When watching the film Julius Caesar (Mankiewicz, 1953) during our class. It is important for students to take notes every day while watching the movie, using the provided set of questions. Since the film is not divided into Acts, you will need to split the viewing sessions across multiple days. Along with the movie, students complete work on the provided guided notes outline, which can be accessed here.
- Why is it important to know all of the history of Shakespeare?
- If the Romantics are responsible for popularizing Shakespeare, why should we still read his
works today? - Why should each of these characters be considered the Protagonist?
- Julius Caesar
- Marcus Antonius
- Marcus Brutus
- Cassius
- Is the play a defense of democracy or a challenge to monarchy?
- Explain why each soliloquy/monologue is important:
Act I Scene 2 Cassius’ soliloquy
Act II Scene 1 Brutus’ soliloquy
Act III Scene 1 Antony’s soliloquy
Act III Scene 2 Brutus’ funeral speech
Act III Scene 2 Antony’s funeral speech
Day 1: Act1 (Lupercalia Games Febrary14, 44BC)
- Why are the two men imprisoned?
- What happens to Caesar during the Lupercalia Games?
- Why does Cassius fear Caesar?
- What are some examples of foreshadowing?
Day 2: Act 2 (Creating of the Conspiracy March 14, 44BC)
- Why does Brutus fear Caesar?
- Who are the members of the conspiracy?
- What are some examples of foreshadowing?
Day 3: Act3 (Assassination of Caesar March 15, 44BC)
- Why does Caesar fail?
- What scene changes the play, the death of Caesar or Marc Antony’s speech?
- What are some examples of foreshadowing?
Day 4: Act 4 and 5 ( Battle at Philippi October 23, 42BC)
- What happens to relationship between Cassius and Brutus?
- Explain how Cassius fails the conspiracy?
- What are some examples of foreshadowing?
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