Caesar
Plutarch pairs Caesar with Alexander - both geniuses of war and politics, both undone by ambition. Caesar's early life revealed his character: when captured by pirates, he told them their ransom demand was too low (he was worth more!), played games with them as equals, then returned after his release and crucified them all. He crossed the Rubicon with "the die is cast" - starting civil war. He won, showed famous clemency to enemies, and made himself dictator for life. But Rome would not tolerate a king. On the Ides of March, 44 BC, he was stabbed to death in the Senate by men he had pardoned.
The Text
What You'll Learn
Comprehension
Recounts the pirates story and what it reveals about Caesar's character
Cause & Consequence
Explains what the pirates story reveals: confidence, arrogance, ruthlessness
Meaning
Connects Caesar to Alexander: same pattern of genius, ambition, early death
Evidence
Cites a specific passage or phrase from the text
Defense
Maintains or thoughtfully revises their position under challenge
How It Works
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- 1.Read the text carefully
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- 3.Progress through each stage as you demonstrate understanding
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