Elizabethan Theater / The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
World Literature and Composition 10 (R)
Study Guide
DIRECTIONS: Complete the following definitions and questions as we study Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.
LITERARY TERMS
Elizabethan Tragedy
(characteristics)
Elizabethan Tragic
Hero (characteristics)
catharsis
hamartia
(tragic flaw)
hubris
iambic pentameter
blank verse
soliloquy
monologue
aside
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE QUESTIONS
1. What are the major characteristics of Elizabethan theater?
2. Why did Shakespeare use blank verse?
3. What is the setting of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar? (Think: time and place)
4. Who is the protagonist in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar?
5. Who is the antagonist in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar?
6. Who is the tragic hero in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar? What qualities does this character possess that qualifies him/her as the tragic
hero?
SHORT ANSWER STUDY GUIDE (ACTS I-III)
Act I
1. In Scene I, what do Flavius and Marcellus want the commoners to do? What is the political mood of the Roman people in this act?
2. What is the Soothsayer's advice to Caesar? How does Caesar react? Why do you think he reacts this way?
3. Explain the difference between the views of Caesar held by Cassius and Brutus.
4. Caesar clearly gives his thoughts about Cassius. What does he say? What can you conclude about Caesar’s attitude toward Cassius?
5. Summarize Casca's explanation of why Caesar looked so sad.
6. At the end of Scene II, Cassius makes plans. What plans does he make? Why?
7. Casca says, "For I believe they are portentous things/Unto the climate that they point upon." What is he referring to and what does he
mean?
8. Why does Cassius want Brutus to join the conspiracy?
Act II
1. To what decision does Brutus come in his orchard? Why?
2. What does Lucius give to Brutus in Scene I? What impact does it have on Brutus? Why?
3. Why doesn't Brutus want to swear an oath with the conspirators? What does this reveal about his character?
4. For what reason does Metellus Cimber want Cicero to join the conspiracy? What does this reveal about the values of the people of Rome?
5. Brutus is against including Cicero and against killing Mark Antony. Why?
6. Why did Brutus say, "Render me worthy of this noble wife!"?
7. What does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar of? Caesar yields to Calpurnia's wishes at first. Why does he change his mind and decide to
go to the Senate meeting? What does this suggest about his character?
8. What does the note Artemidorus wants to give to Caesar say? Why does Shakespeare have the character read the note aloud? Do you think
the note will persuade Caesar? Why or why not?
Act III
1. What is ironic about the timing of Caesar's murder (in relation to the preceding events)?
2. In the moments following Caesar's death, what do the conspirators proclaim to justify their deed?
3. Antony's servant brings a message to Brutus. What does he say? What is the significance of this message?
4. Antony wants to speak at Caesar's funeral. What reaction does Brutus have?
5. Antony wants to speak at Caesar’s funeral. What reaction does Cassius have?
6. Under what conditions will Antony speak at the funeral?
7. What did Brutus say to the people at the funeral? What type of appeal does he make?
8. What did Antony say to the people at the funeral in his now famous "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears" speech? What type
of appeal did he make?
9. Why did Brutus and Cassius flee Rome? What do you predict will happen next?
10. What is the significance (point) of Act III Scene III? What do you predict will happen next?
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
1. A plot diagram is an organizational tool to help you keep track of the major events in a story. On a separate sheet of paper, list the
major events in the play on a plot diagram. Be sure to label the divisions between exposition, rising action, climax/turning point, falling
action, and resolution.
2. A sociogram is a diagram that shows the relationships between characters. On a separate sheet of paper, draw a sociogram that
includes the major characters in the play and their relationships with one another. On your diagram, list the characteristics, flaws, and
motivations of these characters.
3. List the significant images and symbols present in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. Next to each write what the images and symbols
represent in the play. Use a separate sheet of paper as needed.
4. What persuasive appeals does Brutus use in his funeral speech in Act 3? Give textual evidence of any persuasive appeals he uses.
5. What persuasive appeals does Antony use in his funeral speech in Act 3? Give textual evidence of any persuasive appeals he uses.