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Engelbrecht – Villafane ©2013
These quotes relate to the themes of freedom and individuality. They can be used throughout the unit to discuss and/or write how they relate the texts. For discussion based courses, they can be a great way to begin the class. High School and writing courses may use these as writing prompts at the beginning of class.
“No man on earth is truly free. All are slaves of money or necessity. Public opinion or fear or persecution forces each one, against his conscience, to conform”. - Euripides’ “Hecuba”
Development:
Individuals become citizens of Daybreak in the hopes of being free and equal. According to this quote, true freedom is impossible. We are all slaves to something. What does true freedom mean to you? Explain whether or not you believe it is possible.
Slant of Light Application: In Chapter 3, Turner begins a lecture by greeting his “fellow slaves”. A member of the audience retorts the only slave is the black man collecting admission, and Turner goes on to list how everyone is a slave. What does he list as being forms of imprisonment? Provide your own analysis of his assessment. Consider whether or not the issues he lists have evolved over time. If they have, discuss how. “
Conformity is the jailor of freedom and the enemy of growth”. - John F. Kennedy and “We are half-ruined by conformity, but we should be wholly ruined without it”. – Charles Dudley Warner
Development:
Discuss the definition of conformity. Consider the various ways in which individuals conform, and explore whether or not there are situations that require some conformity. Cover how conformity limits growth, but also consider if conformity is ever necessary for improvements. Apply the information obtained in reading about Utopian communities to explore the concept of conformity.
Slant of Light Application: Are citizens of Daybreak required to conform? How so? Is anyone able to be a citizen without conforming? If so, how does this influence the validity of the society’s claim of equality? “
When all think alike, no one thinks very much”. – Walter Lippman Development: A driving force behind the creation of a Utopia is the goal of uniting people with common beliefs and objectives. Explore how such a homogeneous community can grow and become stagnant.
Slant of Light Application: Apply how the above prompt relates specifically to Daybreak.
