Introduction to Julius Caesar

Complete all of the assignments listed below and bring your findings to class on Tuesday, May 5th. Please write your answers on separate paper and be prepared to discuss your ideas!

Activity #1: Roman Government

We must be familiar with the structure of the Roman Senate in order to understand events in the play. Use the suggested sources to identify aspects of the Roman Senate listed below. You may, of course, use additional sources if you’d like.

  1. Roman Senate
  2. RomanRepublic
  3. Praetor
  4. Consul
  5. Plebians
  6. Dictator
  7. Censor
  8. Tribune
  9. Senate’s Authority
  10. Style of Dress
  11. How is this form of government similar to or different from our government?

Activity #2: Roman Virtues

It is equally as important for us to understand the mindset of Roman Citizens in 44 B.C. Use the website below to explore the Personal and Public Virtues that guided Roman ethics and behavior at the time. Use the information to answer the questions below.

1. What is the “Roman Way”?

2. What Roman virtues most clearly exemplify the “Roman Way”?

3. The concept of civic duty is based on the principle that citizens owe some allegiance to their government and that government in turn protects its citizens. Civic duties refer to the responsibilities of citizens. Often rights enjoyed by citizens also implies corresponding responsibilities. Based on the Roman virtues, did Romans feel a sense of civic duty? Which virtues exemplify Romans’ dedication to civic duty?

4. Based on these virtues, what qualities would Roman citizens look for in a leader?

5. Do we, in modern-day America, believe in or practice the “Roman Way”? Should we?

Activity #3: Opinions

Think about the questions below and try to develop a well-reasoned response to each:

  1. Can assassination ever be justified?
  2. Which is more important: loyalty to a friend or loyalty to the greater good?

Activity #4: Reading Informational Texts for Historical Context

Directions: Read pages 741 – 751 in the Holt Textbook and answer the questions below. Your responses must be written in full sentences.

  1. Where and when was Shakespeare born?
  2. Describe Shakespeare’s acting and writing career.
  3. When did Shakespeare die?
  4. In what historical period was Shakespeare living? Who was the queen of England at that time?
  5. What types of plays did Shakespeare write? How many did he write?
  6. In what theater were Shakespeare’s greatest plays performed?
  7. What was it like to go to a play in Shakespeare’s time? Include details about the theater, the sets, the actors, and the audience.
  8. What historical text did Shakespeare use as a source for writing Julius Caesar?
  9. When and where did Julius Caesar live? How did he die?
  10. Who is Pompey? Although he is not a character in the play, why do you think we need to know who he is before we read?
  11. What Word of the Week could be used to describe Caesar when he returned from Rome after battling Pompey’s sons?
  12. What happened to Caesar on March 15, 44 B.C.? Why did this happen to him?
  13. Complete the Quickwrite on page 754.
  14. Read the information on page 755 and use the information to complete the chart on the back of this page.