Making Primary Note cards
Gillespie
Once you have organized your thoughts in an outline, it is time to begin collecting your
supporting details. We will begin by finding important scenes from our primary source,
Julius Caesar. Look for details that connect with your thesis. Choose examples that
serve your point.
Each card must have:
SLUG or topic
Source number (All primary cards will have the same number—1)
Quote
Analysis
Citation
SLUG (topic)
Source # (1 is for primary source)
“Quoted Material” or paraphrased factual detail.
For primary source cards, I would recommend using only quoted material. You should
need to paraphrase plot matters since I assume you know the events of the story.
Analysis/Comment
Why is this quote important? What does it show? How does it relate to the thesis?
Page Citation
(Author #)
OR
(Act. Scene. Lines)
Some Examples to help you get started:
Honor -- Brutus’ Love for the Republic
1
“What means this shouting? I do fear the people
Chose Caesar for their king.”
Upon hearing the crowd’s cheers, Brutus suspects the ambitious Caesar has taken more
power.
(1.2.85-86)
Limb—Antony as Loyal to Caesar
1
“He loves no plays
As thou dost, Antony…”
Caesar confides to Antony that the lean Cassius is not to be trusted. Antony, the
sportsmen, entertainer, and socialite, is the type of man that Caesar respects.
Images of Violence—Foreshadowing
(1.2.212-213)
1
“But never till tonight, never till now
Did I go through a tempest dropping fire.
Either there is a civil strife in heaven
Or else the world, too saucy with gods,
Incenses them to send destruction.”
Casca, confused by the terrible storm, reasons that the gods must be displeased, either
with themselves or with humanity. The storm is more than just a storm to him; it has
become some kind of divine sign.
(1.3.9-12
Conspirator’s use of language—flattery
“I have heard
Where many of the best respect in Rome
(Except immortal Caesar), speaking of Brutus,
And groaning under this age’s yoke
Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes.”
Cassius, offering to be Brutus’ mirror, is complementing Brutus. He is subtly trying to
suggest that all Romans, or at least the “best respect,” are looking to Brutus to save them
from Caesar’s burden.