Challenges & Opportunities of Teaching Julius Caesar

It's over 400 years old, but Julius Caesar is still the reigning champ of literature that explores political conspiracy, freedom from tyranny, and the abuses of power. It's also the greatest story about the most notorious backstabbing of all time. So, what's not to like?

Accessibility and Safety
For decades, Julius Caesar was considered the best and "safest" introduction to Shakespeare for ninth grade students because 1) the language is pretty straightforward but not overly simple, which 2) gives students easy access to Shakespeare's trademark literary and dramatic devises, and 3) unlike Romeo and Juliet, there's no sex in Julius Caesar. While it's true that Julius Caesar is one of the best plays for students new to Shakespeare, we think Caesar is much more than just a "safe" text to teach a classroom full of overly stimulated teenagers with raging hormones. Here's why.