Pre+-+Reading+Activity

"The Tragedy of Julius Caesar" – Pre-reading Activity

Name

Answer the following questions using pages 818-825 in your textbook. Write in complete sentences. 1. Identify five characteristics of Shakespeare’s tragedies. 2. What is the "dramatis personae?"

3. According to page 820, what are the "glosses?"

4. Use the word "portentous" in your own sentence. 5. Briefly describe what it was like to be a leader in Rome during Julius Caesar’s lifetime? 6. Identify the location and date of Shakespeare’s birth. 7. The editor of this textbook claims that Shakespeare most likely graduated from school with a "solid foundation in classical literature." Why would this be essential to his career in theater? 8. What is the name and year built of the important theater built by Lord Chamberlains Men?

9. Who and what are the "triumvirs?"

10. Who is the "Servant to Cassius?"

Julius Caesar