Hello! Today’s free middle school “heroism writing lesson” focuses on a thoughtful poem about the qualities of a hero. Students can read the poem, answer some questions to guide them in noting important points, then follow the instructions to complete a writing assignment in which they explain some elements of heroism in their own words.

This lesson includes basic instructions for Language Arts teachers of Grades 6 to 8 – how you use these materials is up to you. Let’s get started!

Keep reading, or download the lesson in a Word file!

Grade 8 Expository Writing Lesson: Heroism

This poem was included in a collection titled ‘Stories Worth Rereading’, published in 1913. The author’s name is not cited. It is perhaps worth noting that many heroes, too, go unnoticed or unnamed.

As You Read

Each of the first eight lines of this poem begins with the word ‘a’. This cannot be a coincidence! When we read the ninth line, and begin to read about the purpose of the poem, the reason for this apparently clumsy list of articles becomes clear: the author wishes to communicate that the small, individual gestures a person makes are the stuff of heroism. Now it makes sense that they have listed many single gestures, beginning with ‘a’.

There is one more line beginning with ‘a’, in which the poet lists ‘constancy and courage’. It seems they wish us to note that the word following the humble article, and what that word implies, are of great significance, and not to be overlooked just because of their simple presentation.

Text: Heroism

A tone of pride or petulance repressed,
A selfish inclination firmly fought,
A shadow of annoyance set at naught,
A measure of disquietude suppressed,
A peace in importunity possessed,
A reconcilement generously sought,
A purpose put aside, a banished thought,
A word of self-explaining unexpressed,—
Trifles they seem, these petty soul-restraints;
Yet he who proves them so must needs possess
A constancy and courage grand and bold.
They are the trifles that have made the saints.
Give me to practise them in humbleness,
And nobler power than mine doth no man hold.

Questions

1. What does the author mean when they refer to ‘soul-restraints’?
2. Does the poet suggest that it is easy to do the simple things that lead to ‘noble power’? Where in the poem do you find an answer to this question?

Assignment

In approximately 250 words, explain clearly four of the eight qualities this author refers to in the first eight lines of the poem. You may wish to use examples in order to make yourself understood.

Writing Lessons and more!

Teachers can include this lesson in any English Language Arts or Character Development class, either in a classroom or homeschool setting. This lesson can also be found in the Canadian Winter Homeschool Materials complete printable Grade 8 Reading and Writing collection: Excellent Excerpts Level One.

Lessons on this blog are divided into Level One (Grade 6), Level Two (Grade 7) and Level Three (Grade 8) according to difficulty, but students’ abilities will vary and teachers should feel free to adjust the materials as needed.

If you enjoyed this lesson why not drop by our store at Teachers Pay Teachers or Tes? You will find plenty of other teacher resources, including French lessons, Essay Writing resources, Novel Studies, Grammar workbooks, and more!

Happy learning!

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