Julius Caesar Essay
Choose ONE of the topics below to write your essay on. Standard essay procedures and
guidelines apply. (MLA format, heading, title, margins, parenthetical citations, etc)
1. A tragic hero is basically a good and admirable person, who, because of a fault or flaw in
character, fails in opposing the forces that bring about a downfall. Determine who in the
play qualifies as a tragic hero: Caesar or Brutus. Give evidence and reason why.
2. Caesar ignores the warnings that foreshadowing his assassination. Analyze three
warnings Caesar ignored and explain why he ignored them. Use these examples to help
analyze Caesar’s character.
3. Idealism can be both a strength and a weakness. Using the character of Brutus, explain
this two-sided quality. Give examples that illustrate Brutus’ strong points and his
weaknesses.
4. Throughout the play, Brutus gives his reasons for killing Caesar. Antony just as
eloquently states why Caesar should not have been killed. Which speaker is more
persuasive and why? Choose a side and develop an argument that uses examples from
the text to support your side.
5. Write a dramatic monologue from the point of view of your favorite character in Julius
Caesar. In the monologue, your character should describe his or her most memorable
moments, what he or she has learned from the events of the play, and what he or she
might have done differently, if given the chance. Make sure it is readable and deliverable
format. Keep to Shakespeare’s style as much as possible.
6. Julius Caesar examines different styles of leadership and how these different styles affect
people. If you were to establish your own government, how would you like it to run?
What qualities would you look for in leaders? What laws would you create? What
would the constitution look like for your government? Show how it matches or departs
from Caesar’s and Brutus’ ideas of government.
Remember, no matter which you choose, make sure to develop a clear and cohesive argument
(thesis statement). Make sure all your reasoning and examples create a chain of reasoning that
supports your point. You should not use “I” in your essay, nor should you use contractions.
Proper grammar, spelling and proofreading should all be employed to make sure you present a
formal essay.
This is Due:_______________________________
Do not forget to print your essay for class AND post to turnitin.com.
Come see me if you need extra help or have questions! I will help you with anything you need to
write a successful essay. I am in the café period 3 and the English conference room period 7 and
8. Please make an appointment if you will be coming in at another time.
(A hint: take advantage of TIME and make outlines, notes and rough drafts BEFORE you had in
your final copy!!!)