Developing Your “Moral Courage” Essay

Hook It’s okay to open with a quote for this one, as long as you use an appropriate lead-in: Robert F. Kennedy described moral courage as “a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence.” But what is moral courage? (Google “moral courage quotes” for a plethora of other options besides the RFK one) General background/observation/scenario: At some point in life, most people are faced with decisions that require them to examine their values. Life often consists of a series of moral conflicts, pitting reason against emotion or self against society.

Hook, con’t Observation/striking statement: It is not always easy to do the right thing, especially when the “right” choice is not always apparent. Too often, people do what is easy (or socially acceptable, or expected, etc.) instead of what is right. Question (not ideal, but acceptable): What is moral courage? (You must then go on to define it in your own words, perhaps providing examples).

Your Definition of Moral Courage Needs to be in your own words Provide examples if necessary

T.A.G. Sophocles’ tragedy, Antigone, and Tim O’Brien’s essay, “On the Rainy River” Note the punctuation Lead-in to thesis from here

Thesis Statement While both literary works feature a protagonist who…. faces a difficult moral choice demonstrates moral courage is forced to examine his or her values and make a decision (etc. etc.), __________________is the more courageous character.

Example thesis While the protagonists of both literary works must make difficult moral choices, _________________exhibits (demonstrates/shows/etc) greater moral courage. Although both Antigone and Tim O’Brien demonstrate bravery, __________________ is the character who is morally courageous.

Body Paragraphs (suggestion only) Antigone Brief plot summary CD1: Something Antigone does or says that demonstrates moral courage (incorporate a direct quote with citation here). CM, CM: Why her words/actions demonstrate moral courage CD2: Something else she does or says that demonstrates moral courage (use another quote) CM, CM: Same as above CS Example: Despite the danger of censure, judgment, and even death, Antigone acted according to her conscience.

Second Body Paragraph Do the same thing with “On the Rainy River” You may want to reverse the order of these two paragraphs, depending on your thesis Tim O’Brien in Vietnam, 1969

Third Body Paragraph: Rebuttal/Contrast TS can restate your thesis…sort of. Example: Although _________________ was clearly concerned with doing the right thing, s/he did not demonstrate the same degree of moral courage as ____________________. CDs should focus on the CHOICES each character makes and the REASONS behind them. CMs will bring YOUR values into play; you will have to examine the characters’ choices and reasons and explain which was the more courageous and why

Conclusion SO WHAT? Stuff to think about: These are just two of countless examples of characters who arrive at a moral crossroads. Why is this such a prevalent theme in literature? How often in life to people have to make these kinds of choices? When faced with a choice, do people typically do what’s right, what’s easy, or just what’s expected? Is there always a “right” answer? Why or why not? Why is moral courage so important? What would the world be like without it?