Thematic Analysis Paper

To focus your thinking, choose one character – either Brutus or Antony – who will be the subject of your paper. Then, consider their loyalties. Your three body paragraphs should focus on three separate friendships your chosen character has in the play.

For each, include the following points:

Who is the friend?

What interactions do we see in the play, and what inferences can you make about the friendship? How does Shakespeare show us the relationship?

Does your character remain loyal to this friend? If so, what reasons do they have to remain loyal?

Or does your character betray this friend? If so, how do they feel about this betrayal?

At least one of your body paragraphs should focus on your character’s friendship with Caesar.

Your conclusion paragraph should come to a meaningful insight about whether your character was a good friend and what Shakespeare wanted to communicate, thematically, about loyalty, betrayal, and friendship in Julius Caesar.

What to Write for the Essay.

Introduction

The character you chose to focus on (Brutus or Antony)

The three friendships you will examine (remember one of them must be with Julius Caesar)

The quality of friendships this character had overall

Body Paragraph #1: Friend 1

A description of friendship #1

Identify and discuss interactions and inferences in the play about loyalty or betrayal with this friend.

Use at least two quotes to support your ideas.

Body Paragraph #2: Friend 2

A description of friendship #2

Identify and discuss interactions and inferences in the play about loyalty or betrayal with this friend.

Use at least two quotes to support your ideas.

Body Paragraph #3: Friend 3

A description of the friendship with Julius Caesar

Identify and discuss interactions and inferences in the play about loyalty or betrayal with this friend.

Use at least two quotes to support your ideas.

Conclusion

Discuss the quality of your character’s friendships

Discuss what Shakespeare wanted to communicate, thematically, about loyalty, betrayal, and friendship in Julius Caesar.

Shakespeare uses an incredible amount of poetic devices in Julius Caesar. While your focus should be on the characters and the theme of this play, including a discussion of these will help create a strong paper.