Hindsight is 20/20 - The Legacy of Pickett's Charge

This writing activity explores the meaning of the metaphor "hindsight is 20/20"—the idea that it's easy to see the best course of action after a situation has already happened. Students will examine how this metaphor applies to General James Longstreet's warning before Pickett’s Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg and how it was ignored, resulting in disastrous consequences.Students will then reflect on a time when they or someone else experienced a similar moment—when a decision seemed right at the time but turned out to be a mistake in hindsight. They may choose to write about a situation in literature, movies, or real-life.

1. Warm-Up Discussion (10 minutes)

Write the phrase “Hindsight is 20/20” on the board. Ask students:

• What does this phrase mean?
• Have you ever made a decision that didn’t turn out well and you later realized a different choice would have been better?

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

Provide a short background on the Battle of Gettysburg and Pickett’s Charge. Emphasize how General Longstreet advised General Lee against the charge, predicting its failure. Highlight how the decision led to heavy Confederate losses and is now seen as a turning point in the war. Connect this to the metaphor: “Lee’s decision seemed right at the time, but in hindsight, it was a major mistake.”

3. Writing Prompt Activity (25–30 minutes)

Introduce the writing prompt:

Think of a time when you or someone else ignored advice or made a risky decision that didn’t go well. What happened, and how does the phrase “hindsight is 20/20” apply? If you can't think of a personal story, write about a character in movies, books, or real life.

• The situation
• The advice or warning
• The outcome
• What they or the person would do differently looking back

4. Sharing & Discussion (10–15 minutes)

Invite students to share their responses (optional). Discuss the idea of learning from mistakes and how reflection can lead to growth.