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 Tuesdays with Morrie
MAN vs. NATURE
Morrie has been diagnosed with one of the most terrible diseases a person can suffer through. While his body steadily withers, his mind remains sharp. This creates a tension between the two: Morrie knows he only has so much time, according to his body, but his mind still has so much to share with others.
MAN vs. SELF
Mitch is conflicted by the life he has been leading over the past 16 years. Before, he was a young man driven by principles; however, since he graduated from college and his dreams of becoming a piano player fell through, he’s found himself focusing so much on his journalism career that he’s neglected the things in life that are more important, like family.
MAN vs. SOCIETY
Morrie doesn’t buy into the idea that the sole direction of a man in society should be to make more money and buy more things. He rejects the idea totally, which sets him apart from many others who pursue advertising and a culture which tells them more is better. This also put him into a distinct mindset about death and dying, which sets him apart from others and makes him want to share his knowledge.
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 Tuesdays with Morrie.
- Identify conflicts in Tuesdays with Morrie.
- 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 Tuesdays with Morrie
MAN vs. NATURE
Morrie has been diagnosed with one of the most terrible diseases a person can suffer through. While his body steadily withers, his mind remains sharp. This creates a tension between the two: Morrie knows he only has so much time, according to his body, but his mind still has so much to share with others.
MAN vs. SELF
Mitch is conflicted by the life he has been leading over the past 16 years. Before, he was a young man driven by principles; however, since he graduated from college and his dreams of becoming a piano player fell through, he’s found himself focusing so much on his journalism career that he’s neglected the things in life that are more important, like family.
MAN vs. SOCIETY
Morrie doesn’t buy into the idea that the sole direction of a man in society should be to make more money and buy more things. He rejects the idea totally, which sets him apart from many others who pursue advertising and a culture which tells them more is better. This also put him into a distinct mindset about death and dying, which sets him apart from others and makes him want to share his knowledge.
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 Tuesdays with Morrie.
- Identify conflicts in Tuesdays with Morrie.
- 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 Tuesdays with Morrie
Easily Differentiate Literary Conflict Lessons for Diverse Learners
Adapt your storyboard activity to meet the needs of all students by offering multiple ways to demonstrate understanding. Provide sentence starters, visual supports, or allow verbal explanations for students who need them. Differentiation ensures every learner can access and engage with literary conflict concepts.
Select literary conflicts from the text
Choose specific moments in Tuesdays with Morrie that clearly show different types of conflict. Focus on scenes that are easy for students to identify and discuss, making it simpler for them to connect the concept with the story.
Guide students in categorizing each conflict
Help students label each conflict as Character vs. Character, Self, Society, or Nature. Use examples from the book to clarify each category, reinforcing students’ understanding with concrete evidence.
Model how to illustrate conflicts in storyboards
Demonstrate how to visually represent conflicts using the storyboard tool. Show how to select characters, settings, and actions that capture the essence of each conflict, so students can confidently create their own scenes.
Encourage students to explain their storyboard choices
Ask students to write or share a brief description under each storyboard cell explaining why it fits a certain conflict type. This builds critical thinking and helps them justify their interpretations using text evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions about Literary Conflict in Tuesdays with Morrie
What are the main types of literary conflict in Tuesdays with Morrie?
Tuesdays with Morrie features several types of literary conflict, including Man vs. Nature (Morrie's struggle with his disease), Man vs. Self (Mitch's internal struggles about life choices), and Man vs. Society (Morrie rejecting societal values). These conflicts drive character development and key themes in the story.
How can I teach literary conflict using storyboards for Tuesdays with Morrie?
To teach literary conflict with storyboards, have students identify scenes that represent different conflicts in Tuesdays with Morrie, illustrate them visually, and write brief explanations. This method helps students analyze cause and effect in the story and categorize conflicts clearly.
What is an example of Man vs. Nature in Tuesdays with Morrie?
An example of Man vs. Nature in the story is Morrie's battle with ALS. While his body weakens, his mind stays alert, creating tension between his physical limitations and his desire to share wisdom.
Why is teaching conflict important in high school literature classes?
Teaching conflict helps students understand character motivations, plot development, and themes. It encourages critical thinking and deeper literary analysis, essential skills for high school students.
What are some storyboard ideas for exploring conflict in Tuesdays with Morrie?
Storyboard ideas include illustrating Morrie's fight against his illness, Mitch's internal struggle with his life priorities, and Morrie's stance against societal norms. Each cell should show the conflict visually and provide a short description.
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