EQ 1: Is the play Julius Caesar a tragedy?  If so, how?  How is this play a tragedy?  It does not fit the traditional, Aristotelian definition [and why not?].  Explain how we may consider it to still be a tragedy or how and why it is not a tragedy.  If so, why?  Answer this question and be sure to include the following:

  1) What is the tragedy? (in other words, what does it mean for people or society & how does it apply to us even still today)? 
  2) Who is the tragic hero,
  3) What is their flaw, and
  4) What makes the play tragic and important to consider even unto our current historical era?  

 -Use 3 - 5 pieces of evidence from the play to support your answer.  You may also use research material in addition to support your claim, but this is not required.  

 -Additionally, use 3 or more rhetorical devices to support your answer. 

EQ 2: What results from the damage humans cause (in reality or in fantasy) to their most cherished figures of authority?  In writing your answer, be sure to discuss and include answers to the following: 

What happens (to us) if/when we discover those idealized figures are flawed?  

How do we cope with such a crisis in our psyche?  In another way, how can our conscience mislead us? 

Use quotes from the play Julius Caesar to answer this essay question.  Perhaps all the resulting war in acts 4 & 5 are results from destroying a cherished authority figure.  Additionally, you would be wise in using Brutus as a model example of this question, especially considering the added element of patricide. 

 -Use evidence from the play to support your answer.  

 -Additionally, use 3 or more rhetorical devices to support your answer. 

Guidelines: 

-An introductory paragraph with a central claim answering the essay prompt; 

-2 or more body paragraphs with supporting evidence (quotes) to analyze in support of the claim;

-Typed, double-spaced, 12 pt font, Times New Roman.

EQ 3: Julius Caesar: Fact or Fiction?
Who was Julius Caesar?  If you have seen Shakespeare's play about him, you may think you know the answer to that question.  However, many historians disagree with key aspects of Shakespeare's portrayal.  To find out more about how Shakespeare viewed Caesar, click HERE.  To find out more about how historians viewed Caesar, click HERE.  Use these sources for your research paper answering the question: Who was the real Julius Caesar, and was Shakespeare's depiction more fact or fiction?

Some important issues include:
Was Caesar a man of the people, or a man for himself (only interested in his own wealth and/or power)? 
Did the senators assassinate Caesar for good reason?
How accurate was the depiction of Caesar's talent(s) and faults?
Did Caesar possess the virtue he was known for, which was clemency?

Guidelines:
1) 3-4 pages, typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font.
2) Use 3 sources (quotes from the source(s) listed) .
3) Use 1+ source through your own research.  Be sure to follow research guidelines to select strong, credible sources.
4) Use quotes from the play Julius Caesar to answer this essay question. Julius Caesar is depicted mostly in acts 1, 2, and 3.  Thus, your best sources for his depiction are probably in those acts.
5) A works cited page (with sources you used).
6) Additionally, use 3 or more rhetorical devices to support your answer.