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

• How did Alexander Hamilton’s diligence advance the freedom of himself and others?
• What was Hamilton’s identity as a child? As a young man? As a student? As a member of the Continental Army? As a Founder?
• What was Hamilton’s purpose at the different stages of his life? How did that affect his diligence?
• Hamilton faced many difficulties throughout his life. How did his diligence help to define his performance in each role he had throughout life?
• What is the link between Hamilton’s identity and purpose throughout his life?

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?

• Understand the definition of diligence and the importance of being diligent in one’s life.
• Examine how Alexander Hamilton acted diligently during each period of his life.
• Discuss ways in which they can act diligently in their own lives.
• Apply knowledge of diligence and examples of diligent behavior in creating a plan for acting diligently in their own lives.