Julius Caesar Project

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

Charecter Analysis

Credits

Foreshadowing

Aside

Mark Anthony

Brutus

• https://myshakespeare.com/julius-caesar/act-1-scene-1
• https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/foreshadowing
• https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/soliloquy
• https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/aside

Definition: A line spoken by an actor to the audience but not intended for others on the stage.

Example: Act 1, Scene 2 -

"Brutus, I do observe you now of late: I have not from your eyes that gentleness and show of love as I was wont to have: You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand Over your friend that loves you." - Cassius

Analysis: Shakespeare employs aside(s) to provide the audience with private information, creating dramatic irony and heightening tension. It allows characters to share their true thoughts and intentions, revealing their cunning and deceitful nature.

In the beginning of the play Mark Antony is a loyal friend and ally of Caesar. Initially, he appears as a charismatic person, but beneath his notable exterior lies a shrewd and ambitious politician.His grief over Caesar's death fuels his desire for vengeance, and he becomes a formidable adversary to the conspirators. Antony's character embodies the mix between ambition, loyalty, and manipulation. His pursuit of power serves as a vast contrast to Brutus's idealism, shwoing the moral ambiguity inherent in politics and human nature.

Defintion: The act of providing vague advance indications; representing beforehand.

Example: Act 1, Scene 2 -

Soothsayer. Beware the ides of March.

Caesar. What man is that?

Brutus. A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.

Caesar. Set him before me; let me see his face.

Cassius. Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar.

Caesar. What say'st thou to me now? speak once again.

Soothsayer. Beware the ides of March.

Analysis: Shakespeare uses foreshadowing to create suspense and anticipation, helping to create an sense of worry for the audience in the drama of the play. It adds layers of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the inevitability of fate and the consequences of characters' actions.

In the beginning of the play Brutus is portrayed as a noble and honorable man, He is depicted as a stoic philosopher, guided by his principles rather than his emotions. His decision to join the conspiracy against Caesar is driven by his belief that it is for the greater good of Rome, revealing his idealism and sense of duty. By the end of the play, Brutus's character arc ends in tragedy as he kills himself as he realizes his consquences.

Relevence Today

Solioquy

Introduction

Conclusion

Political Manipulation

Julius Caesar depicts the art of political manipulation and rhetoric, as characters like Mark Antony swayed the public opinion to serve his own agenda(s). In today's age of social media, political manipulation and propaganda remain prevalent, influencing public discourse and shaping perceptions on many topics.

Julius Caesar's Literary Devices

In conclusion, the literary devices of soliloquy, aside, and foreshadowing in Julius Caesar help influence Shakespeare's storytelling brilliance, offering insight into the character's psyche and the tension within the play. Their significance resonates across time, reveasling the timeless nature of human ambition, loyalty, and political intrigue. These literary devices show the complexities of power dynamics and moral dilemmas still ocurring in today's world.

Ethical Dilemmas and Moral Choices

Definition: Speech you make to yourself/ a (usually long) dramatic speech intended to give the illusion of unspoken reflections.

Example: Act 2 Scene 1 - It must be by his death. And for my part I know no personal cause to spurn at him, But for the general. He would be crowned: How that might change his nature, there’s the question. It is the bright day that brings forth the adder, And that craves wary walking. Crown him that, And then I grant we put a sting in him. That at his will he may do danger with. Th’ abuse of greatness is when it disjoins. Remorse from power. And, to speak truth of Caesar, I have not known when his affections swayed. More than his reason. But ’tis a common proof. That lowliness is young ambition’s ladder, Whereto the climber-upward turns his face - Brutus

Analysis: Shakespeare uses soliloquy to reveal the inner turmoil and conflict within characters, allowing the audience insight into their motivations and moral dilemmas. It helps to add depth to the character development and enhances the audience's understanding of the themes of ambition and betrayal.

Characters in Julius Caesar face many ethical dilemmas and moral choices that resonate with modern audiences. The play prompts reflection on topics like loyalty, betrayal, honor, and the greater good, encouraging viewers to consider the implications of their actions and decisions in ethical situations, that lead to many different consequences.

By:Andrew Lenz