Constitution Nation
Pursuit of Happiness Photo Essay
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by
their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among them are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of
Happiness…”
Thomas Jefferson penned these words 239 years ago, and we still find ourselves pondering the
meaning of our “natural rights.” While we often have arguments about the nature of both life and
liberty, our right to live and live with freedom has some tangible meaning; we can imagine ourselves
in the position to defend both. But what about “the pursuit of happiness?” What does that mean?
How do we picture that pursuit, and what does it mean to achieve “happiness?”
Your assignment, therefore, is to capture the meaning of Thomas Jefferson’s mysterious line visually.
You will take at least two photos: one will show what you believe Thomas Jefferson had in mind when
he wrote the phrase, and the other will show what you believe is the meaning of the phrase.
What do I need to do?
1. Get a camera. You could borrow one, buy a disposable, share a disposable with a friend...Let
us know if you need help with that as soon as possible!
2. Determine how you are going to interpret the “Pursuit of happiness” for both yourself and
Jefferson. Are you going to stage a picture? Take a casual shot? Will it include people?
Nature? Black and white or color? Whatever you decide, take a few pictures to see which
one(s) turn out the best.
3. Digitize your photos and send to me for class critique.
4. Revise your photos based off of feedback.
5. Print your final photos and bring to class.
6. Mat your photo in class. Make your presentation neat and clean!
7. Write an essay (4-5 paragraphs) explaining why you chose the images that you did and why
you believe this image helps to explain the pursuit of happiness for both Jefferson and
yourself. Your thesis statement should explain how your photo describes the pursuit of
happiness for you and Jefferson. Please type your essay since we would like to display both
your essay and photo together.
Due Dates:
First draft of photos:
11/5
Final draft of photos + First Draft of Paper:
11/9
Essay Tips:
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Introductory paragraph with Thesis Statement: Here you can give some background
information, perhaps using a quote or a story to entice your reader to continue reading.
Sample thesis statement starter:
Thomas Jefferson’s “pursuit of happiness” statement in the Declaration of Independence is
displayed in my photograph……while my definition of the phrase is showcased by………
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Use your body paragraphs to defend your thesis statement. One paragraph could tell the
story of why you chose what you did for your photos. Another paragraph (or two) could talk
about examples of pursuit of happiness in the rest of America or in your life.
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Your concluding paragraph should go beyond your essay to the future of the pursuit of
happiness. What might the “pursuit of happiness” look like in 20, 30, 100 years? Might it
change drastically? Should it change? Can both images coexist? Use these questions as a
starting point, but go beyond them and think of some of your own ideas to incorporate.