Respecting the Fallen at Andersonville Prison

In this lesson, students will learn about the actions of Dorence Atwater as a P.O.W. at Andersonville prison during the Civil War. They will understand how Atwater worked to ensure those interned in the prison were respected. Through this example, students will learn how they can be more respectful in their own lives.

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 Dorence Atwater? What was Camp Sumter?
• What job was Dorence Atwater given at Camp Sumter?
• How did Dorence Atwater’s identity affect his 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 Dorence Atwater at Andersonville prison
• Students will understand why respect is important to the maintenance of society
• Students will apply their knowledge of respect to their own lives