Advanced Sophomore English

Julius Caesar

William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar is a tragedy and a political thriller: Julius Caesar is about to be crowned emperor but some Romans believe that he will abuse that power. Can the conspirators ultimately convince one of Caesar's own friends, Brutus, to be a part of Caesar's assassination? If they succeed, what will happen to Rome? This play touches on the nature of friendship and betrayal, as well as the fine line between being a patriot and a traitor. As a text, it provides excellent examples of persuasive speech, dramatic conventions, imagery and metaphors.

For each act of the play, students will:

• keep a list of different literary techniques noted in the text (at least five per act)
• write a persona journal -- a diary entry or letter from the point of view of one of the characters.
• write a dramatic irony journal -- a chance to analyze what important facts/details their persona doesn't know.... but the audience does.

Additionally, students will be required to act in at least one scene as we perform the play -- Shakespeare was meant to be seen and experienced!

As we approach the end of the play, we will complete several special assignments:

• Plutarch, Shakespeare and Julius Caesar Activity - Let's compare what Shakespeare wrote in JC to what his main historical source (Plutarch) wrote.
   
• Act 4 Packet - Test yourself to see if you can now translate and interpret Shakespeare on your own!
   
• Persuasive Speeches - Learn from the logos, pathos, and ethos of Antony's famous funeral oratory and apply it to your own persuasive speech! HERE ARE TIPS ON HOW TO REVISE IT.

January 17, 2007 7:13 AM