Forgiveness

Following the ill-fated infantry charge known as Pickett's Charge, on the last day of Gettysburg, Confederate Major General George Pickett was said to have harbored a life-long bitterness toward Robert E. Lee, who ordered the charge. This writing prompt requires students to think about the concept of forgiveness and describe the process he or she goes through when deciding whether or not to forgive someone.
 
Lesson:

1. Hook: When Forgiveness is Hard (5–10 minutes)

Begin by asking:

  • Have you ever found it hard to forgive someone?
  • What kinds of actions are harder to forgive than others?
Give a few quick examples from history or life (e.g., betrayal, lying, breaking trust), and introduce the story of Pickett and Lee to set the stage for the lesson.

2. Mini-Lesson: Pickett’s Charge and Broken Trust (10–15 minutes)

Provide a short summary of the event:

  • On July 3, 1863, General Robert E. Lee ordered an all-out Confederate charge on Union positions at Cemetery Ridge—now called Pickett’s Charge. You can use our narrative on Pickett’s charge.
  • Major General George Pickett led thousands of Confederate troops across open ground under heavy fire.
  • The charge failed, with over 50% of Pickett’s men killed or wounded.
  • Pickett blamed Lee for the disaster and, according to some accounts, never forgave him—even when Lee lay dying years later.
Use a battlefield map or illustration to help students visualize the charge and understand the emotional weight of such a decision.

You can also use our narrative on Pickett's Charge.

3. Writing Activity: How Do You Forgive? (20–25 minutes)

Present the writing prompt:
“Most likely in your lives, you’ve had to make countless decisions on whether or not to forgive someone. In thinking about whether to forgive or not, what criteria do you use? What determines whether or not you decide to forgive? Explain your process in detail and feel free to give an example.”

Encourage students to:

  • Think honestly about how they make forgiveness decisions.
  • Give an example from life, fiction, or history to support their thinking.
  • Use strong descriptive language and clear reasoning.
Let students write quietly and encourage thoughtful reflection.

4. Sharing & Discussion (10–15 minutes)

Invite students to share their writing in pairs, small groups, or with the class. Then guide a discussion:

  • What different criteria do people use to forgive?
  • Can you understand why Pickett may not have forgiven Lee?
  • Is forgiveness more about the person who hurt you—or about yourself?
Encourage empathy for historical figures and peers alike in the process.

Other Uses:
Morning Work - The activity takes most students about 30 minutes to complete, making it an ideal solution for morning work.
Homework - This activity is a great way to assign homework in social studies or language arts.
Share - Have students share their responses with classmates or, in small groups.