Under My Vine and Fig Tree: George Washington’s Resignation and Integrity
45 minWalk-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 George Washington?
- Why did Washington choose to retire instead of staying in office until his death?
- What do George Washington’s actions say about his personal integrity?
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 George Washington’s actions while the President of the United States
- Students will understand how acting with integrity can affect their purpose and identity
- Students will apply this knowledge to the pursuit of integrity in their own lives.