Marcus Aurelius on Should Lia prioritize her role in the play or her family?

By Marcus AureliusCharacter Development2 min readGrade 10.1
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Lia, a high school junior, has been preparing for her role in the school play for months. Lia is torn between staying committed to her role or stepping down to support her family.

The Choice

Should Lia prioritize her role in the play or her family?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 9-12
Reading Level
Level 10.120108695652174
Word Count
345 words
Published
Mar 23, 2026

The Dilemma

Lia, a high school junior, has been preparing for her role in the school play for months. Just a week before the opening night, her younger brother breaks his leg and needs someone to care for him while their parents are at work. Lia is torn between staying committed to her role or stepping down to support her family. Her friend Jake tells her, "Sometimes we have to accept what life throws at us and adjust."

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Acceptance
vs
Responsibility

Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.

Your Options

A

Continue with the play and find someone else to help.

B

Step down from the play to care for her brother.

Questions for Reflection

Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers – the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.

  1. 1

    What does it mean to accept a situation as it is?

  2. 2

    How does Lia's decision affect her future plans?

  3. 3

    What are the potential impacts on her brother?

  4. 4

    Can Lia find a compromise that addresses both responsibilities?

  5. 5

    What is more important: personal goals or family obligations?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Marcus Aurelius

Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.

Related Topics

Acceptance
Responsibility
Marble bust of Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, featuring curly hair and beard, looking slightly to his left.

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus121-180

Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) was a Roman Emperor and a leading Stoic philosopher. His reign was marked by military conflict and plague, yet he is renowned for his Meditations, a personal journal reflecting on Stoic principles of virtue, duty, and resilience.

Stoicism
Practical application of Stoic philosophy to daily life and leadership
Emphasis on reason, virtue, and duty to the common good (cosmopolis)
Explore how Marcus Aurelius Antoninus informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Marcus Aurelius Antoninus or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

The Wisdom of Acceptance — 5-10 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify the core ethical tension
  • -Make a quick, reasoned choice

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.Which option did you choose, and why?
  • 2.What would you give up with each choice?
participation