Literary Conflict in Twelfth Night

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.

Examples of Literary Conflict in Twelfth Night

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MAN vs. MAN

Sir Andrew is very jealous of Cesario because he holds the attentions of the Countess Olivia, even though Cesario is really Viola in disguise. He challenges Cesario to a duel at the prompting of Sir Toby, but after Antonio intervenes, thinking Cesario is Sebastian, Sir Andrew holds onto his grudge until he sees Sebastian and attacks him, thinking he is Cesario.

MAN vs. SELF

Malvolio, who is also in love with Olivia, is sent a mysterious letter which he believes to be from her, but it was written by Maria. It tells him to do ridiculous things, including smiling incessantly and wearing yellow stockings. Sir Toby, Fabian, and Maria lock him in a dark room, and Feste, the Fool, dresses as a priest and taunts him, making Malvolio begin to wonder if he really has gone mad. He requests a pen and paper so he can write to Olivia for help.

MAN vs. NATURE

A shipwreck at the beginning of the play places twins Viola and Sebastian on the island of Illyria, in the western Balkan islands. Each believes the other has drowned at sea, and they both think they have now lost all of their family members.

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict in Twelfth Night.

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. Identify conflicts in Twelfth Night.
3. Categorize each conflict as Character vs. Character, Character vs. Self, Character vs. Society, Character vs. Nature, or Character vs. Technology.
4. Illustrate conflicts in the cells, using characters from the story.
5. Write a short description of the conflict below the cell.
6. Save and submit the assignment.