A charismatic politician's assassination leads to a civil war in Shakespeare's drama of ancient Rome. Written in 1599 about an event from more than 2,000 years ago, this historical play continues to captivate modern audiences with its memorable characters, poetic speeches, and profound examination of the conflicting claims of ambition, ethics, and loyalty. With its compelling insights into history and human nature, Julius Caesar often serves as an introduction to the works of Shakespeare — and this Dover Thrift Study Edition offers a definitive survey of the drama. Created to help the reader gain a thorough understanding of the content and context of Julius Caesar, the guide includes: • Scene—by—scene summaries• Explanations and discussions of the plot• Question—and—answer sections• Shakespeare biography• List of characters and more Dover Thrift Study Editions feature everything that students need to undertake a confident reading of a classic text, as well as to prepare themselves for class discussions, essays, and exams.