Grade Level: 5–6

Students will learn the biblical story of Daniel in the lions’ den as an example of a man who showed quiet bravery and conviction to his beliefs. They will research a “quiet” hero/heroine from the twentieth century and write an essay about this person’s activism accompanying it with an illustration. Then, students will write a speech championing a personal cause they believe in.

Curriculum Connections

• History/Social Studies
• Language Arts

Materials

• Computers with internet access for student research
• Drawing materials
• Writing materials

Warm-Up Questions

Think of a time in your life when you have been very brave in a frightening situation. What was challenging you? Where were you at the time? Were you alone or with other people? What character traits helped to get you through?

Background

The Old Testament Book of Daniel recounts that the biblical hero was condemned to spend a night in the lions’ den for refusing to worship the Persian king Darius. Depicted here is the moment the following morning when, after the stone sealing the entrance was rolled away, Daniel was revealed giving thanks to God for having brought him through the night safely.

Peter Paul Rubens was the most sought-after painter in northern Europe during the early seventeenth century. His rich colors, energetic brushwork, and lively compositions epitomize the exuberance of baroque art. Dominated by restless motion, his dynamic and emotional style is created through strong contrasts of light and color. He served the courts of Europe not only as a painter, but also as a diplomat, sometimes carrying out delicate negotiations while working on foreign commissions.

Guided Practice

• What is going on in the painting? What moment of the story has Rubens chosen to depict? Why do you think Rubens chose to paint this dramatic scene and not one in which Daniel was safely out of the cave?
• Look at the figure of Daniel. How did Rubens paint him so that your attention is drawn to him? (Highlights on his skin contrast with the darker background and make him stand out. He sits on a red cloth with a white one around him, both colors that catch the eye.)
• After hearing the story of Daniel and looking at this image, what adjectives can you use to describe his character?
• Daniel wasn’t an action hero, but he showed great strength. How would you describe the kind of hero he was? What did he do that make him heroic? (Refusing to give in when bullied, holding tight to his convictions, never giving up his beliefs.)

Activity

Have students consider the many heroes/heroines who achieved their goals quietly. Then, they should research and make a list of some quiet heroes/heroines from this century, for example, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks, or Nelson Mandela. Ask them to choose one hero or heroine and write a few paragraphs on what makes him or her heroic. Students should draw a scene from the hero/heroine’s life to use as an illustration when they present their findings to the class. A good place for students to begin their research is the website www.myhero.com.

Extension

Now that students have learned about a real-life hero/heroine who brought about change in their community or nation as a whole, have them think about something they see as an injustice. It could be something as small as sibling rivalry or as big as world peace. Have them write a speech outlining the issue with positive solutions on how to fix it. What would their slogan be? How would they spread the word?

VA:Re7.1.5 Compare one's own interpretation of a work of art with the interpretation of others.

VA:Re7.2.5 Identify and analyze cultural associations suggested by visual imagery.

VA:Re8.1.5 Interpret art by analyzing characteristics of form and structure, contextual information, subject matter, visual elements, and use of media to identify ideas and mood conveyed.