Probably one of Shakespeare's best, but, as always, very violent.
Plot
In the early civilization of Rome, Julius Caesar has just been asked to take the crown and become emperor , a position even over the Senators who govern Rome. However, not everyone would appreciate Caesar's rule. In the Senate, traitors devise one of the most controversial events in history--the assassination of Julius Caesar.
Morality
Brutus and his conspirators feel that they are doing Rome a favor by killing Caesar. "It was not that I loved Caesar less, it was that I loved Rome more," he says at one point. People like Marc Antony believe him but also wish that he wouldn't have killed Caesar. Brutus and his conspirators are seen as the tragic heroes.
Spiritual Content
Many of the Romans speak names of their gods or just simply say, "the gods". They also tell their soothsayers and magicians to look at the entrails of animals to predict their future. A soothsayer tells Caesar to "beware the ides of March". All of the soothsayer's predictions come true.
Violence
For one thing, Caesar is stabbed multiple times by the conspiring senators, and they wash their hands in his blood. Marc Antony thinks they should burn his body. A civil war erupts after Caesar dies. Many of Shakespeare's prose is sometimes violent. Most of the conspirators die from suicide.
Drug and Alcohol Content
The Senators drink wine.
Sexual Content
Portia, Brutus's wife, calls herself a harlot, that she is not actually married to Brutus (but she is). A conspirator claims he saw a female lion give birth on the street.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
"Hell" used in the correct context. There were also a few "d-mn"'s and "d-mned"'s. Many sly Shakespearean insults are also used.
Conclusion
With the familiar prose of Shakespeare, "Julius Caesar" is enjoyable. Every character seems to have his or her own voice. I especially loved Brutus's soliloquies as well as some of the others that the characters deliver. However, some of the prose and dialogue describes violent happenings and the whole story revolves around Julius Caesar's death. But, if you love Shakespeare and haven't read this one yet, I would highly recommend it.
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