QUESTION
This paper will use an ethical reasoning model approach to themes in Kindred.
During the first six or seven weeks of this course, you explored ethical systems and ethical reasoning. Over that time, you applied what you learned to new ideas, contexts, and situations.
In Octavia Butler’s novel Kindred, plot events and situations demand that characters make decisions about how to act. We have discussed numerous scenarios in this novel through the ethical reasoning lens. Select three events where ethical choices seem relevant.
Describe in detail each of the events you have selected for this paper. Describe each as if you were writing for someone who has not read this book.
Explain why each event requires a major choice that is ethical in nature. Try to select three events that appear to present similar ethical problems. Apply the ethical reasoning model to each of the three events. Explain how the characters involved made choices or took action correctly or incorrectly.
Your paper should use and correctly cite details from the novel, from the ethical reasoning guide, and from more than one of the other readings assigned from Reflect, Connect, Engage to develop your paper, provide evidence for your claims, and to show your knowledge of ethical systems, ethical reasoning, and our course readings.
This paper should be 1250 words minimum (excluding the works cited page). You should select and correctly use a standard academic citation method (APA, MLA, or Chicago style).
SOLUTION
>Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Kindred Ethical Reasoning Paper
1. Understand the Goal of the Assignment
You’re not just summarizing Kindred—you’re applying ethical reasoning models to decisions characters make in the novel. Your job is to:
-
Choose three significant ethical events
-
Apply one ethical reasoning model to each (or the same one if relevant)
-
Use evidence from Kindred, the ethical reasoning guide, and two+ assigned course readings
2. Select Three Events with Ethical Dilemmas
Choose three scenes in Kindred where a character:
-
Must make a difficult moral choice
-
Is confronted with injustice or conflict
-
Acts in a way that can be evaluated as “right” or “wrong” through an ethical lens
Examples might include:
-
Dana’s decision to help Rufus even though he perpetuates slavery
-
Kevin’s reaction to being trapped in the past
-
Dana’s intervention when other enslaved characters are punished
Be sure the three events you select relate to similar ethical questions, such as: survival vs. complicity, loyalty vs. justice, or violence vs. restraint.
3. Describe Each Event in Detail
Write each event as if your reader has not read the novel:
-
Who is involved?
-
What happens?
-
What is at stake?
-
Why does this moment matter ethically?
Include enough context for someone unfamiliar with Kindred to follow your argument clearly.
4. Apply the Ethical Reasoning Model
You’ve studied several ethical frameworks, such as:
-
Utilitarianism (What brings the greatest good for the greatest number?)
-
Deontology (What duties or rules must be followed?)
-
Virtue Ethics (What does a virtuous person do?)
-
Care Ethics (What does empathy or compassion require?)
Apply one or more of these models to each event:
-
What would the model say the character should have done?
-
Did the character act ethically or unethically according to that model?
-
What was the outcome?
5. Bring in Course Readings and Evidence
Support your claims with evidence from:
-
The novel Kindred (with direct quotes and page numbers)
-
The ethical reasoning guide provided in your course
-
At least two readings from Reflect, Connect, Engage
Use these sources to:
-
Define the ethical framework(s)
-
Connect broader ethical questions to the novel
-
Demonstrate your understanding of ethical reasoning in practice
6. Structure Your Paper Effectively
Suggested structure (approximate word counts):
-
Introduction (150–200 words)
-
Brief overview of Kindred
-
Define your ethical focus and model(s)
-
State your thesis (how the ethical model helps evaluate these moments)
-
-
Event 1 Analysis (300–350 words)
-
Event 2 Analysis (300–350 words)
-
Event 3 Analysis (300–350 words)
-
Conclusion (150–200 words)
-
Summarize your insights
-
Reflect on the relevance of ethical reasoning in literature and life
-
-
Works Cited Page
-
Use APA, MLA, or Chicago formatting consistently
-
Include the novel, course readings, and any additional sources
-
7. Final Checklist Before Submission
-
✅ Is your paper at least 1250 words excluding the works cited page?
-
✅ Have you selected and clearly applied an ethical reasoning model?
-
✅ Do you reference Kindred, the ethical reasoning guide, and at least two other readings?
-
✅ Is your writing clear, organized, and properly cited?
-
✅ Have you followed the required citation style?
You’re now ready to start your draft with confidence. If you have the next post ready, feel free to paste it and I’ll help with the next guide!