Depicting Literary Conflict in A Midsummer Night’s Dream

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!

Conflict between the A Midsummer Night’s Dream characters is an important recurring element. Much of the conflict that arises from the mismatched affections of the young Athenians, and from Puck's attempts to remedy the situation.

Examples of Conflict in A Midsummer Night’s Dream

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MAN vs. SELF

In the beginning, Helena betrays her friend Hermia when she tells Demetrius that Hermia has run off with Lysander. Helena betrays her friend just to get closer to Demetrius, with whom she is in love, even though he does not reciprocate these feelings.

MAN vs. NATURE

Puck, as a faerie, and the Flower of Love, can both be seen as representing nature. Puck's mischief, and the fickle nature of love cause endless confusion among the mortals as they are controlled by the power of love.

MAN vs. MAN

Once Puck tries to "rectify" the situation, and both men to fall in love with Helena, the young Athenians are set against each other by jealousy. Hermia becomes livid with Helena for "taking" both of the men. Demetrius and Lysander are driven to the point of dueling over Helena.

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

1. Identify conflicts in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
2. Categorize each conflict as Character vs. Character, Character vs. Self, Character vs. Society, Character vs. Nature, or Character vs. Technology.
3. Illustrate conflicts in the cells, using characters from the story.
4. Write a short description of the conflict below the cell.
5. Save and submit the assignment.