Sadie

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What is a “vigilante”? Why are some people strongly for vigilante justice, and why are others strongly opposed?

Teaching Suggestion: Sadie deals with vigilante justice; writing about or discussing this topic may raise upsetting questions, as it requires students to consider the violent actions of others. Students who have been seriously impacted by violence may need to be excused from such a discussion or writing activity. Alternatively, these students could discuss public reception of popular vigilantes in film and literary fiction, as it may add emotional distance. Before beginning, you may wish to provide clear guidance about appropriate ways for students to discuss this topic.

• This article from The Crime Report explores the links between vigilantism and hate crimes. Note: This article discusses the hate-crime murders of several Black men.
• This 3-minute video from NowThis Originals discusses vigilantism as portrayed in Western culture and provides both modern and historical examples.

2. How effective is the American justice system at identifying the perpetrators of violence against women? In what ways does this system prevent or limit them from victimizing women in the future?