KS4 English Literature / KS4 Drama - Julius Caesar: The Orations

This film is from the series Shakespeare Unlocked - Julius Caesar available on BBC Teach.

Brutus explains to the crowd why the conspirators killed Caesar and then insists they stay to hear Mark Antony.

Antony gives an emotional eulogy over the dead body of his friend.

Teacher Notes

Before watching the scene, ask your students to write down what they know of the characters of Brutus and Mark Antony from the play so far.

How far do they see these characters as similar, and how far are they differentiated by Shakespeare?

How do they think each character will react to the death of Caesar?

Alternatively, you could write snippets from each speech onto cards (e.g. ‘as Caesar lov’d me, I weep for him’, ‘it were a grievous fault, and grievously hath Caesar answered it’), and ask students to try and decide which man is most likely to say each thing about Caesar.

Ask students to brainstorm ways to calm down an angry crowd.

Ask students to evaluate how effective Brutus’s speech is in excusing his actions.

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.

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