1. STANDARDS COVERED IN ACT 3 RL.9-10.1 Cite strong and through textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. RL.9-10.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text. RL.9-10.3 Analyze how complex characters (those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme. RL.9-10.6 Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of literature from outside the united states, drawing on a wide reading of world literature. L.9-10.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple- meaning words and phrases based on graded 9-10 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies. L.9-10.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

2. BEFORE WE READ… 1. At this point, do you think the conspirator are justified in their intentions? Explain your answer. 2.What mistakes and miscalculations do you think the conspirators have made in their plans so far? Consider what their errors might lead to. 3.What role have women been playing in this story? Thin about what role they might play in future events.

3. ACT 3, SCENE 1 Why does Decius interrupt Artemidorus’s request by presenting Caesar with a petition from someone else? Pg. 1238

4. ACT 3, SCENE 1 Tiered Discussion Prompts Recall How was Caesar already warned about this moment? Analyze How do the conspirators influence Caesar to disregard Artemidorus? Pg1238

5. ACT 3, SCENE 1 Tragic Hero How does Brutus’ behavior in this dangerous moment compare with that of Cassisus? Standard: RL 3 Background: The Roman view of suicide To the Elizabethan– mostly Christian– audience, suicide was viewed as a sin. The Romans, however, considered suicide as an act of heroism if the person committing suicide did so to avoid living a life that was contradictory to his or her morals. Cassius could not imagine living under Caesar’s rule; for him, therefore, suicide would be an honorable escape (lines 20-22). Pg. 1238

6. ACT 3, SCENE 1 Metellus bows down to Caesar, but Caesar is not impressed. Why is Metellus treated this way? Look at lines 49-51. Pg. 1240

7. ACT 3, SCENE 1 Background: Each member of the conspiracy agreed to stab Caesar at least once so that they would be equally involved in the murder. Therefore, Caesar was stabbed 23 times, with Brutus inflicting the final wound. Caesar’s murder certainly must have appeared bloody and barbaric, rather than as a sacrificial “dish fit for the gods,” as Brutus described it to the other conspirators in Act 2 (Scene 1, lines 162-174).

8. ACT 3, SCENE 1 Tragedy What message is Brutus trying to convey by having the conspirators go out in public smeared with Caesar’s blood? Pg. 1243 RL 3/ RL 4 Can your conscience mislead you? Discuss: Based on lines 98-105, how do both Brutus and Cassius show that their consciences have been corrupted– that is, that their standards of right and wrong are now far from normal? Hint* Aftermath of cognitive dissonance

9. ACT 3, SCENE 1 Tiered Discussion Prompts Look at lines 123-137 Connect How do you think most people would feel if something terrible happened to a good friend? How does that response help you understand Antony’s request? Analyze What does Antony’s message indicate about the cause for his absence? Evaluate In what sense might Antony’s argument and language be a warning to Brutus about Antony’s role in future events? Pg. 1244

10. ACT 3, SCENE 1 Tiered Discussion Prompt Refer to lines 226-242 Restate What does Antony want to do? Analyze Why does Cassius not want Antony to speak at the funeral? Synthesize What does Brutus’ response reveal about his character? Pg. 1246

11. ACT 3, SCENE 1 Targeted Passage In this passage, Antony reveals his true feelings and intentions regarding Caesar’s assassination.  What does Antony call the conspirators? (lines 255)  What does Antony say about Caesar? How does he feel about Caesar? (lines 256-258)  Will Antony support conspirators? How can you tell? (lines 255-258, 270-275)  What future does Antony predict for Rome? (lines 263-269) Pg. 1247