Shakespeare Today: Julius Caesar - Theme of Power

The video explores the theme of power in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, focusing on how power can corrupt leaders and the consequences of a power vacuum. It examines Caesar's temptation for absolute power, the use of rhetoric and manipulation by characters like Brutus and Cassius, and the eventual restoration of order by Octavius and Anthony.

What overarching theme does Shakespeare explore in Julius Caesar?

• Love and Betrayal

• Power and Corruption

• Friendship and Loyalty

• War and Peace

How does Shakespeare initially portray Julius Caesar?

• As a tyrant

• As an indecisive ruler

• As a weak leader

• As a charismatic and successful leader

What is Brutus's main concern about crowning Caesar?

• Caesar's health

• The financial cost of a coronation

• The potential for Caesar to become a tyrant

• Caesar's popularity

What rhetorical device does Cassius use to describe Caesar's power?

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Alliteration

• Hyperbole

What internal struggle does Brutus face?

• Whether to support Cassius's ambitions

• Whether to betray his friend for the republic

• Whether to flee Rome

• Whether to become king himself

How does Cassius manipulate Brutus?

• By promising him power

• By offering him money

• By appealing to his loyalty to Rome

• By threatening him

What does Antony predict after Caesar's death?

• Chaos and war

• Rome will be forgotten

• Peace and prosperity

• A new ruler will emerge

What technique does Antony use in his speech to sway the crowd?

• Flattery

• Rhetorical questions and repetition

• Bribery

• Threats

What is the outcome at the end of the play?

• Order is restored with Octavius as the leader

• Rome falls into chaos

• Caesar is resurrected

• Brutus becomes the ruler

What does the play ultimately examine about power?

• The dangers of desiring power and how it should be wielded

• The benefits of absolute power

• The futility of political ambition

• The inevitability of power struggles