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PrimarySource Caesar Shakesphere
PrimarySource Caesar Shakesphere
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netw rks
Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar was one of the most famous of Romes rulers.
He was a powerful politician and military general, and he took
total control of the Roman government by force in 44 B.C.
After that, he declared himself dictator for life. Caesar put into
place a lot of reforms that helped the poor. This made him
very popular with the common people. However, some
senators disliked him. They felt that he was only interested in
his own power, not what was best for Rome. A group of these
senators, including his friend, Brutus, murdered him in 44
B.C. About 1,500 years after his death, William Shakespeare
dramatized Caesars murder in his play, The Life and Death of
Julius Caesar. Although this excerpt is not a firsthand account,
literature can be a helpful way to understand history through
the eyes of characters who lived through that time.
If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar's, to him I say, that
Brutus' love to Caesar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why
Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer:Not that I loved Caesar less,
but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living and die [as]
slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live [as] free men? As Caesar loved me,
I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant [brave], I
honour him: but, as he was ambitious, I slew [killed] him. There is tears for his
love; joy for his fortune; honour for his valour; and death for his ambition. Who
is here so base [low] that would be a bondman [slave]? If any, speak; for him
have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any,
speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so vile [evil] that will not love his
country? If any, speak; for him have I offended. I pause for a reply.
from The Life and Death of Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare
NAME
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netw rks
NAME
DATE
CLASS
netw rks
Critical Thinking
5. Evaluating After reading both speeches, do you think the
senators actions were justified? Why or why not?