Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

I have said in this space before that I am a big fan of Shakespeare. That continues to be the case. Being that I am a huge fan of Roman history a rendition of the history of Caesar told by Shakespeare is a must read.

Shakespeare's version like so many of his other writings have phrases that have become a pert of our language such as Marc Antony's " Friends, Romans, Countrymen." The story is told with much more emphasis on Brutus and the conspirators on the famous March day than on Caesar himself.

Cassius and the other conspirators have decided as the play starts that Caesar must be stopped. It is feared that despite him refusing a crown from the multitudes that the next day, the Ides of March, he does expect to be named King. The recruit Brutus to do the deed. Brutus considers long and is not sure. He knows that no man can put himself above Rome. He fears that soon Caesar will be unstoppable and will cause an end to the Republic.

Caesar has had a soothsayer tell him to beware the Ides of March, his wife Calpurnia begs him to stay home from the Senate for her sake. He considers and almost decides to honor her request. In the end however he goes to the Senate and the rest is, literally, history.

Caesar is killed in the beginning of the end of Act III but the play goes on considerably from there. It is here that Shakespeare has the most telling comments on both the citizens and plebe's of society as well as the ruling class.

Once rid of Caesar the conspirators wonder what the reaction of Marc Antony will be. Antony a confidante of Caesar chooses his reaction carefully. Brutus explains his love of his victim but his love of Rome more forced him to do the deed.

Brutus speaks to the crowds that have gathered and gives a very persuasive speech saying much of the same. His love of Caesar but his need to end the ambition. The people are moved to agree and we see many of the citizens speaking in agreement of the need for Brutus's act. Allowed to speak Antony then speaks of his friend. In a brilliant speech Antony speaks as if in agreement with the murderers but actually in words of agreement is praising Caesar and criticizing the reasoning of the conspirators. In a telling mark against the citizens and how easily they are swayed we see the same people who earlier agreed with Brutus now agreeing with Antony and ready to riot in the streets.

As Antony spake last his side wins and the conspirators must flee. We see Antony and Octavian on the field of battle. In the end, his side defeated and his capture assured Brutus has his servant hold his sword while he runs himself through against it. Antony coming upon the fallen Brutus praises him stating " There was a Man." Antony in a period of 48 hours has seen the death of both Caesar and Brutus. He speaks well of Brutus because he believes that, he alone of the conspirators, acted with noble causes and thoughts, that is to save the Republic.

Shakespeare's language and the turn of a phrase is far and beyond his contemporaries and ours. This is a wonderful play and another example of the great gift of Shakespeare.