JCLesson6

Objective: I will learn to identify and use complete subjects and predicates. I will read, speak, and analyze Brutus's soliloquy of 2.1.10-36, where he uses figurative language to associate ambition (the "ladder") and poison (the "adder.") In doing so, I will gain a deeper understanding of Brutus as a character and, perhaps, a new sense of skepticism about persuasive language and oratory.

Read: Stand in a circle and use rotating reader techniques. Read until you come upon the first punctuation mark, then the next reader begins.

Discussion: What is the main idea of Brutus' soliloquy? (think, pair, share) What is Brutus thinking right now? (think, pair, share)

Re-Read: Divide the class into two lines facing each other. Each side will read until the first part of punctuation and rotate to the next line, each time increasing in volume. By the last line you should be shouting, but not shouting before the last line.

Discussion: What Brutus is saying? Does he have conflicting feelings about assassinating Caesar? If so, what evidence of conflict is in the lines? For example, does he consider any arguments against the murder? Where are they? (think, pair, share)

Learning: First you will want to familiarize yourself with figurative language 2.) Now examining lines 10-36 find one example of Brutus comparing Caesar to something. (2 minutes in small groups) 3.) One student from each group report on findings. There may be some surprises (which would be good!). Give the groups another two minutes to answer this question: which of the two images (the adder or the ladder) best describes Caesar's actions as we know them from the first act of the play? 4.) Discuss each of the four columns. How does the use of two images, the adder and the ladder, affect the way each is seen by the reader or heard by the listener? Does a "climber-upper" seem threatening by himself? What happens when you link him to a poisonous serpent?

Grammar: Complete Lesson 2 on page 41 of the grammar text.

Writing: Create a paragraph that discusses the use of figurative language in the play. Consider when Cassius asks Brutus to look in the mirror, and the adder and ladder, as well as the poisonous snake. At least five sentences, using textual evidence as support for your discussion. Lastname_figurative_essay