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 from The Moon is Down
MAN vs. MAN
Colonel Lanser wants Mayor Orden’s cooperation so that the occupation will go smoothly; however, Mayor Orden knows that his people would not want that and so he refuses. He also refuses to condemn Alex Morden for murdering Captain Bentick, since no crime was committed against the townspeople.
MAN vs. SELF
Molly hates the occupiers because they murdered her husband; however, when Lieutenant Tonder comes to visit her, she falters for a second because she is confused and lonely. She also recognizes the humanity in Tonder, and knows that in different circumstances, maybe she could like him and connect with him. In the end though, she murders him.
MAN vs. SOCIETY
George Corell’s treachery goes against the very basic ideals of freedom that the townspeople ascribe to. His plan to rid the town of all defenses, leaving it vulnerable to the occupiers and then his collaboration with them leads Mayor Orden to decide it is best to get rid of him; it is best for the people to no longer see him in the streets. The Anders boys try to kidnap him and kill him, but fail; Corell survives, and is granted more authority by the leadership in the Capital.
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 Moon is Down.
- Identify conflicts in The Moon is Down.
- 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 from The Moon is Down
MAN vs. MAN
Colonel Lanser wants Mayor Orden’s cooperation so that the occupation will go smoothly; however, Mayor Orden knows that his people would not want that and so he refuses. He also refuses to condemn Alex Morden for murdering Captain Bentick, since no crime was committed against the townspeople.
MAN vs. SELF
Molly hates the occupiers because they murdered her husband; however, when Lieutenant Tonder comes to visit her, she falters for a second because she is confused and lonely. She also recognizes the humanity in Tonder, and knows that in different circumstances, maybe she could like him and connect with him. In the end though, she murders him.
MAN vs. SOCIETY
George Corell’s treachery goes against the very basic ideals of freedom that the townspeople ascribe to. His plan to rid the town of all defenses, leaving it vulnerable to the occupiers and then his collaboration with them leads Mayor Orden to decide it is best to get rid of him; it is best for the people to no longer see him in the streets. The Anders boys try to kidnap him and kill him, but fail; Corell survives, and is granted more authority by the leadership in the Capital.
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 Moon is Down.
- Identify conflicts in The Moon is Down.
- 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 The Moon is Down Literary Conflict
Engage students with a class debate on literary conflicts
Hosting a debate encourages active participation and helps students analyze different perspectives on conflicts in 'The Moon is Down'. This activity builds critical thinking and communication skills.
Divide the class into groups representing different conflict types
Assign each group a specific conflict type, such as Man vs. Man or Man vs. Society. This focus allows students to become experts on their assigned category and prepares them to defend their viewpoints.
Have groups find and prepare evidence from the text
Ask students to gather quotes and examples showing their conflict in action within the story. This step strengthens close reading skills and ensures debates are grounded in the text.
Facilitate a structured classroom debate
Guide groups to present their arguments and respectfully challenge others. This format allows for meaningful discussion and helps students articulate their understanding of literary conflict.
Reflect on which conflicts most influence the story’s outcome
Wrap up by having students discuss or write about which conflict type drives the plot the most. This reflection deepens literary analysis and connects debate insights to overall comprehension.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Moon is Down Literary Conflict
What are the main types of literary conflict in The Moon is Down?
The Moon is Down features key types of literary conflict: man vs. man (e.g., Colonel Lanser vs. Mayor Orden), man vs. self (e.g., Molly’s inner struggle), and man vs. society (e.g., George Corell’s betrayal against the town). These conflicts help drive the plot and develop the characters.
How can I create a storyboard to teach literary conflict using The Moon is Down?
To create a storyboard lesson, select scenes that show different types of conflict (like character vs. character or character vs. society). Illustrate each scene, label the conflict type, and write a brief explanation below each cell. This helps students visually understand and analyze literary conflicts.
What is an example of character vs. self conflict in The Moon is Down?
An example of character vs. self conflict is when Molly struggles with her feelings toward Lieutenant Tonder. She feels lonely and briefly connects with him, but ultimately chooses to act against him, reflecting her inner turmoil.
Why is it important to teach literary conflict in high school literature classes?
Teaching literary conflict helps students understand character motivations, plot development, and themes. It enhances critical thinking and enables students to analyze how writers create tension and resolve issues within a story.
What activities can help students understand conflict in The Moon is Down?
Effective activities include storyboarding conflict scenes, categorizing conflicts (e.g., man vs. society), group discussions, and writing short descriptions of each conflict. These approaches engage students and deepen their comprehension of the novel’s themes.
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