The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare

One of the most widely read and often quoted of Shakespeare's plays, Julius Caesar relates the story of the murder of an emperor and the intrigues and ambitions of his supporters and his enemies. Amid warnings from soothsayer, family, and friends, Caesar continues to court the admiration of his followers and to ignore the danger inherent in his enormous popularity. It has been said that the drama is more the story of Brutus and Antony than of Caesar, since Caesar is killed early in the play, but Caesar's enduring presence, if not the man himself, is at the center of the conflicts that rise throughout the drama.

Related Readings

The Life of Caesar—biography by Plutarch

"The Killing of Julius Caesar 'Localized'"—short story by Mark Twain

"A Eulogy to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr."—speech by Robert F. Kennedy

"The Vote"—short story by Chinua Achebe

"Geraldo No Last Name"—short story by Sandra Cisneros

"The Legend"—poem by Garrett Hongo

Study Guide (PDF)