Should Hawa prioritize family duties or help Mila?

By Mary WollstonecraftCharacter Development2 min readGrade 11.8
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 11.8
Word Count
283 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Hawa and Mila, both 12-year-olds, were best friends who shared everything. One day, Mila confided in Hawa about her struggles at home, where her parents were going through a tough time. Mila felt overwhelmed and asked Hawa to help her with their upcoming science project, which was due soon. Hawa, who had her own responsibilities at home, including helping her younger siblings with their homework, was torn. She valued her friendship with Mila and wanted to support her, but she also felt the weight of her family duties. As the deadline approached, Hawa realized she couldn't do both without sacrificing her own responsibilities or her friendship. Hawa What should they do?

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Responsibility
vs
Loyalty

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

Your Options

A

Focus on family responsibilities.

B

Assist Mila with her project.

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 helping Mila affect Hawa's family duties?

  3. 3

    What might happen if Hawa neglects her responsibilities?

  4. 4

    How might Mary Wollstonecraft advise Hawa 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 Mary Wollstonecraft

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

Related Topics

responsibility
loyalty
family-dynamics
Portrait of Mary Wollstonecraft by John Opie, circa 1797, showing her in a white dress and black hat, looking thoughtfully to her left.

Mary Wollstonecraft1759-1797

Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) was a pioneering English feminist philosopher and writer. Her seminal work, 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman' (1792), argued for women's rationality and the necessity of their education for societal progress.

Feminist Philosophy
Enlightenment Philosophy
Liberalism
Explore how Mary Wollstonecraft informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Mary Wollstonecraft or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Women's Rights and Education — 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

Women's Rights and Education — 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