Methinks I'll Read Shakespeare: Julius Caesar

Art thou ready to read Shakespeare? But of course! Here you will finde instructions, assignments, definitions, explanations, and other sundry ‘stuff’ which will make reading ‘Julius Caesar’ a zephyr – that is, a breeze! This approach focuses on seeing the big picture, with only the most interesting of extra information included for thine own interest. Read the words of the beloved Bard aloud! Write some of your own! Explore the themes of ‘flattery’ and ‘honour’. . . draw three characters’ facial expressions . . . examine the text one more time, looking for details ‘divine and rare’ . . . memorize a few lines . . . and hark! It is done!

Included here are the following: the complete play ‘Julius Caesar’; seven separate sections each containing assignments and information, and detailed Summaries of Acts and Scenes.

This text is well-suited to homeschoolers who do not anticipate putting on the play, or doing other activities that involve collaboration with numerous other people. It is especially aimed at students who are not yet familiar with Shakespeare’s plays, and who will benefit from a light-hearted but meaningful approach to reading them.

The sections and assignments are as follows:

Hark! Methinks I’ll Read the Play (Read aloud and learn about the real Julius Caesar and Shakespeare’s historical plays.)

Hark! What Do I Understand? (Copying, Lists, Translation and learn about the first edition, which was ‘qvite differente’.)

Hark! Methinks I Hear A Voice! (Memorize and perform a speech, and learn about reading aloud effectively.)

Hark! Methinks I’ll Look Again (Underline certain features, and look at a simple comparison between the class systems of ancient Rome and Shakespearean England.)

Hark! Methinks I’ll Write Mine Own (Choose between writing a 5 paragraph essay on the topic of ‘flattery’ or a report on the topic of ‘honour’ within the play. Detailed guidelines are given. Write your own speech. Learn about men and women in Shakespeare’s theatre and Roman society.)

Hark! Methinks I’ll Draw Awhile! (Add facial features to three prepared faces.)

Stay, Good Friend - There’s More! (Brief and Ridiculous Comparative Biography of Shakespeare and Caesar, Detailed Summary of Acts and Scenes, List of Characters to keep nearby while reading the play)

Note: ‘The Guide’ and ‘The Play’ are in two separate files - you may use your own edition of the play if you prefer, and only download ‘The Guide’.