Lesson
The Angel of the Battlefield: Clara Barton and Responsibility
How can the example of Clara Barton dedicating herself to the responsibility for caring for others throughout her life inspire students?
Founding Principles
Civic Virtue, Equality, Individual Responsibility, Private Virtue
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
- Who was Clara Barton? Why was her life significant?
- What was Clara Barton’s purpose?
- How did Clara Barton act responsibly in her 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?
Learning objectives
- Students will analyze Clara Barton’s efforts to act responsibly during her life.
- Students will apply their knowledge about acting responsibly to their own lives.
- Students will determine ways in which they can act responsibly.
