What was to follow?

March 15th

It happened. The conspirators and I successfully put an end to Caesar’s life. Obviously it was hard, especially when I heard the words, “Et tu, Bruté?” coming from Caesar’s bloody lips. Something felt wrong when he learned that I was a traitor… suddenly I felt that what I had done was an extremely bad idea.

Erasing those thoughts from my mind, I thought about how Rome would live freely and not under Caesar’s ambiguous rulings. It was time to inform the Plebeians of the great news, but the right thing to do would be telling Mark Antony first.

His eyes were hollow, yet his emotions seemed to be concealed. He was keeping himself together and trying to show strength towards me and the other conspirators. Antony was mourning, and wanted to rejuvenate himself by shaking our bloody hands. When the meeting came to a close, I decided that it would be the right thing to let Antony speak in behalf of Caesar, specifically saying, "You shall, Mark Antony" (Act 3, Scene 1, ln. 243). He was a loyal, respected, and humble man… qualities that would appeal to the great citizens of Rome. I made Antony promise that he would speak highly of me and the other conspirators, telling the people that we were the ones who allowed him to make this speech.

Antony was very sincere when agreeing to our terms. It was now time to tell the public about our newfound freedom! Antony and I would soon take the podium to deliver the news. Our plan had worked greatly, and I couldn’t be happier that Mark Antony was on board!

Things I Have Realized...

March 14th

I’ve been receiving extremely specific messages pertaining to the power of Caesar. Many dear citizens of Rome have been writing to me, telling me what had to be done to save the country. For example, a letter stated, “Brutus, thou sleep’st. Awake, and see thyself. Shall Rome, etc. Speak, strike, redress!” Am I entreated
To speak and strike? O Rome, I make thee promise, (Act II, Scene 1, lns. 48-59) I’ve heard this from Cassius before, and now the people of Rome have discovered it too! More letters and signs around the Roman Republic have convinced me that there was something clearly wrong. It was going to be my job to take down Caesar before his ego became too large… but how would I do this?

Cassius brought up a brilliant plan to get Decius, Ligarius, Metellis, etc. involved in the abomination of Caesar. Of course, I love Caesar dearly and respect him greatly, but it is obvious that he must be put to rest before he is ruled as king. The plan of killing Caesar was coming along quickly, almost as Cassius had wanted this for different reasons than I. Also, when he brought up the idea of killing Mark Antony as well, my suspicion rose. Antony is not whole without Caesar, so it made no sense to butcher him. It seemed as though Cassius was out for blood, not rejuvenation. However, I was able to convince myself that this plan must be followed through, and it was justified by the security of Rome.

Rome! I Hear You!

February 15th

Something very interesting happened to me today. I was informed by my dear friend Cassius that I have been distant, and I’ve noticed the accuracy in that statement. I have not been able to see myself, and see the power that Caesar has taken from me. Cassius explained, “Except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus and groaning underneath this age’s yoke, have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes.” (Act 1, Scene 2, lns. 63-65) Basically, I had to see what was going on in Rome, and now I understand. The triumvirate power has been broken, and it is clear to me that Caesar is now on top. In my response, I told Cassius, “I would not, Cassius. Yet I love him well.” (Act 1, Scene 2, ln. 84) Caesar has been my friend for as long as I could remember, and Cassius’s influence was changing my mind. Rome - I hear you. I understand Cassius’s claims and I am now beginning to see them myself.

After a while, Cassius’s words seemed to be getting to me. It was very unlike him to confess his admiration for me like this. I understood what he wanted me to do, but it was getting overwhelming. What had to be done would be discussed at another time; I knew I had to listen to Cassius and help Rome, but it would take some time to think about his words.