Critical Essay: Moral Issues in “Spartacus”

“Moral” is defined as the judgment of right and wrong, whether an action is good or bad behavior. An “issue” is the subject or abstract idea to be discussed. In this story of struggle for freedom, the characters are faced with moral issues, such as: injustice, slavery, killing, and loyalty. The characters face choices about these issues, such as:

   Is it right or wrong to kill this person, or not?
   Should I disobey an immoral command, or do as I am told?
   May I do something wrong, to prevent a greater wrong?
As you watch the film and take notes on your study guide, reflect about the difficult choices which the characters face. Focus on one moral choice from the story to analyze.

Write a five-paragraph essay according to the following directions:
You will have the most success if you follow each step thoughtfully and precisely!

The first paragraph is your introduction. Identify Spartacus. Introduce the moral issue that you plan to analyze. Make your thesis statement in this paragraph. (When you give the background of the life and significance of Spartacus, write as if your reader does not know him. However, do not retell the plot or details of the movie.)

     In the second paragraph, set the scene so your reader can picture It: Describe the setting. This will get your reader ready for the moment of decision that you plan to analyze. Where are they and why? What is going on?

     In the third paragraph, identify the moral choice that the character faces. Specify the consequences of his alternative choices of action.

     In the fourth paragraph, describe Spartacus' decision. How does he solve the problem? Analyze what you think goes through his mind as he evaluates what is right. This paragraph should be about four to six sentences long.

     In the concluding paragraph, evaluate his decision. Explain why you agree or disagree with what Spartacus did. What would you do if you were in his place? Reflect about the importance of the moral issue being decided. This paragraph should review your thesis and end with a conclusion sentence.

        Formatting: The final draft of your essay may be written in ink or typed in 12-point font, and must be double spaced. However, if posted to your blog, ignore the double spacing. Hand in your essay attached to your rough draft and these directions. Your essay will be graded for logical organization, descriptive vocabulary, thoughtful reflection, and correct language, including spelling. A word about verbs: Use all present tense. Please refer to the historical background, famous quotes, and your study guide notes to help with identification and to get correct spelling. I look forward to reading your thoughts about important issues.

This Week in Core

Spartacus Page

The first paragraph is your introduction. Identify Spartacus. Introduce the moral issue that you plan to analyze. Make your thesis statement in this paragraph. (When you give the background of the life and significance of Spartacus, write as if your reader does not know him. However, do not retell the plot or details of the movie.)
In the second paragraph, set the scene so your reader can picture It: Describe the setting. This will get your reader ready for the moment of decision that you plan to analyze. Where are they and why? What is going on?
In the third paragraph, identify the moral choice that the character faces. Specify the consequences of his alternative choices of action.
In the fourth paragraph, describe Spartacus' decision. How does he solve the problem? Analyze what you think goes through his mind as he evaluates what is right. This paragraph should be about four to six sentences long.
In the concluding paragraph, evaluate his decision. Explain why you agree or disagree with what Spartacus did. What would you do if you were in his place? Reflect about the importance of the moral issue being decided. This paragraph should review your thesis and end with a conclusion sentence.