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https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/the-red-badge-of-courage-by-stephen-crane/literary-conflict
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan 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 The Red Badge of Courage
MAN vs. MAN
The primary conflict of the novel is the Union versus the Confederate forces. The battle depicted in the novel is thought to be modeled after the Battle of Chancellorsville in New York. While there are many battles and skirmishes described in the novel, the Union soldiers storming the Confederate hold behind the farming fence is particularly poignant to show the battle between foes.
MAN vs. SELF
Henry is plagued by guilt and shame over his desertion of his comrades in battle, and later his desertion of Jim Conklin and the tattered soldier in the woods. When he is overcome by these thoughts and emotions, he imagines that his fellow soldiers can see his shame. It causes him to lash out in anger at the rebels and even at Wilson.
MAN vs. NATURE
The woods and landscape are both friend and foe to the soldiers on the battlefield. On one hand, it provides shelter for the Union forces during battle; on the other hand, it provides cover for the enemy during battle. As Henry retreats from his first battle into the woods, he imagines that the brush he is walking through is creating such a ruckus that everyone can hear him walking away from battle. He feels betrayed by the woods, much like how he betrayed his regiment.
Template and Class Instructions
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 Red Badge of Courage.
- Identify conflicts in The Red Badge of Courage.
- 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
Student Rubric
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. |
Lesson Plan 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 The Red Badge of Courage
MAN vs. MAN
The primary conflict of the novel is the Union versus the Confederate forces. The battle depicted in the novel is thought to be modeled after the Battle of Chancellorsville in New York. While there are many battles and skirmishes described in the novel, the Union soldiers storming the Confederate hold behind the farming fence is particularly poignant to show the battle between foes.
MAN vs. SELF
Henry is plagued by guilt and shame over his desertion of his comrades in battle, and later his desertion of Jim Conklin and the tattered soldier in the woods. When he is overcome by these thoughts and emotions, he imagines that his fellow soldiers can see his shame. It causes him to lash out in anger at the rebels and even at Wilson.
MAN vs. NATURE
The woods and landscape are both friend and foe to the soldiers on the battlefield. On one hand, it provides shelter for the Union forces during battle; on the other hand, it provides cover for the enemy during battle. As Henry retreats from his first battle into the woods, he imagines that the brush he is walking through is creating such a ruckus that everyone can hear him walking away from battle. He feels betrayed by the woods, much like how he betrayed his regiment.
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 Red Badge of Courage.
- Identify conflicts in The Red Badge of Courage.
- 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
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. |
How Tos about Literary Conflict in The Red Badge of Courage
1
Introduce literary conflict with a quick class activity
Start your lesson by having students brainstorm types of conflict they’ve seen in books or movies. This sparks engagement and helps students connect prior knowledge to new concepts.
2
Model analyzing conflict with a think-aloud
Read a passage from The Red Badge of Courage aloud and narrate your thought process as you identify the conflict. This demonstrates critical thinking and shows students how to break down literature.
3
Guide students in identifying conflict collaboratively
Divide your class into small groups and assign each group a different scene from the novel. Encourage discussion as they pinpoint the type of conflict and justify their choices. This builds teamwork and deeper understanding.
4
Facilitate a class discussion to compare findings
Bring groups together to share their identified conflicts. Highlight similarities and differences, and invite students to explain their reasoning. This reinforces analytical skills and promotes respectful debate.
5
Connect literary conflict to students' lives
Ask students to reflect on real-life situations where they’ve faced similar conflicts. This personal connection makes the concept more meaningful and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Literary Conflict in The Red Badge of Courage
What are the main types of literary conflict in The Red Badge of Courage?
The main types of literary conflict in The Red Badge of Courage are man vs. man (Union vs. Confederate soldiers), man vs. self (Henry's internal struggle with guilt and shame), and man vs. nature (the challenging battlefield environment). These conflicts help drive the novel’s plot and character development.
How can I teach literary conflict using storyboards in The Red Badge of Courage?
To teach literary conflict with storyboards, have students select examples of each conflict type from The Red Badge of Courage and illustrate them. Each cell should show the scene, label the conflict (e.g., Character vs. Self), and include a brief description explaining why it fits that category.
What is an example of man vs. self conflict in The Red Badge of Courage?
An example of man vs. self conflict is when Henry struggles with guilt after fleeing battle and abandoning his comrades. His internal turmoil shapes his actions and growth throughout the story.
Why is understanding conflict important when studying The Red Badge of Courage?
Understanding conflict is key to analyzing The Red Badge of Courage because it reveals characters’ motivations, drives the plot, and highlights important themes such as courage, fear, and personal growth.
What is the difference between man vs. man and man vs. nature conflicts in The Red Badge of Courage?
Man vs. man conflict involves battles between the Union and Confederate soldiers, while man vs. nature conflict centers on the soldiers’ struggle with the environment, such as dense woods providing both cover and obstacles during battle.
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Red Badge of Courage, The
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StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
