Explaining Character in Shakespeare

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 15.02.12

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Overview
  2. Rationale
  3. School Demographics
  4. The Continued Relevancy of a Universal Shakespeare
  5. Four Major Characters in Julius Caesar
  6. Approaches to Shakespeare in the Classroom
  7. Suggested Classroom Activities
  8. Annotated Bibliography/Resources
  9. Appendix
  10. Notes

Take a Stab at It: Exploring Character in Julius Caesar

Tara Ann Carter

Published September 2015

Tools for this Unit:

Guide Entry to 15.02.12

This unit for an advanced ninth grade classroom seeks to explicate strategies and activities that represent a well-rounded deep investigation of character in William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Julius Caesar.

There is universality in William Shakespeare’s works that makes them relevant for all people in our increasingly globalized society. In our current moment, the characters and concerns of the four primary characters of Julius Caesar are as relevant and applicable to the ethical, political and psychological struggles of today as they were during the author’s era.

The focus of this unit is how to enable students to understand the creativity and economy with which the Bard approached the English language, and the frank and clear eye with which he was able to evaluate some of the most base and inherent characteristics of the human condition. Students will come to understand Shakespeare as a master craftsman of humanism and of the psychological development of characters. This unit [] could be easily adapted for learners at all levels, in middle or high school.

(Developed for English, grade 9; recommended for English, grades 7-12)

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