10th World Literature, Gifted Mrs. Walls

Julius Caesar: Questions for Discovery

Sic Semper Tyrannis

Create a page on your wiki concerning Julius Caesar, the play and the man. You may already know a great deal about the Romans and about Caesar – post what you know on your page from your study of history this year. You will also be asked to post your response to various scenes or ideas from the play. I will be checking your wiki, so pay attention to due dates.

This is your opportunity to chart your own discoveries and ideas concerning Caesar – don’t waste it! Be remarkable.You should also go ahead and register on turnitin.com.

Act I, Scene I

  1. What does this scene reveal about the atmosphere and political situation in Rome?
  1. The Roman crowd will appear several times in the play; what is your impression of them in this scene?

Act I Scene II

  1. In his first two appearances, what strengths and weaknesses does Caesar reveal?
  1. What are your first impressions of Antony? What does Brutus call him (quote)?
  1. In their long dialogue, what strategies does Cassius use to sway Brutus?
  1. What do we learn from the first soliloquy of Cassius? Write a brief character analysis of Cassius based on what you know at this point in the play. Yes, you must use direct quotes. (1 page minimum)

Application: Cassius tells Brutus, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.” In a brief essay, discuss to what extent we have control of our fates. Consider the various works from this semester (last year) and what role “fate” seems to play. Your response must be submitted to turnitin.com

DUE DATE _____

Act I, Scenes III and Act II, Scene I

  1. What is the atmosphere of this scene?
  1. What meanings do the characters give to the images of night? Create a separate list for each character.
  1. What changes do you see in Casca and Cassius from the previous scene?

Act II, Scene I

  1. What conflict does Brutus reveal in his soliloquy, and what resolution of the conflict does he reach?
  1. List three instances in which Brutus overrides the opinions of the other conspirators (quote). Do you think he is right? Why or why not?
  1. What reason does Brutus give for not killing Antony (quote)?
  1. Interpret Brutus’ statement, “Let’s carve him as a dish fit for the gods, / Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds.”

Act II, Scene II

  1. What is the atmosphere of this scene?
  1. How does Caesar react to the omens and the upheavals? Why does Caesar change his mind and yield to Calpurnia’s pleas?
  1. What change does Caesar make in this scene in the way he refers to himself? Why does he make the change?
  1. Why does Shakespeare make Caesar change his mind so often?
  1. Compare the relationship of Caesar and Calpurnia to Brutus and Portia.
  1. How does this scene illustrate Cicero’s earlier remark, “Men may construe things after their fashion, / Clean from the purpose of things themselves”? Your response should be in paragraph form.
  1. How does Decius prevail upon Caesar at the capitol? What flaws in Caesar are revealed by his not listening to Decius?

Act II, Scenes III and IV

  1. What purposes do these brief scenes serve?

OPTIONAL Enrichment: Using a medium other than written words (paint, pen and ink, collage, audio tape of mixed sounds and music) create a picture of Rome on the night of March 14, 44 BC. Be sure to include an explanation of your creation. This assignment will be due when we start Act IV. DUE DATE ____

Act III, Scene I

  1. What example of dramatic irony appears in the opening lines of the scene?
  1. What traits does Caesar show in dealing with those who approach him in this scene?
  1. In the exchange between Caesar and the conspirators, pick out three images of height and lowliness.
  1. Look closely at Caesar’s dying words. Complete your chart accordingly.
  1. What is the immediate general reaction to Caesar’s death?
  1. What qualities does Antony display as he confronts the conspirators?
  1. Brutus disregards the advice of Cassius and allows Antony to speak. Why?
  1. What purposes are served by the last episode of this scene?

Act III, Scene II

  1. What is the difference in form between the speeches of Brutus and Antony, and what is the significance of this difference? In a brief essay, Compare and contrast the speeches using Analyzing and Evaluating Persuasion guide. Post this response on your wiki on your JULIUS CAESAR page (you should have already created this page). Type your essay and then copy and paste it to your wiki.

DUE DATE ____

You will also be analyzing a famous political speech from history, so start thinking of ideas.

  1. The plebian responds to the speech of Brutus thusly, “Let him be Caesar.” What does this response indicate?
  1. What actions and tricks of Antony’s particularly impress the mob?
  1. Describe the crowd in this scene.
  1. After reading the two speeches, do you agree with Antony’s statement: “I am no orator as Brutus is, / But (as you know me all) a plain and blunt man.” Explain in paragraph form.

Act III, Scenes II and III

  1. Why does the mob attack Cinna the poet and what does this reveal about them?
  1. What is the significance of Cinna’s opening speech?
  1. Where can you find touches of humor in this scene and what earlier scenes do these recall?

Act IV, Scene I

  1. How do you know there has been a lapse of time between Acts III and IV?
  1. How do the members of the triumvirate behave in this scene?
  1. Constrast the Antony of this scene to the Antony of Act III.

Act IV, Scenes II and III

  1. What do you learn about the changed relationship between Brutus and Cassius? (Lucillus)
  1. What purposes are served by the long quarrel scene between Brutus and Cassius?
  1. Of what does Brutus accuse Cassius? Why is this important?
  1. How does the Brutus-Cassius quarrel compare with that of the triumvirate?
  1. In what matter does Brutus overrule the advice of Cassius (again)?

Act V, Scene I

  1. What dramatic purpose is served by the exchange of insults among the four generals?
  1. What sort of imagery is used in this scene, why is it appropriate?
  1. What does the farewell dialogue between Brutus and Cassius foreshadow?
  1. What new view of life does Cassius express in this scene?

Act IV, Scene III

  1. What is ironic about the suicide of Cassius?
  1. What is the final picture given of Cassius? Complete your chart for Cassius and Titinius.

Act V, Scene IV

  1. What noble gesture does Antony make in this scene? Why?

Act V, Scene V

  1. How does Shakespeare emphasize the greatness of Brutus both before and after his suicide? Complete your chart accordingly.
  1. What purpose is served by assigning Octavius the last words of the play?

Application: Complete the chart concerning Tragic Heroes and then tell me in a brief essay who the tragic hero of Julius Caesar would be. You will submit this essay to turnitin.com and post it to your wiki. Document correctly and remember your Writing Tips!