Summary
In "Leave No Trace", Will is a World War II veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder who lives with his teenage daughter in Forest Park. They use forest survival skills and money used from selling his V-issued benzodiazepine to buy food and supplies from the local town. Tom is spotted by a jogger in the woods, they are arrested by park rangers and detained by social services. They are offered many opportunities for assistance and a stable life but Will struggles to accept this way of life. Will and Tom eventually part ways with Tom returning to the mobile home community and Will returning to the woods. The moral dilemma revolves around independence and dependence. Will’s desire for independence and self-reliance shows in his choice to live in isolation in the forest and his unwillingness to accept help even when he injured his foot. Tom needs stability and connection which she finds in the community. She struggles to choose between wanting to support her father and needing to pursue her growth and well-being.
I Would Follow My Conscience: Will’s conscience would tell him to prioritize his responsibility towards his daughter and their survival enduring hardship and making sacrifices.
I Do Not Know What I Would Do: Will might feel uncertain about his decision, especially with PTSD and the conditions regarding their situation.
I Would Do Whatever Would Improve My Own Situation: Will prioritizes his well-being by continuing to live a survival-style life and coping with his PTSD.
I Would Do What God or the Scriptures Say Is Right: If Will follows certain religious or spiritual ideas, he would use them as a guide to help him overcome obstacles and make morally right judgments.
I Would Do Whatever Made Me Happy: Will’s happiness may be coupled with his desire for independence, self-governance, and need to care for and protect his daughter.
I Would Follow the Advice of an Authority, Such as a Parent or Teacher: Will might be a little resistant to authority figures due to his need for independence. He’ll comply until he no longer can confirm.
I Would Do What Is Best for Everyone Involved: Will may be motivated to make certain decisions to ensure his and his daughters’ survival.
I would do what is best for everyone involved. As Will I would try to relaize that Tom is a growing girl and she does need a proper home to live and a communit to socialize with. It is unfair of me to force her to live the way that best fit my needs. A child needs their parent and if it means I suffer by working for a company and paying bills for a home so she can grow a happily until she becomes a ypund adult, then so be it.
