Jason Bronkar. English 2B. Mr. Bronkar. 3 April Title. Start typing here. Tragic Hero

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1 Bronkar 1 Jason Bronkar English 2B Mr. Bronkar 3 April 2003 Title Start typing here. Tragic Hero Scholars argue over whether Brutus or Caesar is the tragic hero of the play because both characters are men of prominence who have tragic flaws that cause them to fall. Based on the evidence in the play, which character fits the definition of the tragic hero better? Support your answer with analysis with quotes and events from the play. relates to the thesis statement B. Background/connector character names, basic situations C. Thesis Statement answers the question completely Brutus fitting the tragic hero definition A. Prominent figure i. Senator ii. People respect him (they need his help to overthrow Caesar) B. Tragic Flaws i. Trusting - Lets Antony speak, believes the best of Cassius ii. wants to help Rome iii. Doesn t listen to others Cassius warns him; Caesar s ghost iv. gullible/blind to Cassius intentions - Rocks thrown into his window C. Falls from Power i. Becomes a traitor (to many) ii. Wife dies

2 Bronkar 2 iii. Dies (suicide) I Caesar fitting the tragic hero definition A. Person of power i. Dictator for life ii. Winning battles iii. Thinking of crowning him B. Tragic Flaw Pride i. Doesn t listen to Soothsayer ii. Calphurnia s dream iii. Ignores omens weather, owl, lion iv. Sacrifice of the bird v. Artemidorus vi. Decius reinterprets dream C. Fall from power i. Killed by Senators ii. Betrayed by best friend IV. Conclusion Females Portia and Calphurnia are certainly significant characters in the play. Does Shakespeare portray these women characters of power and strength? Use evidence in the form of quotes and events to support your response. B. Background Information C. Thesis Statement Portia A. Wise B. Influential i. Persuades Brutus to reveal his secret by cutting her thigh and appealing to his sense of guilt ii. Cato s daughter C. Courageous i. Keeps Brutus secret ii. Swallows fire I Calphurnia A. Women s intuition Dream

3 Bronkar 3 B. Influential - Convinces Caesar not to go and is right IV. How could things have worked out better if they had listened to the women A. Brutus should have listened to Portia s concerns B. Caesar should not have gone to the Capitol V. Conclusion Fate Shakespeare uses prophets, omens, and natural phenomenon to increase tension in the play and to emphasize the importance of destiny. Are the characters in the play in control of their own destines, or are their fates predetermined because of who they are? Describe several instances of fate at work in the play and explain how these instances either show that the characters are in control or are controlled by fate. Use quotes and events to support your response. B. Connector (Caesar, Brutus, Cassius) C. Thesis Cassius in relation to fate power makes him ignore fate A. Omens and the weather i. Casca talking about omens to Cassius - Lion giving birth in the street, Common man s hand on fire, Fire falling from the sky, Grave yawning up their spirits, Ghost soldiers marching, Owl in the marketplace by day B. Cassius loves the bad weather and believes he is in control of his fate; willing to die for power I Brutus in relation to fate love of Rome makes him ignore warnings A. Brutus ignores the bad omens but worries; willing to die for Rome IV. Caesar in relation to fate pride makes him ignore fate A. The Soothsayer s prediction B. Calphurnia s bad dream (as described by Caesar) C. Augurers can t find a heart in the sacrifice D. Goes to the Capitol anyway V. Omens coming true at the end

4 Bronkar 4 VI. A. Antony s curse predictions of how bad Rome will be and it is B. Birds of prey Cassius bad feelings come true when he is defeated and must kill himself C. Caesar s ghost predicts Brutus will see Caesar at Philippi and Brutus dies kills himself there (because of a mistake) Conclusion All of the predictions and warnings did not change their fate because of their problems paying attention Innate Human Evil Several characters in the play follow their evil instincts. Identify at least two characters who follow evil. Then explain the effects of following evil. Use quotes and events to support your answer. B. Connector C. Thesis Statement Caesar Pride and ambition A. Ignores Soothsayer B. Ignores his wife C. Fears Cassius D. Effects = his death by conspirators I IV. Cassius Power hungry and jealous A. Dislikes Caesar being superior B. Manipulates Brutus C. Leads to civil war D. Bribes lead to division E. Dies during the war he started Other conspirators A. Casca stabs Caesar in the back B. Decius deceitful C. Rest of the conspirators sneaking around at night D. Leads to civil war V. Antony desire for revenge Let slip the dogs of war VI. Brutus is he evil?

5 Bronkar 5 A. feels guilty at the end, but Antony does call him The noblest Roman of them all V Restate thesis and what has been proved; final thought (II, iii, 2-4).