Julius Caesar-Themes
1. The qualities of a good leader is one of the play's important themes. To explore this theme, students can do one or more of the following:
• Discuss the qualities possessed by a good leader. Generate a list of these qualities
• Make a list of the leadership qualities that the class feels are legitimate. Compare and contrast the two lists and compile one list of leadership qualities that the class feels a good leader should have. Prioritize the list.
- Charasmatic
- Confident
- Courageous
- Educated
- Experienced
- Feared
- Foreign Policy
- Intelligent
- Just
- Loyal
- Mental Strength
- Persuasive
- Physical Strength
- Political understanding
- Respected
- Responsible
- Serves others
- Supports the common people
- Trust worthy
• Examine the effect a leader's domestic relationships, physical condition, and/or athletic ability may have on his or her leadership abilities.
Physical appearance and ability is very important in a leader. People are more prone to follow a leader who appears strong and tough, rather than a person who is weak and lean. However, mental strength does have an important factor in this debate as well. People with superior minds are more prone to be followed by others rather than a person with a great physical appearance, because people know that they would be great mental rulers. As for athletic ability, it is irrelevant, because you are not going to have a ruler, rule your society, because they are good at a sport.
2. Friendship is another major theme in the play. Explore this theme by answering the following questions:
• How far would you go to stop a friend from harming your country?
To me, it would depend more on the condition of the country, rather than trying to stop my friend first. But if it did come down to it, to stop a friend from doing any damage to the country in which I inhabit, I could kill them. Because there will always be a time when your friends will betray you, and you have to do what is best for you.
• How far would you go to obtain revenge on someone or some group who destroyed your best friend?
If a person or a group of people were to destroy my best friend, the best thing to do, would be to avenge them. Unless my friend was a pacifist, then I would try to forgive, more than likely no succeed, then avenge them anyways.
• Is there anything for which you would betray a friend?
I honestly do not believe there to be anything that would drive me to such extreme measure as to betray a friend, unless they were trying to take over the country in which I inhabit, make it into their own kingdom in which I do not agree upon. Then and only then would I betray them, more than likely just kill them.
• Which is more important to you, friendship or personal principles? Why?
I think that personal principle are more important to me, because friends always tend to get in the way of your principles, and it is just a lot of hassle. So you get rid of that friend and you can see you principles clearly again.
3. One of the most sensitive issues in the play is suicide. Research attitudes toward suicide held by the following cultures: ancient Roman, modern Japanese, and modern American. Compare and contrast these attitudes in class presentations or in written essays.
The Ancient Romans believe suicide to be honorable. They perceive it as the greatest sacrifice a person could make and being better than surrendering to your enemy. The Japanese also perceived suicide in the same manner as the Ancient Romans; they believed, that instead of surrendering yourself or becoming hostage to your enemy, it is better to grab a knife, and slice your abdominal area from left to right, because that would be less pain. However, Modern Americans believe suicide to be a horrible and dishonorable measure. We believe that by committing suicide, you have bought your one-way ticket into hell. This is because we have most of our views coming from the Christian bible.
4. The role of fate and superstition is another theme.
• To what extent can we control the future?
We can try to control the future to the best of our abilities, but ultimately we cannot, it is impossible to stop whatever it is to be our fate from happening.
• How superstitious are you? Do you have any good luck rituals that you perform before important occasions?
I do not see myself as superstitious. There are a few thing that I do believe in, but that is it. As for good luck rituals, I do not have any, nor do I perform any, regardless of the occasion.
• Do you watch for omens before important events?
I sometimes watch for omens, depending on the event though.
• Do you read your horoscope every day, and do you follow its advice?
To be honest, I think there have only been two occasions in which I have heard my horoscope. One of them was when they announced it over the radio, the other is when I was at the store with my sisters, and they read it to me.