Vera, a 12-year-old student, recently discovered her passion for painting...

By Frederick Douglass•Character Development•2 min read•Grade 9.3
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.3
Word Count
331 words
Published
Jan 1, 2024

The Dilemma

Vera, a 12-year-old student, recently discovered her passion for painting. Encouraged by her art teacher, she entered a local art competition and won second place. This achievement sparked a newfound desire in Vera to pursue art more seriously. Her parents, however, emphasize the importance of academics and have limited her art practice to weekends. Vera's friend, Amir, suggests she join an after-school art club that meets twice a week, which could help her improve and possibly lead to more opportunities. However, joining the club would mean spending less time on her schoolwork, potentially affecting her grades. Vera is torn between her growing passion for art and the academic expectations set by her parents. She What should they do?

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Ambition
vs
Responsibility

Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.

Your Options

A

Join the art club.

B

Focus on academics.

Questions for Reflection

Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers – the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.

  1. 1

    What would you do, and why?

  2. 2

    How does Vera's success in art influence her desire for more?

  3. 3

    What are the potential long-term impacts of each choice?

  4. 4

    How might Frederick Douglass advise Vera in this situation?

  5. 5

    Can you recall a time in your own life when you faced a somewhat similar choice or feeling? What did you do?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Frederick Douglass

Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.

Related Topics

ambition
responsibility
decision-making
Portrait of Frederick Douglass, a distinguished African American man with a beard and intense gaze, embodying dignity and intellect.

Frederick Douglassc. 1818-1895

Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass (c. 1818-1895) became a prominent American abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. His powerful autobiographies and speeches exposed the horrors of slavery and advocated for emancipation and equal rights for all, i…

Abolitionism
American Philosophy
Civil Rights Advocacy
Explore how Frederick Douglass informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Frederick Douglass or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Vera, a 12-year-old student, recently discovered her passion for painting... — 5-10 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify the core ethical tension
  • -Make a quick, reasoned choice

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.Which option did you choose, and why?
  • 2.What would you give up with each choice?
participation
Standard15 min

Vera, a 12-year-old student, recently discovered her passion for painting... — 15-20 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify competing values
  • -Articulate trade-offs

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.What would you lose by choosing each option?
  • 2.Is there a third path?
participation