Literary Conflict Types and Analysis

Exam Format

• Sight Passage (33 marks): Read a 3-page short story (unseen).
• Answer 8-10 questions in full sentences.
• Some questions may have multiple parts or use APEC/PPEC formats.
• Identify literary devices.
• Make text-to-self, text-to-world, or text-to-text connections.
• Review materials: Literary terms, story elements, figurative language list, and homework answers.

Part A: Terms and Definitions

Conflict Types

• Person vs. Person: A disagreement between characters (e.g., two friends arguing).
• Person vs. Self: A character's internal struggle (e.g., guilt).
• Person vs. Nature: A character facing natural forces (e.g., a tsunami).
• Person vs. Supernatural: A character confronting ghostly or mythical entities.
• Person vs. Fate: A character's battle against destiny.
• Person vs. Technology: A person struggling against an advanced technology, often malicious.
• Person vs. Society: A character opposing unfair laws or customs.

Narrative Elements

• Plot: A series of events unfolding, often a hero's journey.
• Setting: The environment of a story (e.g., a magical village).
• Character: The individuals in the story (e.g., a brave boy).
• Point of View: The perspective (e.g., first person using "I").
• Theme: An underlying message or idea.

Narrative Points of View

• First-person: The narrator is a character ("I," "we") - creates personal insight.
• Second-person: The narrator speaks to the reader ("You") - creates immersive engagement.
• Third-person omniscient: The narrator knows all characters' thoughts and feelings - comprehensive view.
• Third-person limited: The narrator knows only one character's thoughts and feelings - intimate connection.

Protagonist and Antagonist

• Protagonist: The main character, driving the story forward (e.g., a hero).
• Antagonist: The opponent of the protagonist (often a villain).

Character Types

• Flat/Static Character: Does not change throughout the story.
• Round/Dynamic Character: Undergoes significant change.

Plot Structure

• Exposition: Introduction of characters, setting, background.
• Inciting Incident: Event triggering the main plot.
• Rising Action: Building tension leading to the climax.
• Climax: The most intense point in the story.
• Falling Action: Events following the climax, leading to resolution.
• Resolution/Denouement: Conclusion, conflicts resolved.

Figurative Language

• Figurative language enhances writing by making comparisons.
• Examples: Metaphor (direct comparison), Simile (comparison using "like" or "as"), Personification (human qualities to non-humans), Hyperbole (exaggeration), Alliteration (repetition of initial consonant sounds), Onomatopoeia (sound words), Oxymoron (contradictory terms together), Idiom (a phrase with non-literal meaning), Symbolism (symbols representing ideas), Imagery (appealing to senses).

Irony

• Verbal Irony: Saying one thing, meaning another (sarcasm).
• Situational Irony: The opposite of what is expected happens.
• Dramatic Irony: The audience knows something the characters do not.