QUESTION: Songs that relate thematically to Julius Caesar

[Melissa L]

Hello!

 

Up here in wonderful NY state, students take an English state exam which requires them to read a poem and a passage (usually an excerpt from a short story) and identify a common theme between the two.  They must then write a thematic essay, explaining how the authors use literary devices to convey that theme. 

 

To introduce the concepts, I'd like to find a song that relates thematically to Julius Caesar (since we just finished this text).  I would then pair that song with some excerpts from the text.  I am looking for songs related to power, fate/free will, greed, honor, principles, pride, etc. that would work well with this text.

 

HELP!!!!

 

:)

[Erin Malone]

Backstabbers by the Ojays.

[Megan Manogue]

I would ask the kids to come up with some ideas.  Someone in our department just did a project called "Hamlet's IPod."  Students had to come up with songs that relate to Hamlet and submit textual evidence to support their choice.  A good project for them,  lots of ideas for you!

[camille napier bernstein]

I agree with having kids come up with  ideas.  In fact, I'll attach my project for Death of a Salesman, where kids have to create a soundtrack, liner notes, and write a justification.

 

[Terisa King]

I would be tempted to collaborate with the Music Director looking for show tunes that express similar themes. For instance, Mark Anthony was to deliver his best friend's eulogy in front of an angry mob and surrounded by enemies soaked with the blood of his friend.  Similar emotions exsist in songs from' Rent', 'Cabaret,'' Man of LaMancha',' Carosel and

Wicked'. 

In turn the film "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" has a great song "I love to dance a little side step" that matches either B Cassias.  "Memories" from "CATS" should work for Brutus.  " I don't know how to Love him" from "Jesus Christ Superstar" would fit either Calpurnia or Portia. You might also check out the libretto for "The Color Purple, the Musical"

for female sympathtic songs.

I am not that familar with " UrineTown", but understand there are some great double meaning, play on words lyrics.

Show tunes might not grab student attention but lyrics and recordings are easier to find and can inspire your students to search for similar song contributions.

 

[Julie Jones]

Try this website: http://www.corndancer.com/tunes/tunes_cncts.html.

If you click on the "Connections" tab on the left, and then download the LitTunes Connections DataBase, you'll find a whole list of paired Contemporary Music and Canonical Literature.