The Tragedy of Julius Caesar



Mrs. Oelerich

English 10

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The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

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Name:______________________________________________

Unit Objectives:

Students will be able to...

▪ Define, identify, and explain elements of drama

▪ Note the power of diction and rhetoric as it impacts intent, understanding, and interpretation

▪ Analyze which qualities make a person an effective leader

▪ Describe how social expectations influence behavior

▪ Debate the importance of citizenship versus friendship

▪ Assess whether or not superstition should have a role in decision making

Terms

Please be aware that all dramatic/poetic terms will be used in this unit!

Tragedy

Tragic hero

Tragic flaw

Symbolism

Foil

Dialogue

Monologue

Soliloquy

Aside

Foreshadowing

Dramatic irony

You may also want to brush up on the following:

Character

1. Protagonist

2. Antagonist

3. Round character

4. Flat character

5. Dynamic character

6. Static character

An Introduction to Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar

• The play was first performed in __________ during the period of _____________________.

• The play is about Roman history, but uses the setting as a safe way to also criticize Elizabethan society, or _________________________________. For this reason the play will not be completely historically accurate.

• The major historical resource used by Shakespeare to craft the play is ______________________________________________________ which was translated into English in ____________.

Unit Essential Questions: (Answers to these questions can be made into theme statements!)

• What qualities make a person a good leader?

• What are society’s expectations and how do these expectations shape our perceptions and experiences?

• Which is more important, friendship or being a good citizen?

• How can we take personal responsibility for our actions, or not take responsibility for our actions? How do these actions influence both the way we view others and the way others view us?

• What is the effect of language (rhetorical style vs. emotional propaganda) on our perceptions of truth/justice/morality?

• What determines who is the tragic hero (is it Brutus or Caesar)?

• What should the role of fate and superstition be in our decision-making?

The Plot

Background: Pompey is the leader of Rome. Caesar, due to his military skill, pleases the people and is named part of the first triumvirate (group of three leaders) in Rome. Pompey does not like the fact that he has to share leadership or that Caesar gets all kinds of love and praise from the people, so he attacks Caesar. Caesar, being the outstanding general that he is, whups Pompey. Pompey is exiled, the triumvirate ends, and Caesar is the sole leader of Rome. Pompey treated certain people well and gave them special privileges; these people are particularly unhappy with Caesar for getting rid of their main guy. Those people wish to remove Caesar from power. The rest of the people like Caesar, but they seem to like whoever is in power.

According to critics, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar can be divided into thirds around Caesar’s assassination.

The First Third: Formation of the Conspiracy

The first scenes of the play shows the divisions arising in Rome between Caesar’s supporters and those who are wary of his growing power. Cassius is the mastermind of the formation of the conspiracy, but it is eventually led by Brutus.

The Middle Third: Assassination/Oration

On March 15th—thinking he will be crowned—Caesar is convinced to go to the senate, despite multiple warnings. It is there the conspirators kill him. Mark Antony is then permitted to speak at Caesar’s funeral where he cunningly turns the crowd against the conspirators who flee for their lives to Greece.

The Final Third: The Aftermath

Mark Antony and Octavius take control of Rome. Their armies meet with the armies of Brutus and Cassius at Philippi. Both Cassius and Brutus commit suicide.

Characters: Please add characteristics in the margins as we read

Caesar’s Circle—

Julius Caesar: The most powerful man in the Roman Empire. While he is not the protagonist of the play, his assassination and funeral are the two central events of the tragedy. He is at once an egotistical, power hungry ruler and thoughtful and benevolent to his people. His ghost also appears in the play, a manifest perhaps of Brutus’ guilty conscience.

Famous line: “Et tu Brute?” (Translation: “You too, Brutus?”) Spoken after realizing his own friend and confidant is involved in his assassination.

Mark Antony: Caesar’s closest political ally and friend. Always seen in intimate conversations with Caesar or telling jokes. It is his speech at Caesar’s funeral that turns the tide against the conspirators.

Famous line: “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.” The beginning of his famous speech.

Octavius: Caesar’s grand-nephew and heir, preoccupied with building a power-base after Caesar’s death. Defeats Brutus’ army at Philippi after the second battle.

Lepidus: A third of the new triumvirate after Caesar’s death.

The Conspirators —

Brutus: The protagonist of the play, his dilemma (Is it right to commit murder to guard against a future threat to the republic?) is the chief concern of the tragedy. Brutus is seduced into the conspiracy by Cassius who needs Brutus’ noble reputation to lend credibility to his cause. Takes the lead role in the conspiracy and eventually rushes into battle at Philippi and commits suicide rather than suffer the shame of defeat.

Famous line: “Caesar, now be still; / I killed not thee with half so good a will.” Brutus’ last words which express remorse for killing Caesar but none for taking his own life.

Cassius: Brother-in-law of Brutus, key figure in planning the assassination. Convinces Brutus to participate but shares none of his moral hesitance. A dishonest man who forges letters from citizens pleading for Brutus’ leadership to help convince him to join his cause.

Famous line: “Caesar, thou art revenged, / Even with the sword that killed thee.” Spoken while prematurely taking his own life during battle when he mistakes Brutus’ troops for the enemy advancing.

Casca: A Roman politician and member of the inner circle surrounding Caesar. Appears to be attentive to Caesar, but quick to make subversive comments in his absence. Referred to as dull or stupid by both Brutus and Cassius, but thought to be feigning stupidity so that others will underestimate him. Casca is the first to stab Caesar, in the back, the first of the “three and thirty” blows that kill him.

The Wives —

Calpurnia: Caesar’s wife who shows genuine concern for him despite his dismissive attitude towards her. Repeatedly tries to warn Caesar of signs she perceives as warnings of his death to no avail.

Famous line: “Help. ho! They murder Caesar!” Cried out three times in her sleep the night before the assassination,

Portia: Brutus’ wife who pleads to be taken into his confidence when she senses his moral dilemma. Attempts to prove her loyalty with a self-inflicted wound in her thigh, but they are interrupted before Brutus can confide in her. Commits suicide by swallowing hot coals just before her husband’s defeat and suicide.

Minor Characters —

The Soothsayer: Fortune teller of sorts who attempts to warn Caesar of his impending doom with his famous line: “Beware the Ides of March” (March 15th), but is dismissed by Caesar as a dreamer. The Soothsayer appears just before Caesar enters the senate house (the scene of the crime) and Caesar mocks, “The Ides of March have come.” The Soothsayer replies, “Aye, Caesar, but not gone.”

There are also several soldiers, servants, poets, etc. Please take notes here:

Flavius

Marullus

Cinna

Metellus Cimber

Decius Brutus

Caius Ligarius

Trebonius

Artemidorus

Cinna the Poet

Cicero

Publius

Poplius

Pindarus

Titinius

Lucilius

Strato

Questions: Please answer all questions completely.

Act I scene i

1. What does this scene reveal about the political situation in Rome? Support with an example.

2. The Roman crowd will appear several times in the play. What are your impressions of them in this scene?

3. At the close of the scene, Flavius compares Caesar to a bird. Why?

Act 1 scene ii

4. What are your first impressions of Antony? What does Brutus call him?

5. In their long dialogue, what strategies does Cassius use to sway Brutus?

6. Cassius tells Brutus: "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,/But in ourselves, that we are underlings" (I.ii.140-141). To what extent do you feel mankind controls its fate?

7. Why is Caesar’s comment about his deafness ironic?

8. In his first two appearances in the scene, what strengths and weaknesses does Caesar reveal? Support with a quotation.

9. Paraphrase Cassius’ soliloquy at the end of the scene. What do we learn?

Act I scene iii

10. What is the mood of this scene? Support with a quotation.

11. What meanings do the characters give to the omens? Be specific.

12. What changes do you see in Casca and Cassius from the previous scene?

Act II scene i

13. What conflict does Brutus reveal in his soliloquy? What resolution does he reach?

14. List three incidents where Brutus overrides the opinions of the other conspirators. Do you think he is right?

15. What reason does Brutus give for not killing Antony?

16. Interpret Brutus’ statement

“Let's be sacrificers, but not butchers, Caius.

. . . And, gentle friends,

Let's kill him boldly, but not wrathfully;

Let's carve him as a dish fit for the gods,

Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds;

And let our hearts, as subtle masters do,

Stir up their servants to an act of rage,

And after seem to chide 'em.”

II.i.166, 171–177

17. What does Portia do to prove her trustworthiness? What kind of wife/woman is she?

18. How does the incident with Caius Ligarius reveal character and develop the play’s symbolism?

Act II scene ii

19. What is the mood of this scene? Support with a quotation.

20. How does Caesar react to the omens and upheavals?

21. How does Caesar refer to himself in this scene (i.e. first person or third person)? What does this show about Caesar as a character?

22. What is Caesar’s perspective of fate as evinced by lines 32-37?

23. Analyze why Shakespeare has Caesar change his mind so often in this scene.

24. Compare the relationship between Caesar and Calpurnia to that of Brutus and Portia.

25. How does Decius prevail upon Caesar to go to the Capitol? What flaws of Caesar’s are revealed by his refusal to listen to those concerned for his safety?

Act II scene iii and iv

26. What purposes do these two brief scenes serve?

Act III scene i

27. What example of dramatic irony appears at the opening of this scene?

28. Look closely at Caesar’s dying words. What do they reveal about him?

29. What is the immediate general reaction to Caesar’s death?

III.i questions continue on the next page (

30. What previous event foreshadowed the conspirators’ dipping their hands in Caesar’s blood?

31. Describe Antony as he confronts the conspirators. Support with a quotation.

32. Why does Brutus disregard the advice of Cassius and let Antony speak?

33. What does Antony reveal in his soliloquy after the conspirators have departed?

34. Describe the role of irony in this scene. Cite 2-3 specific examples.

Act III scene ii

Brutus’ Funeral Oration

I. Introduction

I rose against Caesar not that I _________________ less, but that I _________________ more.

This serves as a ________________________ for Brutus’ actions.

II. Body

A. Part 1: Cause and effect

1. Because Caesar loved me, I ______________ for him, and there are ______________ for his love.

2. Because Caesar was fortunate, I ______________ for him, and there is ______________ for his fortune.

3. Because Caesar was valiant, I ______________ him, and there is ______________ for his valor.

4. Because Caesar was ambitious I ______________ him, and there is ______________ for his ambition.

B. Part 2: Rhetorical questions

1. Who is here so ______________ that would be a ______________?

2. Who is here so ______________ that would not be a ______________?

3. Who is here so ______________ that would not love _________________?

III. Conclusion

A. Whom then have I offended? ________________

B. The reasons for Caesar’s death are recorded __________________________________.

1. His glory wherein he was __________________ is not __________________.

2. His offenses for which he _____________________ are not ___________________.

III.ii questions continue on the next page (

35. Evaluate Brutus’ speech. Does he succeed? Even if so, what possible mistakes has he made?

36. How do the people react?

Turning the Tide: Antony’s Funeral Oration

I. Introduction

“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.”

What is the function of this opening line?

II. Body

A. Part 1: Refuting Caesar’s ambition

1. Proof 1: ________________________________________________________________

2. Proof 2: ________________________________________________________________

3. Proof 3: ________________________________________________________________

B. First Pause

“Bear with me, / My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, / And I must pause till it comes back to me.”

What is the purpose of this pause?

C. Part 2: First mention of Caesar’s will

1. The effects if the crowd were to read the will ___________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

D. Second Pause: Antony descends the pulpit, the crowd forms a ring around Caesar’s body

E. Part 3: Description of Caesar’s corpse

1. Description of mantle:_____________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

2. Names of conspirators involved:_____________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

3. Effects of Brutus’ stabbing:_________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

4. Citizen’s reactions to Antony’s words: ________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

5. Antony’s self-deprecation:__________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

F. Part 4: Contents of Caesar’s will

1. Each Roman citizen: ______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

2. Caesar’s private estate: ____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

III. Conclusion

“Here was a Caesar! When comes such another?”

III.ii questions continue on the next page (

37. What is the difference in form between these two speeches? What is the significance of the difference?

38. Why does Antony repeatedly claim that “Brutus is an honorable man”?

39. If these orations were a contest, who won? Explain your answer.

Act III scene iii

40. Why does the mob attack Cinna? What does this reveal about them/the people of Rome?

41. What is the significance of Cinna’s dream (i.e. what literary device does it employ)?

42. Where can you find touches of humor in this scene?

Act IV scene I

43. How do you know there has been a lapse in time between Acts III and IV?

44. How do the members of the triumvirate (Antony, Octavius, Lepidus) behave in this scene?

45. How does Antony seem to be different/changing now from previous Acts? Give at least two specific examples to support your answer.

Act IV scene ii

46. From the dialogue between Lucilius and Brutus, what do we learn about how the relationship between Brutus and Cassius has changed?

Act IV scene iii

47. In their quarrel, of what does Brutus accuse Cassius?

48. How does the quarrel between Brutus and Cassius compare to that of the triumvirate?

49. What personal revelation does Brutus make to explain his mood?

50. In what matter does Brutus again override the advice of Cassius?

51. What does Caesar’s ghost symbolize?

Act V scene I

52. How are Octavius and Antony getting along? How do you know? (Support!)

53. What sort of imagery is used in this scene? Why is it appropriate?

54. What new view of life does Cassius express in this scene?

55. What does the farewell dialogue between Brutus and Cassius foreshadow?

Act V scene Ii

56. What has happened in this brief scene?

Act V scene iii

57. What is ironic about Cassius’ suicide?

58. What is the audiences final image/impression of Cassius?

Act V scene iv

59. What noble gesture does Antony make in this scene?

Act V scene v

60. How does Shakespeare emphasize the greatness of Brutus both before and after his suicide?

61. What purpose is served by assigning Octavius the last words of the play?

Final Discussion Questions

1. A tragic hero is a basically good and admirable person who, because of a fault or flaw in character, fails in opposing the forces that bring about his downfall. Determine who in the play qualifies most as a tragic hero: Caesar or Brutus. Justify your answer.

2. Does a single hero or villain exist in Julius Caesar? In other words, is there one clear-cut good guy and bad guy? If so, who are they? Please explain your reasoning in detail.

Questions continue on the next page (

3. Which should be more important, loyalty to one’s country or loyalty to a friend? Does the play support or rebut your opinion? Use specific examples from the text to illustrate your answer.

4. Julius Caesar, like many of Shakespeare’s plays, deals with the concept of fate. To what extent do we have control over our fates? How do the characters in the play feel about this? Please analyze 2-3 characters and support with examples.

5. Develop three or more possible themes for this play and support with examples from the text. What can a person learn about life/friendship/politics/ambition/idealism from this play?

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conspirators

senators

soldiers

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