The Conspirator Discussion Questions – Wrap Up Activity Do you think Mary Surratt was an active participant in the plot to kill Lincoln? o Defend your answer. Frederick Aiken undergoes a personal transformation during the film, from Mary Surratt’s angry opponent to her passionate supporter. What drives this change in him? Give specific examples. The following is one of the most important dialogues of the film, in which Aiken encourages Mrs. Surratt to incriminate (give up) her son John in order to save herself: Surratt: Have you ever cared for something greater than yourself? Aiken: I’ve spent the last four years fighting for something greater than myself. Surratt: Then we are the same. Are Aiken and Surratt the same in regards to what they are fighting for? o What would you do in Mrs. Surratt’s situation? Why? Aiken accuses Secretary of War Edwin Stanton of seeking vengeance in Mrs. Surratt’s trial, not justice. What’s the difference between vengeance and justice? o Should trials and convictions be used to seek vengeance? Why or why not? Just before Mary Surratt and the other conspirators are executed, Judge Advocate Joseph Holt says “In the time of war, the law falls silent.” Mr. Aiken replies, “It shouldn’t.” Should aspects of the law and the US Constitution ever be ignored? Why or why not? What did Frederick Aiken risk by defending Mary Surratt? o Why was he willing to take these risks? o In your opinion what was riskier, his courage on the battlefield or his courage in the courtroom? Why? .