Elements Of A Shakespeariean Tragedy

Elements of A Shakespeariean Tragedy

Shakespeare wrote many tragedies, which included The Tragedy of Julius

Caesar. He chose to take an important event in Roman history, the death of

Julius Caesar to write a play for the Globe Theater in 1599. The people who lived during the Renaissance were very interested in the play and the story of

Julius Caesar's death. People's views of the play dating from 1599 to the present may be very different and continually changing. Though the elements of

Shakespeare's tragedy Julius Caesar and other Shakespearian tragedies are all the same. A Shakespearian tragedy is comprised of several elements; two include a tragic hero and supernatural elements.

In a tragedy, the tragic hero is of high social position. The tragic hero has a destructive flaw which in turn brings about his downfall. There is much argument over who the tragic hero is in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.

Some scholars say that the tragic hero is Julius Caesar, while others say it is

Marcus Brutus. A case can be made for both of the characters. Both Brutus and

Caesar are of high social and political status. Caesar was the dictator for life of Rome and Brutus was an honorable Senator. Julius Caesar had two tragic flaws. Caesar was said by Brutus to be ambitious, which led directly to his downfall - “ But as he was ambitious, I slew him.” (Act 3. Scene 2. Line 28)

Caesar was also arrogant, he believed that he was too great to be harmed, Caesar said “ Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste death but once.” (Act 2. Scene 2. Lines 34-35) Brutus too, had a tragic flaw.

Brutus was an idealist, not a realist. Brutus was an optimist, he always wanted the best for Rome. Although sometimes, Brutus couldn't see things for what they really are. This flaw prevented him from making good decisions.

The supernatural elements present in the play all foreshadow events to come. Three different characters show supernatural predictions. The Soothsayer has an insight of trouble for Julius Caesar and he warns him - “Beware the Ides of March.” (Act 1. Scene 2. Line 21) On March 15, the date that Caesar was warned of, his wife, Calphurnia had bad dreams. Calphurnia cried out in her sleep “Help ho, they murder Caesar!” (Act 2. Scene 2. Line 3.) Calphurnia knew that her dreams were a sign of what was to come. After Caesar's death, another supernatural event occurred. Marc Antony and Octavius were at war with Brutus and Cassius. Brutus was in his tent where his army was camped when the ghost of