Constant Conflict! Literary Conflict in The Odyssey

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 The Odyssey, conflict is constantly present. Much of the conflict arises from the obstacles Odysseus faces returning home. The wayward traveler and his crew battle against the dangers of the sea and the challenges of temptations. Odysseus constantly battles the supernatural world so he can return home.

Having students create storyboards that show the cause and effect of different conflicts will reinforce their ability to analyze literature.

( Literary Conflict Lesson Plan • Buy Poster • Buy PDF )

Examples of Literary Conflict from The Odyssey

MAN vs. SELF

Odysseus struggles with himself. He convinces his men to tie him to the mast of the ship in order to hear the Siren's song.

MAN vs. NATURE

Odysseus struggles with nature. The whirlpool (Charybdis) swallows his boat, kills his men, and leaves him adrift in the sea.

MAN vs. SOCIETY

Odysseus struggles with society. After he returns home, he finds his house overrun with suitors.

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict in The Odyssey.

1. Identify conflicts in The Odyssey.
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.