ELEMENTS OF LITERATURE

CONFLICTPrepared by

Linda Eder

Hazelwood Central HIgh School

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This program is designed to address the following:

•reinforce the basic concept of conflict in literature and its contribution to the work

•MAP Communication Arts grade 11 achievement levels to

•comprehend and analyze a variety of texts (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama)--proficient level

•draw logical conclusions from texts

•ShowMe Standards #2--reading and evaluation - fiction, poetry and drama

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It is suggested that students complete all work in a journal, and that when sharing their work, they read directly from the journal. This reinforces the importance of clear expression in their writing.

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Plot is the series of related events that take place in a work of fiction. A plot is made up of:

• exposition

• conflict

• complications

• climax

• resolution continue

Conflict is a clash or struggle between opposing forces. This battle may be either

EXTERNAL

OR

INTERNAL

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•EXTERNAL CONFLICT involves a struggle between a character and a force outside of himself. This force could be:

•another character

•society as a whole

•nature.

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INTERNAL CONFLICT is a struggle between a character and something within himself/herself. This could be his/her conscience, fear, love or other struggles of that source.

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Read the following excerpt from Saki’s “The Interlopers.” Identify the conflict and indicate what kind of conflict it is. What are the possible solutions to this conflict?

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Discuss your answer with the class.

…a mass of falling beech tree had thundered down on them. Ulrich Von Gradwitz found himself stretched on the ground, one arm numb beneath him and the other held almost as helplessly in a tight tangle of forked branches, while both legs were pinned beneath the fallen mass. His heavy shooting boots had saved his feet from being crushed to pieces, but if his fractures were not as serious as they might have been, at least it was evident that he could not move from his present position till someone came to release him

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This was an example of external conflict-man against nature. Nature, in the form of a tree has trapped Ulrich. He will have to struggle with nature to free himself.

You might have wondered how Ulrich was going to escape. Would friends come? Would he remain there forever? Would he be able to extricate himself?

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Now read the following excerpt from “The Most Dangerous Game.” Again identify the conflict and explain what kind of conflict it is.

When you are finished share your answer with your classmates.

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Rainsford had fought his way through the bush for two hours. “I must keep my nerve. I must keep my nerve,” he said through tight teeth.

He had not been entirely clear-headed when the chateau gates snapped shut behind him. His whole idea at first was to put distance between himself and General Zaroff, and, to this end, he had plunged along, spurred on by the sharp rowels of something very like panic.

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This is an example of internal conflict. Rainsford is fighting his own fear and panic.

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