In Act III. sc. i of Julius Caesar, how does Caesar’s murder affect Antony, and how does he approach Brutus and Cassius, once Caesar is dead?

One thing that Shakespeare focuses on in this play is how
politicians must behave in order to stay in power (and stay alive).  For Antony, in Act
III, scene i, just after Caesar has been stabbed to death on the steps of the Capitol,
staying alive is a crucial task.  He was the man closest to Caesar, and was also, in
fact, someone the Conspirators discussed killing also, since he was Caesar's "right
arm."  So, what Antony does in this scene, is absolutely vital to his staying
alive.

The first description of Antony's reaction to the
murder is a report from Trebonius that he has "fled to his house amazed."  And then,
just over 50 lines later, Antony enters the scene of Caesar's death.  He speaks bravely
of offering himself up to the Conspirator's knives, if they intend to kill him also.  At
this moment, Antony's displays his incredible bravery, as he stands in a room full of
men who have just committed murder and says:

readability="13">

. . .there is no hour so
fit

As Caesar's death's hour, nor no
instruments

Of half that worth as those your swords, made
rich

With the most noble blood of all this
world.

I do beseech ye . .
.

Fulfil your
pleasure.

But they do not
kill him.  His next move is to shake the bloody hands of each of the Conspirators.  He
calls himself the murderers' friend and asks that
they:

. .
.give me reasons

Why and wherein Caesar was
dangerous.

. . .That's all I
seek.

And am, moreover, suitor that I
may

Produce his body to the market
place;

And in the pulpit, as becomes a
friend,

Speak in the order of his
funeral.

So Antony, asks that
they answer why Caesar was dangerous and also requests to speak at his funeral.  Antony
is granted permission to speak at the funeral, and when the room is empty but for
Antony, he is able to honestly show the audience how the murder has really affected
him.  He begins:

readability="9">

O pardon me, thou bleeding piece of
earth,

That I am meek and gentle with these
butchers!

And he goes on to
prophesy that civil war will overtake Rome as a result of the Conspirators
actions.

And
Caesar's spirit, ranging for revenge,

. . .Shall in these
confines with a monarch's voice

Cry 'Havoc,' and let slip
the dogs of war. . .

And
Antony, in his funeral oration, does indeed raise the mob to chaotic revolt and,
ultimately, it is Antony who will rule as one of Rome's leaders, not Cassius or
Brutus.