If someone was falsely spreading lies about someone you dislike would you defend the person you disliked? Why or why not?
Great literature should do more than entertain us. It should provide a roadmap to improving our lives.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens introduced readers to Sydney Carton, one of literature's most compelling and deeply flawed characters. Dickens also gives him an unusual title: the Jackal.
His struggles raise questions that remain relevant today.
Are we defined by our past mistakes? Can we overcome our weaknesses? What separates the people we are from the people we could become?
Lessons From the Jackal is a 25-day character study exploring these questions through Sydney Carton’s life, decisions, relationships, and personal development.
This is not a traditional course on A Tale of Two Cities. Our reading assignments will focus specifically on Carton, with sufficient background provided to understand his story. No previous knowledge of the novel is necessary.
Each day will feature selected readings, historical comparisons, reflection questions, discussions, and practical challenges ...
Today’s lesson is meant to explore two expressions of courage: speaking up on someone else’s behalf and accepting constructive feedback about ourselves.
Defending another person can mean risking disagreement, disapproval, or our own place within a group. It requires us to decide that someone else’s fair treatment matters enough to interrupt our comfort.
Receiving constructive feedback asks us to face a different discomfort. We must listen when we would prefer to explain ourselves, consider what we may have overlooked, and take responsibility when change is needed.
Both forms of courage can strengthen trust. One gives another person a voice; the other gives their words a fair hearing. Can we speak with enough conviction to defend someone and listen with enough humility to grow?
