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Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
Storyboarding is an excellent way to focus on types of literary conflict. 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. There are two separate plot lines in “The Miller’s Tale”. Have your students track one or both!
Examples of Literary Conflict in “The Miller’s Tale”
MAN vs. MAN
Absolon decides to take his revenge on Alisoun for sticking her rear end out of the window, instead of her mouth, for him to kiss. He goes to get a hot poker.
MAN vs. SELF
Alisoun is reluctant to begin cheating on her husband, John, with Nicholas, at first.
MAN vs. SOCIETY
After being made a cuckold by Alisoun and Nicholas and falling for the “second flood” scheme, John is mocked by his neighbors, townspeople, and Alisoun and Nicholas for his naivety and foolishness.
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(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 one of the Canterbury Tales.
- Identify conflicts in your selected tale.
- Categorize each conflict as Character vs. Character, Character vs. Self, Character vs. Society, Character vs. Nature, or Character vs. Technology.
- Illustrate conflicts in the cells, using characters from the story.
- Write a short description of the conflict below the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Types of Literary Conflict Rubric
Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict from the story. Support your choices with evidence from the text.
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Try Again | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conflict Identification | Student identifies correct major conflicts and uses strong, clear textual evidence to support choice. | Student identifies correct major conflict and uses few or unclear details to support their choice. | Student identifies incorrect major conflict, and uses some details from the text to support their choice. | Student does not attempt to identify major conflict or identifies incorrect major conflict with no explanation. |
| Understanding Outcome | Student clearly shows the outcome of the conflict and its effects on the protagonist with evidence from the text. | Student shows the outcome of the conflict and its effect on the protagonist, but some evidence is unclear. | Student shows the outcome of the conflict, but does not examine its effect on the protagonist and uses some vague textual evidence. | Student does not clearly show the outcome of the conflict or use textual evidence. |
| Character | Storyboard includes all required characters and clearly names them. Goes above and beyond by adding additional details. | Storyboard includes all required characters and clearly names them. | Storyboard includes protagonist and antagonist but leaves out other required characters. | Storyboard does not include the names of required characters. |
| Storyboard | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting the scene of the book | Student attempts to convey setting and scene of the book, but lacks some clarity. | Student does not clearly convey the setting and scene. | Student makes little or no attempt to convey the setting or scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes a minor error in spelling and grammar. | Student makes several minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes many errors in spelling and grammar; little attempt at spellchecking. |
Lesson Plan Overview
Storyboarding is an excellent way to focus on types of literary conflict. 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. There are two separate plot lines in “The Miller’s Tale”. Have your students track one or both!
Examples of Literary Conflict in “The Miller’s Tale”
MAN vs. MAN
Absolon decides to take his revenge on Alisoun for sticking her rear end out of the window, instead of her mouth, for him to kiss. He goes to get a hot poker.
MAN vs. SELF
Alisoun is reluctant to begin cheating on her husband, John, with Nicholas, at first.
MAN vs. SOCIETY
After being made a cuckold by Alisoun and Nicholas and falling for the “second flood” scheme, John is mocked by his neighbors, townspeople, and Alisoun and Nicholas for his naivety and foolishness.
Template and Class Instructions
(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 one of the Canterbury Tales.
- Identify conflicts in your selected tale.
- Categorize each conflict as Character vs. Character, Character vs. Self, Character vs. Society, Character vs. Nature, or Character vs. Technology.
- Illustrate conflicts in the cells, using characters from the story.
- Write a short description of the conflict below the cell.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Types of Literary Conflict Rubric
Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict from the story. Support your choices with evidence from the text.
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Try Again | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conflict Identification | Student identifies correct major conflicts and uses strong, clear textual evidence to support choice. | Student identifies correct major conflict and uses few or unclear details to support their choice. | Student identifies incorrect major conflict, and uses some details from the text to support their choice. | Student does not attempt to identify major conflict or identifies incorrect major conflict with no explanation. |
| Understanding Outcome | Student clearly shows the outcome of the conflict and its effects on the protagonist with evidence from the text. | Student shows the outcome of the conflict and its effect on the protagonist, but some evidence is unclear. | Student shows the outcome of the conflict, but does not examine its effect on the protagonist and uses some vague textual evidence. | Student does not clearly show the outcome of the conflict or use textual evidence. |
| Character | Storyboard includes all required characters and clearly names them. Goes above and beyond by adding additional details. | Storyboard includes all required characters and clearly names them. | Storyboard includes protagonist and antagonist but leaves out other required characters. | Storyboard does not include the names of required characters. |
| Storyboard | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting the scene of the book | Student attempts to convey setting and scene of the book, but lacks some clarity. | Student does not clearly convey the setting and scene. | Student makes little or no attempt to convey the setting or scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes a minor error in spelling and grammar. | Student makes several minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes many errors in spelling and grammar; little attempt at spellchecking. |
How Tos about Literary Conflict in \"The Miller\'s Tale\"
1
Engage students with a collaborative conflict analysis activity
Boost classroom participation by dividing students into small groups and assigning each group a different type of literary conflict from “The Miller’s Tale”. Each group discusses, analyzes, and presents their conflict using examples from the text. This approach encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and deeper understanding of literary concepts.
2
Assign groups and clarify conflict types
Organize students into groups and assign each group a specific conflict type, such as Character vs. Character or Character vs. Society. Define each conflict type so students know what to look for in the story and can focus their analysis effectively.
3
Guide students to find textual evidence
Instruct groups to locate passages in the text that illustrate their assigned conflict. Encourage students to use direct quotes or paraphrase key scenes, ensuring their analysis is grounded in the story.
4
Facilitate group discussion and analysis
Prompt students to discuss how the conflict impacts characters and the overall plot. Ask guiding questions like: How does this conflict drive the story forward? What choices do the characters make as a result?
5
Have groups present findings to the class
Invite each group to present their conflict analysis to the class, using visuals or brief skits if possible. Encourage classmates to ask questions or add insights, creating an interactive and supportive learning environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Literary Conflict in \"The Miller\'s Tale\"
What are the main types of literary conflict in 'The Miller's Tale'?
'The Miller's Tale' features several types of literary conflict, including Man vs. Man (Absolon's revenge on Alisoun), Man vs. Self (Alisoun's internal struggle about cheating), and Man vs. Society (John being mocked by the townspeople). These conflicts drive the plot and character development.
How can students storyboard literary conflict in 'The Miller's Tale'?
Students can use a storyboard creator to visually represent scenes showing different conflicts from 'The Miller's Tale.' For each, they should illustrate the conflict, categorize it (e.g., Character vs. Character), and provide a brief description explaining how the scene fits that conflict type.
What is an example of Man vs. Self conflict in 'The Miller's Tale'?
An example of Man vs. Self conflict is when Alisoun feels reluctant and conflicted about starting an affair with Nicholas, showing her internal struggle before deciding to cheat on her husband, John.
Why is understanding literary conflict important in teaching 'The Miller's Tale'?
Understanding literary conflict helps students analyze character motivations, plot dynamics, and themes. It encourages deeper reading and critical thinking, making 'The Miller's Tale' more engaging and meaningful in the classroom.
What are some tips for teaching literary conflict to high school students?
Use visual aids like storyboards, connect conflicts to students' experiences, categorize conflicts clearly (e.g., Character vs. Society), and encourage students to identify and discuss different types of conflict in familiar stories such as 'The Miller's Tale.'
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StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
