Julius Caesar

In William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Brutus and Cassius plot to assassinate Rome’s most famous emperor, Julius Caesar. After they accomplish this in perhaps the most famous death scene ever written — “Et tu, Bruté?” — Antony and Octavius pursue the conspirators across Italy, climaxing in one final, epic battle. Julius Caesar is Shakespeare’s fascinating tale of political intrigue, betrayal, and vengeance — set against the rich tapestry of ancient Rome. (From Cliff’s Notes)

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Othello

Othello is William Shakespeare’s tragedy of the Moor who “loved not wisely but too well.” In Venice, Othello elopes with Desdemona, the daughter of a Venetian senator. Iago, who hates Othello and who feels he has been passed over for a promotion, plots to bring down Othello. Through Iago’s lies and manipulation, Othello believes that Desdemona has been unfaithful and kills her. When the truth comes out, Othello stands on his honor and kills himself. (From Cliff’s Notes)

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Photo courtesy Azli Jamil

Romeo and Juliet

In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a long feud between the Montague and Capulet families disrupts the city of Verona and causes tragic results for Romeo and Juliet. Revenge, love, and a secret marriage force the young star-crossed lovers to grow up quickly — and fate causes them to commit suicide in despair. Contrast and conflict are running themes throughout Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet — one of the Bard’s most popular romantic tragedies. (From Cliff’s Notes)

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet follows the young prince Hamlet home to Denmark to attend his father’s funeral. Hamlet is shocked to find his mother already remarried to his Uncle Claudius, the dead king’s brother. And Hamlet is even more surprised when his father’s ghost appears and declares that he was murdered. Exact dates are unknown, but scholars agree that Shakespeare published Hamlet between 1601 and 1603. Many believe that Hamlet is the best of Shakespeare’s work, and the perfect play. (From Cliff’s Notes)

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Cover photo courtesy H. Kopp-Delaney

Macbeth

In Macbeth, William Shakespeare’s tragedy about power, ambition, deceit, and murder, the Three Witches foretell Macbeth’s rise to King of Scotland but also prophesy that future kings will descend from Banquo, a fellow army captain. Prodded by his ambitious wife, Lady Macbeth, he murders King Duncan, becomes king, and sends mercenaries to kill Banquo and his sons. His attempts to defy the prophesy fail, however: Macduff kills Macbeth, and Duncan’s son Malcolm becomes king. (From Cliff’s Notes)

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Cover Image courtesy Renato Zorzin