(a) Define the term conflict as it relates to literature and explain its importance in narrative writing. Briefly describe the different types of internal and external conflict. Then choose ONE short story or poem you read for this course. Explain how the author introduces, develops, and resolves a major conflict in this narrative.
(b) Recall what you have learned about different genres, or types, of narratives and how to analyze a narrative. Then choose ONE short story you read for this course. State the author’s purpose for writing the story (to inform or explain, to describe, to persuade, or to entertain) and summarize the main idea. Briefly discuss the techniques the author used (such as figurative language or metaphor). Evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques in achieving the author’s purpose.
(c) Identify a major theme in ONE of the stories or poems you read for this course. State the theme in a complete sentence. Then explain how the author develops this theme throughout the story or poem through plot events, character development, dialogue, and other story elements.
Feel free to use one of the following fill-ins to copy/paste/fill-in for the matching above:
(a) When it relates to literature, the term conflict is defined as [...]. Internal conflict is [...]; external conflict is [...]. Conflict is important in narrative writing because [...]. Take, for example, the short story/poem I read in English 2 titled “[...].” The author introduces, develops, and resolves a major conflict in this piece by using [choose one: internal/external] conflict. To introduce conflict, the author wrote “[...]” (page number). This shows [...]. To develop conflict, the author wrote, “[...]” (page number). This shows [...]. To resolve the conflict, the author wrote, “[...]” (page number). This shows [...]. In conclusion, conflict is a vital element of literature.
(b) The selection I read in English 2 titled “[...]” is a great example of the narrative genre. To summarize the story, it’s about [...]. The author’s purpose for writing was to [choose one: inform, explain, describe, persuade, or to entertain]. The author used a couple of writing techniques to accomplish this, including [choose two: figurative language, metaphor, etc.]. For example, writing the words “[...]” illustrated the first; in addition, writing the words “[...]” showcased the second (page number range). Overall, these techniques [choose one: were/weren’t] effective in achieving the author’s purpose because [...].
(c) In English 2, we read a selection titled “[...].” When analyzing its main theme, it is clear the universal message is: [...]. The author develops this theme through plot events, character development, dialogue, and other story elements. For example, plot events showed this theme when [...] (page number). Additionally, characters illustrated this theme through their [choose one: words, thoughts, or actions], such as when [...] (page number). Lastly, dialogue addressed this theme when [...] said, “[...]” (page number). Overall, the author crafted work which taught a lesson about [...].
Please use the book Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
(a) When it relates to literature, the term conflict is defined as the struggle between opposing forces or ideas. Internal conflict is the psychological or emotional struggle within a character, often involving competing desires or beliefs. External conflict, on the other hand, is the struggle between a character and an outside force, such as another character, society, or nature. Conflict is important in narrative writing because it drives the plot, creates tension and suspense, and allows for the development of characters and themes. It adds depth and complexity to the story, keeping readers engaged and interested.
In the novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, the author introduces, develops, and resolves a major conflict through both internal and external conflicts. One major external conflict is the conflict between Huck and society. Society's expectations and rules clash with Huck's desire for freedom and individuality. This conflict is introduced when Huck's abusive father, Pap, returns and threatens his freedom. It is developed as Huck embarks on a journey down the Mississippi River with Jim, a runaway slave, and they encounter various obstacles and prejudices along the way. The conflict is resolved when Huck decides to help Jim escape to freedom, choosing his own sense of morality over societal norms. This resolution highlights the theme of individual conscience and challenges the hypocrisy and cruelty of society.
(b) The short story I chose from the course is "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant. The author's purpose for writing this story is to convey a lesson or moral about the consequences of pride and the pursuit of material wealth. The main idea of the story is that appearances can be deceiving and material possessions do not define one's true worth.
To achieve his purpose, Maupassant employs various writing techniques. One technique he uses is irony. The necklace in the story, which Mathilde borrows in order to appear wealthy at a high-society event, turns out to be a fake. This ironic twist reveals the superficiality and vanity of Mathilde's desire for material goods. Another technique used is foreshadowing. The opening lines of the story mention that the main character was born into a family of clerks, hinting at her middle-class status. This foreshadows the dissatisfaction and longing for a higher social status that drives Mathilde's actions throughout the story.
Overall, the author's use of irony and foreshadowing effectively conveys his purpose of critiquing materialism and societal expectations. It highlights the importance of true values and the consequences of letting appearances guide one's decisions.
(c) In Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, one major theme is the conflict between civilization and freedom. The main theme can be stated as: The struggle between societal rules and individual freedom.
Throughout the novel, the author develops this theme through various plot events, character development, dialogue, and other story elements. The plot events depict Huck's journey on the Mississippi River, where he often finds himself torn between the freedom of nature and the restrictions of society. For example, when Huck encounters the Grangerfords and the Shepherdsons, two feuding families, he witnesses the destructive power of societal rules and expectations. This plot event showcases the negative consequences of adhering blindly to societal norms.
Character development also contributes to the theme. As Huck spends more time with Jim, he begins to question the morality of slavery and the societal views that support it. This development shows Huck's growing awareness of the conflict between civilization and freedom.
In terms of dialogue, Huck's internal thoughts and conversations with Jim address the theme directly. For instance, when Huck wrestles with his conscience over whether to turn Jim in as an escaped slave, he grapples with the societal expectations that surround him. This dialogue highlights the internal conflict Huck experiences as he navigates the tension between civilization and freedom.
Overall, Mark Twain skillfully develops the theme of the conflict between civilization and freedom throughout the novel by incorporating plot events, character development, dialogue, and other story elements. The exploration of this theme offers a deep critique of societal norms and encourages readers to question the boundaries and restrictions imposed by civilization.