Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What is a moral dilemma? Why might moral dilemmas be difficult to address? What factors might contribute to making good choices in such instances?

Teaching Suggestion: Marty, the novel’s protagonist, discovers a cowering dog in the woods while he is hunting. He believes the dog has been abused and his father confirms the dog belongs to an abusive man, Judd Travers. Marty faces a moral dilemma as he attempts to decide whether he should find a way to keep the dog away from Judd or if he is obligated to give Judd his dog back. Students might begin by discussing moral dilemmas generally, and then brainstorm examples of moral dilemmas or name 2-3 from literature, history, or current events. The first link may be helpful in defining a moral dilemma.

• This 4-minute video explains what an ethical dilemma is.
• This classroom discussion idea offers an example of an age-appropriate ethical dilemma students might consider.
• For older students, The Trolley Problem may serve as a potential connected discussion activity and help to introduce the theme of Moral Ambiguity.