Clement Laird Vallandigham: Resounding Silence

In this lesson, students will learn about the self-sacrifice of Clement Laird Vallandigham and ways in which they can sacrifice their own comfort for what they believe.

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

• What was Vallandigham’s role in the debate over the Civil War?
• Why did Vallandigham give the speech in Columbus, Ohio?
• How did Vallandigham sacrifice himself for a greater purpose?

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?

• Students will analyze the actions of Clement Laird Vallandigham.
• Students will understand the virtue of self-sacrifice.
• Students will apply their knowledge of self-sacrifice in their own lives.