This phrase may not mean a lot to many, but it sure does mean a lot to me. It is from William Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar'. 'Beware the ides of March...' the Soothsayer warns Caesar. Caesar all but dismisses the warning. The play was part of our English class in 1994-95. That year, my teacher, my classroom everything is clearly etched in my mind. I liked this play so much that at that time I knew most of the dialogs and soliloquies by heart. My favorite is 'Friends, Romans, Countrymen...lend me your ears. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him...'.
I liked this play for several reasons. Firstly, I like the way Caesar is portrayed as an all-powerful and egoist emperor. Mark Antony aptly says When Caesar says "do this", it is performed! I also liked Caesar's quote - Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once. The characters of Antony and Brutus command great respect though I felt bad when Brutus turns tables on Caesar. Et tu Brute! While Antony is portrayed as a noble and devoted follower of Caesar, Brutus is portrayed as a stoic and devoted citizen of Rome. Mark Antony's aforementioned speech is my all-time favorite. The way in which he stirs the crowd to mutiny is very convincing and gripping. Cassius is shrewdness personified. The way Brutus asks Cassius - Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius - is very interesting.
It is a nice day to remember Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. You can find the play here.
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