Brutus’ Three Critical Mistakes

Brutus’ life demonstrates that wrong decisions can have undesirable consequences. After the murder, Antony requests to say a few words at the funeral, and Brutus inanely grants it. Brutus’ speech at the funeral is weak, but appeases the people’s curiosity about the murder, and he gains their support. ” (Act IV, Scene III, Lines 226-229) However, Brutus contends that Antony and Octavius’ army will grow stronger if allowed to march to Sardis. They stand no chance of defeating their well-prepared opponents. ” (Act II, Scene I, Line 171) He also thinks Antony will be no threat to them once Caesar is dead. Brutus foolishly disagrees, reasoning that their “course will seem too bloody. To prevent this, Brutus decides to advance their army instead of waiting.

The third disastrous mistake Brutus makes is marching to Philippi. Upon arrival at Philippi, their soldiers are feeble and tired. ” (Act III, Scene II, Lines 64-65) Just as Cassius had predicted, Antony proceeds to deliver a powerful speech that stirs the crowd into a mutiny against the conspirators. 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 spoke.