Activity Overview
Literary conflicts are important for students to be able to identify as they read stories. The conflicts that the main character faces help drive the story forward. In this activity, students will create a storyboard illustrating examples of literary conflict in Midnight Without a Moon. Having students choose an example of each literary conflict is an excellent way to reinforce the lesson, and gives the students a chance to creatively show what they have learned.
Midnight Without a Moon Conflict Examples
Character vs. Character: Rose struggles with Ma Pearl. Ma Pearl is mean and abusive, and makes Rose feel awful about herself.
Character vs. Self: Rose suffers from extreme low self esteem due to her grandmother’s constant mocking of how dark her skin is.
Character vs. Nature: Rose suffers greatly due to the extreme Mississippi summer heat while working in the fields.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell storyboard that describes and illustrates the literary conflicts in Midnight Without a Moon.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a conflict in each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each conflict the space below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions of the conflicts are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions of the conflicts can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions of the conflicts are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How To Facilitate a Discussion on Internal Conflicts Present in “Midnight Without a Moon”
Explain the Concept
Begin the lecture by introducing the concept of internal conflicts. Explain to the students how character vs self conflict is a category of internal conflict and it addresses issues with identity, confidence, self-esteem, etc. Give students easier and relatable examples so they are able to understand these abstract concepts without much complexity.
Select Important Characters
Ask the students to list the important characters from "Midnight Without a Moon" who go through internal conflicts. Stress the importance of those who are overcoming personal obstacles, such as Rose Lee Carter. Teachers can first help students identify the types of conflicts characters are facing and then ask the students to narrow down the characters who are particularly facing internal conflicts.
Talk About the Inner Struggles of Rose
The main character, Rose Lee Carter, struggles with a number of issues on the inside. Students can examine her challenges, including how she managed to balance her goals with the constraints placed on her by society and her family. Encourage reflection on topics such as confidence, self-esteem, and identity.
Analyze the Relationships Among Characters
Talk about the impact of internal conflicts on the interactions between characters. Personal development, insight, or tension can result from characters' internal conflicts in their relationships with others. For instance, Rose’s Ma Pearl constantly makes her feel ugly by telling her that her skin is darker than others and treats her poorly which impacts Rose’s perception of herself.
Examine the Impact on Development
Encourage the students to follow the characters' growth as they are presented in the book. Ask the students questions such as “Throughout the narrative, how do the internal conflicts of the characters impact their development or transformation?”
Frequently Asked Questions About Literary Conflicts in “Midnight Without a Moon”
In what ways does the setting of the story influence the conflicts that the characters encounter?
Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement served as a historical and social backdrop that impacted the lives and struggles of the characters in the narrative, intensifying the different forms of literary conflicts.
Are there any character vs society conflicts present in the story?
Yes, when Rose Lee and other characters oppose the restrictive racial norms and expectations of their community, they encounter character vs society conflicts that have an impact on both the individual and the group.
How does the interaction of the characters with their families shape the conflicts in the narrative?
Characters' struggles to negotiate expectations, customs, and generational divides are influenced by family dynamics. Particularly concerning their responsibilities and relationships, the Carter family deals with both internal and external difficulties. For instance, Rose’s interaction with her grandmother and her mother gives rise to many internal conflicts.
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