Films with Class: Amazing Grace

The recently released film, Amazing Grace cuts a wide swath for potential classroom teachings.  Concentrating mostly on the efforts of William Wilberforce to abolish the slave ship trade from Africa to Great Britain in the 18^th century, it does a nice job of recreating this tumultuous period and giving us a peek at the governmental workings in our mother country.

Wilberforce was a bulldog as a social reformer and activist in a time when it was neither common nor necessarily rewarding.  As a tradesman, he was an outsider in Parliament, but his friendship with William Pitt, who became Britain’s youngest Prime Minister, opened many doors and provided access to information on those who opposed change.

It is an entertaining film with many messages and even more topics for discussion, including:

1. Wilberforce as an outsider who constantly challenges the establishment.  His story is an example of perseverance and dedication to cause.  Analyzing his various approaches to argument could be interesting, as could comparing him to more contemporary counterparts such as Martin Luther King, Ralph Nader and even Bono.  Many scenes depict the failing health of Wiberforce and we also see the effects of sole focus on personal life.

2. Analyzing what drives the passion required for this type of mission.  Is it strictly to see “justice” served?  Is it one man’s ego?  Much has been written over the years in regards to Wilberforce’s motivation and many question why his passion wasn’t directed more towards the cause of growing poverty in his own country.  Is it fair to question one’s mission if it doesn’t correspond with our own preferences?

3. The class system.  The debate over the rights of slaves was incomprehensive to some.  When Wilberforce presents a voluminous petition proving the wishes of the people, a key adversary turns in disgust and asks “the people?” … implying that the general public should have no say in what decisions are made.  Just as interesting is the obvious class system within Parliament as the “tradesman” Wilberforce is scoffed at by many from the more privileged sector as they are bemused by his colorful arguments, but early on, give no credence to his comments.

4. William Pitt.  Pitt remains to this day the youngest Prime Minister in the history of Great Britain.  Research on how this occurred and what his legacy is could prove fascinating.

5. Parliament.  As topic, it could carry a lesson plan for weeks.  One could study the similarities of political gamesmanship of that era versus the U.S. Senate today and even how the media has impacted the process.  The film offers a glimpse inside the chamber and even at the structured free-for-all debates.  Contrast this approach with modern day Senate hearings.

6. Human slavery.  This topic inspires much thought and discussion.  There is a heartbreaking line in the film when one of the arguments is made with “We have no proof that the Africans are opposed to slavery.”  How ridiculous is that statement and how could anyone have ever believed, much less spoken, those words?

7. John Newton, author of the beautiful song “Amazing Grace”.   His story is only briefly discussed in the film, but there is much to learn about this man.  The story of why he wrote the song (while on a slave ship) and then the life of the song itself (becoming the Cherokee anthem) provide much for discussion.  Albert Finney’s portrayal of Newton in the film does a nice job of capturing the man’s quest for redemption.

8. The lyrics to the song (below) can be reviewed as a poem.  Even the notion of how the sentiment changes when the words are spoken versus sung in the all-powerful and now-familiar melody.  Forgotten for almost a century, a little 1969 film named Alice’s Restaurant brought the song back to the mainstream.  Over the years, the song has been used by both Christians and non-Christians in the name of many causes including human rights and freedom, and most recently substance abuse recovery plans.

"Amazing Grace"

Words were written c. 1772 by Englishman John Newton.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear,

And Grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that Grace appear,

The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,

We have already come;

'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

And Grace will lead me home. (Lead me home!)

The Lord hast promised good to me,

His word my hope secures!

He will my shield and portion be,

As long as life endures.

Yea, when this heart and flesh shall fail

And mortal life shall cease,

I shall possess within the veil

A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who called me here below,

Will be for ever mine.

* Some versions include the verse:

Shall I be wafted through the skies,

On flowery beds of ease,

Where others strive to win the prize,

And sail through bloody seas.

* This verse, borrowed from the Isaac Watts hymn “Am I a Soldier of the Cross?”

So many films today are dumbed-down to protect the viewer from actually thinking or forming an opinion.  When one comes along that can inspire and interest us in further research and discussion, it surely can find a place in a Social Studies, History or English classroom.  Amazing Grace will allow the students to see the world that set the foundation for ours.  Bring visual forms to the heroes and villains of yesterday and let the students come to realize that social change can be instigated in many ways by many different types of people. 

-DF