Throughout the story, we see more than one instance where Jeremy could have, and arguably should have, been more considerate for the well-being of others. If this is true, would that still allow us to say that Jeremy was generous? Some argue that being generous is in the act itself and not in the reasoning behind your decision, while others believe that the reasons behind your actions also play an important role.

Does this make Jeremy generous? Is it possible to be both jealous/angry at a situation and still be generous in that situation, or do you have to have selfless reasons for what you are doing? There is also an argument to be made about the idea that Jeremy possibly felt like he had to give the shoes to Antonio since they did not fit him and Antonio needed new shoes. Still, he ended up giving the shoes to Antonio. Jeremy is obviously upset that his feet do not fit into the shoes he wanted so badly, and when he sees the opportunity to give them to Antonio, he had to convince himself and tried to talk himself out of it more than once. Not only that, but Jeremy notices that Antonio has his shoes falling apart. Toward the end of the story, we see Jeremy is faced with a dilemma–he sees that the only classmate who did not laugh at him when he was basically forced to wear the Velcro shoes a teacher gave to him was also the only other student who did not have the new, all-the-rage shoes.

Read aloud video by Reading for Rainy Days Guidelines for Philosophical Discussion Generosity When it snows, Jeremy remembers that he has new boots. Jeremy eventually decides to give his shoes to Antonio. At school, Jeremy notices that Antonio’s shoes are duct taped together at recess. Jeremy goes to the thrift stores and finds a pair of those black, high-top shoes, but they are too small. When Jeremy’s old shoes break, his guidance counselor gives him a pair of shoes that everyone makes fun of–except Antonio. His Grandma tells him that they can’t afford the expensive shoes because he needs winter boots. Jeremy really wants a pair of black, high-top shoes. Questions for Philosophical Discussion » Summary Those Shoes introduces a discussion about generosity, the conflict between altruism and selfishness, and about distributive justice.

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts