Suggested Statements of Focus for Julius Caesar

(Individual Oral Presentation)

 

1. Discuss the use of persuasion and manipulation by Cassius to pull Brutus to his side.

 

2. Discuss Julius Caesar’s tragic flaw.

 

3. Discuss the significance of the crown offered to Caesar.

 

4. Comment on the use of omens in Julius Caesar.

 

5. Discuss Brutus’ dedication to formality and ceremony.

 

6. Discuss Calpurnia’s prophetic dream.

 

7. Discuss Mark Antony’s speech at Caesar’s funeral.

 

8. Discuss Mark Antony as a foil to Brutus.

 

9. Discuss the fickleness of the Roman people throughout the play.

 

10. Discuss Brutus and Cassius’ argument at the end of Act IV.

 

11. Discuss why Antony praises Brutus in the final scene.

 

12. Discuss the dominant symbols and imagery in Julius Caesar

 

13. Discuss Brutus’ betrayal of Caesar.

 

14. Discuss the catharsis at the end of the play.

 

15. Discuss Brutus’ belief system (Republic over Monarchy) relating it to Shakespeare’s time and also our contemporary world.

 

16. Discuss Portia’s role in the play.

 

17. Compare and contrast Brutus and Cassius.

 

18. Discuss Shakespeare’s’ description of Caesar’s death in I.i.