The Honourable Member

STORY OVERVIEW

• Title and moral/theme: The Honourable Member; The importance of integrity and honesty in public service.
• Plot summary: A member of the Legislature, who vowed not to steal, brings home a significant part of the Capitol's dome after a session. When confronted by his constituents, he argues that he never promised not to lie, highlighting the moral ambiguity of his actions. Ultimately, he is deemed an "honourable man" and elected to Congress.
• Key characters and their significance:
  • The Member of the Legislature: Represents the conflict between legal compliance and moral integrity.
  • The Constituents: Symbolize the public’s trust and expectations of elected officials.

LESSON FUNDAMENTALS

• Students will understand the concept of integrity in public service.
• Students will analyze the difference between legal obligations and moral responsibilities.
• Students will discuss the implications of dishonesty and its effects on society.
• Students will reflect on how this story can relate to contemporary issues in politics.

Discussion Questions

1. What does integrity mean in the context of public service, and why is it important?
2. How does this story reflect real-life situations in politics today?
3. In what ways can we hold our leaders accountable for their actions?

Required Materials

• Copies of "The Honourable Member"
• Whiteboard and markers
• Paper and writing utensils for students

LESSON FLOW

• Opening hook (5 min): Start with a brief discussion about what honesty means to students. Ask them if they believe it is possible to be legally compliant but still morally wrong.
• Story exploration (15-20 min): Read the story "The Honourable Member" aloud. Pause at key moments to ask students for their initial reactions and interpretations.
• Analysis exercises (15 min): Divide students into small groups to discuss the main character's actions. Each group will list reasons why they believe the Member of the Legislature is either honorable or dishonorable.
• Application/reflection (10 min): Have students write a short paragraph reflecting on how they would feel if they were one of the constituents. What would they do in response to the Member's actions?
• Assessment strategy (5 min): Conduct a quick exit ticket where students write one thing they learned about integrity and one question they still have.

SUPPORTING ELEMENTS

• Extension activities:
  1. Create a poster campaign advocating for integrity in public service, inspired by the story.
  2. Research a current political figure and write a brief report on their integrity and public perception.
• Differentiation strategies:
  • Provide audio versions of the story for auditory learners.
  • Allow advanced students to lead group discussions or research projects.
• Assessment criteria:
  • Participation in discussions and group work.
  • Quality of written reflection