Lincoln Essay Handout Student Name:
Date:
Official Assignment
Washington, D.C. - 1865
Lincoln's Moral Compass
Reflective Writing on Spielberg's 'Lincoln'
Assignment Instructions
Choose one of the prompts below. Write an essay (about 500 words). Include a clear main idea (thesis) and use specific examples from the movie.
1 Doing Wrong to do Right?
In the movie, President Lincoln uses "political tricks" to get the votes he needs to end slavery. He tells his workers to "get those votes" by any means possible.
"I am the President of the United States... You will [get] me these votes."
Is it okay to be dishonest (like lying) if the final goal is very good (like ending slavery)? Was this a "necessary bad thing"?
2 Family vs. Country
Lincoln was the leader of a country at war, but he was also a husband and a father. His job often made things very difficult at home for Mary and Robert.
How did his work hurt his relationships with his family? Does the movie suggest a great leader must give up their own happiness for the country?
3 Total Equality vs. Real Life
Compare Lincoln and Thaddeus Stevens. Stevens wanted "total equality" right away, while Lincoln was more "practical," wanting to win slowly to make sure the change lasted.
How does the movie show the tension between doing what is perfect and doing what is possible? Which way is more successful?
Notes & Brainstorming
Reflective Writing Project • Grade 6-7
Lincoln Theme Slides
Lincoln's Hard Choices
Understanding the themes of the movie 'Lincoln'
The Big Question
Imagine you have to do something "bad" (like lie) to achieve something "amazing" (like saving lives).
Would you do it?
"Does the end justify the means?"
1
Doing Wrong to do Right?
In the movie, Lincoln uses lobbyists (people who influence government) to offer jobs and favors in exchange for votes to end slavery.
"You will get me these votes."
Was it okay for Lincoln to "play dirty" to end slavery?
2
Family vs. Country
Public Duty
Lincoln had to save the Union and end the Civil War.
Private Life
His wife Mary and son Robert needed him to be a husband and father.
"Can a great leader be happy? Or must they sacrifice their own life for the people?"
3
Equality vs. Real Life
Thaddeus Stevens
"Total Change"
He wanted everything fixed right now, no matter what people thought.
VS
Abraham Lincoln
"Practical Politics"
He wanted to win slowly to make sure the change actually lasted.
Which way is better for making a big change in the world?
Writing Your Essay
Pick One
Choose the prompt that interests you most. Don't try to answer all three!
Use Scenes
Mention specific parts of the movie to prove your points.
Be Clear
State your opinion in the first paragraph and stick to it.
Lincoln Essay Teacher Guide Teacher Guide: Lincoln Essay Project
Instructional support for 6th-7th Grade
Instructional Goal
The purpose of this assignment is to help middle school students engage with the complex ethical dilemmas presented in Spielberg's Lincoln . By simplifying the vocabulary, we shift the focus from "political jargon" to the core human choices Lincoln had to make.
Key Vocabulary Simplified
Original Term Simplified Version Context/Meaning Lame duck lobbyists "Political tricksters" People hired to get votes from politicians leaving office. Unethical means "Doing wrong things" Lying, bribery, or trickery. Pragmatic "Practical" Doing what actually works in the real world. Radical "Complete equality" Wanting to fix deep problems entirely and immediately.
Discussion Starters
For Prompt 1: "If you had to steal food to feed your family, is that wrong? How is that like Lincoln's choice?"
For Prompt 2: "Why did Robert want to join the army so badly? Why did Mary fear for him?"For Prompt 3: "Stevens says 'I don't hold with compromise.' Lincoln says 'A compass will point you north, but it won't tell you about the swamp.' What does that mean?"
Simple Grading Rubric
Category
Excellent
Good
Needs Work
Main Idea
Clearly states a strong opinion on the choice.
Opinion is clear but could be stronger.
Opinion is missing or confusing.
Movie Evidence
Uses 3+ specific scenes to prove the point.
Uses 1-2 scenes to prove the point.
Does not mention specific scenes.
Clarity
Writing is easy to follow and organized.
Mostly organized, few confusing parts.
Hard to follow or disorganized.
