William Shakespeare and Julius Caesar Essay Example for Free

William Shakespeare and Julius Caesar Essay William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564. Records show that Shakespeare was baptized three days after he was born, on April 26, 1564. He grew up in a town called Stratford upon Avon. During his lifetime, Shakespeare had three jobs. He was a playwright, a businessman, and an actor. Shakespeare not only wrote plays, but also sonnets. His most famous sonnet would be â€Å"Sonnet 18†. Some of his greatest plays are The Tragedy of Julius Caesar and The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare was known for stealing the ideas for his plays from other playwrights during his time. But, somehow he wrote magnificent plays and became the greatest playwright of all time. Shakespeare was also a businessman, just like his father. His father was a glove maker and a well respected man in the community. Although Shakespeare was not well respected, he was a successful businessman. He was a co-owner of The Globe Theatre, which was an amphitheatre located near the Themes River in England. Unfortunately, The Globe Theatre burnt down and was not able to be rebuilt by the time Shakespeare died. As an actor, Shakespeare did take part in some of his plays. Although he was never known to play the main roles. In some cases he would play a character that was important to the show.   Tragically, Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616. This is the day believed to be his birthday. Shakespeare was a very busy man during his life. He was an actor, a co-owner of The Globe Theatre, and the greatest playwright in history. The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Act I The major characters that start the play are Julius Caesar, Brutus, Cassius, Antony, and the soothsayer. Act I begins on February 15, when Caesar is celebrating his defeat over Pompey. The soothsayer warns Caesar, Beware the ides of March, but Caesar pays no attention to it. Cassius pulls Brutus aside to talk to him about Caesar and joining the conspiracy. Terrible weather is foreshadowing trouble. Act II The main characters in act II are Calpurnia, Caesar, Brutus, Portia, Cassius, and the other conspirators. Brutus joins the conspiracy and leads it. He tells Cassius and the other conspirators that there will be no oath, no Cicero, and no killing of Mark Antony. Calpurnia has a dream that Caesar is killed and convinces him not to go to the capitol. Decius reinterprets the dream and changes Caesars mind about going to the capitol. Portia begins to worry about Brutus because he hasnt been talking to her lately. Act III The main characters in this act are Caesar, Brutus, Antony, and the other conspirators. Caesar is again warned on his way to the capitol, but ignores it. The conspirators gather around Caesar in the capitol to discuss Metillus brother being released from banishment. Then they all stab and murder Caesar. Antony meets with the conspirators and pretends to be friends with them, but his real plan is to get revenge for Caesars death. Brutus allows Antony to speak at Caesars funeral. First Brutus speaks and wins over the crowd. Then Antony speaks and turns the crowd against Brutus and the conspirators by reading Caesars will. Act IV The main characters in this act are Octavius, Antony, Lepidus, Brutus, Cassius, and Caesars ghost. Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus are triumvirs, but Antony and Octavius are not sure whether or not Lepidus should rule with them. Brutus found out that Portia has died from swallowing fire. He is also arguing with Cassius a lot. Caesars ghost appears to Brutus and warns him that he will die at Philippi. Act V The main characters in act V are Octavius, Antony, Brutus, and Cassius. They all decide to meet in the field before the battle to talk. Cassius decides to run upon his own sword and kill himself. This is ironic because it is his birthday. Brutus finds out that Cassius is dead and decides to run upon his own sword too.