Storyboarding is an excellent way to focus on types of literary conflicts.
Having students create storyboards that show the cause and effect of different types of conflicts strengthens analytical thinking about literary concepts. 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.
The primary conflict of the novel is the Union versus the Confederate forces. The battle depicted in the novel is thought to be modeled after the Battle of Chancellorsville in New York. While there are many battles and skirmishes described in the novel, the Union soldiers storming the Confederate hold behind the farming fence is particularly poignant to show the battle between foes.
Henry is plagued by guilt and shame over his desertion of his comrades in battle, and later his desertion of Jim Conklin and the tattered soldier in the woods. When he is overcome by these thoughts and emotions, he imagines that his fellow soldiers can see his shame. It causes him to lash out in anger at the rebels and even at Wilson.
The woods and landscape are both friend and foe to the soldiers on the battlefield. On one hand, it provides shelter for the Union forces during battle; on the other hand, it provides cover for the enemy during battle. As Henry retreats from his first battle into the woods, he imagines that the brush he is walking through is creating such a ruckus that everyone can hear him walking away from battle. He feels betrayed by the woods, much like how he betrayed his regiment.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict in The Red Badge of Courage.
Start your lesson by having students brainstorm types of conflict they’ve seen in books or movies. This sparks engagement and helps students connect prior knowledge to new concepts.
Read a passage from The Red Badge of Courage aloud and narrate your thought process as you identify the conflict. This demonstrates critical thinking and shows students how to break down literature.
Divide your class into small groups and assign each group a different scene from the novel. Encourage discussion as they pinpoint the type of conflict and justify their choices. This builds teamwork and deeper understanding.
Bring groups together to share their identified conflicts. Highlight similarities and differences, and invite students to explain their reasoning. This reinforces analytical skills and promotes respectful debate.
Ask students to reflect on real-life situations where they’ve faced similar conflicts. This personal connection makes the concept more meaningful and memorable.
The main types of literary conflict in The Red Badge of Courage are man vs. man (Union vs. Confederate soldiers), man vs. self (Henry's internal struggle with guilt and shame), and man vs. nature (the challenging battlefield environment). These conflicts help drive the novel’s plot and character development.
To teach literary conflict with storyboards, have students select examples of each conflict type from The Red Badge of Courage and illustrate them. Each cell should show the scene, label the conflict (e.g., Character vs. Self), and include a brief description explaining why it fits that category.
An example of man vs. self conflict is when Henry struggles with guilt after fleeing battle and abandoning his comrades. His internal turmoil shapes his actions and growth throughout the story.
Understanding conflict is key to analyzing The Red Badge of Courage because it reveals characters’ motivations, drives the plot, and highlights important themes such as courage, fear, and personal growth.
Man vs. man conflict involves battles between the Union and Confederate soldiers, while man vs. nature conflict centers on the soldiers’ struggle with the environment, such as dense woods providing both cover and obstacles during battle.