Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar

Having just concluded a long series of plays on English history, Shakespeare couldn’t have possibly written Julius Caesar in 1599 without at least one eye on contemporary English politics. Why this play, at this moment? What did he gain by turning to Rome to talk about England? How do the political issues that might have preoccupied Shakespeare more than 400 years ago continue to speak to us and own political concerns, in the 21^st century? What might this play say to us about the tension between the exercise of political power and the potential subversion of political institutions? About when if ever the ends can justify the means? About the relation between ethics, morals, justice, and honor (on the one hand) and governance?  This class will explore such questions through Shakespeare’s script as well as ensuing interpretations of the same, on stage and in film.