Julius Caesar Essay

You are required to write a persuasive paper about Julius Caesar using one of the prompts below.  A persuasive paper means you are going to argue something that is not present in the book – it is something that you are going to argue ABOUT the book.

Below is a list of topics that you can choose from, or you may choose to do one on your own provided you have it approved by me!

In your essay, you should: 

1. Introduce precise, distinct arguments.
2. Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both.
3. Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone.
4. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

     In addition, your essay should be well organized (intro, body, conclusion; thesis, claims, evidence, explanations; opposing claims, counterclaims, evidence, and explanations); present a sound logical argument; fairly consider the oppositional argument; and be convincing. You should incorporate specific evidence from the text in order to illustrate your points.  

Your essay should be 2-3 pages long (double-spaced). The essay should be typed.

The essay will be worth 30 points. 20 points will be awarded for effective argumentative writing. 10 points will be given for proper spelling and grammar.

Option #1: 

Writing situation:

This is essentially an argument of definition: what is honorable and what is not? There is ample evidence in the text for either side of the argument; thus you will be expected to justify your stance with evidence from the play.

Brutus:  “Friends, Romans, Countrymen: Lend me your ears.”

Writing directions:

Argue that Brutus, from the play Julius Caesar, is an honorable man for taking actions he thought best for his country.

OR

Condemn Brutus as a dishonorable man for his role as a traitor against his country and friend.

Option #2:

Writing situation:

In William Shakespeare’s famed tragedy, Julius Caesar, the title character says, “Men in general are quick to believe that which they wish to be true.” While this quote can be proven in many instances, the citizens of Rome in Caesar’s time were quick to follow the words of whoever gave the most effective public speech at the time. Think about the funeral speeches that were given after Julius Caesar’s assassination and the effect the speeches had on the Roman people.

Writing directions:

Argue who gave the most effective funeral speech: Mark Antony or Marcus Brutus. Support your choice by quoting evidence from the play of the speaker using ethos, pathos, and logos. 

Option #3 - Analyze the character Cassius.  Is he putting together the assassination plot for the good of Rome, or is he acting out of envy of Caesar? (Your thesis here will be something to the effect that Cassius puts together the assassination plot for…)

Option #4 - Is Brutus right to join the conspiracy?  Consider his reasons and whether they are truly valid or not.

Option #5 - Examine Shakespeare’s presentation of Antony.  How does he appear initially?  How does he grow in importance? How and why does he change? Is he likeable?  Are his actions understandable or defendable?

Option #6 - Does this play still work today by way of its moral lesson?  Is it significant or meaningful in our decade?  Why or why not?

Option #7 - Who would be considered the true tragic hero of the play?  Brutus OR Julius Caesar? How is he noble? What are his flaws? What makes his tragic?