Mary Wollstonecraft on Should Ella share her drawing if Max doesn't?

By Mary WollstonecraftFairness & Justice2 min readGrade 4.6
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Ella and Max are in art class. Their teacher asks everyone to share their drawings.

The Choice

Should Ella share her drawing if Max doesn't?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades K-2
Reading Level
Level 4.6036858114152786
Word Count
243 words
Published
Mar 23, 2026

The Dilemma

Ella and Max are in art class. Their teacher asks everyone to share their drawings. Ella notices that her friend Max feels shy about sharing because he thinks his drawing isn't as good. Ella thinks her drawing is the best in class. "I don't want to show mine either if Max doesn't show his," she says. They both look at each other, unsure of what to do.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Self-Worth
vs
Equality

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

Your Options

A

Ella shares her drawing to feel proud.

B

Ella keeps her drawing hidden to support Max.

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

    Why might Ella feel proud of her drawing?

  2. 2

    How might Max feel if Ella shares her drawing?

  3. 3

    What could happen if nobody shares their work?

  4. 4

    How can Ella support Max without hiding her drawing?

  5. 5

    Why is it important to share our strengths?

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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

self-worth
equality
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

Recognizing Self-Worth — 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