Can One Person Make a Difference?

Introduction

We have been bouncing our way through various works, novels, and essays wrestling with the idea of hero and the essential question: "Can One person make a difference?"

Now, we have a final project that will put what we learned to the test.

Projects

In the pages that follow, the projects will be detailed. Suffice it to say that there are two choices

  • A play
  • An action plan.

What must be included

In order for this project to be successful, it needs to be

Thoughtful

Rigorous

Courageous

Realistic

Personal: Know yourself

Questions

Your project should address these questions in some way.

What are non-heroes like?

What are the qualities of a hero?

What are the impediments to heroism?

Are people ruled by fate or free-will?

What is the relation between action and non-action?

What is the nature of the heroic act?

How do you know if the action is "good"?

What is the nature of the society?

The Play is the Thing

Introduction

Probably the best way to illustrate mastery is to demonstrate it in drama.

Assignment

Write a three act play in which someone acts heroically. Dramatically read the play (with actors), straight through, in front of the class.

Suggestions

Plays will be easier to create if you follow these thoughts.

  1. Write about what you know: Be God
  2. Research: Be Humble
  3. Be creative, but appropriate
  4. Use a clear process
  5. Use the literature
  6. Look at models
  7. Edit mercilessly

Action Plan

Definition

An Action plan is a set of clearly defined actions that, if followed, will result in the desired result.

Example

Suppose you wish to prohibit all beach driving on Nantucket. In order to do that, you would probably need to

Formulate a list of actions

Write a letter to the Selectman

Write a letter to the paper

Research the current law

Research any precedent

Design and write a series of print and radio ads

Write an article for town meeting

Write a speech for town meeting

Suggestions

The Action plan will be easier to work with if you use these ideas

Stay with what you know

Remember the literature

Think realistically

Be creative

Use a clear process

Research

Find models and guides