Lesson
Activism through Literature: Harriet Beecher Stowe, Slavery, and Justice
In this lesson, students will learn about how Harriet Beecher Stowe fought against the injustice of slavery. They will also consider ways in which they can fight injustices in their own lives.
Founding Principles
Guiding questions
Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.
- What challenges are you facing?
- What fears or concerns might you have?
- What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?
Observation Questions
- Who was Harriet Beecher Stowe?
- What was Stowe’s purpose in writing Uncle Tom’s Cabin?
- How did Stowe attempt to fight the injustice of slavery?
- How did Harriet Beecher Stowe help to promote freedom for others?
Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.
- What is the historical context of the narrative?
- What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
- How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
- How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
- How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
- What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
- Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
- How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?
Learning objectives
- Students will examine Harriet Beecher Stowe’s actions in fighting against the injustice of slavery.
- Students will understand ways in which they can fight injustice in their own lives.
- Students will apply their knowledge of justice towards the fair and equal treatment of others.
Lesson Components
Standards
Advanced Placement
- Justice,
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