Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a deeper understanding of Antony's funeral oration in Act III, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar." They will explore the use of irony, repetition, and pathos in the speech, and how these rhetorical devices contribute to Antony's persuasive power and the play's themes.

Materials and Prep

• Notebook and pen for taking notes
• Printed copy of Act III, Scene 2 of "Julius Caesar" (if available)
• Access to a quiet space for reading and discussion
• Preparation to discuss key concepts of irony, repetition, and pathos

Activities

• Reading and Annotation:

  Read Act III, Scene 2 aloud. As you read, annotate the text by highlighting or underlining examples of irony, repetition, and pathos. Discuss these examples after reading to ensure comprehension.

• Rhetorical Device Hunt:

  Create a chart that lists examples of irony, repetition, and pathos from Antony's speech. For each example, write a brief explanation of how it contributes to the overall effect of the oration.

• Performance:

  Choose a portion of Antony's speech to perform. Focus on delivering the lines with the intended emotion and emphasis, using voice modulation to highlight the rhetorical devices. Afterward, discuss how the performance changed your understanding of the text.

• Group Discussion:

  Engage in a discussion about the impact of Antony's speech on the audience within the play and its relevance today. Consider how the use of rhetorical devices can be seen in modern speeches or media.

Talking Points

• "What is irony? Can you find examples in Antony's speech?"
• "Repetition is powerful! How does Antony use it to emphasize his points?"
• "Pathos appeals to emotions. What feelings does Antony evoke in his audience?"
• "Why do you think Antony repeatedly refers to Brutus as an 'honorable man'? What effect does this have?"
• "How does Antony's speech change the public's perception of Caesar?"
• "What role does the crowd play in the effectiveness of Antony's oration?"
• "Can you think of a modern example where a speaker used similar techniques?"
• "How does the structure of the speech contribute to its persuasive power?"
• "What is the significance of Antony showing Caesar's will to the crowd?"
• "How does the use of rhetorical questions affect the audience's response?"
• "What do you think Shakespeare was trying to convey about politics and persuasion through this speech?"
• "How might the speech have been different if it were delivered by Brutus?"
• "Why do you think Antony's speech is still studied today?"
• "How does the concept of loyalty play into Antony's arguments?"
• "What do you think happens to the crowd after Antony finishes speaking?"
• "How does this scene foreshadow the chaos that follows in Rome?"