A Comparison of Plutarchs The Lives of the Ancient...

A Comparison of Plutarchs The Lives of the Ancient Grecians and Romans and Shakespeares Julius Caesar When closely evaluating the two texts: Plutarchs The Lives of the Ancient Grecians and Romans and Shakespeares Julius Caesar, there are stark differences of the theme and characters. While Plutarchs text is mostly informative, as describing a series of historical events, Shakespeare incorporates a wide variety of dramatic conventions as well as changing many events to entertain an audience. It is important to note that Shakespeares play was based on Plutarchs text, which is why many of the differences are because of Shakespeares revision. Shakespeare changes the tone of many important characters such as Marcus Brutus and Mark†¦show more content†¦Shakespeare writes of Brutuss constant pangs of regret after he joined the conspiracy and after he took part in Caesars assassination. [Brutus] was the noblest Roman of them all: all the conspirators save only he did that they did in envy of great Caesar. (Shakespeare 5.5.69-71). Overall, Plutarchs tone about Brutus is opposite of J ulius Caesar compared to Shakespeares passionate tone about Brutuss honor and love for Rome. Another difference between Plutarchs text and Julius Caesar, other than the tone is the content. Shakespeare omits many events from his play such as Porcias proving of herself by self-inflicting a wound on her thigh. On the other hand, Plutarch does not go into Brutuss and Portias conversation of Brutuss troubles. Plutarch describes Antonys great speech at Caesars funeral, but does not capture the emotional struggle Antony went through to win the hearts of Roman citizens. Shakespeare intensely writes of the crowds reactions to Antonys speech. Most noble Caesar, well revenge his death. (Shakespeare 3.2.236). This shows that Shakespeare is displaying Antony as a heroic and brilliant defender of Caesar while Plutarch merely states that Antony was not meant to speak at all but was sent to speak after a day of discussion between the conspirators. Shakespeare also skips events, which were supposed to take place in