Shakespeare - Caesar

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

The play of Caesar is political and so far has proven to be the most difficult play to read through in my opinion. One of the things that do confuse me throughout the acts are all the names beginning with ‘C’.
There is of course Caesar himself but in addition to him we have Cassius, Casca, Cicero and then Caesar’s wife Calpurnia. I do wonder why he might have so many characters with the initial ‘C’. Often I had to go back a few pages just to realize whose who and I find this interesting because in my creative writing class we have been taught that when writing a story you should avoid having two characters with names beginning with the same initial since it will cause confusion.
But now back to the play.

As I read about Caesars refusal to take the crown it brought to my mind the play Richard the III, when Richard and Buckingham had plotted between them a little act where he refused to accept the crown until the crowd was cheering, begging for him to take it and be their king.
I would like to have had more information about Caesars character. The reason that was given for his murder was basically: ‘Sure he’s a nice guy now, but that will all change once he rules Rome’. What also struck me was his sudden shock and surrender when he realized that Brutus, his beloved friend was amongst those who opposed him and not only that but his so called friend who stabbed him.
“Et tu brute?”

To go from one thing to completely another I think this play also shows how stupid people are when gathered together in a group. We are nothing but sheep who follow a leader without question. Right after Caesar has been murdered Brutus addresses the public and explains why this cause of action was necessary everyone was jumping to their hands and feet adoring Brutus.

ALL THE PLEIBEIAN: Live, Burtus, live, live!
FIRST PLEIBEIAN: Bring him with triumph home unto his house
FOURTH PLEIBEIAN: Give him a statue with his ancestors
THIRD...