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The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

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therestlessbookflea07's review against another edition

3.0

First Shakespeare read. Man, Sir William portrayed in his master writing that when a man becomes eloquent of his envy and articulate of his self-shortcomings, he is an obvious danger. More so, a man who masters words can transform or torment anyone, anything.

A well-familiarized English lit classic, the reading experience was difficult especially the style, but it also communicated the readers the urgency of leadership--its risks of adornment to conspiracy.

A 3-star read!

karlies's review against another edition

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challenging dark tense medium-paced

3.5

aspiringorakle's review against another edition

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4.0

surprisingly light read; this time, i was shocked to learn that brutus was a stoic, cassius an epicurean, and antony an asiatic

definitely a bunch of clever dudes clever-ing around; noticed this time how much caesar was putting on airs

the footnotes in this version were informative and helpful, but not as helpful for understanding roman political thought as i had been led to believe

yak_attak's review

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5.0

Julius Caesar is a fascinating, captivating play, sharp and focused replete with wit and subtlety. It's no wonder it's perpetuated so many modern phrases and assumptions around Caesar's death. The most interesting aspect though has the titular character barely in the thing, instead choosing to cast his betrayers and allies as the main characters, caught in a battle for the political future of Rome. But each character has their own aims, each purported ideology is more complex than a one note "Caesar was going to be a dictator!" and the play ends still unclear who's got the right of things. It's just such a clean, powerful thing - a compelling look at conspiracy and political violence, with Shakespeare's awesome poetic voice. Definitely one to check out.

sapientreader's review against another edition

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5.0

One of the greatest plays of all time !

I picked a Shakespeare book after a long time and I never felt to keep it down ! It becomes so obvious why he is adored and loved so much ! The beauty, the majesty and the sheer genius of it all ! I am yet to read any other author that can even compete in describing things so beautifully.

SPOILERS
THE DRAMATIS PERSONAE

Julius Caesar - This character in one word was great. Oh ! Such a tragedy indeed it was ! He wasn't ambitious at all. A kind soul that perished unjustly. " Et tu , brute ? " Perhaps the most famous Shakespeare line ? For a good reason. It isn't the words that make them famous " You too, Brutus ? " but the situation. Dear me. How he must have felt ? He was accepting stabs from everyone, seeing the betrayal but when Brutus stabbed him, his dear friend, it was too much. In such pain he uttered those last words. Tragic indeed.

Brutus - A great character on its own but he got beguiled. He was talked into doing such wrong. His death was dramatic. He could have killed himself too right ? Stab himself ? He wanted to die by hands of his own soldier. His friend. Instead of his own enemies. That's how interpreted it at least.

Casca - A clever man indeed

Antony - Perhaps the wisest and bravest among them all. His played his two face part perfectly. A true friend indeed. His victory over Brutus was well deserved.

I loved how Octavius Caesar honored Brutus by burying him in his tent.

Favorite Lines
" The evil that men do lives after them,The good is oft interred with their bones "

" Even so great men great losses should endure"

"Caesar,now be still,
I kill'd not thee with half so good a will "

" A coward dies many times ere his death"