Literary Conflict: 'Candle in the Wind'

Q: What are the main types of literary conflict in 'Candle in the Wind'?

The main types of literary conflict in 'Candle in the Wind' are Man vs. Man (Mordred vs. Arthur), Man vs. Self (Arthur’s internal struggle), and Man vs. Society (Arthur vs. his own laws and kingdom). Each highlights different challenges faced by the characters.

Q: How can I teach literary conflict using storyboards in the classroom?

To teach literary conflict with storyboards , have students select examples of each conflict type from the text, illustrate them in storyboard panels, and write brief descriptions. This visual approach reinforces understanding and engages students creatively.

Q: What is an example of Man vs. Self conflict in 'Candle in the Wind'?

An example of Man vs. Self in 'Candle in the Wind' is King Arthur’s struggle with guilt and failure as he faces the collapse of his ideals and relationships, questioning whether his vision for the kingdom was truly achievable.

Q: Why is identifying literary conflict important for high school students?

Identifying literary conflict helps high school students analyze character motivations, plot development, and themes. It deepens comprehension and supports critical thinking, which are key skills in ELA curriculum standards.

TOAFK - Literary Conflict in "Candle in the Wind"

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Lesson Plan Overview

Template and Class Instructions

Student Rubric

Lesson Plan Overview

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!

Examples of Conflict in "Candle in the Wind"

Types of Literary Conflict Graphic Organizer

MAN vs. MAN

Mordred hates Arthur because he thinks he tried to have him killed as an infant. He swears to get revenge by tearing down Arthur’s closest circle and exposing Lancelot and Guenever’s affair publicly. Under Arthur’s civil code of laws, their activities constitute treason, and he will have to execute them both.

MAN vs. SELF

As Arthur sits in his tent in the last few chapters, his wife a prisoner, his best friend in exile, his son trying to kill him, and his Round Table dispersed, he realizes that he has been unable to stop these misfortunes. He feels his new system has failed and wonders if war will always be inevitable. He makes sure to pass on his ideas to Thomas Malory in the hopes that his mantra of “Might only for Right” will be passed on to future generations.

MAN vs. SOCIETY

While Arthur realizes what Guenever and Lancelot have done to him is treason, he loves them both and does not want to carry out a punishment; however, as King, he is bound by the rules he’s created for his own society to do so. Guenever is sentenced to be burned at the stake, and Arthur secretly hopes Lancelot will ride in to save her at the last moment.

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Template and Class Instructions

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Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict in one of the books from Once and Future King.

Identify conflicts in your selected book.
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.

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-12

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: Types of Literary Conflict

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Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Types of Literary Conflict Rubric

Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict from the story. Support your choices with evidence from the text.

	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.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Examples of Conflict in "Candle in the Wind"

MAN vs. MAN

MAN vs. SELF

MAN vs. SOCIETY

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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 one of the books from Once and Future King.

Identify conflicts in your selected book.
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.

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Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-12

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: Types of Literary Conflict

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Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Types of Literary Conflict Rubric

Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict from the story. Support your choices with evidence from the text.

	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.

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How Tos about Literary Conflict in "Candle in the Wind"

Introduce literary conflict with relatable examples

Begin your lesson by connecting literary conflict to real-life situations your students understand, such as disagreements or tough decisions. Relatable examples make abstract concepts stick and spark student interest from the start.

Model identifying conflict types with think-alouds

Read a short passage aloud and demonstrate your thought process as you identify the type of conflict. Thinking aloud shows students how to analyze text and categorize conflicts themselves.

Guide students in finding conflicts together

Work through a story as a class, pausing to ask students to spot different conflicts. Encourage discussion and guide them toward the correct conflict types. Collaborative analysis builds confidence and understanding.

Create visual anchor charts for conflict types

Work with your class to make a wall chart showing each conflict type, definitions, and student-provided examples. Visual reminders help reinforce learning and provide a handy reference all year.

Celebrate student storyboards with a gallery walk

Display completed storyboards and have students walk around to view each other's work. Invite them to leave positive feedback or sticky notes about strong conflict examples. Peer recognition boosts motivation and deepens understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions about Literary Conflict in \"Candle in the Wind\"

What are the main types of literary conflict in 'Candle in the Wind'?

The main types of literary conflict in 'Candle in the Wind' are Man vs. Man (Mordred vs. Arthur), Man vs. Self (Arthur’s internal struggle), and Man vs. Society (Arthur vs. his own laws and kingdom). Each highlights different challenges faced by the characters.

How can I teach literary conflict using storyboards in the classroom?

To teach literary conflict with storyboards, have students select examples of each conflict type from the text, illustrate them in storyboard panels, and write brief descriptions. This visual approach reinforces understanding and engages students creatively.

What is an example of Man vs. Self conflict in 'Candle in the Wind'?

An example of Man vs. Self in 'Candle in the Wind' is King Arthur’s struggle with guilt and failure as he faces the collapse of his ideals and relationships, questioning whether his vision for the kingdom was truly achievable.

Why is identifying literary conflict important for high school students?

Identifying literary conflict helps high school students analyze character motivations, plot development, and themes. It deepens comprehension and supports critical thinking, which are key skills in ELA curriculum standards.

What are effective ways to help students master literary conflict concepts?

Effective ways include using storyboards, group discussions, real-life scenario comparisons, and encouraging students to categorize and illustrate conflicts from texts. These strategies make abstract concepts concrete and relatable.