The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Acts I - III

Deceit, betrayal, loyalty – these are the elements that are present within Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. Hopefully you will never experience any of these elements as obstacles on your own journey to self-discovery. This play not only focuses on the death of Caesar, but it also focuses on the actual plot and conspiracy to kill Caesar as well as the internal conflict Brutus is experiencing.

In this topic, you will read and analyze the first three acts of the tragedy. As you experience Caesar’s homecoming, Cassius’ conspiracy, Brutus’ soliloquy, Caesar’s death, and Antony’s funeral oration, you will also explore the use of persuasion and how powerful it can be when properly executed.

Essential Question

• How can an author effectively use persuasion to motivate the audience?