Notes on Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

Introduction by Richard Ayer

• Dual Nature:
  • Sometimes considered a history, sometimes a tragedy.
  • Elements of both; a political study.
• Theme and Style:
  • Stripped of metaphysical sanctions of kingship.
  • Set at a critical moment in Roman history.
  • Caesar offered the imperial crown thrice.
  • A republic conspiracy, with varying personal motives, decides Caesar must die.
  • Ghost of Caesar remains influential.

Characters and Their Traits

• Julius Caesar:
  • Not the historical great soldier/statesman.
  • Presented as weaker, willful, more human.
• Brutus:
  • Honorable but unwise, almost foolish.
• Cassius:
  • A troublemaker.
• Anthony:
  • A diplomat.
• Rome:
  • A great yet empty city with a fountain of blood at its center.

Plot Summary

• Setting: Rome, 1924.
  • Rise of fascism, Caesar as a self-styled dictator.
• Conspiracy and Assassination:
  • Conspirators, including Brutus, plan Caesar's removal.
• Aftermath:
  • Anthony's speech sways public opinion.
  • Civil strife ensues.

Key Scenes and Themes

• Opening Scene:
  • Public holiday, citizens celebrate Caesar's triumph.
  • Critique of the populace's changing loyalties.
• Conspiracy Plot:
  • Brutus joins conspirators after moral contemplation.
  • Portia senses Brutus’ inner turmoil.
• Caesar's Death:
  • Assassination scene marks a pivotal moment.
  • "Et tu, Brute?" signifies ultimate betrayal.
• Brutus' and Anthony's Speeches:
  • Brutus justifies Caesar's murder for Rome's freedom.
  • Anthony's oration turns the mob against Brutus and conspirators.

Themes and Motifs

• Power and Ambition:
  • Explores the corrupting influence of power.
• Friendship and Betrayal:
  • Male friendships are deep but vulnerable to betrayal.
• Fate vs. Free Will:
  • Omens and prophecies signal Caesar's fate.

Notable Quotes

• Brutus: "Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more."
• Anthony: "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him."

Conclusion

• Tragic Outcomes:
  • Civil war follows; Brutus and Cassius meet their demise.
• Shakespeare’s Message:
  • Reflects on the consequences of political ambition and moral dilemmas.

Performance Details

• Production Team:
  • Directed by Owen O'Callaghan.
  • Music composed by Neil Brand.

These notes should help recall key aspects, characters, and themes of Julius Caesar for further study or discussion.