Activity Overview
Themes, symbols, and motifs are valuable aspects of any literary work, and they add richness to stories. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to analyze without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements. For best practices, see our supplementary article with specific lesson plan steps on setting up your classroom and activities to teach themes, symbols, and motifs.
In the classroom, students can track the rich themes and symbols that William Shakespeare uses throughout The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. They will analyze the instances of themes, symbols, and motifs as they appear in the play either while they read or after they've finished.
Themes, Motifs, and Symbols to Discuss
Persuasion
Throughout the play, characters try to persuade themselves and others of many things. Cassius convinces Brutus to join the conspiracy, and when Antony uses his eulogy to persuade the citizens of Rome that Caesar was cruelly assassinated.
Gender Roles
At several points in the play, characters try to defy or adhere to traditional notions about their gender. Portia stabs herself to prove she is strong, despite being a woman, and that Brutus should include her in his plans. When Caesar faints, he lies to the crowd so that he doesn't look weak in the eyes of the public.
Caesar’s Death, Funeral, and Will
Caesar’s funeral is very interesting and concludes some foreshadowed events. One noticeable symbol is Caesar being killed at the base of Pompey’s statue. This is ironic; Pompey was the general Caesar defeated to win the crown. Other elements to note are the uses of verbal and situational irony, including the reading of his will. Caesar left land, money, and other items to the citizens of Rome which disprove the conspirators reasoning for killing him in the first place.
Suicide
In Roman times, suicide was seen as a sign of strength and honor. At the end of the play, knowing that they are finished, the conspirators kill themselves to symbolically fulfill their promise to Rome. During Brutus’ oration, he told the citizens that if they did not agree with his actions, he would kill himself.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Julius Caesar. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from Julius Caesar you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of Theme(s), Symbol(s), and/or Motif(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. Symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. Motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Most themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or incomplete. Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incomplete. | Most themes are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most symbols are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. Most motifs are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. | No themes, symbols, or motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples and Descriptions | Quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are accurate to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motifs that are being identified. Descriptions mostly accurately explain the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s), and highlight their significance to the story. | Most quotes and examples are minimal, incorrect, or unrelated to the theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) that are being identified. Descriptions contain inaccuracies in their explanations, or do not highlight their significance to the story. | Examples and descriptions are missing or too minimal to score. |
| Depiction | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are accurate to the story and reflect time, effort, thought, and care with regard to placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are mostly accurate to the story. They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for theme(s), symbol(s), and/or motif(s) are inaccurate to the story. The depictions may be rushed or show minimal effort, time, and care put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Most depictions are missing too many elements or are too minimal to score. Little time or effort has been put into placement and creation of the scenes. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading and accuracy to the story. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show accuracy to the story and some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading or accuracy to the story. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
How To Explain Complex Abstract Concepts in Literature in a Simple Way
Use Realistic Analogy
Pick an illustration that clearly connects the unfamiliar with the abstract idea. One way to understand "theme" is to compare it to the central moral or lesson of a beloved film. Themes in literature let authors express more complex ideas in their stories, just way a superhero film may educate us about bravery and sacrifice.
Explain in Common Language
Explain the idea in layman's terms that don't assume any prior understanding. Describe "imagery" as the use of words to conjure up clear pictures in the reader's head. similar to how hearing about a warm fire and crackling logs may make you feel comfortable and at ease.
Organize Engaging Activities
Teachers can organize interesting and engaging activities that can acquire the attention of students and make learning easier for them. Activities such as role- playing, writing and drawing competitions, word games, etc.
Conjure a Sense of Connection
Make the idea relevant by connecting it to feelings or experiences. When describing "suspense," be sure to clarify that it's similar to the strong anticipation of receiving a surprise gift; it's both thrilling and unsettling at the same time.
Make it Relatable
While discussing complex topics, teachers can give examples from real life or connect the concept to any event in a student’s life. Teachers can also give respectful examples from different cultures so that all the students feel included and comfortable during the discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Julius Caesar Themes
How does the concept of treachery factor into "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar"?
A major subject in the novel is betrayal, as seen in the assassinations of Caesar by individuals like Brutus and Cassius. The main character in the play “Julius Caesar” was a victim of betrayal and was deceived by Brutus whom he considered his friend. When Brutus learns that the conspirators' motivations weren't fully honorable, he too feels deceived.
What is the role of friendship in this play?
Through the friendship between Brutus and Caesar, the theme of friendship is examined. Brutus and Caesar have a close connection, yet Brutus feels compelled to go against Caesar for the greater good, highlighting the tension between devotion to one's friends and one's country.
How does the play depict the theme of manipulation?
Characters like Cassius and Antony are portrayed to be manipulative. A superb display of manipulation, Antony's funeral address persuaded the Roman populace to turn against the conspirators. Cassius also manipulated Brutus to go against his own friend for the sake of the country.
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