
Roderick Ramage reworks William Shakespeare in bite-size format
Julius Caesar
Mark Anthony wanted to crown Caesar king. Casius and others saw Caesar’s popularity as a threat to Rome and sought Brutus’ support. Brutus is a friend of Caesar and trusted by the populace, but is reluctantly convinced that Caesar’s assassination is necessary for the greater good. He is one of the assassins, but persuades the others to spare Anthony. Brutus and Anthony both speak at Caesar’s funeral. Anthony and Caesar’s nephew Octavius take control of Rome by force, killing most of the conspirators. In the resulting civil war Cassius then Brutus fall on their swords. Anthony later laments Brutus’ tragic death.
Macbeth
Three witches hail Macbeth as Thane of Glamis, which he was, as Thane of Cawdor, which King Duncan awards him and as King, which he becomes after murdering Duncan; and they hailed Banquo as father of kings to come, so Macbeth has him murdered. At a second encounter, they tell Macbeth his throne is safe until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane, which it does as boughs shielding the army raised by