Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

Overview – When I first started reading this play, I did not enjoy it at all. I really didn’t like the talking behind Caesar’s back, the dressing in all black, meeting at all hours of the night to discuss the traitors’ nefarious tactics. But once Marc Antony showed up in the play, I was relieved of all prior apprehension. His honesty and willingness to stand up to the mob were very moving. His speech to the crowd after Caesar was murdered was exhilarating and moving.

Theme – Traitors, cowards, honorable men.

Biggest takeaway – Marc Antony's speech after the death of his friend to the people of Rome. There is a part of this play where, after Marc Antony’s speech, there was a man in the company who betrayed Caesar and had the same name as an unknown bystander who was caught by the mob after being radicalized by hearing Antony’s speech. The man was cornered and asked what his name was. After being evasive, he told the mob his name, which was the name of one of the betrayers, and one of the men in the mob yelled, “Tear him to pieces!” I laughed out loud. This play was great in its writing and pacing, and each moment after Caesar’s death seemed to hold weight in the story.

Overall Satisfaction – 9.5/10 Great read

Comments on the Author –Shakespeare is great and wonderful, and this play really embodies his ability to write acts in this play that are very different in their layout and delivery. Great play.