Julius Caesar • 2013 - Chicago Shakespeare Theater

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Short Lines
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
When Shakespeare is using iambic pentameter, he uses 10 or sometimes 11 beats to a line. When he doesn’t,
the line is called a “short line"—and actors pay attention to it for lots of reasons. If the short line isn’t followed
by another short line, but is followed instead by another full line of verse, the actor knows he’s supposed to
“do something” to fill out the rest of the line’s 10 beats. These breaks often occur at moments of crucial importance.
“Beware the Ides of March” is one such line. It only contains six syllables. In your group, discuss why
Shakespeare might have broken his rhythm the second time the Soothsayer makes this statement. What’s the
significance of this line in particular? Why might Caesar have paused before his response? Play Act 1, Scene 2,
lines 12-24 (“Caesar!” to “He is a dreamer...”), taking turns playing Caesar. CONSIDER COMMON CORE ANCHOR
STANDARDS SL1, SL6, R5
Superstitious Sayings
Old superstitions are grounded in the unpredictable behavior of animals and the weather. You may have heard
the saying, “Red sky at morning, sailor take warning.” Or if a groundhog sees its shadow on February 2, there will
be six more weeks of winter. With a partner, discuss some other weather or animal-related superstitions that you
know. Create your own—and be prepared to explain just why your superstition might seem believable! CONSIDER
COMMON CORE ANCHOR STANDARDS L5, R4, SL4
What’s a Conspiracy
Look up the word “conspiracy” in the dictionary. In your small group, discuss whether you believe that there are
ever good reasons for conspiring to kill a ruler or to overthrow a government. Brutus believed that the act of murder
would benefit Rome. Does a noble end sometimes justify less-than-noble means? Are there good reasons
for the conspiracy against Caesar? Back up your opinions with examples. CONSIDER COMMON CORE ANCHOR
STANDARDS L4, R4, SL4
ON YOUR OWN
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Character Diary
Choose a character to follow throughout the play. Pretending you are that character, create a personal diary. Your
daily entries might focus on how the other characters feel about you, and how you feel about them. What do you
wish to do, or wish you had done, or hope will happen? Use text references and lines to supplement your journaling
and personal thoughts. CONSIDER COMMON CORE ANCHOR STANDARDS L1, W3, W10
Who Is Julius Caesar?
In 1.2, Brutus and Cassius describe Caesar’s refusal of the crown. Write down everything you discover about
Caesar from their exchange. Compare these assumptions to how you view him after Act 2. How about at the end
of the play? If you register a shift in your assumptions, make a note of exactly when—and why. CONSIDER COM-
MON CORE ANCHOR STANDARDS R3, W3, W4
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