The Tragedy of Julius Caesar -- by William Shakespeare

Essential Questions:

How do the classical themes in Julius Caesar remain significant for a contemporary audience; and what can we conclude about our own culture by analyzing them?

• How does society determine what is/is not appropriate?
• How do today's societal standards differ from past standards?
• What aspects of human nature do not change?
• Why does human nature remain the same?
• What makes literature appeal to audiences of all ages and times?

Objectives:

• Identify the important characters (Brutus, Cassius, Antony, Casca, Caesar, Portia, Calpurnia).
• Give examples of belief in the super natural as brought out in the play.
• Recognize terms regarding plot structure and be able to match terms with events of the play (exposition, rising action, climax or tuning point, falling action-denouement, resolution).
• Apply definition of tragic hero be able to apply the definition to Brutus and Caesar
• Understand themes: a) jealousy and conspiracy b) rage and riot c) revenge and repercussions d) politics and patriotism
• apply Julius Caesar themes to current times (Notorious Backstabbers; John Wilkes Booth diary)
• draw conclusions about human nature by examining play's characters and relating personal experience
• recognize society's role in determining what is right and wrong

Assignments for our study of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

1. Take the introductory poll here: Julius Caesar Anticipation Guide Questions

2. Listen to introduction & take notes (fill-in the blanks); writing prompts afterward

3. Watch the condensed version of the play:

4. Complete readings & notes (see JC Overview sheet)

5. Watch selected YouTube clips of London Shakespeare production

6. Complete the VoiceThread group project

7. Enjoy the play because it's pretty much just like high school!! ;)

Web Links:

No Fear Shakespeare -- online text from SparkNotes

VoiceThread -- Where you'll upload & comment on group newspapers

Ideas from Folger Shakespeare Library

Webquest assignment -- we may not get to this one