The actors investigate how to play the character of Julius Caesar and explore the dramatic purpose of the action just before the murder.
This short film is from the 成人论坛 series, Shakespeare Unlocked.
Teacher Notes
In pairs or small groups, ask your students to dissect Caesar's speech into words and phrases where he speaks about himself and words and phrases where he speaks about others (they could do this in two columns).
Students should then compare the columns together.
How does Caesar speak about himself, and what in the language suggests his arrogance?
Now ask students to look at the language used by the others in the scene about themselves and about Caesar.
How far do their own words add to the division in language?
Curriculum Notes
This short film is suitable for teaching GCSE English literature and drama in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 4/ 5 in Scotland.
More from Shakespeare Unlocked: Julius Caesar
Act I, Scene 2 - Cassius enlists Brutus. video
Cassius confronts Brutus about his friend鈥檚 uncharacteristic coldness.
Act I, Scene 2 - Cassius and Brutus (workshop) video
The actors explore what their characters are trying to achieve in this early confrontation.
Act I, Scene 2 - Persuading Brutus (workshop) video
Exploring the tactics Cassius uses to persuade Brutus to join the plot to assassinate Caesar.
Act I, Scene 2 - Marking the words (workshop) video
The actors explore key points in Cassius鈥檚 speech about Caesar and the future of Rome.
Act 3, Scene 1 - The Murder. video
Conspirators isolate Caesar on the way to the Senate and Cimber presents his petition.
Act 3, Scene 1 - Killing Caesar (workshop) video
The actors use the clues in the text to build an unique interpretation of Caesar鈥檚 murder.
Act 3, Scene 2 - The Orations. video
Brutus explains why conspirators killed Caesar and insists they stay to hear Mark Antony.
Act 3, Scene 2 - Rhetoric and politics (workshop) video
The two funeral speeches are compared, each set against the structures of rhetoric.
Act 3, Scene 2 - Brutus reasons with the crowd (workshop) video
A practical exercise as the citizens respond to Brutus鈥檚 funeral speech.
Act 3, Scene 2 - Mark Antony moves the crowd (workshop) video
The citizens explore their responses to Mark Antony鈥檚 speech.
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