English Literature / Drama GCSE: Julius Caesar - Act 3, Scene 2 - The Orations

Brutus explains to the crowd why the conspirators killed Caesar and then insists they stay to hear Mark Antony.

Antony gives an emotional eulogy over the dead body of his friend.

This short film is from the BBC series, Shakespeare Unlocked.

Teacher Notes

Before watching the scene, ask your students to write down what they know of the characters of Brutus and Mark Antony, from the play so far.

How far do they see these characters as similar, and how far are they differentiated by Shakespeare?

How do they think that each character will react to the death of Caesar?

Alternatively, you could write snippets from each speech onto cards (e.g. 'as Caesar lov'd me, I weep for him', 'it were a grievous fault, and grievously hath Caesar answered it'), and ask students to try and decide which man is most likely to say each thing about Caesar.

Ask students to brainstorm ways in which to calm down an angry crowd.

Ask students to evaluate how effective Brutus's speech is in excusing his actions.

Curriculum Notes

This short film is suitable for teaching GCSE English literature and drama in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 4/ 5 in Scotland.

More from Shakespeare Unlocked: Julius Caesar

Cassius confronts Brutus about his friend’s uncharacteristic coldness.

Act I, Scene 2 - Cassius enlists Brutus

The actors explore what their characters are trying to achieve in this early confrontation.

Act I, Scene 2 - Cassius and Brutus (workshop)

Exploring the tactics Cassius uses to persuade Brutus to join the plot to assassinate Caesar.

Act I, Scene 2 - Persuading Brutus (workshop)

The actors explore key points in Cassius’s speech about Caesar and the future of Rome.

Act I, Scene 2 - Marking the words (workshop)

Conspirators isolate Caesar on the way to the Senate and Cimber presents his petition.

Act 3, Scene 1 - The Murder

The actors use the clues in the text to build an unique interpretation of Caesar’s murder.

Act 3, Scene 1 - Killing Caesar (workshop)

The two funeral speeches are compared, each set against the structures of rhetoric.

Act 3, Scene 2 - Rhetoric and politics (workshop)