Respond to ONE of the following questions. Your response should include the following to receive the points in parentheses:
Respond in a well-organized essay. Your answer should be written in complete sentences. (16 pts)
(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.
Select the link to access the English Essay Rubric.
(a) Conflict in literature refers to the struggle or clash between opposing forces. It is an essential element in narrative writing as it drives the plot, creates tension and suspense, and allows for character development. Conflict can be categorized into two types: internal conflict and external conflict.
Internal conflict occurs within a character's mind, involving a struggle between their thoughts, emotions, or desires. It is often depicted as a dilemma or a moral choice. Examples include a character torn between right and wrong, battling their own fears or doubts, or struggling with their identity or values.
External conflict, on the other hand, involves a character's struggle against an outside force, which can be another character, society, nature, or fate. External conflicts can take the form of physical confrontations, social pressures, or a character's efforts to overcome obstacles or reach their goals.
In the short story "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant, the author introduces a major conflict through the character of Mathilde Loisel. Mathilde longs to be part of the upper class and constantly dreams about a life of luxury and extravagance. However, her modest social position and limited resources create an internal conflict within her. She feels trapped and unhappy in her middle-class existence, yearning for something more.
When Mathilde borrows a beautiful diamond necklace from a friend to wear to a high society event, an external conflict arises. She loses the necklace and faces the fear of being exposed and the burden of replacing it. This external conflict intensifies the internal conflict within Mathilde as she becomes consumed by guilt and despair.
The author develops this conflict through various plot events. After losing the necklace, Mathilde and her husband make sacrifices and go into debt to purchase a replacement. They spend ten years living in poverty to repay their debts, all because of Mathilde's longing for wealth and social status.
Character development also plays a significant role in the resolution of the conflict. Mathilde's experiences of hardship and struggle transform her from a materialistic and discontented woman into a humbled and grateful individual. This transformation is a result of the consequences of her actions and the realization that the necklace she lost was a fake.
In the end, Mathilde confesses the truth about the lost necklace to her wealthy friend, who reveals that the original necklace was a cheap imitation. This resolution brings closure to the conflict, highlighting the theme of the cost of appearances and the dangers of greed.
Overall, "The Necklace" effectively introduces, develops, and resolves the conflict within the narrative. Through this conflict, the author explores the consequences of one's desires and the illusions of social status, ultimately delivering a powerful message to the readers.
Word Count: 430 words