The Tragedy of Julius Caesar: Commentary

While it is titled The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, the play follows the character of Marcus Brutus and the psychological conflicts between honor, patriotism, and friendship. The play is one of several written by Shakespeare based on true Roman events. The Tragedy of Julius Caesar portrays the conspiracy against Julius Caesar, his assassination, and the Battle of Philippi—where his betrayers are defeated. Shakespeare’s sources for the play were the biographies of Brutus and Caesar included in Plutarch’s Lives.