ACT I I

Literary Elements of Julius Caesar

William Shakespeare Julius Caesar

Irony

Like all other figures of speech, irony brings about some added meanings to a situation. Ironical statements and situations in literature develop readers’ interest. Irony makes a work of literature more intriguing and forces the readers to use their imagination and comprehend the underlying meanings of the texts. Moreover, real life is full of ironical expressions and situations. Therefore, the use of irony brings a work of literature closer to the life of the reader.

Irony in Julius Caesar

Look for the following statements that are ironic in Julius Caesar and consider how they affect the plot as it unfolds:

“If Caesar hid himself, shall they not whisper‘Lo, Caesar is afraid’?Pardon me, Caesar, for my dear dear loveTo your proceeding bids me toll you this,And reson to my love is liable.”

“Say I am merry; come to me again,And bring me word what he doth say to thee.”

Motifs

The literary device ‘motif’ is any element, subject, idea or concept that is constantly present through the entire body of literature. Using a motif refers to the repetition of a specific theme dominating the literary work. Motifs are very noticeable and play a significant role in defining the nature of the story, the course of events and the very fabric of the literary piece.

Motifs in Julius Caesar

Look for the following motifs in Act II:

OmensRevengeGreed

Themes

Major and minor themes are two types of themes that appear in literary works. A major theme is an idea that a writer

repeats in his work, making it the most significant idea in a literary work.

A minor theme, on the other hand, refers to an idea that appears in a work briefly and gives way to another minor theme.

Theme Development in Julius Caesar

Look for the following themes in Act II:

PowerFriendshipHonorLoyaltyPride

Symbolism

Symbolism is the use of symbols to stand for ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal ones.

Symbolism can take different forms. Generally, it is an object representing another to give it a meaning that is much deeper and more significant. Sometimes, however, an action, an event, or a word spoken may have a symbolic value. Example: A “smile” is a symbol of friendship. “Smiling” may stand as a

symbol of the feeling of affection which that person has for you.

Symbols shift their meanings depending on the context they are used in. Example: “A chain” may stand for “union” as well as “imprisonment.”

The symbolic meaning of an object or an action is understood by when, where and how it is used and depends on who reads it.

Symbolism in Julius Caesar

Look for the following examples of symbolism in Act II:

“Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies,Yet now they fright me. There is one within,Besides the things that we have heard and seen,Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch.”

“She dreamt tonight she saw my statue,Which, like a fountain with an hundred spouts, Did run pure blood, and many lusty RomansCame smiling and did bathe their hands in it.”

Paradox

Paradox is a statement that appears to be self-contradictory or silly but may include a hidden truth. It is also used to illustrate an opinion or statement contrary to accepted traditional ideas. A paradox is often used to make a reader think over an idea in an innovative way.

Paradox in Julius Caesar

Look for the following example paradox in Act II:

“I would have had thee there and here again Ere I can tell this what thou shouldst do there.”

Allusion

Allusion is a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers. It is just a passing comment and the writer expects the reader to possess enough knowledge to spot the allusion and grasp its importance in a text.

Allusions in Julius Caesar

Look for the following example of allusion in Act II:

“Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace to-night: Thrice hath Calpurnia in her sleep cried out, ‘Help, ho! they murder Caesar!’…”

Tragedy

Tragedy is kind of drama that presents a serious subject matter about human suffering and corresponding terrible events in a dignified manner.

Shakespeare, the most popular of all playwrights, knew the Greek tragedy style well and he used several Greek themes but modified them to his own purpose. He intentionally violates the unity of action and mixes tragic actions with comical.

Tragedy Development in Julius Caesar

As you read Act II, consider how the conspiracy to get rid of Caesar becomes more solidified by asking yourself the following questions:

Who is part of the conspiracy?What does the conspiracy plan to do to Caesar?What about Caesar’s character could lead to his

downfall?What steps are taken to prevent the

conspiracy’s plans?

Anachronism

Anachronism is derived from a Greek word anachronous which means “against time.” Therefore, an anachronism is an error of chronology or timeline in a literary piece. In other words, anything that is out of time and out of place is an anachronism.

Anachronism in Julius Caesar

Look for anachronisms in Act II. One of the most famous anachronisms in English occurs in this act:

“Brutus: Peace! Count the clock.Cassius: The clock has stricken three.”

Think about WHY Shakespeare would have included this anachronism in this scene.