Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," explore the character of Mark Antony as portrayed by Marlon Brando, and create a watercolor portrait inspired by the themes of politics, rhetoric, and subterfuge in the play. The student will also learn about the use of gesture and oratory in both theater and cinema.

Materials and Prep

• Watercolor paints
• Watercolor paper
• Brushes (various sizes)
• Pencil and eraser
• Access to a video or audio recording of Marlon Brando's portrayal of Mark Antony
• Printed excerpts from "Julius Caesar" focusing on Antony's speeches
• Notebook for reflections and notes

Before the lesson, familiarize yourself with key scenes from "Julius Caesar," especially Act 3, Scene 2, where Antony delivers his famous speech. Additionally, watch clips of Marlon Brando's performance to understand his method acting techniques.

Activities

• Watch and Analyze

  Begin by watching a clip of Marlon Brando as Mark Antony. Pay close attention to his gestures, tone, and how he uses rhetoric to sway the crowd. Discuss how these elements contribute to his character and the overall themes of the play.

• Rhetorical Devices Exploration

  Read through Antony's speech and identify various rhetorical devices (e.g., ethos, pathos, logos). Create a chart that lists these devices along with examples from the text. Discuss how these techniques affect the audience's perception of Brutus and Caesar.

• Watercolor Portrait Creation

  Using the insights gained from the previous activities, create a watercolor portrait of Mark Antony. Focus on capturing the emotion and intensity of his character through color and brushwork. Consider how the themes of politics and subterfuge can be represented visually.

• Reflective Journal

  After completing the portrait, write a reflective journal entry about what you learned regarding the importance of gesture and oratory in both Shakespeare's time and in modern cinema. How does Brando's interpretation of Antony influence your understanding of the character?

Talking Points

• "In Act 3, Scene 2, Antony uses emotional appeal to turn the crowd against Brutus. How does he do this?"
• "Brando's portrayal is significant because he brings a modern understanding of method acting to Shakespeare. What do you think this adds to the character?"
• "Consider the use of subterfuge in Antony's speech. How does he manipulate the crowd's emotions?"
• "Gesture plays a crucial role in oratory. How can we see this in both Brando's performance and in Shakespeare's text?"
• "Reflect on how politics in 'Julius Caesar' mirrors contemporary political strategies. What parallels can you draw?"