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.
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.
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.
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.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict in Twelfth Night.
Organize a class debate where students defend or challenge how conflicts are resolved in Twelfth Night. This interactive activity encourages critical thinking and helps students articulate their understanding of each conflict type.
Divide your class into small teams and assign each a specific conflict from the play (e.g., Man vs. Man, Man vs. Self). This approach ensures focused preparation and gives every student a clear role.
Have students find quotes and scenes from Twelfth Night that illustrate their assigned conflict. This step builds close reading skills and grounds arguments in the text.
Encourage each team to create a list of points supporting their viewpoint and possible counterpoints. This fosters collaboration and helps students anticipate opposing arguments.
Moderate the debate, ensuring each team presents and responds. Emphasize respectful listening and clear communication so all students feel heard and engaged.
Twelfth Night features several types of literary conflict, including Man vs. Man (character vs. character), Man vs. Self (internal conflict), and Man vs. Nature (struggles against external forces like the shipwreck). Each type drives the plot and reveals character motivations.
To teach literary conflict with storyboards, have students identify examples of conflict in Twelfth Night, categorize them (e.g., character vs. character, self, nature), visually illustrate each scene, and write brief explanations. This hands-on activity deepens understanding and analytical skills.
One example of character vs. self in Twelfth Night is Malvolio's struggle after being tricked by a fake letter. He begins to doubt his sanity and questions his own perceptions, showcasing an internal conflict.
Identifying literary conflict helps students understand character motivations, plot development, and thematic depth in Shakespeare's plays. It encourages critical thinking and allows students to connect emotionally with the story.
The best way is to use visual tools like storyboards to categorize and illustrate each conflict type, such as character vs. character or character vs. nature. Short written descriptions reinforce comprehension and help students distinguish between conflict categories.