subject: Tips for Teaching Literary Analysis - Conflict & Resolution and The Silver Chair [print this page] Tips for Teaching Literary Analysis - Conflict & Resolution and The Silver Chair
In a Narnia unit study based upon the seven Chronicles of Narnia books by C.S. Lewis, we've been learning about literary elements. The next "tool" for our review is the tandem pair of conflict and resolution. Conflict may be defined as the opposition a character faces in a story, while resolution implies how that problem is solved.
Conflict and its resolution are essential to the plot of any story, especially in The Silver Chair. In fact, without conflict there really is no plot (the third literary element we studied in a Narnia unit study). Usually, the conflict is found near the beginning or introduction of the story; the resolution is often found at the end or conclusion of the story. Conflict is what makes a story exciting, what makes us not want to put a good book down until we've read to the end! Good stories have many conflicts, big and little, faced by several of the characters, but one problem usually stands out as the major conflict the main characters, also known as the protagonist, faces. (For more in-depth information about characters, especially the protagonist, utilize a Narnia unit study.)
To think about the conflict in a story to The Silver Chair, we can ask ourselves which of type of struggle the characters are facing. Is it:
1. Character vs. character (a character struggles against other men, animals, or forces of nature)?
2. Character vs. circumstances (the character has difficulties with circumstances of his life)?
3. Character vs. society (the character struggles with ideas or against his people)?
4. Character vs. himself (the character faces an internal moral choice or a physical limitation)?
To apply the literary elements of conflict and resolution to The Silver Chair, think about Eustace and his classmate, Jill Pole. What major conflicts mentioned above are these characters facing in the beginning as they follow the signs in Narnia? What conflicts are faced by Puddleglum and March-wiggle as they search for Rilian? How are these conflicts resolved? Write down your answer as you study the four Narnia unit study choices above.
The conflict and its resolution are an important part of The Silver Chair story's plot. But keep in mind that you probably won't be able to discuss the resolution until you finish reading the book. A good author like C.S. Lewis keeps you in suspense, adding plenty of other conflicts internal and external along the way. For more ideas about this story, see the section in a Narnia unit study.
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Melanie Hexter is the author of The Chronicles of Narnia unit study, a LEMILOE Publishing "Winning at Literature" comprehensive literature-based unit study that provides teachers and home school parents with a step-by-step guide for teaching literary analysis while exploring the wonders of Narnia. To learn more about this study, visit www.NarniaUnitStudy.com.
