* To create contrast. The humor at the beginning of the play helps to create a contrast with the tragic events that will follow. This contrast makes the tragedy seem even more powerful and devastating, as it shows how quickly and easily things can change for the worse.
* To provide relief. The humor also helps to provide some relief from the tension and suspense of the play. This is especially important in a play that is as long and complex as *Julius Caesar*, as it helps to keep the audience engaged and entertained.
* To introduce the characters. The humor also helps to introduce the characters and their relationships to each other. For example, the way that the characters joke with each other shows that they are close friends and that they are comfortable with each other.
Ultimately, the humor at the beginning of the play helps to create a more complex and nuanced story. It allows Shakespeare to explore the different sides of the characters and to show how even in the midst of tragedy, there can still be moments of levity and laughter.
Here are some specific examples of the humor in the opening scenes of *Julius Caesar* that help to create these effects:
- When the commoners are asked their opinion of Pompey's death, they respond with jokes and puns. This shows that the people of Rome are not taking the political situation very seriously, which creates a sense of irony when the tragedy begins to unfold.
- When Cassius tries to convince Brutus to join the conspiracy against Caesar, he uses a lot of humor to make his case. This shows that Cassius is not only a skilled politician, but also a witty and charming man.
- When the conspirators are planning Caesar's assassination, they make jokes about how they will kill him. This shows that the conspirators are not afraid of Caesar, even though they know he is a powerful man.
These are just a few examples of the many humorous moments in the opening scenes of *Julius Caesar*. This humor helps to create a more complex and nuanced story, and it allows Shakespeare to explore the different sides of the characters and to show how even in the midst of tragedy, there can still be moments of levity and laughter.