Literary conflicts are often taught during ELA units. Building on prior knowledge to achieve mastery level with our students is important. An excellent way to focus on the various types of literary conflict is through storyboarding. Having students choose an example of each literary conflict and depict it using the storyboard creator is a great way to reinforce your lesson!
In The Odyssey, conflict is constantly present. Much of the conflict arises from the obstacles Odysseus faces returning home. The wayward traveler and his crew battle against the dangers of the sea and the challenges of temptations. Odysseus constantly battles the supernatural world so he can return home.
Having students create storyboards that show the cause and effect of different conflicts will reinforce their ability to analyze literature.
Odysseus struggles with himself. He convinces his men to tie him to the mast of the ship to hear the Siren's song.
Odysseus struggles with nature. The whirlpool (Charybdis) swallows his boat, kills his men, and leaves him adrift in the sea.
Odysseus struggles with society. After he returns home, he finds his house overrun with suitors.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict in The Odyssey.
Check out our parts of a graphic novel article for more great ideas!
Start by briefly defining the idea of literary conflict. Give examples of the various types of conflict that are frequently seen in literature, including internal conflict (character vs. self), external conflict (character vs. character, character vs. nature, character vs. society), and overarching struggle (character vs. fate).
Graphic organizers and diagrams can assist English language learners grasp the various sorts of conflicts. To illustrate each sort of conflict and how it relates to the characters and the plot, use straightforward images.
Give learners relatable instances of disputes from your daily life to help them understand the idea. Talk about any issues your students may have at home, at school, or in their neighborhoods. Teachers can then draw a comparison between literary conflicts and real-life conflicts.
Teachers should encourage an inclusive environment where the students are comfortable sharing their confusion and questions. This inclusive environment can include giving examples from different cultures to make every student feel seen.
Teachers can use this subject to teach more vocabulary to students by conducting activities such as role-playing or identifying types of conflicts from different texts.
Odysseus struggles with inner tensions, especially between his desire to go home and his desire for adventure and renown. Along with dealing with doubt and dread, he frequently battles with his own feelings and choices.
When Odysseus and his companions are faced against the monstrous Cyclops and the arid, hostile climate of his island, the fight with Polyphemus is one example of conflict between character and nature.
As she navigates societal pressures and the unwanted attention of the suitors, Penelope encounters a character vs. society dilemma. The story's intensity is heightened by her devotion to Odysseus and her deft use of delay tactics.
As some of his crewmen get seduced by the plant of the Lotus-Eaters and lose sight of their desire to return home, Odysseus experiences internal struggle. He must choose between compelling them to complete the trek and letting them continue to experience the lotus's effects.