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