The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Acts I - III

When you read, do you ever catch yourself quickly turning the pages, reading feverishly to find out what will happen next? Did you ever realize that many of your favorite novels have the same plot structure? Plot is defined as the events that compose the story. Therefore, the plot determines how you view and enjoy the reading.  You may have read some novels that you would define as having a weak plot. Maybe the protagonist in the story did not face any major obstacles that you could relate to. You have also read stories with a strong plot. These are the stories you are so interested in that you find yourself guessing at what might happen next in the story.

Plot Points

In his plays, William Shakespeare structurs his tragedies using the five part dramatic structure, which consists of the following plot points: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement. In this interactivity, click on the markers to learn about the parts of a plot. Click the player button to get started.

View a printable version of this interactivity.

 

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act I

Act I begins with Caesar’s return after conquering Pompey.  Emotions are high and intense, yet the citizens of Rome as a whole struggle with ambivalence. There are those who are excited about Caesar’s return; however, there are those who are jealous, concerned, or leery about Caesar’s ambitions and power.  In Act I, the characters' true selves are revealed.  As you read Act I, ask yourself the following questions: 

1. Can Caesar’s ambitions be trusted?  Why or why not?
2. Does Cassius have a sound argument regarding Caesar’s character and his perception of Brutus?  
3. Can Cassius be trusted?  Why or Why not?

 

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act II

In Act II, Brutus reveals his internal conflict and decides to join Cassius in the conspiracy to kill Caesar.  You will also experience Portia’s pain as she confronts her husband, Brutus, about his behavior, and you learn about Calphurnia’s concerns for her husband Caesar’s fate.  Within this act, the theme of women’s roles and voice is present as Portia and Calphurnia address their concerns to their husbands. Remember the elements of persuasion from earlier in the module? These elements are present in Act II as the characters try and push their own agendas. As you read Act II, think about the following questions:

• Should Brutus be loyal to Caesar or to Rome? 
• Discuss how the theme of women’s roles and voice is present in Act II?
• Identify elements of persuasion and the effectiveness of these elements?

 

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act III

Vincenzo Camuccini

Morte di Giulio Cesare ("Death of Julius Caesar"), 1798

Act III is where you experience the climax within the tragedy.  It is where the plot to kill Caesar is put into action.  Caesar’s death is not the only climactic point.  Actually, Caesar’s death serves as the catalyst:  It is the action that creates the other climactic point, the rebellion and ultimate civil war.  As you are reading Act III, respond to the following questions:

• Compare and contrast Brutus’ and Mark Antony’s funeral oration.
• What persuasive techniques are used?
• Which funeral oration is proven to be more effective?

 

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Acts I - III Review

Now that you hav read Acts I-III, test your knowledge. In this non-graded activity, drag and drop each of the events into the order in which they occur and click SUBMIT. Click the player button to get started.