Approaching Shakespeare Julius Caesar
May 18, 2015
This podcast explores the structure, tone, and politics of Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar. It delves into the significance of the cameo scene with Cinna the Poet, the justification of Caesar's assassination, the portrayal of violence, the use of echo and comedic relief, and the symbolism of Cinna's death. Additionally, it analyzes the role of poets and the portrayal of poetry in Shakespeare's works.
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Julius Caesar's Unique Structure
- Julius Caesar's structure is unique: the climax, Caesar's death, occurs in the middle.
- This differs from other Shakespearean plays like Richard II (death at the end) and Macbeth (consequences after).
Shifting Focus in Shakespearean Tragedies
- Shakespeare's focus shifts from the murdered ruler (Richard II) to the assassin (Macbeth).
- Julius Caesar represents a transition between these two types of tragedies.
The Tragedy of Brutus?
- Critics debated whether Julius Caesar should be Brutus's tragedy, not Caesar's.
- This highlights the play's focus shift towards the assassin's psychology.