Act 1 –Consider the Whole Act
Main Developments
Scene 1
 Political unrest of scene i creates mood
 Divide in society of loyalties for/against Caesar
 Use of negative diction to underscore both of above
 Methods of persuasion used to disperse the crowd by Marullus and Flavius
 Important Literary Devices denote impressions of Caesar
Scene 2
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Character of Caesar is revealed through a variety of methods of characterization: his words, his
actions, what others say, and how they react to him
Carefully review how he is depicted through a variety of roles: military leader, hero, husband,
friend, citizen of Rome
The conspiracy plot is underway: Cassius starts to work, using his art of persuasion, Brutus
against Caesar (review speeches carefully)
Brutus reveals that although he may have some of the same feelings about the State as Cassius,
he will not be moved against Caesar for personal reasons
The characters of Cassius, Brutus and Casca are developed and revealed in depth
Themes of betrayal, ambition, jealousy, honour, patriotism, appearance vs. reality, disrespect
and respect, power, tyranny and corruption are developed
Rhetorical Appeals: ethos, pathos, and logos are evident in speeches along with persuasive
techniques
Rhetorical Devices are also evident: anaphora, antithesis, etc. (these are all posted on the
website)
Purpose of a passage is also known as dramatic significance: review note with 18 points
Examine effect of literary devices, particularly imagery, to convey mood and meaning
Scene 3
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Compare the character (traits) and role of Casca by filling out the chart below:
Casca Act 1, 2
Supporting Evidence
Casca Act 1,3
Supporting Evidence
Traits and Role
Traits and Role
Changes and
Transitions
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Efpatridis – 3UP - 2015
Omens, dreams, and visions and the theme of the supernatural which add intrigue and
suspense are very important in the play Julius Caesar. Remember, the Romans believed in the
gods, each having a special power or function. In addition, people during Shakespeare’s time
believed that everything in the Universe was linked, so that what happened in the heavens and
in nature influenced what happened to individuals, their countries and governments.
A storm could be God’s warning of disasters to come. Appearance of strange animals,
earthquakes, eclipses and similar events were taken very seriously. It was also believed that
people were not always free to control what happened to them. (fate) However, not all people,
just like the characters in the play, believed in superstitions and omens.
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Review the various interpretations of the storm and the relevance of each to the play
Each is significant to the development of the plot and revelation of certain characters
Consider the following:
“Cassius is the prime leader of the opposition against Caesar. He is deceitful and manipulative, and
a man motivated by greed and his ambition for power.”
“Elements of the supernatural - supernatural acts, dreams, omens, and visions - are used in the play
to create suspense.”
“Caesar is not depicted as a man to be feared, but rather a man that could be feared if given the
opportunity.”
Efpatridis – 3UP - 2015