Activity Overview
Storyboarding is an excellent way to focus on types of literary conflicts.
Having students create storyboards that show the cause and effect of different types of conflicts strengthens analytical thinking about literary concepts. 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 King Lear
MAN vs. MAN
Goneril and Regan are initially allied with each other to gain as much power as possible; however, once Edmund comes into the picture, he drives a wedge between the sisters. As a result of his pledging his love to both women, Goneril poisons Regan. Once Regan dies, and Goneril’s husband Albany reveals he knows of her treachery, she kills herself.
MAN vs. SELF
King Lear realizes that he made a mistake in granting his kingdom and powers to Goneril and Regan while totally disinheriting Cordelia. He is so grief-stricken by this grave mistake that he gradually loses touch with reality, his wits only restored once Cordelia takes him in.
MAN vs. SOCIETY
Edmund, as an illegitimate son, has no claim to any of his father’s lands or property. He doesn’t feel it is fair that he gets less just because his father had an affair. However, because the laws of noble society dictate that illegitimate children are not legally eligible to receive an inheritance by their birthright, Edmund wants to change this by turning his father against his legitimate son, Edgar.
MAN vs. NATURE
When King Lear realizes the grave mistake he’s made by entrusting Goneril and Regan with power, this inner turmoil is mirrored in the raging storm that takes over the night. The storm threatens Lear’s health as he stands outside, tearing his hair and crying in despair.
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 King Lear.
- Identify conflicts in King Lear.
- 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 conflicts.
Having students create storyboards that show the cause and effect of different types of conflicts strengthens analytical thinking about literary concepts. 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 King Lear
MAN vs. MAN
Goneril and Regan are initially allied with each other to gain as much power as possible; however, once Edmund comes into the picture, he drives a wedge between the sisters. As a result of his pledging his love to both women, Goneril poisons Regan. Once Regan dies, and Goneril’s husband Albany reveals he knows of her treachery, she kills herself.
MAN vs. SELF
King Lear realizes that he made a mistake in granting his kingdom and powers to Goneril and Regan while totally disinheriting Cordelia. He is so grief-stricken by this grave mistake that he gradually loses touch with reality, his wits only restored once Cordelia takes him in.
MAN vs. SOCIETY
Edmund, as an illegitimate son, has no claim to any of his father’s lands or property. He doesn’t feel it is fair that he gets less just because his father had an affair. However, because the laws of noble society dictate that illegitimate children are not legally eligible to receive an inheritance by their birthright, Edmund wants to change this by turning his father against his legitimate son, Edgar.
MAN vs. NATURE
When King Lear realizes the grave mistake he’s made by entrusting Goneril and Regan with power, this inner turmoil is mirrored in the raging storm that takes over the night. The storm threatens Lear’s health as he stands outside, tearing his hair and crying in despair.
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 King Lear.
- Identify conflicts in King Lear.
- 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 Literary Conflict in King Lear Student Activity
Plan a King Lear literary conflict debate for deeper student engagement
Organize your class into small groups, assigning each group a major conflict type from King Lear (e.g., Man vs. Man, Man vs. Self, Man vs. Society, Man vs. Nature). Each group prepares arguments about how their assigned conflict drives character development and plot. Encourage students to use evidence from the play and their storyboards. This debate format boosts critical thinking and helps students articulate their understanding of literary conflict in a lively, collaborative way.
Assign conflict roles to students for an interactive class reenactment
Choose key scenes from King Lear that illustrate different conflicts. Assign each student a character and a conflict motivation. Have students act out the scenes, focusing on showing how conflict affects their character's choices and emotions. This active approach engages kinesthetic learners and deepens comprehension of the play’s themes.
Use graphic organizers to map the evolution of conflicts in King Lear
Provide students with a graphic organizer featuring columns for conflict type, characters involved, cause, effect, and resolution. As students read, they track how each conflict starts, intensifies, and resolves. This structured visual tool clarifies complex plotlines and supports note-taking and analysis.
Facilitate a reflective journaling activity on conflict resolution
Invite students to write journal entries from the perspective of a character in King Lear facing a major conflict. Prompt them to explore the character’s internal thoughts, feelings, and possible solutions. This reflective practice deepens empathy and connects literary analysis to social-emotional skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Literary Conflict in King Lear Student Activity
What are the main types of literary conflict in King Lear?
The main types of literary conflict in King Lear are Character vs. Character (e.g., Goneril vs. Regan), Character vs. Self (Lear’s struggle with his own decisions), Character vs. Society (Edmund fighting societal norms), and Character vs. Nature (Lear facing the storm as a metaphor for his turmoil).
How can students use storyboards to analyze conflict in King Lear?
Students can create storyboards to visually represent and explain different conflicts in King Lear. By illustrating scenes and describing the type of conflict, students deepen their understanding and analytical skills.
What is an example of man vs. self conflict in King Lear?
An example of man vs. self conflict in King Lear occurs when Lear regrets giving his kingdom to Goneril and Regan, leading to his emotional breakdown and loss of sanity.
Why is understanding literary conflict important for students studying King Lear?
Understanding literary conflict helps students grasp characters’ motivations, themes, and plot developments in King Lear, making literary analysis more meaningful and accessible.
What steps should teachers follow to guide a King Lear conflict storyboard activity?
Teachers should instruct students to: identify at least three conflicts in King Lear, categorize each type, illustrate them in storyboard cells, and write a brief explanation for each scene depicted.
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