Caesar Journals

Journal 1

THE GLOBE THEATER

The theater in which Julius Caesar was introduced was located across the Themes River from London, in an area called the Bankside. A detailed model of the Globe, constructed by Dr. J. C. Adams of Hofstra University and located at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., provides much useful information about the place where many of Shakespeare's plays were first staged.

The Globe Theater was octagonal in shape, three stories high and constructed of oak timbers and white plaster walls. Rising above the thatched roof were three attached huts and a tower form which a flag flew on days when a play was to be presented. Playgoers could see this flag from London and would hurry to be ferried across the river for the 2:00 PM performance.

Within the theater were three galleries, or seating areas for spectators, each projecting slightly beyond the one beneath it. The galleries and the area behind the stage were roofed, as was the stage itself, but the rest of the interior was open to the elements. The unprotected area, necessary to allow light and air into the crowded theater, was where the peasants stood.

At one end of this unroofed area, or yard, was the performing area. This consisted of a platform stage that projected well out into the audience area. Two ornate pillars, one at either end of the front of the front of the stage, supported a canopy, on which rested the huts and the playhouse turret. On the under part of the canopy, which was painted blue, were picture of the sun, the moon, and the signs of the zodiac: this area was referred to as the heavens.

Under the platform stage, and sometimes used for acting, was an area where stage props were stored known as Hell. In the center of the platform stage was a large trapdoor that provided access from this lower area. The trap door was not visible to the audience until it was opened from below.

Behind the platform stage, and serving as a background, was a three storied structure called the tiring house. On the first level it contained a curtained inner stage, sometimes called the study, which was flanked at the right and left by doors. The second level held the balcony stage and, behind it, a second curtained area known as the chamber. The balcony stage projected slightly over the platform and was flanked by bay windows stages. The curtained music gallery, on the third level, could also function as a stage.

The platform level inner stage and the balcony level chamber were almost identical. Even the front curtains of the either stage were drawn apart, the inner are suggested the interior of a room. The side walls were made of tapestry hangings that could be changed between scenes, and each rear wall had a door and a window with similar tapestry hangings in between. The doors were connected by a stairway allowing access from one level to the next, but both they and the windows had tapestries if the scene required it. By using appropriate wall coverings throughout, the inner stage could represent a variety of enclosed areas.

Nearly all parts of the performing area were used in the production of Julius Caesar. Most outdoor scenes took place on the platform and the most indoor ones in the inner stage or balcony stage, but there were also scenes where the platform and the inner stage were used together, and even one using the trapdoor.

Journal 2

#20

Caesar is a very cocky individual. In this quote he demonstrates by telling his companions that he wants to be the first one at everything. It did not matter it was a miserable little settlement, he would rather be the first one there than the second one in Rome. Being first was everything to him, he hated to lose in anything.

This is very interesting because it brings up an argument about whether he was truly cocky, or maybe very competitive, Most humans are by nature competitive. Winning is the primary goal no matter what. Going after the win at all costs is a primary necessity in business and sports today. Being so competitive may make some individuals jealous but that is just the cost of success. However, Caesar seems to cross the line in his search to be on top, losing is intolerable. His main quest for success is conquering all that surrounds him. His cut throat tactics in taking over Rome's surroundings area was just considered ambition. But as time went on and his power grew all people had to question whether this ambition was threatening to the interest of the Republic. It seems impossible that ambition, a trait so important, could be the root of trouble, but as most things are dangerous in excess.