Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a deeper understanding of the political dynamics and ethical dilemmas in the Roman Empire, as well as the connections to justice as portrayed in Shakespeare's works, particularly in relation to the character of Mark Antony. The student will also explore how these themes resonate in modern storytelling, such as in the show "Ally McBeal."

Materials and Prep

• Notebook and pen for notes
• Access to a computer or tablet for research (if needed)
• Printouts of selected excerpts from Shakespeare's plays featuring Mark Antony
• Short summaries of key Roman Empire political events and figures
• Examples of ethical dilemmas from "Ally McBeal"

Activities

• Character Analysis:

  Choose a character from Shakespeare's plays that interacts with Mark Antony. Write a brief character analysis focusing on their motivations, ethical choices, and political strategies. Discuss how these choices reflect the values of the Roman Empire.

• Debate on Justice:

  Organize a mini-debate on a justice-related topic from the Roman Empire or Shakespeare's works. For example, discuss whether Mark Antony's actions were justified. Use historical context and ethical reasoning to support arguments.

• Modern Connections:

  Watch a clip from "Ally McBeal" that showcases a legal or ethical dilemma. Write a reflection on how this scenario compares to the political and ethical issues faced by Mark Antony in Shakespeare's plays.

• Create a Skit:

  In pairs, create a short skit that combines elements of Roman politics with modern-day ethics. Use characters inspired by both Shakespeare and "Ally McBeal" to illustrate the timeless nature of these themes.

Talking Points

• "What do you think motivated Mark Antony's decisions? Was he driven by love, power, or something else?"
• "How does Shakespeare portray the political climate of the Roman Empire? Can you relate it to any current events?"
• "In 'Ally McBeal,' characters face ethical dilemmas. How do these compare to the choices made by Antony?"
• "Justice in the Roman Empire was often about power. How do you think this affects our understanding of justice today?"
• "What lessons can we learn from the way characters in Shakespeare's plays deal with conflict and morality?"
• "Can you find any quotes from Antony that reflect his views on justice or ethics? How do they resonate with modern perspectives?"
• "Discuss the role of women in both 'Ally McBeal' and Shakespeare's plays. How do they influence the main characters?"
• "How does the character of Ally McBeal reflect the struggles of individuals in a complex legal and ethical world?"
• "What similarities can you draw between the political strategies of Antony and those seen in contemporary politics?"
• "Why do you think Shakespeare's themes are still relevant today? How do they appear in current media?"