“The Way of Good and Evil”, drawn and published by John Hailer in 1862, is a circular allegorical image depicting the divergent paths of good and evil while on life’s journey. John Hailer was an artist and publisher who lived in Pennsylvania during the Civil War era. He created this image in 1862 as a moral guide for children, showing the consequences of choosing good or evil in life. ~ Higher resolution

The “Good path” features a church, a schoolhouse, a peaceful home, and a college with an American flag flying above it. It leads to Good and the Eternal Life through "The Word."

The “Bad path” starts with “disobedience to parents and teachers,” then to a House of Sin to a tavern, a States Prison to Destruction and Everlasting Punishment. The path to destruction ends with a pitchfork-wielding demon in the fires of Hell.

Discussion Questions: 

1. What is the central message of the image? How does the image convey this message?
2. What are some of the characteristics of the good and evil paths? How are they different from each other?
3. What are some of the influences or sources of the moral and religious values depicted in the image? How do they relate to the historical context of the antebellum period?
4. How does the image reflect the views of the author and his audience? How might people from different backgrounds or perspectives interpret the image differently?
5. How does the image compare or contrast with other moral or religious images or texts from the same or different periods? What are some similarities or differences?