The Ides of March

Thornton Wilder

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political intrigue

caesar's assassination

epistolary format

historical authenticity

philosophical

social dynamics of ancient rome

multifaceted character relationships

power and existence

dense narrative structure

suspenseful slow build up

'The Ides of March' by Thornton Wilder is a historical fiction novel set in the last year of Julius Caesar's life. The story is told through a combination of letters, diary entries, and official documents, exploring the events leading up to Caesar's assassination and his interactions with historical figures like Cleopatra. The novel delves into deeper questions about man's role in the universe, the nature of power, and destiny. Wilder's writing style includes detailed historical references, philosophical musings, and intricate character relationships, creating a complex narrative structure that challenges readers to engage with the story on multiple levels.

Characters:

Characters are embroiled in political intrigue, with notable figures like Caesar and Cleopatra depicted in multifaceted ways, though their depth may vary.

Writing/Prose:

The prose combines intellectual discourse with historical authenticity, though it may come off as dense or convoluted to some readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative presents Julius Caesar's last year through an epistolary format, exploring themes of power and existence in relation to his assassination.

Setting:

Set against the backdrop of ancient Rome, the narrative intricately navigates political and social dynamics leading to Caesar's assassination.

Pacing:

The pacing is characterized by a slow build-up, interspersed with suspense, which may not appeal to all readers looking for action.

Notes:

The Ides of March is written in the form of letters and official documents.

It explores themes like power, destiny, and man's role in the universe.

Thornton Wilder was influenced by existentialism after World War II.

The novel showcases historical figures like Julius Caesar and Cleopatra.

Critics noted the novel's intellectual tone, comparing it to a Roman portrait bust.

Caesar is portrayed as avoiding philosophical reflection, favoring instant decisions.

It discusses unrequited love through quotes from poet Catullus.

Wilder's narrative features complex timelines and overlapping events.

The book combines historical fiction with surveillance and espionage.

Some readers found the large cast of characters and their nicknames confusing.

Wilder uses historical inaccuracies in the storytelling, which some readers found distracting.

The novel presents a unique perspective on the assassination of Caesar.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for The Ides of March include themes of political violence, assassination, and historical misogyny.

Has Romance?

While romance is not the central theme, elements of love and unrequited love are present, particularly through references to characters like Catullus.

From The Publisher:

The classic Thornton Wilder novel that recreates the dazzling ancient Roman empire of Julius Caesar-now with a new introduction by Jeremy McCarter, author of Young Radicals and co-author (with Lin-Manuel Miranda) of the #1 New York Times bestseller Hamilton: The Revolution.

First published in 1948, The Ides of March is a brilliant epistolary novel of the Rome of Julius Caesar. Through imaginary letters and documents, Wilder brings to life a dramatic period of world history and one of its magnetic personalities.

In this novel, the Caesar of history becomes Caesar the human being as he appeared to his family, his legions, his Rome, and his empire in the months just before his death. In Wilder's inventive narrative, all Rome comes crowding through his pages: Romans of the slums, of the villas, of the palaces, brawling youths and noble ladies and prostitutes, and the spies and assassins stalking Caesar in his Rome.

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