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!
Conflict is not only present, but is also an important recurring element in this story. Much of the conflict stems from the paranoia and hysteria the people create while they are searching to blame someone.
The residents of Maple St. are unable to control their fear. This leads to Charlie shooting Peter Van Horn.
Paranoia causes neighbors to turn on each other. A perfect example of this is how Charlie turned on Les when his car mysteriously started!
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict in The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street.
Ask the students to analyze the major factors that play a significant role in shaping the setting of the story. These factors can be the time period, the physical environment, the culture and values, and other things such as the role of technology. Students can connect these factors which form the setting with the development of the narrative.
Encourage the students to take into account the neighborhood's condition, the design of the residences, and any unique features as this information can shed light on the way of life and values of the neighborhood. Students can also draw out the setting as described in the story or watch the old episode to get a better gist of what the author is trying to convey.
Even though it isn't stated directly, "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" is thought to have taken place around the early 1960s. Students can reflect on the impact of this time period on the plot and how things could have been different if this story had taken place in the early 2000s or late 1800s.
The people in the 1960s were not aware of any major technological advancements but the author does mention some gadgets of that time period such as cars or radios. Students can analyze how the occupants' sense of risk is heightened by the lack of technology during the power outage.
After students have analyzed a few factors, they can engage in discussions with their peers and teachers to share their opinions and any particular insight they found during the analysis. This discussion will help the students understand different perspectives and reflect on their own analysis.
The primary external issue is the growing distrust and paranoia on Maple Street. They turn on one another, blaming one another for the power loss and claiming to be aliens. This external conflict is supported by the distrust among the residents and the feelings of mass hysteria and panic.
The initial external conflict that starts a series of events is the power outage. The locals feel uneasy and afraid as a result, which makes them suspicious and untrusting.