Activity Overview
Storyboarding is an excellent way to focus on types of literary conflict. Have your students choose an example of each literary conflict and depict them using the Storyboard Creator. In the storyboard, an example of each conflict should be visually represented, along with an explanation of the scene, and how it fits the particular category of conflict.
Examples of Literary Conflict in A Raisin in the Sun
MAN vs. MAN
Beneatha is vehemently against acknowledging her mother’s faith, and denies God’s existence. This goes against her mother’s very strict Christian beliefs, and Mama strikes her daughter in the face.
MAN vs. SELF
Walter feels like no one understands him or his dream, and he feels stuck. He wonders if there is anything to look forward to in his future, and he feels like a failure to his family.
MAN vs. SOCIETY
The Younger family is segregated because of their race, and they make a bold move to buy a house in an all-white neighborhood. Karl Lindner, as a representative of the Clybourne Park Association, tries to convince the Youngers to find a house in another neighborhood.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict in A Raisin in the Sun.
- Identify conflicts in A Raisin in the Sun.
- Categorize each conflict as Character vs. Character, Character vs. Self, Character vs. Society, Character vs. Nature, or Character vs. Technology.
- Illustrate conflicts in the cells, using characters from the story.
- Write a short description of the conflict below the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Try Again | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conflict Identification | Student identifies correct major conflicts and uses strong, clear textual evidence to support choice. | Student identifies correct major conflict and uses few or unclear details to support their choice. | Student identifies incorrect major conflict, and uses some details from the text to support their choice. | Student does not attempt to identify major conflict or identifies incorrect major conflict with no explanation. |
| Understanding Outcome | Student clearly shows the outcome of the conflict and its effects on the protagonist with evidence from the text. | Student shows the outcome of the conflict and its effect on the protagonist, but some evidence is unclear. | Student shows the outcome of the conflict, but does not examine its effect on the protagonist and uses some vague textual evidence. | Student does not clearly show the outcome of the conflict or use textual evidence. |
| Character | Storyboard includes all required characters and clearly names them. Goes above and beyond by adding additional details. | Storyboard includes all required characters and clearly names them. | Storyboard includes protagonist and antagonist but leaves out other required characters. | Storyboard does not include the names of required characters. |
| Storyboard | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting the scene of the book | Student attempts to convey setting and scene of the book, but lacks some clarity. | Student does not clearly convey the setting and scene. | Student makes little or no attempt to convey the setting or scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes a minor error in spelling and grammar. | Student makes several minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes many errors in spelling and grammar; little attempt at spellchecking. |
Activity Overview
Storyboarding is an excellent way to focus on types of literary conflict. Have your students choose an example of each literary conflict and depict them using the Storyboard Creator. In the storyboard, an example of each conflict should be visually represented, along with an explanation of the scene, and how it fits the particular category of conflict.
Examples of Literary Conflict in A Raisin in the Sun
MAN vs. MAN
Beneatha is vehemently against acknowledging her mother’s faith, and denies God’s existence. This goes against her mother’s very strict Christian beliefs, and Mama strikes her daughter in the face.
MAN vs. SELF
Walter feels like no one understands him or his dream, and he feels stuck. He wonders if there is anything to look forward to in his future, and he feels like a failure to his family.
MAN vs. SOCIETY
The Younger family is segregated because of their race, and they make a bold move to buy a house in an all-white neighborhood. Karl Lindner, as a representative of the Clybourne Park Association, tries to convince the Youngers to find a house in another neighborhood.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict in A Raisin in the Sun.
- Identify conflicts in A Raisin in the Sun.
- Categorize each conflict as Character vs. Character, Character vs. Self, Character vs. Society, Character vs. Nature, or Character vs. Technology.
- Illustrate conflicts in the cells, using characters from the story.
- Write a short description of the conflict below the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Try Again | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conflict Identification | Student identifies correct major conflicts and uses strong, clear textual evidence to support choice. | Student identifies correct major conflict and uses few or unclear details to support their choice. | Student identifies incorrect major conflict, and uses some details from the text to support their choice. | Student does not attempt to identify major conflict or identifies incorrect major conflict with no explanation. |
| Understanding Outcome | Student clearly shows the outcome of the conflict and its effects on the protagonist with evidence from the text. | Student shows the outcome of the conflict and its effect on the protagonist, but some evidence is unclear. | Student shows the outcome of the conflict, but does not examine its effect on the protagonist and uses some vague textual evidence. | Student does not clearly show the outcome of the conflict or use textual evidence. |
| Character | Storyboard includes all required characters and clearly names them. Goes above and beyond by adding additional details. | Storyboard includes all required characters and clearly names them. | Storyboard includes protagonist and antagonist but leaves out other required characters. | Storyboard does not include the names of required characters. |
| Storyboard | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting the scene of the book | Student attempts to convey setting and scene of the book, but lacks some clarity. | Student does not clearly convey the setting and scene. | Student makes little or no attempt to convey the setting or scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes a minor error in spelling and grammar. | Student makes several minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes many errors in spelling and grammar; little attempt at spellchecking. |
How Tos about A Raisin in the Sun Literary Conflict
Integrate literary conflict analysis into class discussions
Invite students to share their storyboard conflicts during a class discussion. This encourages active participation and lets students explain their reasoning, deepening understanding for the entire group.
Connect conflicts in the story to students’ real-life experiences
Ask students to reflect on a time they faced a similar conflict as a character in the play. This makes the lesson personal and helps students relate the literature to their own lives.
Use role-play to explore different perspectives in conflicts
Assign students different character roles from the play and have them act out conflict scenes. This builds empathy and helps students understand each character's motivations.
Encourage group collaboration for deeper analysis
Have students work in small groups to identify additional conflicts or debate which type each conflict fits best. This promotes teamwork and critical thinking skills.
Assess understanding with quick, creative exit tickets
Ask students to write a brief description or draw a quick sketch of a new conflict from the story as an exit ticket. This reinforces learning and gives you immediate feedback on their comprehension.
Frequently Asked Questions about A Raisin in the Sun Literary Conflict
What are the main types of literary conflict in A Raisin in the Sun?
A Raisin in the Sun features several types of literary conflict, including man vs. man (characters in direct opposition), man vs. self (internal struggles), and man vs. society (characters facing societal pressures). Each conflict drives the story and reveals important character growth.
How can I teach literary conflict using A Raisin in the Sun?
To teach literary conflict with A Raisin in the Sun, have students identify examples of different conflict types in the play, then illustrate and explain them using tools like storyboards. This visual approach helps students analyze and categorize conflicts as character vs. character, character vs. self, and character vs. society.
What is an example of man vs. society conflict in A Raisin in the Sun?
In A Raisin in the Sun, a key man vs. society conflict occurs when the Younger family faces racial segregation. Their decision to move into an all-white neighborhood and the resistance from Karl Lindner highlights their struggle against societal prejudice.
Why is conflict important in A Raisin in the Sun lesson plans?
Conflict is important in lesson plans for A Raisin in the Sun because it helps students understand character motivations, themes, and social issues. Analyzing conflict deepens comprehension and encourages critical thinking about the play’s messages.
What is the best way for students to show understanding of conflict in A Raisin in the Sun?
The best way is through creative activities like storyboarding. Students can visually depict scenes of conflict, categorize them, and write brief explanations. This engages different learning styles and reinforces understanding of literary conflict.
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