Julius Caesar Study Guide
Part I: General Literary Terms:
Define tragedy –
What are the 4 qualities of a Tragic hero (as described in book) – Be prepared to explain which
characters you believe best represent the tragic hero and antagonist of the play!
1.
3.
2.
4.
What is meant by blank verse & why did Shakespeare use it?
What is meter? –
Define iambic pentameter & be able to identify it –
Part II: Conventions of Drama: (Define the following & be able to identify examples)
Soliloquy –
Aside –
Dramatic irony –
Pun –
Characterization –
Part III: Persuasive Rhetoric: (Define the following & be able to identify examples)
Repetition –
Parallelism –
Rhetorical question –
Verbal irony –
Part IV: Shakespeare’s Life & Times (1564-1616):
What was the name of the time period in which he lived?
What theater company did he belong to, and where did they perform the plays?
Part V: About the Play
What is the setting of the play?
What are some of the ways that Cassius tries to convince Brutus to join the conspiracy?
Why does Brutus ultimately decide to join?
The role of superstition and omens play a big part in the play. What are some of the omens that seem to
foretell of Caesar’s impending death?
What signs “appear” to Brutus and Cassius after the assassination of Caesar?
Which character wants to kill Antony (at the same time as Caesar) and why, and which character doesn’t
want to kill him and why? What does this say about each character’s personality?
Explain three ways that Decius convinces Caesar to go to the senate on the ides of March?
Who is the last to stab Caesar, and why are Caesar’s last words significant?
Who does not want Antony to speak at Caesar’s funeral and why, and who does want him to speak and
why?
What does Mark Antony ask of the conspirators just after Caesar’s murder?
The conspirators allow Antony to speak with three provisions. What are they?
How does Antony turn the crowd to his side & against Brutus?
What does Caesar leave the people of Rome in his will?
Cite examples of Brutus’ “stoic” philosophy.
What event does Cassius misinterpret that results in his suicide?
How does Brutus die?
Why does Antony call Brutus the most noble Roman of all?