The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare – Flashcards

Brutus uses logos to explain logically and rationally the reason for Caesar's assassination. He appeals to reason using epimone—that any Roman would want freedom for the Republic over Caesar's dictatorship—to defend the assassination of Caesar, a man he did indeed love. Mark Antony relies on the rhetoric of pathos, including using Caesar's stabbed corpse, memories of his military career, tears, and heavy, emotional language to provoke the crowd. He manipulates them to turn against the conspirators by using subtle attacks against Brutus' reputation. His rebuttal of Brutus' claims calls into question Brutus' honor and integrity. By the end of his speech, the Romans are rioting, calling for the deaths of Caesar's murderers.

A major character plays a big role in the plot, while a minor character has a less important story line.

As the tragic figure in the play, Brutus' involvement in Caesar's assassination, in which Brutus murders his friend, eventually leads to his downfall.

The conspirators exchange short bursts of one-syllable words, which shows their urgency and fear that the assassination might not succeed.

Mark Antony uses an appeal to pathos by first recalling the memory of Caesar's military success and then showing his body stabbed by the conspirators.

Betrayal accompanies the quest for power.

resolution

Cassius does not trust Mark Antony, and he feels that Antony is going to use this opportunity to turn the people against them. Brutus is willing to allow it because he feels it will show that they are not evil, that they want a strong future for Rome, and that they want everyone to come together.

As the conspirators are trying to persuade Caesar to pardon Publius Cimber, Caesar is surprised that Brutus is speaking with them. This foreshadows the fact that Brutus is also acting with them in the assassination of Caesar. It is when Caesar discovers this ultimate betrayal that he gives up fighting and dies.

This exchange shows disagreement over military strategy; it recalls the disagreement between Mark Antony and Octavius in act 4 over Lepidus' suitability for a role in the Second Triumvirate. It also foreshadows the future downfall of Rome as a result of their disagreement and hostility.

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar deals with the themes of fate, betrayal, and honor, among others. The chief conflict of the play centers on the conspirators' hatred of Julius Caesar's increasing power, which could lead to his becoming king and to the dissolution of the Republic. This tension is about power, one of the play's themes. Also, the men who will assassinate Caesar are his friends, and the play explores the limits of that bond as it is tested by ambition and power.

Flat characters are one-dimensional characters with less important story lines; round characters are multifaceted with story lines that are essential to the plot.

Caesar describes himself as "constant as a Northern Star," meaning that he is reliable and consistent. He believes that he is the guiding light of Rome and his leadership is necessary. Yet, the audience notices from his interactions with Calpurnia and Decius that he is greatly affected by flattery. He changes his mind on a whim but especially if it will garner him more praise.