, for the eye sees not itself But by reflection, by some other things. And since you cannot see yourself, So well as by reflection, I, your glass, Will modestly discover to yourself That of yourself which you yet know not of. I, as Aeneas, our great Ancestor, Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber Did I the tired Caesar. And this man is Now become a god

13 Youd Cassius has a lean and hungry look He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous. Come on my right ear for this ear is deaf, And tell me truly what thou think'st of him No Caesar hath it not, but you and I, And honest Casca, we have the falling sickness. Why, man he doth bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus, and we petty men Walk under his huge legs and peep about To find ourselves dishonorable graves. Oh, he sits high in the people's hearts And that which would appear offense in us His countenance, like richest alchemy, Will change to virtue and to worthiness

14 Act Two Literary Elements -Soliloquy- Find the Definition of Soliloquy: Shakespeare uses a number of strategies to aid in the development of his characters. One of the most crucial is the Soliloquy. Throughout many of his plays his most famous lines and phrases come from soliloquies, try these on for size: What's in a name? that which we call a rose/ By any other name would smell as sweet. Cry Havoc! and let slip the dogs of War. To be or not to be Shakespeare uses soliloquies for a variety of reasons; however, there primary purpose is to allow the audience insight into the inner workings of the characters who are involved. As you read each of the following soliloquies write a short exposition of what it is that you learn of the character who speaks them. Cassius: I.ii Well Brutus, thou art noble Brutus: II.i It must be by his death Antony: III.i Oh Pardon me

15 Act 2 Scene 1 1. Explain Brutus's rationale for wanting join the conspiracy and assassinate Caesar. 2. What is the general message of the letter Brutus reads in the night? Who actually wrote this letter? 3. List the three specific decisions on which Brutus overrules the conspirators and has his way. 4. Explain how Portia ascertains that something is troubling her husband. 5. Explain Portia's feelings toward her husband. 6. Explain Brutus's attitude toward his wife.

16 Act 2 Scenes Explain Calpurnia's rationale for not wanting "to stand on ceremonies" and keeping Caesar from going to the Capitol. 2. Why do you suppose that Calpurnia is able to persuade Caesar to stay against his stated wishes to go? 3. Explain how Decius is able to sway Caesar back to his original plan? 4. Explain the purpose of scene 3.

17 Act 2 --Quotations To Know And Love For each of the following quotations, (l) identify the speaker and (2) to or about what or whom he or she is speaking. Then (3) explain the significance. It must be by his death. And for my part I know no personal cause to spurn at him, But for the general. My heart laments that virtue cannot live Out of the teeth of emulation. No not an oath. If not the face of men, The sufferance of our souls, the time's abuse- If these be motives weak, break off betimes. And every man hence to his idle bed. Your wisdom is consumed in confidence. Our course shall seem to bloody Caius Cassius, To cut the head off and hack the limbs, Like wrath in death and envy afterwards; For Antony is but a limb of Caesar.

18 I have made strong proof of my constancy Giving myself a voluntary wound Here in the thigh Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies, Yet now they fright me. Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once. This dream is all amiss interpreted. It was a vision fair and fortunate. I grant I am a woman, but withal A woman well-reputed, Cato's daughter. Think you I am no stronger than my sex, Being so fathered and so husbanded,

19 Good friends, go and taste some wine with me, And we, like friends, will straightaway go together. My ancestors did from the streets of Rome The Tarquin drive when he was called king.

20 Act Three Lit Element: Blank Verse Find the Definition of Blank Verse: Most of Shakespeare plays are written in blank verse; however like every good writer, Shakespeare matches his style to what he is saying. There are times when he changes from Blank Verse to prose. Often he does this to show something about the character. Sometimes he does this to denote characters of lesser classes whose speech is more gaudy and uncouth as a consequence. Likewise he has Mercutio, a nobleman, speak in prose to emphasize his boisterous ways. He occasionally begins rhyming his lines. This is to draw attention or say something special about the event that accompanies the lines. Whether it be a change to prose or a couple of rhymes, when Shakespeare shifts from blank verse it is an indication to look for him to introduce or comment on an important theme. Why Blank Verse? Most of the English Language is naturally Iambic; therefore, Iambic lines are fairly natural to write. Making it Pentameter means that each line is of the same length, this pattern serves as a memory aid. Once you get used to the rhythm of Blank Verse you may find reading Shakespeare becomes easier. Seven common reasons he strays from Blank Verse:

21 The Following lines come from the first meeting between Romeo and Juliet. Look at them carefully and answer the questions that accompany them. Romeo: If I profane with my unworthiest hand This holy shrine, the gentle line is this, My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss. Juliet: Good pilgrim, you do wrong our hand to much, Which mannerly devotion shows in this; For saints have hands that pilgrims hand do touch, And palm to palm is holy palmers kiss. Romeo: Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too. Juliet: Aye, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer. Romeo: Oh then, dear saint, let lips do what hands ho. They pray. Grant though lest faith turn to despair. Juliet: Saints do not move, though grant for prayers sake Romeo: Then move not while my prayer s effect I take. 1. What is special about these lines? a. b. 2. What do these special features of these lines suggest about the relationship between Romeo and Juliet?

22 Act 3 'Scene 1 1. What example of dramatic irony occurs in the opening lines? 2. In the exchange between Caesar and the conspirators, pick out three images of height and lowliness. Explain the purpose of these images. 3. Looking closely at Caesar's dying words; explain what they reveal about him. 4. Most historians agree that Caesar never had the chance to read the actual letter of warning, though he did have it with him up until his death. Shakespeare changes this, having Caesar not only refuse to read it but becoming irritated with its author. Why do you think Shakespeare makes this change? 5. Explain how Caesar's public face differs from his behavior with Calpurnia at home. 6. What is the immediate general reaction to Caesar's death? 7. Why does Brutus disregard the advice of Cassius and allow Antony to speak? 8. Why does Mark Antony not fear to reveal some of his feelings about Caesar before Brutus and Cassius.

23 9. How are the feelings Antony reveals in his soliloquy (lines ) different from those he has already publicly expressed? 10. Explain why Cassius fears a funeral oration by Antony. 11. Explain Antony's pun and metaphor from lines 220 to 230.

24 Notes cont.

25 Act 3 Scene 2 1. What is the difference between the forms of Brutus and Antony's speeches? What is the significance of this difference? 2. What are the plebeians reactions to Brutus's speech? 3. Explain the wide variety of emotional touchstones in Antony's speech. 4. Explain why Antony continually refers to Brutus as "an honorable man. 5. What actions and tricks of Antony particularly impress the mob? 6. Describe the mob during this scene and what Shakespeare is saying about them.

26 Act 3 Scene 3 1. Explain why the mob attacks Cinna the poet, and what this action says about them. 2. What humor is in this scene and what earlier scene does it recall? 3. In this brief scene, Shakespeare uses four plebeians to represent a city-wide riot and one actor to represent the many victims of the rioters. Explain why you do or why you do not think this technique works.

27 Act 3 - Quotations To Know and Love For each of the following quotations, (l)identify the speaker and (2)to or about what or whom he or she is speaking. Then (3)explain the significance. Et Tu, Brute? Do not consent That Antony speak at his funeral. Ambition's debt is paid. 0 pardon me thou bleeding piece of earth, That I am meek and gentle with these butchers. Thou art the ruins of the noblest man That ever lived in the tide of times. I could be well moved, if I were as you. If I could pray to move, prayers would move me. But I am as constant as the Northern Star For whose true fixed and resting quality, There is no fellow in the firmament.

28 how many ages hence Shall this our lofty scene be acted over In states unborn and accents yet unknown I am no orator as Brutus is; But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man. For this was the most unkindest cut of all. It is no matter, his name is Cinna. You will compel me then to read the will. Then make a ring about the corpse of Caesar. And let me show you him that made the will. Shall I descend? And will you give me leave?

29 Literary Elements Tragic Heroes Find the definition of Tragic Hero: What makes a tragedy for Shakespeare is a tragic hero. He in a very real sense writes his plays to be a Greek Tragedy. In each of his tragedies a high born man who has a flaw sees his world come crashing down due to the mixture of his (almost never her, blame acting laws of the time) flaw and external forces which he cannot control. The formula is simple: flaw + circumstances = disaster generally for all the characters in the play. In this we see a familiar pattern in Shakespeare the higher they are the harder they fall he is a master of using opposites, and what could be better to drive home a point than to have a character be the master of his own destruction. Identify Shakespeare s hero in Julius Caesar: Clearly identify the following aspects of the Shakespearean Tragedy: The hero being high born: The Hero s Flaw: o Find 3 specific examples of the hero s flaw in action: Poor decisions made by the hero: The circumstances which the flaw interacts with which lead to destruction: Destruction directly caused by the flaw and circumstance:

30 Act 4 Scene 1 & 2 1. How do you know that there has been a time lapse between Acts 3 and 4? 2. Contrast the Antony of Act 4 scene 1 with the Antony from the preceding acts. 3. Explain what has happened in the relationship between Brutus and Cassius? 4. Why does Brutus suggest that he and Cassius continue their discussion alone in the tent?

31 Act 4 Scene 3 1. Symbolically, what do Brutus and Cassius represent in their long quarrel? 2. Of what form of corruption does Brutus accuse Cassius? 3. What personal revelations does Brutus make to explain his mood? 4. How does Brutus and Cassius's relationship compare to that of the new triumvirate? 5. In what matter does Brutus again overrule the advice of Cassius? 6. What is Caesar s ghost a symbol of?."

32 Act 4 Quotations To Know And Love For each of the following quotations, (l)identify the speaker and (2)to or about what or whom he or she is speaking. Then (3)explain the significance. There is a tide in the affairs of men Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries. There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats, For I am armed so strong in honesty That they pass by me as the idle wind, I can raise no money by vile means By heaven, I had rather coin my heart And drop my blood for drachmas than to wring From the hard hands of peasants their vile trash By any indirection. To tell thee, thou shalt see me at Phillipi.

33 Fetch the will hither and we shall determine How to cut off some charge in legacies. I cannot drink too much of Brutus love --But he's a tried and valiant soldier. --So is my horse... You yourself Are much condemned to have an itching palm. This is a slight, unmeritable man, Why, I will see thee at Philippi, then. Now, I have taken heart, thou vanishest. I ll spirit, I would hold more talk with thee. -

34 Act 5 All Scenes 1. Fully explain the bee metaphor in the opening scene between Brutus, Antony and Cassius. 2. What new view of life does Cassius express in this scene7 3. What does the farewell dialogue between Brutus and Cassius express in this scene7 4. Explain the irony of Cassius's death. 5. What is Shakespeare's final picture of Cassius? 6. What noble gesture does Antony make in the final scene? 7. In what 3 ways does Shakespeare emphasize the greatness of Brutus both before and after his suicide? 8. Explain what purpose is served by having Octavius speak the last lines of the play?

35 Act 5 Quotations For each of the following quotations, (l)identify the speaker and (2)to or about what or whom he or she is speaking. Then (3)explain the significance. 0 Julius Caesar, thou art mighty yet. --Good words are better than bad strokes, Octavius. --In your bad strokes, Brutus,You give good words. Witness the hole you made in Caesar's heart This day I breathed first. This day is come around And where I did begin there shall I end; My life is run his compass. Caesar, thou art revenged Even with the sword that killed thee. Caesar, now be still. I killed not thee with half so good a will.

36 --Brutus, come apace,. ', And see how I regard Caius Cassius. --By your leave, gods, this is a Roman's part, This was the noblest Roman of them all. I had rather have Such men my friends than enemies. Now, Brutus, thank yourself. This tongue had not offended so today If Cassius might have ruled.