UNIT
5
BEFORE YOU READ
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act I
Literary Analysis
Like other tragedies, Shakespeare’s tragedies are plays that tell of a reversal of
fortune, from good to bad, experienced by a man or woman, usually of noble birth.
Shakespeare’s tragedies also have these distinctive features:
• They are sometimes based on historical characters.
• The hero often displays a tragic flaw, a characteristic that brings about his or
her downfall.
• Shakespeare emphasizes the hero’s internal conflict.
• Commoners often play key supporting roles and provide comic relief,
humorous scenes that serve as a break from the intense emotions of
the play.
Shakespeare’s plays are structured in five acts. In his tragedies, the
crisis—the turning point that determines how the play will end—occurs in Act III.
The climax, or point of greatest emotional intensity, often occurs in Act V, when
the catastrophe, or disaster, befalls the hero.
As you read, use this chart to trace the structure of the play.
Act III
The Crisis
Act II
Rising Action
Act IV
Falling Action
Act I
Exposition
Act V
The Catastrophe—often, the Climax
Reading Skill
Shakespeare’s plays contain unfamiliar language and references. When reading
Shakespearean drama, use text aids:
• Review the list of dramatis personae (the cast of characters).
As you read the play, consult the notes, called glosses, beside the text. These
notes define words and explain references.
346
Reader’s Notebook
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• Read the background information provided.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
The Tragedy of
Julius Caesar, Act I
William Shakespeare
Summary Julius Caesar has overthrown the
Roman government and wants to become
emperor. A soothsayer warns Caesar to
beware of danger to come. Caesar dismisses
the warning. Cassius plans to ask Brutus to
join the plot to overthrow Caesar. Caesar is
suspicious of Cassius. The conspirators plan
ways to get Brutus to join them.
E BIG
TH
Writing About the Big Question
To what extent does experience determine what we perceive? In the
first act of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, the author begins to reveal the
dangers of misinterpreting people and their intentions. Complete these
sentences about the way we interpret others:
A person might form an impression of someone based on
. Our own values and beliefs may also affect the
way we see others because
.
Note-taking Guide
Fill in this character wheel to analyze the character of Julius Caesar.
What
character
says
Caesar enters
Rome in triumph.
What
character
does
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Caesar’s
Character
What
character
thinks
Caesar thinks that
Cassius is dangerous.
What others
say about
character
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar 347