Julius Caesar (The New Folger Library Shakespeare) Reviews

• Not a Casual Read.

  
  By ATPS98XY9TYPJ on 2004-05-28
  Before I begin, I would like to point out three things. One, I am only a middle-school student (this was an honours class project); two, this is my first review; three, I am reviewing the unabridged, original dialogue version. Thank you.

  William Shakespeare is hailed as the greatest writer ever, yet (based on people I've met) very few people have read even a single one of his works. I expected it to be required reading in high school or, at the very least, college. Alas, it is not. This is a disappointment, as I truly enjoyed reading this play, my first encounter with Shakespeare.

  Julius Caesar is a tale of honor and betrayal. Pompey, a beloved Roman leader, is defeated in civil war with Caesar. A small brotherhood, let by Marcus Brutus, is still devoted to him after his death, and wants nothing less than the assassination of their new leader. I had expected Caesar's death ("Et tu, Bruté? Then fall Caesar.") to be near the end of the book. However, it turned out to be within the third of five acts. The rest of the book is devoted to the attempts by Brutus's followers and Marc Antony (a dear friend of Caesar, and Brutus's enemy) to get the populace to believe in and follow that person's views, and turn them against the other people's ideals. Marc Antony, an orator with the ability to, in essence, brainwash an entire city with a short speech ("Friends, Romans, Countrymen, / Lend me your ears!"), convinces Rome to turn on Brutus's brotherhood. How their conflict is settled is, by far, the most captivating and entrancing parts of the play.

  With the plot discussed, I will move on to what makes this a challenging read: dialogue. Being a work from the Elizabethan Era, I (naively) expected words such as "forsooth" and manye more wordse endinge ine "e". As it turned out, this was not the case. There were archaic words that would elicit cocked heads of confusion from the average person. My saviour from the confusion turned out to be the footnotes in one of the versions I read. The phrase "They fall their crests, and like deceitful jades / Sink in the trial" becomes "They let their necks droop and, like weary nags, fail the test" (Brutus, A4 S2, L26/27). One is forced to scrutinise every single word, in order to receive a complete understanding of the goings-on.

  The unabridged version of Julius Caesar is definitely not a piece one reads in one's free time; rather, it should be considered a serious task. Once you put the book down, you transform from reader to philosopher. You will instinctively begin to ponder the issues in whatever part of the book that you have just completed. I, personally, read one act at a time, then closed my eyes (or reread the act) to mull over what had just transpired. I was left with a better understanding of that portion, and a greater respect for the genius of Shakespeare.

  Though this and the following sentences have nothing to do with the above review, I am obliged to put them in. My crusade in life is to get as many people as possible to read Congo, by Michael Crichton, and this is as good as any other place to post my propaganda. Please take the time to at least try the book.
  
  

• Fascinating

  
  By A1MYTWX9RTO4N5 on 2004-09-28
  This play by William Shakespeare, is a fascinating study of human drama composed of a group of Romans who wish to assassinate the would be king, Julius Caeser.
  
  Each character is significantly drawn, and each has flaws, and is quite interesting. Brutus is the hero of the play, even though it's named Caesar, Caeser is not the main character, more like the unifying force. Anyway, Brutus is a hertofore honorable soldier brought into the assassination plot by the more sinister Cassius. Caeser has a god complex, and his right hand man is Mark Antony, who is a party boy turned avenging angel. These are the main characters, rounded out by Octavius Caeser who joins the cast near the end.
  
  Clever dialogue, and thought provoking story make a fascinating read. This has made a Shakespeare fan out of me.
  
  

• Pretty good for a history

  
  By A14NBRS2Y9I10S on 2004-08-17
  Usually I think Shakespeare's histories are extremely boring. This was pretty interesting, I enjoyed the speeches (it has some really great monologues) and the contrasting of Octavius with Brutus. Brutus is the best, of course; Octavius screwed him!
  
  

• The classic book report... with a twist.

  
  By A2WJX9BCZ8PQ3N on 2006-02-15
  We all know the story of Julius Caesar. The tragic event that led to chaos. Though it is a popular television and movie theme, we know it in large part due to Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare's famed play. It includes moving scenes such as Caesar's infamous "Et tu Brute", and Marc Antony's moving "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." This book, put together by Folger Shakespeare Library, helps to bring this story to life.
  This book, about 239 pages total, features "explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play." While these notes may not answer every question you might come up with, I believe they are very helpful to the average reader (such as myself). These pages also provide plenty of room for anyone who prefers to annotate, or write down thoughts, in their books.
  Also featured on these pages is a scene summary for every scene. The scene summaries really helped me truly understand the Shakespearian language. I am very grateful I ordered this copy of Julius Caesar, since it has the tools necessary for the average reader to fully grasp what is happening. I picked it up right here on Amazon.com.
  I can hardly find negative aspects to this edition. The best I can come up with is that the words and phrases noted are not already underlined or marked somehow by the publisher. (I know, not a big deal.) The story is great, a must-read for all history buffs or even the casual reader. All-in-all, if you are looking to read Julius Caesar, or just some Shakespeare to impress your friends or teachers with, check out the Folger Shakespeare Library's edition of Julius Caesar. I highly recommend it.
  So, what are you waiting on? Get to it!
  
  
  

• When Caeser says, "Read this", it it performed.

  
  By A1Y1NUGKOF8QSY on 2005-08-07
  How can you say anything negative about a play that is so ingrained in our society that there is a general belief that Caesar really died this way, uttering "et tu, Brute?", and Antony's speech is cited as the one of the finest speeches in history, despite being entirely fiction.
  
  A tragedy of brilliance, easy to read even if you don't quite grasp the different nuances of 16th century English.
  
  Get me a taper in my study, Lucius
  That I may read further.
  
  
  
• The Power Of Language
  By AMKZHBOK7VMQR on 2007-05-16
  Julius Caesar is murdered very shortly into this play so while he bears the title the play is about the conspirators and the supporters of caesar and the struggle for power that comes after his asassination. The power of language to persude the masses and the fickle nature of crowds are only a few of the themes that Shakespeare explores.
  
  Shakespeare explores the nature of tyranny, politics and absolute power in ways that must have been remarkably risky and controversial in his day.
  
  Someone below noted that we have come to believe that the events as Shakespeare crafted them in his play are how this really happened. "Et Tu Brutus", etc. This is one of the better known and more widely read of Shakespeare's works and is the way many middle school kids are introduced to Shakespeare (maybe rivaled by Romeo and Juliet).
  
  That said it is a fine drama and after multiple readings will still yield something new to think about or some new phrase that will stick in the readers mind.
  
  When Brutus and Antony each deliver their respective addresses to the crowd following Caesar's death Shakespeare demonstrates a universal truth that people can be persuaded by words and the body politic is susceptable to a good propogandist. As true today as it was then.
  
  
• Shakespeare was meant to be seen and heard not read
  By A3USD3ANXP45UC on 2005-09-02
  At the outset, I will corrupt my review by saying that any Shakespeare play should be watched live if possible otherwise by proxy by getting hold of a copy of the BBC productions widely available on dvd.
  
  Having said this, I particularly enjoyed reading this tragedy after watching the production.
  
  It is filled with humour from the beginning of Act 1 and furnished with brilliant speeches:
  
  Caes. I could be well moved, if I were as you:
  If I could pray to move, prayers would move me: 60
  
  But I am constant as the northern star,
  Of whose true-fix'd and resting quality
  There is no fellow in the firmament.
  The skies are painted with unnumber'd sparks,
  They are all fire and every one doth shine,
  But there's but one in all doth hold his place:
  So in the world; 'tis furnish'd well with men,
  And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive;
  Yet in the number I do know but one
  That unassailable holds on his rank, 70
  
  Unshaked of motion: and that I am he,
  Let me a little show it, even in this+;
  That I was constant Cimber should be banish'd,
  And constant do remain to keep him so.
  
  Musings on the nature of evil acts:
  
  Bru. --Let 'em enter. Exit Lucius.
  
  They are the faction. O conspiracy,
  Shamest thou to show thy dangerous brow by night,
  When evils are most free? O, then by day
  
  Where wilt thou find a cavern dark enough
  To mask thy monstrous visage? Seek none, conspiracy;
  Hide it in smiles and affability:
  For if thou path, thy native semblance on,
  Not Erebus itself were dim enough
  To hide thee from prevention. Enter the conspirators, CASSIUS, CASCA, DECIUS, CINNA, METELLUS CIMBER, and TREBONIUS.
  
  
  Classic one liners:
  
  1) Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears
  
  2) If then that friend demand
  why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer:--
  Not that I loved Caesar less, but that
  I loved Rome more
  
  Shakespeare's insights into the nature of human thought and desires is penetrating yet pardoxically reflective.
  
  The story fades into the backgroud eclipsed by philosophy, human behaviour and psychology offered to us in beautiful prose garnished with humour, wit, symbolism and metaphors.
  
  
• Words can be as dangerous as weapons, when wielded with expertise...
  By AXQ8T2D9IT6UG on 2005-12-31
  "Julius Caesar" was written by William Shakespeare (1564-1616), and even though it is not as well-known as some of his other plays, it is a classic that should be read with the attention it deserves.
  
  The main character is, of course, Julius Caesar, and this play tells us about his assassination. The plays also highlights how those who survived him tried to earn the approval of the fickle plebeians. In my opinion, one of the best scenes is that in which Brutus, and then Mark Anthony, speak to the plebeians. Brutus, depicted as an idealistic man that loved Caesar but feared his ambitions, stands by his actions and seems to be respected for taking a stand on behalf of the republic. However, soon enough Anthony starts his eulogy to Caesar, pointing out that Caesar cared for Rome above everything and that he had remembered the people of Rome in his testament. As a result of Anthony mastery of words, the plebeians turn their back on Brutus, and start a riot.
  
  Truth to be told, "Julius Caesar" doesn't end there, but that scene is a turning point in the story, and perhaps more importantly, an excellent way to realize that words can be as dangerous as weapons, when wielded with expertise.
  
  All in all, I can say that I liked this play. Yes, it is true that it is not overly easy to read, due to the fact that the language in which it is written is quite dated, but you can always buy a reading companion to "Julius Caesar", or an edition with good footnotes. And even though Shakespeare's English isn't "your" English, I think you will manage!
  
  In my opinion, you should try to overcome that small inconvenient. The reasons for that are at least two. First, the story is interesting. Secondly, it is always a good idea to remember how important a good mastery of language is, and this play helps you to do exactly that. On the whole, recommended!
  
  Belen Alcat
  
  
• Another enjoyable history lesson.
  By A1N1YEMTI9DJ86 on 2007-05-24
  As with so many of Shakespeare's history and tragedy plays, this one is a wonderful history lesson. It is also a wonderful character portrayal of some well-known historical figures. Brutus is a fine example of one of Shakespeare's most wonderfully portrayed tragic figures. Brutus is the true hero of this tragic play. There are lots of wonderful soliliquays, and the language used is just beautiful. A wonderful play to re-read.
  
  
• Shakespeare never gets stale
  By A1JH5J1KQAUBMP on 2006-04-09
  Scholars have expounded on the merits of Shakespeare's work for centuries, so I'm not likely to add anything of value here. I merely want to point out how extraordinary and rewarding it is to read something written 500 years ago that still seems so fresh today. Human nature really hasn't changed at all. Upon rereading this tale of the machinations surrounding the assassination of Julius Caeser, the scene that really stood out for me was the one in which the assassin Brutus and the loyalist Antony take turns addressing the public following Caeser's death. The manner in which the crowd is stirred against Caeser by Brutus and then swayed the opposite way by Antony can be read as a humorous parody of today's poll-driven political scene. When Antony insists that "I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth,/ Action, nor utterance, nor the powers of speech/ To stir men's blood; I only speak right on," I can hear the voices of any number of modern politicians, including good old George W. himself.
  
  

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• The Comedy of Errors (Folger Shakespeare Library)

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• Julius Caesar (Cliffs Notes)
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