"Beans"

by Mitra Modarressi

Questions for Philosophical Discussion
by Cassandra Burns
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Stereotypes

The boy and his family were very scared of the monster at first.

1. Why were the boy and his family so afraid of the monster?
2. What do you think of when you think of a monster?
3. What makes a monster a monster?
4. What about terrorists? What do you think of when you think of a terrorist?
5. What makes a terrorist a terrorist?
6. Are monsters like terrorists?
7. What do you think of this monster?
8. Have you ever thought something about someone you later found out was wrong?

The Meaning of Friendship

The monster stays with the boy and his mother and becomes a dear friend.

1. Can a monster be your friend or does that only happen in stories?
2. What makes someone a friend?
3. Think about your own friends - what makes them a good friend?
4. How do you know that they are your friend?
5. Should we expect things from our friends? If so, what kinds of things?
6. Why do we have friends?
7. Do we make friends on purpose or by accident?
8. What makes the monster a friend to the boy and his mother?
9. What makes the boy and his mother friends to the monster?

Stealing

The boy took a huge risk taking things from the monster.

1. What is taking a risk?
2. Is it good or bad to take risks?
3. When you take risks how do you feel?
4. Do you have to be brave to take risks?
5. How do you know if you are being brave?
6. Was the boy right in taking these things from the monster?
7. What would you have done if you were in his position?
8. Is stealing wrong? Why or why not?
9. Can you think of any instances where it would be okay to steal?
10. What about when it's not okay to steal?
11. If one person has a lot of something and another person has nothing, is it okay for the poorer person to take from the richer person so they both have something?

The family also took a risk when deciding to give the monster a chance.

1. What would you have done?

The Meaning of Bravery

The boy decided to keep stealing from the giant up until the point of getting caught and possibly putting himself and his mother in danger.

1. Was this brave of the boy or stupid?
2. What does it mean to be brave?
3. Have you ever done anything brave?
4. Why was it brave?
5. Do you have to do something dangerous to be considered brave?
6. Are you brave if you do something that isn't dangerous?
7. Is bravery a good feeling? Why or why not?
8. Do you have to be scared to be brave?
9. Can you be brave if you are not scared?

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