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

• In what ways did the first responders on September 11, 2001 (9/11) demonstrate self-sacrifice to advance freedom for others?
• Several members of the 40/35 Firehouse crew responded to the need even though they were off-duty when the attack occurred. What did they understand their identity to be?
• What did the 9/11 first responders understand their purpose to be, and how did that understanding affect their actions?

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 commitment, actions, and character of members of the 40/35 Firehouse crew on 9/11.
• Students will understand why self-sacrifice is an essential virtue in their own lives.
• Students will demonstrate self-sacrifice when faced with the choice of pursuing their own goals or pursuing even nobler goals.