The Giver Elements of Literature: CONFLICT
Conflict results from two opposing forces in a story. Four common types of conflict are:
• Man vs. himself (internal) – a character experiences conflict between forces within himself
• Man vs. man – a character experiences a conflict with another person
• Man vs. nature – a character struggles to overcome forces of nature
• Man vs. society – a character struggles with elements of his society

Complete the activity below. Identify which type of conflict is present and explain it. Use complete sentences and be thorough in your explanation.

Example:
“Well . . .” Jonas had to stop and think it through. “If everything’s the same, then there aren’t any choices! I want to wake up in the morning and decide things! A blue tunic, or a red one?” He looked down at himself, at the colorless fabric of his clothing. “But it’s all the same, always.”

Type
man vs. society
Explanation
Jonas is frustrated with the restrictions and lack of choices placed on his life by the community’s structure.
Effect
Instead of just accepting the community’s rules, Jonas chooses to begin pushing against and breaking some of the rules

"Climate control. Snow made growing food difficult, limited the agricultural periods. And unpredictable weather made transportation almost impossible at times." (Ch 12)

Type

Explanation

"Do you love me?" there was an awkward silence for a moment. "Precision of language, please!" Jonas's father replied." (Ch 16)

Type

Explanation

Jonas went and sat beside them while his father untied Lily’s hair ribbons and combed her hair. He placed one hand on each of their shoulders. With all of his being he tried to give each of them a piece of the memory…But his father had continued to comb Lily’s long hair, and Lily, impatient, had finally wiggled under her brother’s touch. “Jonas,” she said, “you’re hurting me with your hand.”

Type

Explanation

But the runners, this time, couldn’t slice through the frozen expanse as they had on the other, snow-cushioned hill. They skittered sideways and the sled gathered speed. Jonas pulled at the rope, trying to steer, but the steepness and speed took control from his hands and he was no longer enjoying the feeling of freedom but instead, terrified, was at the mercy of the wild acceleration downward over the ice. (pg. 108)

Type

Explanation

“Well . . .” Jonas had to stop and think it through. “If everything’s the same, then there aren’t any choices! I want to wake up in the morning and decide things! A blue tunic, or a red one?”

He looked down at himself, at the colorless fabric of his clothing. “But it’s all the same, always.” (pg. 97)

Type

Explanation

Rubric:
Correctly identified the five types of conflict (one per question): 50 points
Provided a thorough explanation (in complete sentences and correct grammar) for each type of conflict: 50 points