Understanding Shakespeare, Elizabethan Drama, and Julius Caesar

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Understanding Shakespeare, Elizabethan Drama, and
Julius Caesar
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THE AGE OF SHAKESPEARE

• He wrote from 1585-1660 during the Renaissance or
  the Elizabethan Age
• This time period is known for its theater and
  thriving literature

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• Queen Elizabeth and King James of Scotland were
  great supporters of literature and the arts- they
  both supported Shakespeare during their reign
• This time period also brought economic and social
  growth to England

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THE THEATER AND THE STAGE

• In late 1500s theater was changing
• Before this time, actors would travel from city
  to city playing to audiences these actors were
  called players.

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• players were not always greatly accepted by the
  cities they visited because play-acting was
  considered sinful by some communities.
• In 1574 players were banished from London

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• To get around this, James Burbage built the first
  public playhouse or theater in England leading to
  the development of other theaters
• Shakespeares company performed at Burbages
  theater, until building their own

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• Shakespeare (along with other company
  shareholders) built his theater in 1599- he
  called it the Globe- and he referred to it as
  the wooden O
• The Globe was a circular building with three
  levels overlooking a courtyard with a platform
  stage

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Look for Rhetoric

• The art or study of using language effectively
  and persuasively
• Make sure to look for persuasion and the use of
  language throughout the play (note the characters
  techniques to win public and political support)

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Importance of Caesar

• Caesars assassination and death affected Rome
  and its territories for centuries
• Story is simultaneously personal and political

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Differing Views

• Assassination as act of heroism, expediency, or
  villainy celebrate, excuse, or denounce its
  perpetrators?

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Who Cares?

• So why did Shakespeare feel that Renaissance
  England would respond to Julius Caesar?

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• Shakespeare saw Caesar and Roman civilization not
  just as one that precedes the future, but as one
  that sets the pattern for future civilizations.
• Shakespeare's England faced concerns of a country
  about to change leadership and centuries.

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The Play

• In 1599 the play would have served as a timely
  reminder of the enormous upheaval that would
  follow an attempt to seize power through violent
  means.

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JCs Current Relevance

• It is this issue of leadership and, in
  particular, the question of when effective
  leadership becomes a tyranny, that has most
  relevance.
• Consider the role of President, Prime Ministers,
  Senates, etc.

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JCs Current Relevance

• But the play is also about more ageless issues,
  such as the corrupting effect of power. "People
  are rightly nervous about placing trust in
  politicians," says Rylance. "I believe that the
  vast majority of politicians are genuinely trying
  to do some good. But there is always the danger,
  when in a position of power, that means and ends
  can become blurred."