CONFLICT
Conflict is the essence of fiction. It creates plot. The conflicts we encounter can usually be identified as one of four kinds.
Man versus Man
Conflict that pits one person against another.
Man versus Nature
A run-in with the forces of nature. On the one hand, it expresses the insignificance of a single human life in the cosmic scheme of things. On the other hand, it tests the limits of a person’s strength and will to live.
Man versus Society
The values and customs by which everyone else lives are being challenged. The character may come to an untimely end as a result of his or her own convictions. The character may, on the other hand, bring others around to a sympathetic point of view, or it may be decided that society was right after all.
Man versus Self
Internal conflict. Not all conflict involves other people. Sometimes people are their own worst enemies. An internal conflict is a good test of a character’s values. Does he give in to temptation or rise above it? Does he demand the most from himself or settle for something less? Does he even bother to struggle? The internal conflicts of a character and how they are resolved are good clues to the character’s inner strength.
Often, more than one kind of conflict is taking place at the same time. In every case, however, the existence of conflict enhances the reader’s understanding of a character and creates the suspense and interest that make you want to continue reading.
Cite an example of conflict from your current readings by completing the following:
1) State the name of the work of fiction
2) Describe the situation in which conflict taking place
3) Label the type of conflict that is occurring.
Example
1) Into the Wild
2) Chris McCandless goes into the Alaskan wilderness with the goal of surviving off the land; however, his struggle to survive ends tragically.
3) man vs. nature
* note- several other forms of conflict also occur in this novel
5 comments:
1) The Good Earth
2) Wang Lung wonders to himself whether he should buy more land from the House of Hwang. If he does he will have no more spare silver to spend. But if he doesn't, the town will view him as a poor, common farmer.
3) Man vs. Self
1) The Californian's Tale
2) Mark Twain writes about a person searching for gold in a deserted miner's town. He meets a miner who has lost his wife years before but the miner has made himself believe that she will return after visiting her family. He is living his life believing what is not the truth and his friends help him do this because they fear what will happen to him if he realizes the truth.
3) Mans vs. Self
By Jordan Zuniga
1. Brigid
2. Owen and his wife always had disagreements over Owen’s sister Brigid. Brigid needed special care because she had a disability. She was mentally slow, and Owen was afraid of her living by herself. One day when the children were out, Owen and his wife had a fight about it. Owen had always wanted Brigid to live with them so she could be safe, but his wife didn’t want her to stay so she made up excuses. After their fight, the story ended in tragedy.
3. Man vs. Man
In "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W.Jacobs, a sergeant wants Mr. White to destroy a magical monkey's paw, but Mr. White refuses. Even after several warnings, Mr. White still insists on keeping the paw. This is an example of man vs. man conflict.
1)Withering Heights
2)Cathy fights between her old and new life. She is not used to having money and is pulling away from Heathclif because of it. He also doesn't like how she has changed.
3)man vs. self
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