William Shakespeare, Barbara Rosen, William Montgomery, William Rosen - Julius Caesar: With New and Updated Critical Essays and a Revised Bibliography

Though the Plebeians support Julius Caesar and celebrate his return from Rome as the play opens, Caesar is famously warned to "Beware the ides of March," by the Soothsayer. Meanwhile, Caesar's popularity is such that the other Roman aristocrats, who rule as a body along with Caesar, fear that his popularity will cause the Plebeians to name him their King, breaking with Roman tradition. Reminding Brutus of a historic revolt led by his own ancestors, Cassius stirs Brutus's sense of purpose. When Brutus and Cassius are alone with one of Caesar's men, they learn that the Plebeians have indeed thrice offered Caesar the throne, which he repeatedly demurred. Cassius muses to himself that Brutus is easily manipulated, and plans to present him with spurious letters from angry citizens purportedly expressing disapproval of Caesar's rise. Egged on by conspirators and troubled by a sleepless night, Brutus resolves to lead the conspiracy in assassinating Caesar. Despite mounting bad omens and an additional warning from