Literary Elements of Julius Caesar
ACT II
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 love
To 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:
 Omens
 Revenge
 Greed
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:
 Power
 Friendship
 Honor
 Loyalty
 Pride
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 Romans
Came smiling and did bathe their hands in it.”
Paradox
Paradox is a statement that appears to be selfcontradictory 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.