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.
MAN vs. MAN
Sergeant Major Morris knows that the paw brings mischief, so he throws it into the fire. Mr. White, however, wants to try his luck with the paw so he saves it, in spite of Morris’ insistence to let it burn.
MAN vs. SELF
While Mr. White knows the dangers of the paw, he risks it to get his son back. However, when he hears the ominous knocking on the door, he knows that his wish has been granted in a twisted way. Despite the fact that his son could potentially be outside, he wishes for his son to be dead again.
MAN vs. NATURE
When Mr. White makes his wish on the paw, he is interfering with the way that things are supposed to be. Because of his interference with fate, he is punished by losing his son and then having him brought back to life in a zombie-like state.
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 “The Monkey’s Paw”.
- Identify conflicts in “The Monkey’s Paw”.
- 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.
MAN vs. MAN
Sergeant Major Morris knows that the paw brings mischief, so he throws it into the fire. Mr. White, however, wants to try his luck with the paw so he saves it, in spite of Morris’ insistence to let it burn.
MAN vs. SELF
While Mr. White knows the dangers of the paw, he risks it to get his son back. However, when he hears the ominous knocking on the door, he knows that his wish has been granted in a twisted way. Despite the fact that his son could potentially be outside, he wishes for his son to be dead again.
MAN vs. NATURE
When Mr. White makes his wish on the paw, he is interfering with the way that things are supposed to be. Because of his interference with fate, he is punished by losing his son and then having him brought back to life in a zombie-like state.
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 “The Monkey’s Paw”.
- Identify conflicts in “The Monkey’s Paw”.
- 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 "The Monkey's Paw"
How to Facilitate Thoughtful Class Discussions on Literary Conflict
Engage students in a class discussion by preparing open-ended questions about each type of conflict in The Monkey's Paw. Encourage students to share their interpretations and connect personal experiences to the story. This helps students deepen their understanding and see how conflicts drive the plot and character decisions.
Guide students to cite text evidence when analyzing conflict
Ask students to find and quote specific lines from the story that show each type of conflict. Model how to connect these quotes to their storyboard scenes. This practice strengthens analytical skills and supports their interpretations with clear evidence.
Encourage creative extensions for deeper learning
Invite students to write an alternate ending or create a new conflict for the story. Let students share their versions and discuss how changes might affect the characters and themes. This sparks imaginative thinking and helps students apply their knowledge in creative ways.
Use peer review for storyboard feedback
Have students swap storyboards and give constructive feedback to each other using a simple checklist. Encourage positivity and specific suggestions. Peer review helps students learn from one another and refine their analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Literary Conflict in \"The Monkey\'s Paw\"
What are the main types of literary conflict in 'The Monkey's Paw'?
The main types of literary conflict in 'The Monkey's Paw' are Man vs. Man (conflict between characters, like Mr. White and Sergeant Major Morris), Man vs. Self (Mr. White’s internal struggle), and Man vs. Nature (battling fate and supernatural consequences).
How can I teach literary conflict using storyboarding for 'The Monkey's Paw'?
Use a storyboard creator to have students visually represent different conflicts from the story. Each cell should illustrate a conflict type, include characters, and provide a short description explaining how the scene fits the literary conflict category.
What is an example of Man vs. Self in 'The Monkey's Paw'?
An example of Man vs. Self is when Mr. White must decide whether to wish his son back to life, knowing the paw’s dangers. His internal struggle highlights the theme of consequences and regret.
Why is understanding literary conflict important for high school students?
Understanding literary conflict helps students analyze characters’ motivations, plot development, and deeper themes. It builds critical thinking and improves comprehension across literature studies.
What are some quick lesson ideas for teaching conflict in 'The Monkey's Paw'?
Try group storyboarding, quick conflict identification worksheets, or class discussions on each conflict type. Encourage students to find text evidence and illustrate scenes for active engagement.
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