Julius Caesar (Simply Shakespeare)

Julius Caesar (Simply Shakespeare) by Shakespeare, William. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780764120893.

Marc Antony comes "to bury Caesar, not to praise him," and his funeral oration unleashes a power struggle among the Roman Empires mightiest generals and statesmen. Books in this new, illustrated series present complete texts of Shakespeares plays. However, the lines are set up so students can see the bards original poetic phrases printed side-by-side and line-by-line with a modern "translation" on the facing page. Starting in the late 1580s and for several decades that followed, Shakespeares plays were popular entertainment for Londons theatergoers. His Globe Theatre was the equivalent of a Broadway theater in todays New York. The plays have endured, but over the course of 400+ years, the English language has changed in many ways—which is why todays students often find Shakespeares idiom difficult to comprehend. Simply Shakespeare offers an excellent solution to their problem. Introducing each play is a general essay covering Shakespeares life and times. At the beginning of each of the five acts in every play, a two-page spread describes what is about to take place. The storys background is explained, followed by brief descriptions of key people who will appear in the act, details students should watch for as the story unfolds, discussion of the plays historical context, how the play was staged in Shakespeares day, and explanation of puns and plays on words that occur in characters dialogues. Identifying icons preceding each of these study points are printed in a second color, then are located again as cross-references in the plays original text. For instance, where words spoken by a person in the play offer insights into his or another characters personality, the "Characters" icon will appear as a cross-reference in both the introductory spread and the play proper. Following each act, a closing spread presents questions and discussion points for use as teachers aids. Guided by the inspiring format of this fine new series, both teachers and students will come to understand and appreciate the genius of Shakespeare as never before.