Julius Caesar – Socratic Seminar 1
Acts I-III
1. Based on Shakespeare’s characterization of the plebeians, why do you think they so strongly support Caesar after revering Pompey? Why do they honor Brutus for Caesar’s death and then immediately turn on him after Antony’s oration and announcement of the will. Notably, knowing that they may (and do) have the wrong man, the plebeians murder Cinna the poet at the end of Act 3. What does this reveal about human nature and its effects on the masses (mob)? Can the mass (mob) of men exhibit high moral strength? Do the political system and structure affect the mass’ morality? Explain. What other real world examples support your opinion? Say something metaphysically profound.
2. Why do you think that Cassius wants to stop Caesar from becoming king? What are his true motivations? What do the methods that he favors reveal about his level of morality? Is he effective and rational or sinister and dangerous? Is the moral high road too idealistic when dealing with the masses? (Connect to your answer to #1) What other real world examples support your opinion? Say something metaphysically profound.
3. What are Brutus’ motivations for joining the conspiracy? How do they compare/contrast with Cassius? Is Brutus or Cassius better equipped to rule? Explain. What do Brutus’ interactions with Portia and/or his refusal to kill Mark Antony reveal about his emotional/mental strength? Is this a positive or negative? What other real world examples support your opinion? Say something metaphysically profound.
4. What are Caesar’s motivations for wanting to be king? Are they as Cassius and Brutus believe? Why does he refuse the crown three times? What does his speech to his peers before his death reveal? Does he deserve to be stripped of power? Was assassination the best means? What other real world examples support your opinion? Say something metaphysically profound.
5. What are Mark Antony’s motivations for tricking Brutus and the other conspirators? Is Antony self-serving and a political opportunist or is he a genuinely good man, provoked into taking power by the assassination of Caesar, a man he loved and admired? How do his actions after Caesar’s death support your opinion? Specifically, what do his rhetorical strategies reveal about his level of morality? How is he similar/dissimilar to Cassius?
Who is the “better” man? Say something metaphysically profound.