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!
In “Blues Ain’t No Mockin Bird”, conflict is not only present, but is also an important recurring element. Much of the conflict stems from the exploitation and refusal of the cameramen to respect the rights of the Cain family.
Granny is upset with the cameramen who refuse to leave her property.
The cameramen are judging and exploiting the family because they are poor. They make a comment that it is for the country’s food stamps program. Granny gets annoyed because she is hardworking and humble and doesn't want to be stereotyped.
Granddaddy is able to kill a hawk in the air by throwing his hammer at it.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict in "Blues Ain’t No Mockin Bird".
Engage students in active learning by organizing a classroom debate centered on the types of conflict in "Blues Ain't No Mockingbird." This method encourages critical thinking and helps students articulate their understanding of literary conflict.
Choose specific examples of conflict from the story, such as Man vs. Man or Man vs. Society. Clear topics help students focus their arguments and connect directly to the text.
Split your class into teams, giving each group a position to argue (e.g., which conflict is most important or impactful). Roles give students ownership and ensure everyone participates.
Encourage each group to find specific quotes or scenes that support their position. Using evidence builds analytical skills and strengthens their arguments.
Act as a moderator, ensuring each group presents their case and responds to counterpoints. Model respectful listening and guide students to back up opinions with textual details.
Wrap up by discussing what students learned about literary conflict and how their perspectives changed. Reflection deepens understanding and connects debate skills to literary analysis.
The main types of literary conflict in "Blues Ain't No Mockingbird" include Man vs. Man (Granny vs. the cameramen), Man vs. Society (the family's struggle against stereotypes and exploitation), and Man vs. Nature (Granddaddy vs. the hawk). Each conflict highlights different challenges faced by the characters.
To teach literary conflict with "Blues Ain't No Mockingbird," have students identify examples of conflict in the story, categorize them (e.g., Character vs. Character, Character vs. Society), and create storyboards illustrating each type. This visual approach helps reinforce understanding and makes lessons more engaging.
An example of Man vs. Society conflict is when the cameramen judge and exploit the Cain family for a food stamps program, reinforcing negative stereotypes. Granny's annoyance reflects her resistance to being labeled and her desire for respect.
Storyboarding is effective because it allows students to visually organize and depict conflicts, deepening comprehension. It encourages critical thinking, creativity, and discussion, making abstract concepts like literary conflict easier to understand for high school students.
Instruct students to identify at least three types of conflict in the story, categorize them (such as Character vs. Character or Character vs. Society), illustrate each conflict using the storyboard creator, and write a brief description explaining each scene. This structured approach promotes both analysis and creativity.