The Death of Caesar

Brutus and the conspirators,
I do not think that what you did was right. You went about everything the wrong way. Caesar could have been a fair and noble ruler for Rome and its citizens. His assasination was out of jealousy and not for the good of the people. Caesar's death and the events that followed are going to change Rome forever. Antony I think you are a true friend to Caesar. You knew he did not deserve this and your eulogy at Caesar's funeral was very powerful and heart felt. You did a great job of unleashing the rage of the crowd onto Brutus and the others. Brutus you should not of been surprised about the outcome of your schemes and plots. It is unfortunate that two noble Romans lives were taken because of foolish behaviors.

A Strange Night

The events of last night were strange and exciting. Lorenzo and I were enjoying a romantic night together, gazing at the stars and declaring our love. It was wonderful. Then Portia and Nerissa came back from their trip. Portia asked us not to tell Bassanio and the others that she had left and we agreed, although I was very confused as to why she would ask this. I soon found out that Lorenzo and I had missed an exciting trip to save Antonio. Apparently Portia and Nerissa dressed up like men. Portia pretended to be a lawyer and helped to free Antonio. At first, when Bassanio and Graziano returned, Portia and Nerissa were upset with them because they each gave away the rings that they had sworn the ladies they would never part with. However, once all of the secrets were out in the open, both couples made up. It was quite a scene! The best part about that night was that Lorenzo and I were told we are entitled to half of my father's estate, and will inherit everything when he dies. I'm so excited that everything is working out for the best!

Portia's Schemes

It seems to me, that the brains behind much of the planning in this play is Portia. She schemes to not only save Antonio's life, but also to strip Shylock of his property, life as he knows it, and most importantly, his religion. She is definitely wise, in addition, she tests her new husband's devotion to her by asking while in disguise for the ring he wears which she herself gave him. By asking Bassanio for his ring, and him eventually giving it up; Portia shows that she is more clever than the men in the play. Shakespeare's introduction of Bassanio and the ring game tests the boundaries of the possibility of a homo erotic relationship between Antonio and Bassanio. Antonio claims that his friend’s love for him should “be valued ‘gainst your wife’s commandement” (act 4 scene 1 line 447). At the closing of Act 4, it seems Portia is planning of a new scheme involving the husbands, and their lack of rings; she states "I warrant we shall have old swearing, that they did give the rings away to men. But we'll outface them, and outswear them too".

"Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath"

I must admit, however frustrated I may be, that my dearly departed father was a very wise man. Who else could have devised such an interesting riddle to weed out unworthy suitors? As difficult as it has been, I do understand my father’s motives.

The Prince of Morocco tried to open the golden casket. Who would want something that every man desired? I don’t want to be a shiny trinket for my husband to put out on display. I am not some object to be polished, shown off, and then horded away!

The Prince of Aragon wasn’t much better – he chose the silver casket. He thought that that he DESERVED me? What a pompous little fiend! I could never imagine myself wed to such an egotistical, self-centered man.

The other suitors are not much better. All of them have terrible faults that I can not look past. But, because of these faults, I know that none of them will ever choose the correct casket – the lead one. None of them have the brains to figure out the riddle! The only man who is worthy of me must be willing to “give and hazard all he hath” – my father was truly a scholar! Hahaha! The one man who is willing to give up all he has to wed me only proves the deep affection he feels for me. That is the man I wish to marry. But for now, I have to pray that one of these idiots will not stumble onto the correct answer. I can only shudder to imagine what my life would be like married to one of these spoiled brats!

Richard, a Good Man

Yes Richard take your place on the throne. Do whatever needs to be done! Kill whom ever stands in your way. Having Elizabeth's babes killed was a brilliant move my friend! Taking care of Buckingham was good too. He may have been your friend and loyal servant but he became weak and you can not afford a weak link on your side. Do what you want for the throne is yours and you are all powerful. Do not go into battle. Let your men fight your battle, keep the throne!!! Keep it from Henry!

Richard is Only Claiming What is His

I believe that Richard is being made into a villain. He is an incredible and intelligent man, who would be a great leader. Edward may be the oldest, but that doesn't make him the best to lead our country. He only has created nothing, but violence, his idea of diplomacy is creating war and causing bloodshed. Richard doesn't have such primitive characteristics that are sometimes look past because of a physical appearance. He is civil, well spoken, intelligent, individual whose wit is overlooked because of the order in which he was born. The sooner we take recognition of his intangibles the sooner that England can have a king that is truly meant to posses the throne. It is time for England to abandon her old ways and embrace Richard as our King, for if embraced as the new King of England, he can lead our great country to prosperity to which we have never experienced.

-Buckingham