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
Omens and Portents
Throughout the play, omens and portents manifest themselves, each serving to crystallize the larger
themes of fate and misinterpretation of signs. Until Caesars death, each time an omen or nightmare is
reported, the audience is reminded of Caesars impending demise. The audience wonders whether these
portents simply announce what is fated to occur or whether they serve as warnings for what might occur
if the characters do not take active steps to change their behavior. Whether or not individuals can affect
their destinies, characters repeatedly fail to interpret the omens correctly. In a larger sense, the omens
in Julius Caesar thus imply the dangers of failing to perceive and analyze the details of ones world.

Letters
The motif of letters represents an interesting counterpart to the force of oral rhetoric in the play. Oral
rhetoric depends upon a direct, dialogic interaction between speaker and audience: depending on how the
listeners respond to a certain statement, the orator can alter his or her speech and intonations accordingly.
In contrast, the power of a written letter depends more fully on the addressee; whereas an orator must read
the emotions of the crowd, the act of reading is undertaken solely by the recipient of the letter. Thus,
when Brutus receives the forged letter from Cassius in Act II, scene i, the letter has an effect because
Brutus allows it to do so; it is he who grants it its full power. In contrast, Caesar refuses to read the letter
that Artemidorus tries to hand him in Act III, scene i, as he is heading to the Senate. Predisposed to ignore
personal affairs, Caesar denies the letter any reading at all and thus negates the potential power of the
words written inside.
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 Caesars character could lead to his downfall?
What steps are taken to prevent the conspiracys plans?