Watership Down Lesson Plan

Is Hazel's recklessness good leadership or bad judgement?

Hazel has a tendency to do reckless and daring things that the other rabbits are too cautious to do (or simply don't see a reason to go out of their way). The most prominent example is Hazel's secret mission to Nuthanger farm: he and Pipkin could have been killed without anyone ever knowing where they went or what happened to them! Hazel's plans ultimately result in improved circumstances for the warren, but is it worth the risk? Discuss whether Hazel has a responsibility to keep himself safe in order to lead the warren, or whether he has a responsibility to put himself in danger rather than ordering someone...