Background on The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
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Transcript of Background on The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
Background on The Tragedy of Julius
Caesar
Who was Julius Caesar?
Julius Caesar was a Roman dictator and general
This is a story about how individuals act out in a conspiracy against Caesar and how the Roman people (mob) respond to these individuals
Questions to consider as we read…
What motivates individuals?
What motivates groups of individuals?
What influences individuals?
GOALS
Recognize fickleness/malleability of mob/masses mob caprice (Plato)
Recognize the role of “mass media” in its various forms
Define problems inherent in a democracy
Where does The Tragedy of Julius Caesar begin?
In order to understand The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,
you must understand his role in Roman government:
Caesar began his career as a general – a position that
brought him both power and wealth
He became involved in politics when he was appointed
as a Roman consul (our version of a Senator or
Representative) by his friend, Pompey the Great
How did Caesar become so powerful?
Even though Rome was a democracy at the time, Caesar gained a great deal of power
when he formed a strategic alliance with two fellow consuls
In 66 B.C., he, along with Pompey and Crassus, developed the First Triumvirate – a three-person government that ruled Rome
This triumvirate was quite successful because it restored order to a government weakened by in-fighting amongst Roman
leaders
What went wrong?
As a part of the triumvirate, Caesar
continued to make successful military
conquests around the world – thereby
increasing his power and popularity Pompey soon became jealous and
attempted to convince the Roman Senate
to remove Caesar from office
This started a battle between the two
men, in which Caesar came out
triumphant – defeating both Pompey and
his sons Pompey the Great
What was Caesar like?
As a general, Caesar was extremely successful – executing brilliant
military campaigns He was charismatic, extravagant and beloved by the people of Rome
However, he was also arrogant and a tyrant – a tragic quality that many feel directly led to his death
What happened next…?
Once Pompey was gone, Caesar named himself
“Dictator for Life” and was able to secure absolute power While the people loved him, Roman Senate hated the fact
that he had so much power
Cast of Characters
Julius Caesar: Dictator of Rome
Mark Antony: Friend of Caesar who uses rhetoric and
manipulation to get his way.
Brutus: Friend of Caesar who always considers choices
“for the good of Rome.”
Cassius: Leader of the conspiracy against Caesar.
Octavius: Caesar’s adopted son and appointed successor.
Casca: A public figure opposed to Caesar’s rise to power
Discussion
Should Caesar have been killed?
Was Caesar a hero? How do people make informed decisions?
What does Plato say about this?
“Little” people rely on leaders, media,
experience for information.
People are often self-serving and
mislead you for their own ends.
Discussion
Brutus? Caesar’s companion
Logical speech
Antony? Manipulative/emotional
Stole will $ from poor
Manipulated the “mob”
Took control