Conflict Types and Importance in Literature

Daily Journal and Learning Objectives

  • Objective: Writing

    • Standard: SWBAT produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (W.RW.8.7)

  • Objective: Reading Lesson on Conflict

    • Standard: SWBAT analyze how and why story elements interact and develop over the course of a text; including conflict. (RL.IT.8.3)

  • D.O.L (Daily Oral Language)

    • After the lesson, students will answer 10 multiple choice questions with at least 80 percent accuracy.

  • Guided Reading

    • Text: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

    • Standard: SWBAT read closely to analyze what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences while determining the author’s theme. (RL.CR.8.1)

Title and Types of Conflict

Types of Conflict

  • Definition of Conflict

    • A conflict is a problem or struggle that the main character or characters face.

    • Examples:

    • A mountain climber struggles to survive against hunger and cold on his climb up Mount Everest.

    • Two brothers fight over control of a video game controller.

Importance of Conflict

  • Why is Conflict Important?

    • Every story worth reading contains conflict.

    • Absence of conflict results in no tension; therefore, the story becomes uninteresting.

    • The conflict is pivotal as it drives the plot.

    • It aids in character development.

    • Conflict contributes to the thematic development of the story.

Ways an Author Reveals Conflict

  • Methods of Revealing Conflict:

    • Character’s actions

    • Character’s dialogue

    • Character’s internal thoughts

    • Characters’ relationships

    • Setting or atmosphere

    • Plot events and complications

    • Foreshadowing

    • Symbolism

Types of Conflict

Two Categories of Conflict

  1. Internal Conflict

    • Definition: A problem that occupies the heart or mind of the character (inside oneself).

  2. External Conflict

    • Definition: A problem that occurs with outside forces.

Categories of Conflict (7 Types)

  1. Character vs. Self

  2. Character vs. Character

  3. Character vs. Society

  4. Character vs. Nature

  5. Character vs. Supernatural

  6. Character vs. Technology

  7. Character vs. Fate

Detailed Examination of Conflicts

1. Character vs. Self

  • Definition: An internal conflict exists within the character’s mind or heart, often involving moral dilemmas or personal decisions.

  • Importance: Drives character growth, develops themes, propels the plot, makes characters relatable, and creates tension.

  • Themes Explored:

    • Coming of age

    • Self-esteem

    • Insecurity

    • Mental health issues

    • Emotions (hate, anger)

    • Morality (right vs. wrong)

2. Character vs. Character

  • Definition: An external conflict where characters face off against one another, resulting from moral, religious, or social differences.

  • Types: Emotional, verbal, or physical conflicts, often highlighting good vs. evil (hero vs. villain).

3. Character vs. Nature

  • Definition: An external conflict where characters are challenged by forces of nature, including weather, natural disasters, or physical environments.

  • Examples:

    • A character struck by lightning

    • Survivors in a storm

4. Character vs. Society

  • Definition: An external conflict where characters struggle against societal norms, government regulations, or cultural traditions.

  • Significance: Reflects real-world issues, encourages critical thinking and connection with characters.

  • Patterns:

    • The Rebel Against an Unjust System

    • The Outsider Who Doesn’t Fit In

    • Cultural or Traditional Pressure

5. Character vs. Technology

  • Definition: An external conflict arising from struggles against man-made entities, including themes of ethical use of technology and dehumanization.

  • Exploratory Themes: Loss of control and power dynamics between humans and technology.

6. Character vs. Supernatural

  • Definition: An external conflict with unknown supernatural forces, often defying reason and natural laws.

  • Examples:

    • Mythological stories

    • Fantasy narratives

7. Character vs. Fate

  • Definition: An external conflict where characters fight against preconceived destiny as foretold by a god or oracle.

  • Key Concepts: Prophecies, curses, inescapable futures, and self-fulfilling destinies.

Conclusion and Practice

Activities and Assessments

  • Create a Three Column Chart: Students should create a chart to practice identifying internal and external conflicts, providing explanations and examples.

  • Discussion: Analyze texts like The Outsiders for conflicts; share findings on internal and external conflicts observed in the literature.

  • Reflection Questions: Identify the type of conflict, provide textual evidence for support, and discuss choices made by the author.