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 Robert Gould Shaw? Why was it significant that he took over the command of the 54^th Massachusetts?
• What does Robert Gould Shaw’s decision to take command of the 54^th say about his purpose?
• What did Robert Gould Shaw’s decision say about his identity?

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 Robert Gould Shaw’s decision to take command of the 54^th Massachusetts
• Students will understand how they can make courageous decisions
• Students will apply their knowledge of courage to their own lives.