Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines "critical" as, "of, relating to, or being a turning point or especially important juncture." Marcus Brutus' critical decisions are not carefully thought out and therefore have a profound impact on him later. Brutus makes three tragic mistakes which ultimately lead to his death.
             The first crucial mistake Brutus makes is letting Mark Antony live. While discussing their plans, Decius asks his fellow conspirators if anybody should be killed besides Caesar. Responding immediately, Cassius recommends Antony by saying, "I think it is not meet Mark Antony, so well beloved of Caesar should outlive Caesar." (Act II, Scene I, Lines 164-166) Cassius feels that Antony, a good friend of Caesar, might cause them problems later. Brutus foolishly disagrees, reasoning that their "course will seem too bloody." (Act II, Scene I, Line 171) He also thinks Antony will be no threat to them once Caesar is dead. Although the other conspirators accept Brutus' judgment, Antony's actions will later show how drastically fallacious he is.
             Brutus' second blunder is allowing Antony to speak at Caesar's funeral. After the murder, Antony requests to say a few words at the funeral, and Brutus inanely grants it. Quickly impugning this decision, Cassius says, "You know not what you do. Do not consent that Antony speaks at his funeral. Know you how much the people may be moved by that which he will utter?" (Act III, Scene I, Lines 249-253) Ignoring this reproof, Brutus attempts to justify his decision by saying that Antony will speak after him, and he will not be permitted to say anything derogatory about the conspirators. Brutus' speech at the funeral is weak but appeases the people's curiosity about the murder, and he gains their support. As Brutus begins to leave, the crowd starts to follow him, but he imprudently stops them by saying, "I do entreat you, not a man depart, save I alone, till Antony have ...