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

• What was John F. Kennedy’s identity during this time? Was it different from how others perceived his identity?
• What were the purposes of Kennedy’s speech? What were Kennedy’s purposes as president?
• What did the purpose of Kennedy’s speech reveal about him as a leader?
• Kennedy implored his fellow citizens to act responsibly in their own lives. What did this say about Kennedy’s own identity?

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 John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address.
• Students will examine Kennedy’s understanding of responsibility in American citizens.
• Students will understand why acting responsibly affects the future of the United States.
• Students will act responsibly in their own lives to protect freedom.