Julius Caesar DBQ (Document Based Question)

Using two of the documents provided in class, evaluate whether Brutus's decision to kill Caesar shows the bravery of a tragic hero or the ambition of a powerful man. Be sure to include the following:

• Do the ends justify the means? Was Brutus's assassination of Caesar necessary for the good of the people of Rome?
• Was Brutus a tragic hero or villain?

GATEWAY TESTING NEXT MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY!

Be sure you (or your students) are well rested and on time! =)

Digital Comic Book Makers

This week we will be bringing Act III, Scene 2 of Caesar modern using a graphic novel or comic book layout.

The following links are options for digital layouts. (You will have to register to save or print your work.)

For a cartoon look, try ToonDoo or StripGenerator
Disney Marvel with superhero characters
Disney Manga with regular characters
Make Beliefs Comics if you want a "hand-drawn" look
Use Bitstrips if you want to design your own character
Pixton (warning: more advanced...plus, makes you register before you can create anything)

Rhetoric Mini Essay

How do politicians use rhetoric to sway public opinion? Discuss the leaders in Caesar’s time and the leaders present day.

Be sure to discuss use of ethos (moral appeal) and pathos (emotional appeal).

Northern Star Mini Essay

Caesar:

I am Constant as the Northern Star

I could be well moved, if I were as you;

If I could pray to move, prayers would move me;I am constant as the northern star,

Of whose true-fix'd and resting quality

There is no fellow in the firmament.

The skies are painted with unnumber'd sparks;

They are all fire and every one doth shine;

But there's but one in all doth hold his place.

So in the world, 'tis furnish'd well with men,

And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive;

Yet in the number I do know but one

That unassailable holds on his rank,

Unshaked of motion; and that I am he,

Let me a little show it, even in this;

That I was constant Cimber should be banish'd,

And constant do remain to keep him so. (3.1.7)

Prompt: Intransigence is the refusal to compromise or give up any ground an on issue. Caesar prides himself in having this quality, claiming that he is an unmovable object, that he will never change his mind about a decision he has made.  Do you consider this inability to compromise to be a strength or a weakness? Explain how this trait would be beneficial or harmful during your interactions with others (co-workers, classmates, teachers/administrators, etc)?

Vocabulary Quiz Thursday!

Be sure to review the vocabulary that we pulled from the article on Caesar's "Life Work." You can also practice online using the review game on my site or follow the link directly HERE.

Leadership Mini Essay

What do you look for in a leader? Are there specific skills, traits or experiences that are necessary to lead others? Do all leaders have these? Can a good leader be a bad person? How or why?

Use examples from this week's reading, your prior knowledge and examples from the world.