The most iconic moments in Shakespeare’s plays

One of the most exemplary figures in the history of literature, William Shakespeare was an exceptional poet, remarkable playwright and an outstanding actor of the Elizabethan Age. Popularly known as the “Bard of Avon”, he was regarded as one of the greatest writers and dramatists of his time and is still acknowledged for his generous contributions to the literary world.

A writer of over 39 plays, 154 sonnets and two long narrative poems, Shakespeare’s works have remained a source of inspiration for many and are still re-enacted and recreated by various other artists all around the world.

Marking the 456th birth anniversary of the greatest bard of all times, here are some of the iconic moments in Shakespeare’s plays that you cannot miss.

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One of the epic moments of betrayal, the death of Julius Caesar marks the loss of friendship and humanity. The play constitutes a Roman emperor named Julius Caesar who is assassinated by 40 Roman senators on the ides of March. This scene is famously known for its phrase “Et tu, Brute? Then fall Caesar”, which signifies great betrayal and disappointment. Seeing his loyal friend, Brutus, amidst the crowd of conspirators, Caeser is shocked and disheartened by his friend's treachery.

The killing of King Duncan in “Macbeth” is considered one of the most gruesome murders of all Shakespeare’s plays. Persuaded and blinded by Lady Macbeth, Macbeth successfully murders his king. Although, the murder takes place off-stage, this scene is marked by the ringing of the bell, the shrieking of the owl and the cry of the crickets.

Cleopatra is one of most beautiful and strong female characters in Shakespeare’s plays and therefore, the death of such a powerful figure makes for a tragic yet historic moment in literature. She dies a dignified death, caused by the bite of an asp, that she herself presses against her breast in front of all her Roman captors.

The romance in the balcony scene from “Romeo and Juliet” is regarded as one of the most classic and romantic moments in Shakespeare’s plays. Juliet’s confession of love for Romeo, son of her family’s arch enemy, is raved about until today.

When it comes to strong female personalities, Portia from “The Merchant of Venice” cannot be overlooked. In the epic scene from the courtroom, Portia, disguised as a man, assumes the role of a lawyer's apprentice and saves the life of Bassanio’s friend Antonio.

One of the most tragic scenes in Shakepeare’s plays is the death of Desdemona by Othello, her own husband. Manipulated by the fabricated stories told by Iago, Othello is convinced that his wife is cheating on him and that she must pay for her sins. While Desdemona prays for her life and denies all accusations, Othello kills her without giving her a say.