
The Diarist’s Identity: Mary Chesnut and her Civil War Diary
45 min
Lesson Components
The Diarist’s Identity: Mary Chesnut and her Civil War DiaryWalk-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 Mary Chesnut?
 - What was Mary’s purpose?
 - What actions did Mary take during her life that were significant?
 - Imagine you are Mary Chesnut. What might drive you to write a diary about your experiences?
 
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 identity of Mary Chesnut.
 - Students will understand the significance of their own identity.
 - Students will apply their knowledge of their identity to help them promote freedom.