Lesson
Henry David Thoreau: What I Have to Do…
How did the actions and live of Henry David Thoreau embody the virtue of integrity?
Founding Principles
Civil Discourse, Individual Responsibility, Liberty, Private Virtue, Rule of Law
Virtues
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
- Why was Henry David Thoreau sent to prison?
- Why did Thoreau think it was important to do stand up against something he believed to be wrong?
- How are Henry David Thoreau’s actions consistent with the principle of integrity?
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 analyze the views and actions of Henry David Thoreau throughout his life.
- Students will understand how acting with integrity can affect their purpose and integrity.
- Students will apply this knowledge to the pursuit of integrity in their own lives.
