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Caesar, Julius -- Drama Books
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Bernard Shaw
Caesar and Cleopatra
"Caesar and Cleopatra" by Bernard Shaw is a play written in 1898 that depicts a fictionalised account of the relationship between Julius Caesar and Cleopatra. Shaw portrays the sixteen-year-old Egyptian queen meeting the Roman conqueror, deliberately avoiding romantic overtones to focus on political themes and parallels with British imperialism. Drawing from Mommsen's admiring historical account rather than Shakespeare's treatment, Shaw presents Caesar as a wise leader guiding a fearful young ruler. The play contrasts sharply with Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra," offering Shaw's vision of "real" characters over "love-obsessed" ones.
Unknown
The Tragedy Of Caesar's Revenge
"The Tragedy Of Caesar's Revenge" by Frederick S. Boas is a dramatic play written in the early 20th century. The work explores the themes of ambition, betrayal, and the tragic consequences of civil strife, focusing on historical figures such as Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Brutus. As a reprint of a work that reflects the stylistic elements of the late Elizabethan era, it delves into the complexities of power dynamics in ancient Rome. At the start of the play, the prologue introduces a sense of catastrophic conflict, heralded by the character of Discord, who articulates the chaos of civil war and the downfall of heroes. The opening scenes unfold with the aftermath of the battle at Pharsalia, showcasing the despair of Brutus and Pompey as they grapple with defeat and the loss of their glorious reputation. Characters express their grief in vivid poetic language, highlighting the personal and moral dilemmas they face in the wake of their ambitions and the shifting tides of fortune. Pompey’s lamentation reveals his sense of betrayal and hopelessness as he confronts his imminent doom, setting the stage for the interplay of fate and free will that will drive the narrative forward.
Voltaire
La mort de César, tragédie en trois actes de Voltaire, avec les changemens fait par le citoyen Gohier, ministre de la Justice
"La mort de César" by Voltaire is a tragedy written in 1731 and first performed privately in 1733. The play follows Brutus, a devoted republican who conspires to assassinate Julius Caesar to save Rome from dictatorship. When Caesar reveals he is Brutus's father, the conspirator faces an impossible choice: allow tyranny or commit parricide. Set in three acts without female characters, the tragedy focuses solely on patriotic duty and explores the devastating conflict between personal loyalty and political principle.
Voltaire
La mort de César: Tragédie
"La mort de César: Tragédie" by Voltaire is a tragedy written in 1731 and first publicly performed in 1743. The play dramatizes Julius Caesar's rise to power in Rome and his relationship with Brutus, who unknowingly plots against his own father. As Caesar prepares to become emperor, Brutus faces an agonizing choice between defending the Roman Republic and committing patricide. The work unfolds without female characters, focusing entirely on political loyalty, patriotism, and moral conflict in ancient Rome.
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