Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar

The people want the great general Julius Caesar to become their king, but he turns down the crown—three times. Still, his fellow holders of power are suspicious that he will bring the treasured Roman Republic to an end, in favor of a monarchy headed by himself. Caesar receives many signs that he should not go to speak in the Senate—signs from a seer and from his own wife—and yet he goes, and is betrayed, even by his friends. Now what? How will Rome be ruled? Who gets to decide? And in a larger sense, what is our relationship to Fate? What is the meaning of honor? Of friendship? Come and discuss this great early play, and its possible relevance to contemporary concerns. We’ll look at some film clips. No experience necessary. No homework the first night, then we’ll read one act per week.