The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

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1 Smarr Publishers English for Classical Studies A Student s Companion to The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by Robert W. Watson Copyright Watson Educational Services, Inc., 2006 All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information, please write Smarr Publishers, 4917 High Falls Road Suite 201, Jackson, Georgia or call (678) Any edition of the text is compatible with the study guide. $9.95 IN USA

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3 The Tragedy of Julius Caesar / 1 Introduction to The Tragedy of Julius Caesar B ORN about one hundred years before the Lord Jesus Christ, Gaius Julius Caesar is one of those great figures in history who was a brilliant military leader, politician, and writer. Since Caesar belonged to a very influential family, the current dictator of the Roman republic, Sulla, had a very fragile relationship with Caesar. Therefore, when he was eighteen, Caesar entered the army to leave Rome. However, as a soldier, Caesar quickly distinguished himself both in battle and in command. Caesar was a first-class politician who was not above by-passing the Roman Senate if it suited his political ambitions. In order to ensure the loyalty of his soldiers in the Tenth Legion, Caesar doubles their pay. This largesse would endear anyone to a soldier s heart! Reportedly, Caesar recruited his soldiers from prisons and sought after men who were condemned to die. The Tenth Legion was feared as well as invincible. In the Gallic province, Caesar even created his own silver coin. Indeed, the purpose for his writing the Commentaries of the Gallic Wars was to make the name of Caesar a household word. Of course the hero in the Commentaries is Caesar himself. The work has a total of seven books in which Caesar does not write in the first person. Instead, Caesar writes in the third person in order to give the impression that some objective, impersonal observer of the facts wrote the books. In 60 BC, Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey created the First Triumviate. Caesar controlled Gaul; Crassus, Syria; and Pompey, Spain. Later, relations with the Senate grew worse until the Senators ordered Caesar to disband his army. On January 11, 49 BC, Caesar crossed the Rubicon River that separated Cisalpine Gaul from Italy. With his legion marching towards Rome, Caesar caused the entire Senate to flee Italy. When Caesar enters Rome, he finds the entire treasury untouched. After defeating the forces of Pompey, Caesar crushed several small rebellions and becomes the undisputed power in Rome. Caesar is declared perpetual dictator for life. Caesar was married three times. His first wife was Cornelia, daughter of Cinna. Upon the death of Cornelia, Caesar marries (oddly enough) the granddaughter of Sulla, Pompeia. But this marriage was doomed. Caesar divorced Pompeia in order to marry Calpurnia, to whom he was married when he was assassinated On the Ides of March, March 15, 44 BC, Caesar is murdered by Marcus Brutus, Gaius Cassius, Decimus Brutus and Gaius Trebonius. These last two men used to be commanders of Caesar s legions. Supposedly, Caesar was stabbed twenty-three times and, ironically, fell dead at the foot of a statue of Pompey. You will read The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, which centers on the assassination of Caesar and the civil war that followed the murder. The civil war led to the creation of the Second Triumvirate. Antony was given the eastern half of the Roman Empire and married Cleopatra; Octavius (later called Caesar Augustus) controlled the western half of the empire; and Lepidus received Africa. At Philippi, the Triumviate defeats Brutus and Cassius. The name Caesar became the title used by the Roman leaders for many years. In fact, the name was used by other countries for their leaders (Kaiser and Czar). Also, Caesar developed the calendar based on 365-1/4 days per year. This calendar is called the Julian Calendar. ROBERT W. WATSON

4 2 / The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Notes of Interest The Roman Legion: Commanded by a legatus, the legion, was highly organized with a hierarchy of rank, and a number of different divisions. At one time, approximately thirty legions existed for protecting the interests of Rome. The legions were numbered; however, if a legion was destroyed in battle, its number was retired, such as the case with the massacre of legions XVII, XVIII, and XIX in Germany. Each legion had about 5,500 men although Caesar s legions were somewhat smaller, about 3,400 men. The breakdown of the legion is essentially as follows: One legion = 10 cohorts and 120 cavalrymen (scouts) One cohort = 6 centuries (nine cohorts had 480 soldiers each) One century (commanded by a centurion) = 80 men The first cohort had 800 men, and only five centuries. The highest ranking centurion in the legion commanded the first century of the first cohort. This centurion s title was the primus pilus, or first spear. The aquilifer carried the standard for the entire legion. The standard had Jupiter s bird of war, an eagle, on it and it was believed that if the eagle were ever lost, the entire legion would be dissolved. The Phalanx: Philip II of Macedonia developed the phalanx that was used very successfully by his son, Alexander the Great. By interlocking shields, a company of infantry could withstand arrows and spears in order to penetrate the enemy s defenses. The Romans used the phalanx with success. Aquilifer at the center of this base relief

5 The Tragedy of Julius Caesar / 3 The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Lesson One 1.1 Vocabulary replication n. gamesome adj. prodigious adj. factious adj. 1.2 Vocabulary Exercise 1. The element within the party ensured that the organization would be ineffective against its opponents in the approaching election. 2. We watched a long time while the young goats ran and leaped in their way. 3. The scientists created the new element quite by accident, and any attempt of of their feat was impossible. 4. The captain of the small band of defenders tried to calm his men as the men saw the force of 5,000 soldiers charging toward them. 1.3 Reading Assignment: The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act I 1.4 Recall Questions 1. What answer does the cobbler give to Flavius for his leading the men about the streets? 2. The upper-class Marullus does not support Caesar. Whom did he support? 3. Whom do the lower-class common people support? 4. What do Marullus and Flavius decide to do concerning the statutes of Caesar when they find decorations on them? 5. What advise does Caesar give to Calpurnia when Antony begins to run in the Lupercal? 6. What is the message of the soothsayer to Caesar? 7. Cassius points out to Brutus two events that prove Caesar is not a god. What are these two events? 8. The crowd shouts three times. What were the reasons for these shouts?

6 4 / The Tragedy of Julius Caesar 9. Brutus is worried that the people may do what for Caesar? 10. According to Casca, how did Caesar seem to react each time he refused the crown? 11. Casca announces that two men were put to death. Who were they? 12. In scene 3, what supernatural events take place? 13. Cinna believes that the conspiracy to kill Caesar will be more successful if who is convinced to join the plot? 1.5 Critical Thinking How does the first scene establish the major conflict between upper and lower classes? What is the purpose of the supernatural events in Act I? How does Casca change between scenes 2 and 3? His attitude is quite different. What evidence seems to point towards Caesar s desiring to become a king, i.e., a tyrant? Does any of this evidence by itself prove this perception? Is Caesar just a victim of circumstancial evidence? 1.6 Bonus Thoughts The feast of Lupercal was celebrated on the 15th of February. This feast celebrated fruitfulness. Naked men would run through the streets and women would try to touch them in order that they might be able to bear children. Pagans and anyone without the knowledge of the True and Living God do some weird things.

7 The Tragedy of Julius Caesar / 5 The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Lesson Two 2.1 Vocabulary exhalation n. affability n. palter v. cautelous adj. mortify v. emulation n. 2.2 Vocabulary Exercise (Circle the word that does not belong on each line.) 1. exhalation breath sniff expiration 2. affability hospitality friendliness coldness 3. palter agree haggle dicker 4. cautelous deceitful metallic cunning 5. mortify murder humiliate embarrass 6. emulation imitation destruction pattern 2.3 Reading Assignment: The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act II 2.4 Recall Questions 1. What does Lucius bring to Brutus after Lucius puts a candle in the study? 2. When Cassius suggests that Antony be killed along with Caesar, what does Brutus say? 3. What is unusual about a clock striking in Rome at this time in history? 4. What is the reason that Cassius gives that might prevent Caesar from going to the senate? 5. Who states that he will make sure that Caesar will go to the senate? 6. Why does Calpurnia cry out in her sleep? 7. What does Calpurnia dream about? 8. How does Decius Brutus interpret the dream?

8 6 / The Tragedy of Julius Caesar 9. When Caesar tells Brutus, I thank you for your pains and courtesy, explain why this is ironic. 10. What does Artemidorus try to do? 11. Why is the scene with Portia and Lucius humorous? 12. What does the soothsayer tell Portia that he was going to ask Caesar to do for himself? 2.5 Critical Thinking How does the use of flattery cause the outcome in this act? There are more supernatural events going on. What are they and what is the purpose of them? 2.6 Bonus Thoughts Anachronism: The striking of the clock in this act is an example of an anachronism. An anachronism is placing an event or thing out of its actual historical era or whenever the writer, whether by ignorance or design, departs from actual geographical or historical facts. In this case, clocks were not invented yet during the lifetime of Caesar. Comic relief: The humorous scene between Portia and Lucius is an example of comic relief, which is a device often used by playwrights. These brief episodes help to alleviate the tension that has built up as the result of the seriousness of the play.

9 The Tragedy of Julius Caesar / 7 The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Lesson Three 3.1 Vocabulary puissant adj. censure v. extenuate v. inter v. dint v. 3.2 Vocabulary Exercise 1. The Women s Club succeeded with their fund drive only by the of hard work and long hours. 2. After the jury heard the evidence, the twelve citizens believed nothing that the accused said could the punishment for breaking the law. 3. After the author revealed his book to the public, he was not prepared for the severe that he received from the reviewers. 4. The soldiers killed in action were brought home in order to be (ed) in their hometown cemeteries. 5. The rebellious lords soon felt the force of the king as he crushed them easily with his army. 3.3 Reading Assignment: The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act III 3.4 Recall Questions 1. Is Artemidorus successful with delivering his message to Caesar? 2. What request does Metellus Cimber ask of Caesar? 3. Cassius advises that Brutus should not let Antony speak at the funeral. What does Brutus say to Cassius? 4. To whom does Antony refer when he says thou bleeding piece of earth? 5. A servant announces to Antony the arrival of whom in Rome? 6. Brutus states the reason for his slaying Caesar was for Caesar s what? 7. How do the citizens react to Brutus speech, favorably or unfavorably?

10 8 / The Tragedy of Julius Caesar 8. What one word more than any other in the Antony s speech is ironic? 9. Antony reveals something to the citizens about Caesar that makes them very curious. What did Antony reveal? 10. After Antony s speech, what are the citizens prepare to do? 3.5 Critical Thinking By now, you should begin to realize that there is something odd about the common people. Describe Shakespeare s attitude toward the man on the street. How does the use of flattery in this act, change the course of events? Compare and contrast the funeral speeches by Brutus and Antony. 3.6 Bonus Thoughts Octavius Caesar (Octavian) is later called Caesar Augustus. That s right, the one that is so familiar in the Christmas story (Luke 2:1). After defeating Brutus and Cassius in the civil war, Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus divide the empire in three parts east, west, and Africa. Octavian controlled the western part. Octavian and Antony have a falling out after Antony began transferring lands to Cleopatra. When defeat was imminent, Antony kills himself. And of course, you are familiar with how Cleopatra kills herself with an asp. The death of Julius Caesar by Vincenzo Camuccini ( )

11 The Tragedy of Julius Caesar / 9 The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Lesson Four 4.1 Vocabulary proscription n. choler n. niggard adj. 4.2 Vocabulary Exercise (Circle the word that does not belong on each line.) 1. proscription prohibition allowance ban 2. choler joyfulness anger fury 3. niggard stingy charitable miserly 4.3 Reading Assignment: The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act IV 4.4 Recall Questions 1. At the beginning of Act IV, what is the triumvirs considering? 2. When Octavius states that Lepidus was a tried and valiant soldier, with what does Antony compare him? 3. Brutus and Cassius have a disagreement over what? 4. The Poet offers what advise to Brutus and Cassius, although the verse is bad? 5. Messala reveals that the triumvirs put to death how many senators? 6. Who was among those put to death? 7. When Cassius advises Brutus to have their army wait for the triumvirs to come to them, what reason does Brutus give to Cassius for refusing his advise? 8. When Brutus gets ready to sleep, what appears to him? 9. Where will Brutus meet this thing again?

12 10 / The Tragedy of Julius Caesar 4.5 Critical Thinking Explain how Rome suffered worst oppression under the Second Triumvirate than under Caesar. Did Rome really suffer under Caesar, or was there just an appearance of possible tyranny that Brutus perceived? In that Brutus refused to accept Cassius advice on three different occasions, explain how these refusals led to Brutus downfall. 4.6 Bonus Thoughts When the Second Triumvirate came to power, 300 senators and 2,000 prominent citizens were executed. Antony and Cleopatra by Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema ( )

13 The Tragedy of Julius Caesar / 11 The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Lesson Five 5.1 Vocabulary exigent adj. parley n. 5.2 Vocabulary Exercise (Circle the word that does not belong on each line.) 1. exigent crucial normal urgent 2. parley conference discussion melee 5.3 Reading Assignment: The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act V 5.4 Recall Questions 1. Brutus and Cassius meet whom on the field before the battle? 2. What does Cassius have Pindarus do when he perceives that the battle was lost? 3. What does Pindarus do after the deed? 4. Lucilius offers money to a soldier to kill him after saying that he is who? 5. What compliment does Antony give to Lucilius? 6. How does Brutus die? 7. Who was the noblest Roman of them all? 5.5 Critical Thinking Explain how Caesar, Brutus, and Cassius are all tragic heroes. Compare and contrast the philosophies of Antony and Brutus.

14 12 / The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Glossary for The Tragedy of Julius Caesar affability (²f -b¹l ¹-t ) n. The quality of being easy and pleasant to speak to; approachable; gentle and gracious cautelous (kôt -l s) adj. Cautious, wary or cunning; deceitful censure (sμn sh r) n. To criticize, find fault; condemn choler (k¼l r) n. Anger, wrath; fury dint (d¹nt) n. A force or power emulation (μm y -l³ sh n) n. A desire to equal or excel someone; copy exhalation (μks h -l³ sh n) n. The act or an instance of exhaling; breath exigent (μk s -j nt) adj. Requiring immediate action; urgent extenuate (¹k-stμn y -³t ) v. To lessen or attempt to lessen the magnitude or seriousness of, especially by providing partial excuses factious (f²k sh s) adj. Given to or promoting internal dissension gamesome (g³m s m) adj. Playful; frolicsome inter (¹n-tûr ) v. To bury mortify (môr t -fº ) v. To cause to experience shame; humiliate; to discipline by self-denial or privation niggard (n¹g rd) adj. Stingy; begrudge palter (pôl t r) v. To talk insincerely; to bargain; to haggle parley (pär l ) n. A conference; truce meeting; discussion prodigious (pr -d¹j s) adj. Enormous, huge; amazing proscription (pr½-skr¹p sh n) n. A prohibition; ban; condemnation puissant (pw¹s nt) adj. Powerful, mighty; potent replication (rμp l¹-k³ sh n) n. A copy or a reply

15 The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Vocabulary Quiz 1. The tribunes, Flavius and Marullus, confronted the common folks with, criticizing their zeal for Caesar. (A) affability (B) censure (C) exhalation (D) parley (E) replication 2. When asked if he was going to observe the Lupercal, Brutus responds that he is not of a spirit like that on Antony, who was actually running in the event. (A) cautelous (B) exigent (C) factious (D) gamesome (E) niggard 3. The of Cassius towards Caesar was apparent to Brutus as he listened to Cassius angrily recalled his saving Caesar s life; yet, Caesar was supposedly a god with attributes. (A) choler.. puissant (B) dint.. niggard (C) emulation.. gamesome (D) parley.. factious (E) proscription.. exigent 4. After reluctantly refusing the crown of kingship, Caesar was when the mob enthusiastically approved of these outward shows of humility. (A) extenuated (B) interred (C) mortified (D) proscribed (E) replicated 5. During a(n) in the street, Casca, who is a man, warns Cassius that the conspiracy requires the participation of Brutus in order for the lot to be successful. (A) affability.. puissant (B) censure.. niggard (C) parley.. cautelous (D) proscription.. factious (E) replication.. exigent CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE 1

16 6. A visible shaken Casca tells Cicero that he A B saw a raging fire coming from the hand of a C well-known slave; yet the slave was unharmed D by the fire. No error. E 7. Brutus reasons that Caesar may not become a A tyrant, but like a serpent in an egg, the egg B ought to be destroyed now. No error. C D E 8. Fearing he may not come to the Capitol, A Cassius reveals to the conspirators that Caesar B C has lately become superstitious. No error. D E 9. Upon awaking from her sleep, Calpurnia tries A in vain to dissuade Caesar from going to the B Capitol; yet, his going due to his stubbornness. C D No error. E 10. In spite of all the different signs and A wonders alerting him of danger, Caesar B nevertheless goes to the Capitol, believing C the events of yesterday applies to everyone, not D just to him alone. No error. E 11. Portia tells young Lucius to quickly run to the Capitol with her exigent message to Brutus, but the boy is bewildered because he does not know what message to give. The word exigent means (A) short. (B) careful. (C) secret. (D) urgent. (E) loving. 12. In spite to the strange and prodigious events the day before and the attempt of Artemidorus to give a note to the great leader, Caesar enters into the Capitol and is murdered. The word prodigious means most nearly in this sentence (A) amazing. (B) pitiful. (C) proper. (D) slow. (E) festive. 13. Even though she was right, Calpurnia lacked the will and the means to enforce a proscription against her husband s going to the Capitol. The word proscription means (A) remedy. (B) ban. (C) curse. (D) armed guard. (E) quarrel. CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE 2

17 Rome began her career by subduing the city-states in the vicinity, spreading then into southern Italy. Finally, Sicily, Africa, Spain, Gaul, Greece, Macedonia, and the East. Every one of the city-states in 14 these territories were tied to Rome by a treaty determining its 15 relations with the conqueror, and the degree of self-government they 16 might retain. Towns that were for good reason favored often were nearly independent of the governors sent from Rome to organize and ruling over the rest of the conquered territory. However, other towns 17 were accorded little or no autonomy and so became as much a part of the province in which they were situated as the rural hamlets. A council composed of the wealthier citizens were responsible for the 18 maintenance of peace and order, the care of the public utilities roads, aqueducts, baths, theaters, temples and other kinds of a service due 19 to Rome. Generally, Rome did not disturb the cultures of the conquered. As long as a conquered region submissively obeyed her mandates and dutifully met its obligations, she was content to let 20 it go on its own settled course A. NO CHANGE B. fused sentence C. comma splice D. fragment A. NO CHANGE B. to be C. being D. was A. NO CHANGE B. it C. these D. them A. NO CHANGE B. ruled C. is ruling D. to rule A. NO CHANGE B. was responsible C. being responsible D. to be responsible A. NO CHANGE B. other sorts of a C. other kinds of D. another kinds of a A. NO CHANGE B. he C. it D. Rome STOP 3

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19 Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 1 1. factious 2. gamesome 3. replication 4. prodigious Answer Keys to The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Lesson 1 1. The cobbler stated the men might wear out their shoes so that he can get more business 2. Marullus supported Pompey. 3. the lower classes supported Caesar. 4. Marullus and Flavius decided to take the decorations down off the statues. 5. Caesar advises Calpurnia to be certain to touch Antony. 6. The soothsayer warns, Beware of the ides of March. 7. Cassius saves Caesar s life as he was about to drown; Caesar got a fever in Spain. 8. Caesar refused the crown when it was offered to him. 9. Brutus was worried the people would make Caesar king. 10. Caesar seemed like he really wanted the crown, but the crowds cheered as he refused it. 11. The two men put to death were Flavius and Marullus. 12. The events include the sky is dropping fire, a lion in the streets, men on fire in the streets, and a night bird sitting in the market in daytime. 13. Brutus would be necessary in order for the plot to succeed. Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 2 1. sniff 2. coldness 3. agree 4. metallic 5. murder 6. destruction Lesson 2 1. Lucius brings a note to Brutus. 2. Brutus thought that Antony would be powerless without Caesar. 3. There were no clocks in Rome during Caesar s time. 4. Caesar was becoming very superstitious. 5. Decius Brutus states that he will ensure Caesar will go to the senate. 6. Calpurnia cries out in her sleep, They murder Caesar. 7. Calpurnia dreamed a statue of Caesar poured forth flood like water, and men were washing their hands in the blood. 8. Caesar s blood will give life to Rome 9. Brutus will eventually stab Caesar with his knife and cause pain. 10. Artemidorus tries to warn Caesar about the plot. 1

20 11. Portia is in such a dither, that she fails to give precise instructions to Lucius. 12. The soothsayer tells Portia that he will ask Caesar to befriend himself. Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 3 1. dint 2. extenuate 3. censure 4. interred 5. puissant Lesson 3 1. Artemidorus is unsuccessful with delivering his message to Caesar. 2. Metellus Cimber asks Caesar to pardon his brother, Publius Cimber. 3. Brutus will speak first and explain the reason for Caesar s death; Antony will be told that he speaks only by permission. 4. Antony refers to Caesar s body. 5. A servant announces to Antony of the arrival of Octavius Caesar. 6. Brutus states the reason for Caesar s death was to end his ambition. 7. The citizens reacted to Brutus speech very favorably. 8. The word which is ironic is honorable. 9. Antony reveals to the citizens that Caesar had a will. 10. The citizens prepare to kill the conspirators against Caesar. Vocabulary Lesson, Lesson 4 1. allowance 2. joyfulness 3. charitable Lesson 4 1. The triumvirs are making a list of those men they were going to kill. 2. Antony compare Lepidus to his horse. 3. Brutus and Cassius have a disagreement over bribes. 4. Poet suggests Brutus and Cassius should quit their quarreling and be friends. 5. Messala reveals that the triumvirs executed 100 senators. 6. Among those killed was Cicero. 7. Brutus thought it best to go to Philippi before more men should join the ranks of the triumvirs. 8. Brutus is visited by Caesar s ghost. 9. The ghost will meet Brutus again in Philippi. Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 5 1. normal 2. melee 2

21 Lesson 5 1. Brutus and Cassius meet Octavius and Antony on the field before battle. 2. Cassius has Pindarus kill him. 3. Pindarus runs away to escape. 4. Lucilius offers money to a soldier to kill him after he said he was Brutus. 5. Antony would rather have such men as his friend and not his enemy. 6. Strato holds a sword as Brutus runs upon it. 7. Brutus was the noblest Roman of them all. Julius Caesar 1. B 2. D 3. A 4. C 5. C 6. A (adverb) 7. E 8. A (misplaced modifier) 9. D (fragment) 10. D (S-V agreement) 11. D 12. A 13. B 14. D 15. D (S-V agreement) 16. B (pronoun agreement) 17. D (parallelism) 18. B (S-V agreement) 19. C (idiom) 20. D (indefinite subject) 3

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