the final act. (2) To understand the different characters; appreciating which are the principal characters and what their feelings and purposes toward one another are. (3) To notice how the play is divided into acts and scenes, and just how far the plot has progressed at the end of each act. (4) To appreciate the meaning of what each character says, and the probable action with which he accompanies his words, and the action that may be going on around him at the time. ORAL DISCUSSION. (1) In what ways is the first scene necessary to make us understand the play? (2) Who are the leading conspirators against Cæsar? What is the effect upon them of all that occurs in scene ii ? (3) What part in the plot of the play have the superstitions of the Roman populace? (4) Explain how, in Act III, scene ii, Mark Antony changes the feeling of the crowd. Just when does it begin to change? (5) Why do Brutus and Cassius collect an army (Act iv, scene i)? (6) In the war that follows, who are the leaders opposed to them? What cause do they represent? (7) At what point in the play is the climax reached? From that point on, we see a kind of moral justice dealt out; how? (8) Select some speech or dialogue of not less than ten lines to memorize and recite to the class. WRITTEN EXERCISES. (1) Explain who is the principal character of the play and how his mind and fortunes are being acted upon, throughout. (2) Why the play is called "Julius Cæsar." (3) A reporter's account of the assassination of Cæsar. POLONIUS'S ADVICE TO LAERTES Polonius gives this advice to his son Laertes, about to go abroad on a diplomatic mission. What would be the result of following this advice? Is there anything in it that suggests risking one's own self for the good of another? Is there any part of it that you would not yourself wish to follow? Any part that you would wish to follow? Polonius was a shrewd, wily statesman, and the advice is fitting to the character. We must not think of it as Shakespeare's own ideal of action. |