Should Owen pretend to fit in or be himself?

By Mary WollstonecraftCharacter Development2 min readGrade 9.2
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.2
Word Count
280 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Owen and Diego became close after being paired together for a competition neither of them wanted to enter. They both want to fit in with their new classmates, but Owen notices that Diego is trying hard to impress a popular group by pretending to like things he doesn't care about. Owen values authenticity and feels uncomfortable with this approach. One day, the popular group invites Owen and Diego to a party. However, they hint that Owen should act more like them if he wants to be accepted. Owen is torn because he wants to support Diego and be part of the group, but he also wants to stay true to himself. Owen The moment of decision has arrived.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Autonomy
vs
Loyalty

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

Your Options

A

Pretend to fit in.

B

Remain authentic.

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 would you do, and why?

  2. 2

    Why might it be hard for Owen to be himself?

  3. 3

    How could Owen's decision affect his friendship with Diego?

  4. 4

    How might Mary Wollstonecraft advise Owen in this situation?

  5. 5

    Can you recall a time in your own life when you faced a somewhat similar choice or feeling? What did you do?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Mary Wollstonecraft

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

Related Topics

authenticity
peer-pressure
friendship
Portrait of Mary Wollstonecraft by John Opie, circa 1797, showing her in a white dress and black hat, looking thoughtfully to her left.

Mary Wollstonecraft1759-1797

Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) was a pioneering English feminist philosopher and writer. Her seminal work, 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman' (1792), argued for women's rationality and the necessity of their education for societal progress.

Feminist Philosophy
Enlightenment Philosophy
Liberalism
Explore how Mary Wollstonecraft informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Mary Wollstonecraft or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Women's Rights and Education — 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
Standard15 min

Women's Rights and Education — 15-20 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify competing values
  • -Articulate trade-offs

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.What would you lose by choosing each option?
  • 2.Is there a third path?
participation