I think this explores moivation and interactions thebets--though the sheer brilliance of Shakepeare's 2 "Roman plays"

can never be denied... Shakespeare must have depended on primary sources Plutarch and Suetonious. Interestingly,Thornton Wilder and Plutrach were also playwrights. --

AI Overview

The Ides of March by Thornton Wilder is a novel set in the final months before the assassination of Julius Caesar on March 15, 44 BCE. The novel details the events leading to Caesar's murder and explores the motives of the key players involved. Plot summary

Wilder's 1948 epistolary novel is "a fantasia on certain events and persons" rather than a historical reconstruction. Told through a collection of imagined letters, journals, and official documents, the story examines the inner lives of key figures in Caesar's circle. The narrative explores the complex web of political and personal intrigue that leads to Caesar's death and examines themes of destiny versus human freedom. The climax takes place on the day of the assassination, drawing on the famous historical account.

Key characters

The novel presents a psychological and intimate look at Caesar and those around him:

Julius Caesar: Portrayed not just as a powerful ruler, but as a deeply reflective human being contemplating his legacy and the nature of his rule.

Cleopatra: Her arrival in Rome creates significant tension, adding to the climate of suspicion and political maneuvering.

Marcus Brutus: Initially loyal to Caesar, Brutus is torn by conflicting influences and manipulated by conspirators, creating internal conflict over his decision to join the plot.

Clodia Pulcher: A rebellious and influential figure whose tumultuous love affair with the poet Catullus adds to the societal unrest.

Other figures: Cicero, Mark Antony, and other historical figures are shown interacting with fictional characters to offer a multifaceted view of

Roman society.

Consequences and results The novel's exploration of the Ides of March focuses on how the assassination led to the downfall of the Roman Republic and the rise of a new political order. The immediate consequences include:

The destabilization of Rome: The assassination triggers chaos and a power vacuum in the Republic, ushering in years of civil war.

Punishment of the conspirators: The conspirators, including Brutus and Cassius, are hunted by the forces of Mark Antony and Octavian. They are ultimately defeated at the Battle of Philippi, and many commit suicide.

The end of the Republic: The resulting conflicts effectively end the Roman Republic, paving the way for the Roman Empire under Caesar's heir, Octavian.

Human drama and themes: Wilder's novel emphasizes the human emotions behind historical events. It explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, ambition, and the philosophical questions about how great leaders and art shape society.