William Shakespeare’s playJulius Caesaris a timeless political tragedy set in ancient Rome, rich with dramatic speeches, betrayal, and moral conflict. Despite its classical setting, readers may notice some curious inconsistencies in the play specifically, the presence of certain objects or ideas that did not exist during the historical time period of Julius Caesar. These inconsistencies are known as anachronisms, and they appear throughout the play in subtle but significant ways. Understanding the use of anachronism inJulius Caesarprovides a deeper insight into Shakespeare’s dramatic technique and his thematic intentions.
What Is an Anachronism?
An anachronism is a literary device that occurs when something from a different time period is placed into a story or setting where it does not historically belong. This could involve the mention of an object, event, language, or custom that is chronologically out of place. In literature, anachronisms can be unintentional resulting from a lack of historical knowledge or they can be deliberate choices by the author to create specific effects or draw thematic parallels between the past and present.
Purpose of Anachronisms in Literature
Writers use anachronisms for various reasons
- To make the content more relatable to a contemporary audience.
- To emphasize thematic similarities between different time periods.
- To create irony, contrast, or humor.
- To challenge the audience’s perception of historical events.
Shakespeare, in particular, used anachronisms with careful intent. While he occasionally made historical errors, he also employed anachronistic elements deliberately to serve dramatic or rhetorical purposes.
Notable Anachronism inJulius Caesar
One of the most famous examples of anachronism inJulius Caesarappears in Act 2, Scene 1, when Brutus and the conspirators are planning Caesar’s assassination. In this scene, a character says, Peace! Count the clock. Another responds, The clock hath stricken three. The mention of a clock striking the hour is anachronistic, as mechanical clocks with bells did not exist in ancient Rome.
Analyzing the Clock Anachronism
This reference to a mechanical clock is a striking example of anachronism because it places Renaissance technology into a Roman setting. In Caesar’s time, Romans used sundials and water clocks, but they did not have striking clocks. So why did Shakespeare include such a detail?
There are a few plausible interpretations
- Relatability for Shakespeare’s audienceThe use of familiar objects such as clocks made the setting more understandable to 16th-century viewers who would recognize and relate to such references.
- Thematic urgencyThe striking of the clock emphasizes the passage of time and the urgency of the conspirators’ plot, enhancing the dramatic tension of the scene.
- Blending past and presentShakespeare often blended time periods to create timeless stories that resonated with the political concerns of his own era.
Other Possible Anachronisms in the Play
While the striking clock is the most well-known anachronism inJulius Caesar, other examples may be found throughout the play. Shakespeare refers to objects and practices that align more with his own time than with ancient Rome.
Doublets and Hats
Characters inJulius Caesarare described wearing doublets and hats items of clothing common in Elizabethan England but foreign to Roman fashion. For instance, Shakespeare mentions men wearing cloaks or pulling hats over their brows. Romans traditionally wore togas and did not use hats in the same way.
Books and Letters
Throughout the play, letters play an important role particularly the forged letters planted by Cassius to sway Brutus. While Romans did have writing instruments, the act of reading and interpreting these letters as though they were printed resembles more of a Renaissance context. Again, this may have been done to align with the literary culture of Shakespeare’s time.
Irony in Anachronisms
Irony is often present in these anachronisms. They highlight the contrast between Caesar’s ancient world and Shakespeare’s modern one. This layered effect allows Shakespeare to speak not just about Caesar’s Rome but also about the political landscape of Elizabethan England. In this way, anachronisms are not merely historical flaws they are a bridge between past and present.
Shakespeare’s Historical Perspective
It is essential to understand that Shakespeare was not attempting to write historically accurate dramas. His goal was to entertain, to provoke thought, and to comment on human behavior. Shakespeare’s understanding of history was shaped by the sources available to him, especially Plutarch’sLives of the Noble Grecians and Romans, which provided much of the material forJulius Caesar. His focus was on human nature, not precise historical detail.
Historical Fidelity vs. Dramatic Effect
Modern readers may be tempted to critique Shakespeare for his use of anachronism, but doing so misses the point of the plays. Shakespeare prioritized drama, symbolism, and audience engagement over strict adherence to history. His creative use of time serves to make ancient stories accessible and emotionally resonant for all generations.
The Enduring Power of Anachronism
In literature and drama, anachronism can be a powerful tool. It can challenge assumptions, build connections across time, and deepen the emotional experience of a narrative. InJulius Caesar, the anachronistic use of the clock is more than just a historical error it is a reminder that the themes of power, betrayal, ambition, and fate are timeless.
The mention of the clock striking three reminds us that the conspirators are acting within a narrow window of opportunity. It builds suspense and signals that the consequences of their actions are already in motion. The decision to reference a mechanical clock, therefore, is both a practical and poetic one.
The anachronism inJulius Caesarparticularly the striking clock serves as a compelling literary device that enhances the tension and accessibility of the play. While it may appear to be a historical mistake at first glance, closer analysis reveals its value in emphasizing theme, connecting eras, and enriching the dramatic experience. Shakespeare’s genius lies in his ability to transcend time, and his deliberate blending of past and present allows his work to remain meaningful across centuries. Far from being flaws, these anachronisms reveal the depth of Shakespeare’s artistry and his understanding of human nature.