Storyboarding is an excellent way to focus on types of literary conflict. 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. There are two separate plot lines in “The Miller’s Tale”. Have your students track one or both!
Absolon decides to take his revenge on Alisoun for sticking her rear end out of the window, instead of her mouth, for him to kiss. He goes to get a hot poker.
Alisoun is reluctant to begin cheating on her husband, John, with Nicholas, at first.
After being made a cuckold by Alisoun and Nicholas and falling for the “second flood” scheme, John is mocked by his neighbors, townspeople, and Alisoun and Nicholas for his naivety and foolishness.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict in one of the Canterbury Tales.
Boost classroom participation by dividing students into small groups and assigning each group a different type of literary conflict from “The Miller’s Tale”. Each group discusses, analyzes, and presents their conflict using examples from the text. This approach encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and deeper understanding of literary concepts.
Organize students into groups and assign each group a specific conflict type, such as Character vs. Character or Character vs. Society. Define each conflict type so students know what to look for in the story and can focus their analysis effectively.
Instruct groups to locate passages in the text that illustrate their assigned conflict. Encourage students to use direct quotes or paraphrase key scenes, ensuring their analysis is grounded in the story.
Prompt students to discuss how the conflict impacts characters and the overall plot. Ask guiding questions like: How does this conflict drive the story forward? What choices do the characters make as a result?
Invite each group to present their conflict analysis to the class, using visuals or brief skits if possible. Encourage classmates to ask questions or add insights, creating an interactive and supportive learning environment.
'The Miller's Tale' features several types of literary conflict, including Man vs. Man (Absolon's revenge on Alisoun), Man vs. Self (Alisoun's internal struggle about cheating), and Man vs. Society (John being mocked by the townspeople). These conflicts drive the plot and character development.
Students can use a storyboard creator to visually represent scenes showing different conflicts from 'The Miller's Tale.' For each, they should illustrate the conflict, categorize it (e.g., Character vs. Character), and provide a brief description explaining how the scene fits that conflict type.
An example of Man vs. Self conflict is when Alisoun feels reluctant and conflicted about starting an affair with Nicholas, showing her internal struggle before deciding to cheat on her husband, John.
Understanding literary conflict helps students analyze character motivations, plot dynamics, and themes. It encourages deeper reading and critical thinking, making 'The Miller's Tale' more engaging and meaningful in the classroom.
Use visual aids like storyboards, connect conflicts to students' experiences, categorize conflicts clearly (e.g., Character vs. Society), and encourage students to identify and discuss different types of conflict in familiar stories such as 'The Miller's Tale.'