Miss Nelson in Missing!
by James Marshall and Harry Allard
Questions for Philosophical Discussion
Taryn
Hargrove
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The Nature of Respect
The students in Miss Nelson's class did not respect her.
- How did the students act towards Ms. Swamp?
- What is it to have respect for someone?
- How do you know someone deserves respect?
- Can you respect yourself?
- Does obedience for an elder show respect?
- What types of people are usually disrespected?
- What actions display respect?
- Why did the students respect Ms. Swamp and not Ms. Nelson?
The Meaning of Fear
The children in Miss Nelson's class feared Ms. Swamp.
- Did the children respect Ms. Swamp because they were afraid of her?
- Why did Ms. Nelson's class fear Ms. Swamp?
- Would you be afraid of Ms. Swamp?
- Is fear different from respect?
- Are you more obedient to someone you fear?
- What are we afraid of?
- How do you know someone is afraid?
- Can someone be afraid and not show any signs of being afraid?
- Is it better to show that you are afraid or not to show that you are afraid?
The Meaning of Power
Ms. Nelson has very little power over her students.
- Did Miss Nelson loose power over the class because the children did not fear her?
- What is it to have power?
- Do people need power?
- If someone has power, do you need to respect them?
- If you have power, does that mean you are respected?
- Do we need people to have power?
- How do you gain power?
- How do you lose power?
- How does it feel to be powerless?
- How does it feel to be powerful?
The Idea of Identity
Ms. Nelson changes her identity and comes in as Ms. Swamp.
- Would you change who you are to gain more acceptance or respect?
- Is Ms. Nelson still the same person after she changes her identity?
- Does someone's identity define who they are?
- What defines a person?
- What is your identity?
- Is someone the same person if they alter/change their identity?
The Meaning of Deception
- Does Ms. Nelson deceive her class by changing her identity?
- Is it okay to lie?
- Is it okay to lie if it is for a good cause?
- Is tricking someone into believing something the same as lying?
- How would you feel if your best friend lied to you but it was for your own good?
