1. The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
Act IV-V Literary Focus
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

2. Copy the following definitions.
anachronism: an event or detail that is inappropriate for the time period
3. foil: a character who serves as a contrast to another character
5. tragic hero: a noble figure who is admirable in many ways but has a tragic flaw, or personal failing, such as pride or jealousy, which leads to his/her tragic end (usually death)

3. 2. Identify examples of anachronism.
A doublet is an Elizabethan form of dress, not Roman.
Romans did not have mechanical clocks. They used sundials and water clocks.
Romans read from scrolls, not books.

4. 4. Explain how the following situations highlight how Brutus and Cassius are foils.
Cassius’s self-interest is highlighted, while Brutus shows that his main concern is for Rome.
Cassius seems like a cold-blooded killer while Brutus seems more humane.
Brutus reveals his idealism and deep feeling while Cassius shows his political pragmatism (practicality) and insight.
It shows Brutus’s idealism, which sometimes has a morally superior tone, and Cassius’s pragmatism, which can seem shady at times.

5. 6. Apply the definition of tragic hero to the following characters:
Brutus- He is noble as a Senator. He has good intentions because his motivations are always for the good of Rome. His tragic flaw is that he is too trusting.
Caesar- He is noble as the ruler of Rome. He is a powerful military leader. His tragic flaw is his arrogance.