Reviews

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

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emcot's review against another edition

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2.0

every dude in this play is gay for each other and I stand by that

zachlittrell's review against another edition

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5.0

I like how often Shakespeare covers Rome in storm clouds. Senators meet in rainy alleyways, howling like wet dogs. Brutus is constantly dry-heaving at home. Caesar's wife dreams of her husband's statue spurting blood. A poet is literally ripped apart by a mob. For all the beautiful Renaissance speeches the Bard foists in his characters' mouths, Rome is a grimy nest of rat bastards. The only thing that keeps it glued together is Rome's great ideals: Friendship, Patriotism, and Caesar. And, funnily enough, all three are stabbed to death.

Shakespeare had the good sense to tap into idea of Caesar: he's the force of Change knocking on Rome's door, much more than an epileptic Roman general.

"I'm as constant as the Northern Star."

I'm sure as much in the Roman republic, and Shakespeare's time, and now, there's the fear of Caesar. He forces men to make Sophie's choices between being a "good friend" or a "good citizen." He tears spouses apart. He ferments new governments and pisses on old foundations. He leaves behind dead coagulating heroes. And, once he passes, a note as unsure as the play's last lines.

So call the field to rest, and let’s away
To part the glories of this happy day.

andrew_hs's review against another edition

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4.0

bring back dramatic men

jazztrombone's review against another edition

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3.0

Want to give Shakespeare a try but are concerned that you just won’t understand the poetic language? This “Shakespeare Made Easy” worked for me. The left page is Shakespeare’s original text while the right page is the modern English version of the same text. I chose to read the entire modern English version first to understand the story and started over with Shakespeare’s text. As for the story of Julius Caesar, eh; it’s alright. I’m sure it’s better as a play and is currently in performance at The American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, Virginia. ROAD TRIP!