Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

Subject: Drama (Shakespeare) Grade Level: 9-12 Time Allotment: This lesson plan is designed for a unit of 4-6 weeks, with daily reading assignments, class activities, and discussions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will gain a deeper understanding of Shakespearean language, dramatic techniques, and historical context.
  • Students will analyze the motivations and actions of major characters, particularly Caesar, Brutus, and Cassius.
  • Students will explore themes of power, ambition, betrayal, and the nature of leadership.
  • Students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing persuasive speeches and arguments.

Materials:

  • Copies of "Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare (annotated versions can be helpful)
  • Whiteboard/Projector
  • Markers/Pens
  • Chart paper
  • Handouts with glossary of Shakespearean terms, scene summaries, and discussion prompts.

Lesson Outline:

Week 1: Introduction & Setting the Stage

  1. Introduction (Day 1):

✵ Introduce William Shakespeare and the historical context of the play (fall of the Roman Republic).

✵ Briefly discuss the play's genre (tragedy) and its major characters.

✵ Class discussion: What are some characteristics of a tragic hero?

  1. Act I: The Celebration & Foreshadowing (Day 2-3):

✵ Students read Act I, focusing on the celebration for Caesar's victory and Cassius' attempts to manipulate Brutus.

✵ Class discussion: Analyze foreshadowing elements in the soothsayer's warnings and Calpurnia's dream.

✵ Identify dramatic techniques like soliloquies and asides.

Week 2: The Conspiracy & The Power of Speeches

  1. Act II: The Assassination Plot (Day 4-5):

✵ Students explore Act II, focusing on the development of the conspiracy against Caesar.

✵ Class discussion: Analyze Brutus' motivations for joining the conspiracy.

✵ Compare and contrast the persuasive speeches of Cassius and Brutus in recruiting others.

  1. Act III: The Assassination & Caesar's Last Words (Day 6-7):

✵ Students read Act III, focusing on the assassination of Caesar and his famous last words ("Et tu, Brute?").

✵ Class discussion: Analyze the dramatic irony and emotional impact of the assassination scene.

✵ Explore the significance of Caesar's final words to Brutus.

Week 3: The Aftermath & The Rise of Conflict

  1. Act IV: Mark Antony's Eulogy & Public Outcry (Day 8-9):

✵ Students delve into Act IV, focusing on Mark Antony's powerful eulogy and the public's reaction.

✵ Class discussion: Analyze the effectiveness of Antony's speech and its manipulation of emotions.

✵ Explore the growing conflict between Antony and the conspirators.

  1. Act V: The Fall of the Conspirators (Day 10-11):

✵ Students read Act V, focusing on the final battles and the tragic ends of Brutus and Cassius.

✵ Class discussion: Analyze the consequences of the conspirators' actions and their tragic flaws.

✵ Discuss the play's themes of power, ambition, and the cyclical nature of violence.

Week 4 & 5 (Optional):

  1. Shakespearean Performance & Modern Adaptations (Day 12-13):

✵ (Optional) Research and discuss different theatrical productions of "Julius Caesar."

✵ Explore how modern adaptations of the play might change the audience's perspective.

  1. Themes & Legacy (Day 14-15):

✵ Class discussion: Reflect on the play's enduring themes and their relevance to contemporary society.

✵ How does "Julius Caesar" continue to be a powerful exploration of leadership, betrayal, and the human condition?

Assessment:

  • Class participation in discussions and presentations
  • Close reading annotations and analysis worksheets completed for each act
  • Written assignments analyzing characters, themes, and dramatic devices (e.g., essays, character profiles)
  • Optional: Performance or creative project based on a scene from the play

Differentiation:

  • Provide scaffolding for struggling readers by offering scene summaries, annotated versions of the text, or audiobooks.
  • Challenge advanced students with research on Roman history or in-depth analysis of Shakespearean language.
  • Kinesthetic learners can benefit from activities like role-playing key scenes or creating tableaux vivants (living pictures) depicting pivotal moments.

Extension Activities:

  • Compare and contrast the play with a film adaptation.
  • Research the life and legacy of Julius Caesar.