
Edward R. Murrow: In His Own Words
45 min
Lesson Components
Edward R. Murrow – Handout A: NarrativeWalk-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
- How did Edward R. Murrow fight for freedom during McCarthy’s unproven accusations that a communist conspiracy was to blame for America’s problems?
 - What was Murrow’s purpose in broadcasting the 1954 See It Now show about McCarthy?
 - Why was it important for Murrow to do the 1954 television broadcast about McCarthy?
 
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 and interpret Edward R. Murrow’s identity during the McCarthyism era.
 - Students will evaluate perceived versus actual identities and their effects.
 - Students will determine how their own identities affect their own lives and the lives of those around them.