What actions are justified when the fate of a nation hangs in the balance, and who can see the best path ahead? Julius Caesar has led Rome successfully in the war against Pompey and returns celebrated and beloved by the people. Yet in the senate fears intensify that his power may become supreme and threaten the welfare of the republic. A plot for his murder is hatched by Caius Cassius who persuades Marcus Brutus to support him. Though Brutus has doubts, he joins Cassius and helps organize a group of conspirators that assassinate Caesar on the Ides of March. But, what is the cost to a nation now erupting into civil war? A fascinating study of political power, the consequences of actions, the meaning of loyalty and the false motives that guide the actions of men, Julius Caesar is action packed theater at its finest.
Julius Caesar is a key link between Shakespeare’s histories and his tragedies. Unlike the Caesar drawn by Plutarch in a source text, Shakespeare’s Caesar is surprisingly modern: vulnerable and imperfect, a powerful man who does not always know himself. The open-ended structure of the play insists that revealing events will continue after the play ends, making the significance of the history we have just witnessed impossible to determine in the play itself. John D. Cox’s introduction discusses issues of genre, characterization, and rhetoric, while also providing a detailed history of criticism of the play. Appendices provide excerpts from important related works by Lucretius, Plutarch, and Montaigne. A collaboration between Broadview Press and the Internet Shakespeare Editions project at the University of Victoria, the editions developed for this series have been comprehensively annotated and draw on the authoritative texts newly edited for the ISE. This innovative series allows readers to access extensive and reliable online resources linked to the print edition.
Enter, in procession, with music, CAESAR; ANTONY, for the course; CALPHURNIA, PORTIA, DECIUS, CICERO, BRUTUS, CASSIUS and CASCA; a great crowd following, among them a SOOTHSAYER.CAESAR.Calphurnia.CASCA.Peace, ho! Caesar speaks.[Music ceases.]CAESAR.Calphurnia.CALPHURNIA.Here, my lord.CAESAR.Stand you directly in Antonius' way, When he doth run his course. Antonius.ANTONY.Caesar, my lord?CAESAR.Forget not in your speed, Antonius, To touch Calphurnia; for our elders say, The barren, touched in this holy chase, Shake off their sterile curse.ANTONY.I shall remember.When Caesar says "Do this," it is perform'd.CAESAR.Set on; and leave no ceremony out.[Music.]SOOTHSAYER.Caesar!CAESAR.Ha! Who c
The first tragedy to be played in the new Globe Theatre, Julius Caesar is set at a crucial turning point in Roman history, as the Republican gives way to the imperial. Safely removed in time and place from Shakespeare’s Elizabethan England, Rome makes the perfect laboratory for the playwright’s free-ranging political analysis.
William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" is a gripping political drama that delves into the complex themes of power, betrayal, and the consequences of ambition. Set in ancient Rome, the play unfolds in the wake of Caesar's triumphant return from war. As the city celebrates his victories, a group of senators, including Brutus and Cassius, grows increasingly concerned about Caesar's growing influence and potential tyranny. They plot his assassination in an attempt to preserve the Roman Republic. The play explores the moral dilemmas faced by its characters, particularly Brutus, who must grapple with his loyalty to Caesar and his love for Rome. The famous line "Et tu, Brute?" captures the heart-wrenching moment when Brutus joins the conspiracy against Caesar. Shakespeare's masterful language and deep insights into human nature shine throughout the play. He examines the consequences of political machinations and the chaos that ensues when leaders are overthrown. "Julius Caesar" is not just a historical tragedy; it's a timeless exploration of the human condition and the eternal struggle for power. It raises questions about the morality of political actions and the tension between individual honor and the greater good. This play continues to captivate readers and audiences alike with its compelling characters, intense conflicts, and thought-provoking themes. Whether you're interested in history, politics, or simply enjoy a well-crafted story, "Julius Caesar" remains a must-read classic that offers profound insights into the complexities of human ambition and the consequences of our choices. ABOUT THE AUTHOR William Shakespeare, the immortal bard of Avon, was a masterful playwright and poet whose brilliance continues to captivate the world. Born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, his life remains shrouded in mystery, yet his literary legacy shines brightly. Shakespeare's unparalleled talent crafted timeless works such as "Romeo and Juliet", "Hamlet", and "Macbeth", exploring the depths of human emotion and the complexities of the human psyche. His words, like a symphony of language, have left an indelible mark on literature, theater, and culture, transcending time and space. Today, his eloquence and storytelling prowess continue to enchant audiences, making him an everlasting icon of artistic excellence.
This major new complete edition of Shakespeare's works combines accessibility with the latest scholarship. Each play and collection of poems is preceded by a substantial introduction that looks at textual and literary-historical issues. The texts themselves have been scrupulously edited and are accompanied by same-page notes and glossaries. Particular attention has been paid to the design of the book to ensure that this first new edition of the twenty-first century is both attractive and approachable.
Based on events in Roman history, Shakespeare explores themes of justice and morality in Julius Caesar. Brutus, convinced by Cassius, kills Caesar in the Senate. The conspirators, believing they are acting in the best interest of Rome, refuse to flee—until Mark Antony sways public opinion with his infamous speech. His words sparks the battle to that drives the conspirators from Rome and leads the play to its dramatic conclusion.
