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Graphic Organizers for Active Reading

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Act III
William Shakespeare Pupil’s Edition page 820

Who Is Mark Antony?

Mark Antony has only a minor role in the play until Act III, when he becomes the major force
driving the action. In the busts below, record lines from the play that contrast how Mark Antony is
presented before Act III, and how he is revealed in Act III. Then, on the lines provided below the
busts, summarize your own view of Antony’s character. You might consider these lines from Acts I
and II: Act I, Scene 2, lines 9–10, 28–29, and 235–236; Act II, Scene 1, lines 155–184; and Scene 2,
lines 52–53.

Before Act III In Act III

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The Real Antony:

1. Do you consider Antony a hero or a villain, or something in between? Explain.

2. Make a prediction: What will happen as a result of Antony’s having turned the crowd against the
conspirators?

60 Graphic Organizers for Active Reading Elements of Literature

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personal gain, in contrast to Caesar and Cassius,
who are motivated by personal gain and envy.
Caesar seems to be the villain at this point
because he is vain and self-deluded.
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,
Act III, page 60
Graphic Organizer: (Responses will vary. Sample
responses and guidelines for evaluating students’
responses follow.)
Before Act III: Act I, Scene 2, lines 9–10, 28–29,
235–236; Act II, Scene 1, lines 156–161, 165,
181–184; Act II, Scene 2, lines 52–53.
In Act III: Scene 1, lines 138–139, 173–176,
191–204, 225–230, 254–255; Scene 2, lines 66, 118,
220–225.
Summaries will vary. They should reflect that
Antony appears to be Caesar’s happy-go-lucky
right-hand man in the first two acts. In the third act,
he shows himself as clever, loyal, and manipulative.
(Responses will vary. Guidelines for evaluating
students’ responses follow.)
1. Students will recognize that Antony becomes the
driving force in Act III. Some will admire his
loyalty to and affection for Caesar and see him
as genuinely horrified by the violence of the
assassination. Others will see him as
underhanded, vengeful, and manipulative.
2. Students’ predictions should be based on the
action of the play so far and the way in which
the Roman populace and leadership have been
portrayed.
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,
Act IV, page 61
(Responses will vary. Sample responses follow.)
Graphic Organizer:
Physical Description: lean and hungry-looking
Crimes: taking bribes, hoarding gold
TRADITIONS! READINGS IN WORLD LITERATURE
Collection 13: Sources of Wisdom
Abraham and Isaac, page 63
(Responses will vary. Sample responses follow.)
Graphic Organizer:
Abraham: His faith and obedience are tested by
God’s asking him to sacrifice Isaac. He demonstrates
his ability to obey and thus passes the test.
92 Graphic Organizers for Active Reading
Brief History: member of faction that killed Caesar;
now general of army trying to oust the present
government
Personality Traits: clever, cynical, ambitious,
envious, scheming
Attitude Toward Government: People seek power
to serve their own ends.
1. Brutus has forgiven Cassius by the end of the
scene and once again sees him as a noble friend.
2. Cassius always seemed a selfish and envious
person who cared for no one but himself, but in
Scene 3, he shows surprising concern for
retaining Brutus’s affection and respect.
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,
Act V, page 62
Graphic Organizer: (Responses will vary.
Students should quote at least one line to support
their final opinions of the characters. Sample
responses follow.)
Antony: realistic; pragmatic; loyal (page 863, Scene
1, lines 39–44; page 873, Scene 4, lines 28–29; page
876, Scene 5, lines 68–72)
Brutus: honorable; idealistic (page 867, Scene 1,
lines 110–112; page 874, Scene 5, lines 34–35)
Cassius: ambitious; cynical; loving to Brutus (Scene
1, page 863, lines 45–47, page 864, lines 61–62,
page 867, lines 119–121)
(Responses will vary. Sample responses follow.)
1. Antony is the most admirable character because
he remains loyal to Caesar and to Caesar’s ideals
throughout the play. He is clever, perceptive,
and ambitious. He shows that he is capable of
being a tyrannical ruler, but this trait is not
predominant in his personality.
2. Brutus is the most villainous character because
he consistently leads others to their ruin. He
blunders through the play without ever realizing
that men usually pursue their own interests and
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that life is actually unfair. Had he not been so
gullible and naive, he might not have supported
the murder of Caesar and convinced himself that
he was performing a patriotic act.
Abram: He is tested in the same way, but when the
angel tells him to stop, he continues to kill.
Another Character: Indiana Jones in the film
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. His test is to
locate the Holy Grail and keep it from falling into
the hands of the Nazis. He succeeds in locating the
Grail, but has to choose between risking his life to
Elements of Literature