In literature, conflict is the cornerstone of character growth and narrative depth. It challenges protagonists, forces them to make decisions, and drives the plot forward. Two primary types of conflict shape a character’s journey: internal and external. Internal conflicts occur within a character's mind, involving personal dilemmas, emotions, or moral struggles. External conflicts, on the other hand, arise from interactions with forces outside the character—other people, societal pressures, or even nature. While these conflicts can exist independently, they often intertwine, each influencing and amplifying the other. This duality is vividly illustrated in Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, where internal and external struggles merge to propel characters toward self-discovery and transformation.

Hamlet: Wrestling with the Mind and the World

In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the titular character epitomizes the duality of internal and external conflict. At its core, Hamlet is a study of indecision and the ramifications of unresolved turmoil. Hamlet’s internal conflict stems from his deep psychological struggle after learning of his father’s murder. His father’s ghost charges him with avenging the crime, but Hamlet is paralyzed by doubt and philosophical questioning: “To be, or not to be: that is the question.” This famous soliloquy captures Hamlet’s internal debate over action and inaction, life and death, and the morality of revenge.

Hamlet’s internal turmoil directly influences his actions—or lack thereof—on the external stage. His hesitations create rifts between himself and others, particularly Ophelia and Queen Gertrude. These external relationships become battlegrounds for his emotional state. For example, Hamlet’s erratic behavior toward Ophelia, stemming from his own disillusionment with women, ultimately contributes to her descent into madness and death. Similarly, his outward conflict with Claudius, the usurping king, escalates as Hamlet’s internal rage builds.

Yet, the interplay between Hamlet’s inner and outer conflicts reaches its climax during the final act. His internal journey—from doubt to acceptance of fate—culminates in his external confrontation with Claudius. Hamlet’s declaration, “There is a divinity that shapes our ends,” signals his internal resolution. This newfound clarity drives his decisive actions, leading to the tragic resolution of the play. Shakespeare masterfully demonstrates how internal and external conflicts are not isolated but intertwined, each shaping the other to reveal Hamlet’s tragic growth.

Elizabeth Bennet: Pride, Prejudice, and Society

In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet’s character development is equally shaped by the interplay of internal and external conflicts. Elizabeth’s internal struggle centers on her personal biases and initial misjudgments of others, particularly Mr. Darcy. From the outset, Elizabeth prides herself on her keen observations and strong principles. However, her sharp wit and self-assurance sometimes blind her to the truth, as seen in her hasty judgment of Darcy as arrogant and unkind.

This internal conflict of pride and prejudice is mirrored and magnified by Elizabeth’s external struggles with societal expectations. Set in the rigid social structure of Regency-era England, Elizabeth faces pressure to marry for economic security rather than love. This societal conflict is embodied in Mr. Collins’s proposal, which she rejects despite the advantages it could provide for her family. Her decision underscores her internal commitment to authenticity and independence, even as it places her at odds with external expectations.

The turning point in Elizabeth’s growth occurs when Darcy reveals his true character through a heartfelt letter, forcing her to confront her own flawed perceptions. This moment bridges her internal and external conflicts: her personal transformation is catalyzed by an external event. Elizabeth’s growth culminates in her eventual acceptance of Darcy, not only as a romantic partner but as someone who complements her evolving values. Through Elizabeth, Austen demonstrates how internal self-awareness and external challenges can intertwine to create a richly developed character.

The Interdependence of Conflict in Literature

The interaction between internal and external conflicts is not merely a narrative device but a reflection of the complex ways humans experience growth and change. In literature, the interdependence of these two types of conflict enriches both character development and the plot. Internal struggles often shape a character's reactions to external events, while external challenges bring inner conflicts to the forefront. This dynamic interplay creates depth, making characters feel authentic and their journeys compelling.

Internal Drives External Action

Internal conflict frequently serves as the foundation for external action. A character's thoughts, emotions, and dilemmas often influence how they respond to external pressures. For instance, Hamlet's indecision is not just a personal quirk but the engine driving his external behavior—or lack thereof. His procrastination in avenging his father’s death stems from his inner philosophical and moral struggle. This hesitation, in turn, exacerbates his external conflicts, such as his growing animosity with Claudius and his alienation from Ophelia.

Similarly, Elizabeth Bennet’s internal prejudices shape her interactions with Mr. Darcy. Her initial misjudgments of his character lead to external friction, including her rejection of his first marriage proposal. However, this external conflict forces Elizabeth to reexamine her own beliefs, bridging the gap between her inner and outer worlds. As she grows, her external actions—eventually accepting Darcy—become aligned with her internal transformation, showcasing how resolution often emerges from this interplay.

External Pressures Expose Inner Struggles

External conflicts, on the other hand, frequently reveal and intensify a character’s internal struggles. These pressures force characters to confront their weaknesses, biases, and fears, often serving as catalysts for growth. In Hamlet, the external events surrounding the court of Denmark—Claudius’s ascension to the throne, Polonius’s meddling, and Ophelia’s tragedy—heighten Hamlet’s internal turmoil. These events push him to grapple with questions about justice, mortality, and the nature of truth. Without these external provocations, Hamlet might never face the full weight of his internal struggles.

In Pride and Prejudice, societal expectations act as a constant external pressure on Elizabeth. The rigid norms of Regency-era England dictate that women prioritize marriage as a means of financial security and social standing. Elizabeth’s rejection of these norms forces her to reconcile her desire for independence with the realities of her world. The external challenges she faces, such as Mr. Collins’s proposal or Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s disapproval, bring her internal strength and values to light, allowing her to evolve as a character.

Conflict as a Narrative Driving Force

When internal and external conflicts intersect, they propel the narrative forward. A character’s internal growth is often inseparable from their external journey, creating a layered and engaging story. For instance, in Hamlet, the protagonist’s internal evolution from indecision to acceptance of fate culminates in his external confrontation with Claudius. Similarly, Elizabeth’s transformation in Pride and Prejudice reaches its apex when her internal realization about Darcy is reflected in her external choice to accept his proposal.

Thematic Implications

The interdependence of internal and external conflict also deepens a story’s thematic resonance. By exploring how internal struggles influence external actions, authors can examine profound questions about human nature and society. Hamlet’s internal conflict over morality and justice highlights the complexity of revenge and the consequences of overthinking, while his external struggles underscore the political and personal chaos that ensues from unresolved inner turmoil.

In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth’s journey reflects broader themes of self-awareness, love, and societal constraints. Her internal conflict with pride and prejudice is not just personal but emblematic of the social dynamics of her time. Her eventual harmony between internal values and external actions demonstrates the importance of personal growth in navigating societal expectations.

A Universal Narrative Tool

Ultimately, the interdependence of internal and external conflict is a universal narrative tool that transcends genres and cultural contexts. Whether in epic tragedies, romantic comedies, or modern novels, the interplay between a character’s inner world and external environment creates stories that resonate deeply with readers. It reflects the human condition, where personal growth is often inseparable from external challenges.

By weaving internal and external conflicts together, authors craft narratives that are not only engaging but also rich in meaning. This duality allows readers to connect with characters on a personal level, empathizing with their struggles and celebrating their triumphs. In doing so, literature becomes a mirror of life, capturing the complexity of the human journey.

In literature, conflict is a powerful engine for exploring and communicating a story’s central themes. It forces characters to confront their beliefs, make difficult decisions, and navigate moral dilemmas, revealing universal truths in the process. Whether internal, as in a character’s personal struggles, or external, involving societal pressures or adversaries, conflict serves as a lens through which readers can examine the larger messages an author seeks to convey. Two compelling examples—Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird—demonstrate how conflict drives the exploration of themes such as integrity, hysteria, justice, and morality.

The Crucible: Integrity Versus Hysteria

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is a profound exploration of how personal integrity can be tested in the face of widespread hysteria. Set during the Salem witch trials of the late 17th century, the play uses John Proctor’s conflicts to illuminate its themes. Proctor, a respected farmer, faces two types of conflict: internal—his guilt over committing adultery—and external—his battle against a society consumed by fear and paranoia.

Proctor’s internal conflict centers on his struggle to reconcile his sense of guilt with his desire to preserve his reputation. His affair with Abigail Williams, the ringleader of the accusations, is a source of deep shame. This guilt makes him hesitant to come forward with the truth early in the play, fearing that exposing Abigail’s lies will also reveal his own sin. This internal turmoil underscores the theme of personal integrity, as Proctor must eventually choose between protecting his name and doing what is morally right. When he finally decides to admit his transgression, it marks a turning point in his character, showing that he values truth and justice over self-preservation.

Externally, Proctor is embroiled in a societal conflict against the oppressive theocracy of Salem. The town’s leaders, driven by fear of witchcraft, perpetuate baseless accusations to maintain their authority. Proctor’s resistance to the court highlights the theme of mass hysteria—a situation where fear and rumors override reason and justice. As he challenges the legitimacy of the trials, Proctor becomes a symbol of dissent, representing the courage required to stand against societal madness.

The climax of Proctor’s external conflict occurs when he refuses to sign a false confession, even though doing so would save his life. His famous declaration, “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life!”, illustrates his ultimate triumph over his internal guilt and external pressures. By choosing death over dishonor, Proctor reclaims his integrity, making a powerful statement about the importance of personal and moral truth. Through his struggles, Miller critiques the dangers of hysteria and emphasizes the enduring value of integrity in the face of societal corruption.

To Kill a Mockingbird: Justice and Moral Courage

In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the conflicts faced by Atticus Finch highlight themes of justice and moral courage. Set in the racially segregated American South of the 1930s, the novel examines how individuals navigate ethical dilemmas within an unjust society. Atticus, a lawyer and single father, serves as a moral anchor in the story, facing both internal and external challenges as he defends Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman.

Atticus’s external conflict is rooted in the pervasive racial prejudice of Maycomb, Alabama. By choosing to defend Robinson, he positions himself against the town’s entrenched beliefs and faces hostility from many of its residents. The trial itself becomes a microcosm of the larger societal struggle between racism and justice. Despite overwhelming evidence of Robinson’s innocence, the all-white jury convicts him, demonstrating how deeply ingrained biases can corrupt the legal system. Through this conflict, Lee exposes the theme of injustice, showing how systemic racism undermines the very principles of fairness and equality that the law is meant to uphold.

Simultaneously, Atticus grapples with an internal conflict as he strives to balance his personal values with his responsibilities as a father. He is acutely aware that taking Robinson’s case will endanger his family and strain his relationships with his neighbors. However, his unwavering commitment to doing what is right reflects the theme of moral courage—the ability to stand by one’s convictions even when faced with significant opposition. As Atticus explains to his children, “The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.” This lesson reinforces the idea that justice is not determined by popular opinion but by adherence to ethical principles.

The trial’s aftermath further underscores the novel’s themes. Although Atticus loses the case, his efforts inspire his children, particularly Scout, to understand the complexities of morality and empathy. The image of Atticus standing alone in the courtroom after Robinson’s conviction is a poignant reminder that the fight for justice often requires solitude and sacrifice. Through his external and internal conflicts, Atticus embodies the struggle for justice in an imperfect world, demonstrating how individual actions can challenge systemic wrongs.

Thematic Resonance Through Conflict

Both The Crucible and To Kill a Mockingbird illustrate how character conflicts can serve as a vehicle for exploring broader themes. In The Crucible, John Proctor’s dual struggles with guilt and societal oppression highlight the dangers of hysteria and the redemptive power of integrity. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch’s fight against racial prejudice and his internal moral dilemmas emphasize the importance of justice and courage in the face of societal wrongs.

The interplay between internal and external conflicts in these works is crucial to their thematic depth. Proctor’s internal struggle with guilt makes his external defiance of the Salem court more poignant, just as Atticus’s unwavering conscience strengthens his resolve to confront Maycomb’s racism. These conflicts do not exist in isolation; they are interdependent, with each amplifying the other to create a richer narrative.

Moreover, these stories remind readers that themes like integrity, justice, and moral courage are not abstract ideas but deeply personal and societal struggles. Through the lens of conflict, authors like Miller and Lee transform these themes into lived experiences, making them accessible and relevant to readers.

Conflict as a Universal Tool

The use of conflict to drive themes is a universal literary tool that transcends genres and cultures. Whether it is Proctor’s battle for personal redemption or Atticus’s fight against systemic racism, these conflicts resonate because they reflect the human condition. Readers are drawn to stories where characters confront challenges that test their values, often finding inspiration or cautionary lessons in their struggles.

By examining conflicts in works like The Crucible and To Kill a Mockingbird, readers gain insight into the complexities of integrity, justice, and morality. These stories serve as reminders that conflict is not just a source of tension but a catalyst for exploring the ideas that define our humanity. Through characters’ struggles, authors illuminate the enduring themes that shape both literature and life.

In literature, conflict is a driving force that shapes characters and narratives. It challenges protagonists, tests their values, and propels them toward transformation. Conflict takes two primary forms: internal conflict and external conflict. Internal conflict refers to a psychological struggle within a character, such as grappling with moral dilemmas, desires, or fears. In contrast, external conflict involves challenges posed by forces outside the character, including other individuals, societal expectations, or natural obstacles. Together, these conflicts forge character growth, revealing deeper themes and enriching the narrative.

Two iconic examples illustrate this process: Scout Finch in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Jay Gatsby in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Scout’s development is driven by her internal realizations about morality and empathy alongside her external confrontation with racial prejudice. Gatsby, on the other hand, struggles with an internal desire to recreate the past and an external clash with rigid social hierarchies. By examining their growth, readers gain insight into how conflict serves as a catalyst for transformation and thematic depth.

Scout Finch: Growing Through Morality and Empathy

Scout Finch’s evolution in To Kill a Mockingbird demonstrates how internal and external conflicts work together to shape a character’s understanding of morality, empathy, and justice. When the novel begins, Scout is a curious and outspoken child, viewing the world through a lens of innocence. As the story unfolds, her exposure to injustice and personal reflection transform her perspective, reflecting the theme of moral growth.

External Conflict: Facing Injustice in Maycomb

Scout’s external conflicts arise from her interactions with the racist society of Maycomb, Alabama. These tensions come to the forefront during the trial of Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Her father, Atticus Finch, defends Robinson, positioning himself and his family against the prejudices of their community. Scout directly encounters the hostility of this conflict, such as when a mob confronts Atticus outside the jail and the town ostracizes her family.

The trial itself becomes a symbol of Maycomb’s moral failings. Despite overwhelming evidence of Robinson’s innocence, the all-white jury convicts him, highlighting the theme of systemic injustice. For Scout, this verdict is a pivotal moment. Her confusion about how such a miscarriage of justice could occur reveals her struggle to reconcile the ideal of fairness with the reality of prejudice. These external challenges push Scout to confront uncomfortable truths about her community, deepening her understanding of the world.

Internal Conflict: Developing Empathy

In addition to these external struggles, Scout faces an internal conflict as she learns to empathize with others. Early in the novel, Scout views people in simplistic terms, dividing them into “good” or “bad.” Her perception of Boo Radley, the reclusive neighbor, reflects this binary thinking. However, as the story progresses, Scout begins to see the world from Boo’s perspective, a lesson emphasized by Atticus’s advice: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.”

Boo ultimately saves Scout and Jem from an attack by Bob Ewell, revealing his true character as a protector. Through this experience, Scout realizes that Boo is not the monstrous figure she imagined but a kind and misunderstood individual.

This transformation is encapsulated in the novel’s central metaphor: “It’s a sin to kill a mockingbird,” representing innocence destroyed by hatred and ignorance. By the end of the story, Scout’s ability to empathize with Boo symbolizes her growth from innocence to understanding, a crucial element of her character arc.

Jay Gatsby: Chasing the Illusion of the American Dream

Jay Gatsby’s transformation in The Great Gatsby contrasts sharply with Scout’s moral development. While Scout grows through her internal and external conflicts, Gatsby’s struggles ultimately lead to his downfall. His internal and external conflicts reveal the tension between ambition and reality, exposing the theme of disillusionment and the corruption of the American Dream.

Internal Conflict: Struggling with Identity

At the heart of Gatsby’s internal conflict is his relentless desire to transcend his humble origins and reclaim an idealized past. Born James Gatz, Gatsby reinvents himself as a wealthy, charismatic figure, driven by his love for Daisy Buchanan and his belief in the promise of the American Dream. His famous assertion, “Can’t repeat the past? Why of course you can!”, encapsulates his internal struggle to reconcile reality with his longing for a perfect future built on an unattainable past.

The symbolism of the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock underscores this internal conflict. For Gatsby, the green light represents his dream of being with Daisy and the broader ideal of limitless opportunity. However, as Nick Carraway observes, the light remains perpetually out of reach, a metaphor for the impossibility of achieving Gatsby’s vision. This struggle between aspiration and reality drives Gatsby’s actions and shapes his character arc, revealing the futility of living for an illusion.

External Conflict: Clashing with Social Barriers

Externally, Gatsby faces conflict with the rigid social hierarchies of 1920s America. Despite his immense wealth, Gatsby remains an outsider to the established elite, represented by Daisy and her husband, Tom Buchanan. Tom, born into old money, views Gatsby’s new wealth as vulgar and resists Gatsby’s attempts to win Daisy back. This external tension highlights the theme of class divisions, as Gatsby’s dream of social mobility is thwarted by the entrenched prejudices of the upper class.

The climax of this external conflict occurs in the confrontation between Gatsby and Tom at the Plaza Hotel, where Tom exposes Gatsby’s past and reasserts his dominance over Daisy. This moment symbolizes the collapse of Gatsby’s dream, as Daisy ultimately chooses the security of her life with Tom over Gatsby’s idealized vision of their love.

Gatsby’s tragic death, caused by the carelessness of the Buchanans, serves as a stark reminder of the destructiveness of unchecked ambition and societal indifference. His arc—from a hopeful dreamer to a disillusioned victim—parallels the novel’s critique of the American Dream, illustrating how external obstacles and internal illusions can lead to a character’s downfall.

Conflict as a Catalyst for Transformation

In both To Kill a Mockingbird and The Great Gatsby, internal and external conflicts drive character growth while reinforcing central themes. Scout Finch’s journey from innocence to understanding highlights themes of justice, morality, and empathy, while Jay Gatsby’s tragic arc reveals the dangers of ambition, the persistence of class divisions, and the illusion of the American Dream.

These character arcs demonstrate how conflict shapes a protagonist’s evolution, deepening the narrative and engaging the reader. Scout’s external experiences with injustice and her internal reflections on empathy allow her to mature into a morally conscious individual. Conversely, Gatsby’s internal struggle with identity and his external clashes with society expose the limits of ambition and the fragility of dreams.

A Reflection of Universal Growth

The conflicts faced by Scout and Gatsby offer valuable insights into the human experience, showing how challenges can lead to growth—or, in some cases, disillusionment. Through these characters, readers encounter timeless truths about morality, ambition, and the complexity of human aspirations. The themes of justice, empathy, and the pursuit of identity resonate across generations, reminding us that adversity is not only a test of character but also a pathway to transformation.

By examining these works, readers can appreciate how internal conflict, external conflict, symbolism, and character arcs interact to create stories that reflect the challenges and triumphs of life. Through their struggles, Scout and Gatsby become enduring symbols of growth amidst adversity, demonstrating the profound relationship between conflict and change.

In literature, conflict and theme are deeply interconnected. Conflict refers to the challenges, struggles, or opposition that characters face, while theme is the central idea or message a work conveys. Conflict serves as the engine driving character actions and decisions, which, in turn, reveal and deepen the story’s thematic elements. Conflicts can be internal, originating within a character’s mind, or external, involving outside forces such as society, nature, or other characters. Together, these conflicts and the themes they illuminate create narratives that resonate with readers on multiple levels.

Two literary works—Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein—offer compelling examples of how character conflicts bring themes to life. In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo’s internal struggles with fear and his external confrontations with both his community and the colonial presence underscore the theme of tradition versus change. In Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein’s internal obsession and the devastating external consequences of his ambition highlight themes of responsibility and the dangers of unchecked scientific progress.

Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart: Tradition Versus Change

In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, the protagonist, Okonkwo, is a complex character whose internal and external conflicts illuminate the central theme of tradition versus change. Set in precolonial and colonial Nigeria, the novel explores the tension between the traditional Igbo culture and the disruptive forces of European colonization. Okonkwo’s internal fears and his external confrontations with both his community and the colonial presence drive this thematic exploration.

Internal Conflict: Fear of Weakness

Okonkwo’s internal conflict stems from his intense fear of being perceived as weak, a trait he associates with his father, Unoka. Unoka, a man known for his laziness and lack of ambition, embodies everything Okonkwo despises. This fear shapes Okonkwo’s personality and decisions, pushing him to adopt an aggressive and domineering demeanor. He equates masculinity with strength and harshness, refusing to show vulnerability or emotion.

For example, Okonkwo’s internal struggle with his fear of weakness drives his decision to kill Ikemefuna, a boy who views Okonkwo as a father figure. Despite being advised against participating in the boy’s execution, Okonkwo delivers the fatal blow to avoid appearing weak in front of his peers. This moment reveals how Okonkwo’s internal conflict not only dictates his actions but also highlights the novel’s exploration of the rigid expectations placed on men in Igbo society. His inability to balance strength with compassion illustrates the theme of toxic masculinity, a subset of the broader theme of tradition.

External Conflict: Confronting Colonialism

Okonkwo’s external conflict arises as his traditional Igbo way of life is disrupted by the arrival of European colonizers. The missionaries and colonial administrators introduce Christianity and Western governance, challenging the customs and values that have long defined Igbo society. This external pressure creates tension between those who embrace change and those, like Okonkwo, who resist it.

Okonkwo’s refusal to adapt underscores his commitment to preserving tradition, but it also reveals his rigidity. His violent attempts to fight back, such as the burning of the missionary church, ultimately alienate him from his community, which chooses a more cautious approach to colonial rule. This clash between Okonkwo’s resistance and his society’s accommodation of change exemplifies the theme of tradition versus change, as well as the complexities of cultural transformation under colonialism.

The culmination of Okonkwo’s external and internal conflicts occurs in his tragic demise. Faced with the irreversible changes brought by colonial influence, Okonkwo takes his own life, a final act of defiance against a world he can no longer control. Achebe uses Okonkwo’s downfall to highlight the devastating consequences of an inability to reconcile tradition with inevitable change, making the novel’s themes resonate deeply with readers.

Victor Frankenstein in Frankenstein: Ambition and Responsibility

In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein’s internal and external conflicts are central to the novel’s exploration of ambition and responsibility. Through Victor’s obsession with scientific discovery and the catastrophic consequences of his actions, Shelley critiques the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral responsibilities that come with knowledge and power.

Internal Conflict: The Obsession with Creation

Victor’s internal conflict is driven by his insatiable ambition to unlock the secrets of life. Consumed by the desire to transcend the boundaries of nature, Victor devotes himself entirely to his experiments, isolating himself from family and friends. This obsession blinds him to the ethical implications of his work, as he focuses solely on the act of creation without considering its consequences.

Victor’s internal struggle is evident in his reaction after bringing the Creature to life. Overwhelmed by guilt and horror, he abandons his creation, failing to take responsibility for the being he has brought into the world. This moment highlights the theme of ambition’s ethical limits: while Victor’s pursuit of knowledge reflects human curiosity and innovation, his inability to foresee or address the repercussions of his actions demonstrates the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Shelley also explores the psychological toll of Victor’s internal conflict. As the Creature wreaks havoc on Victor’s life, killing his loved ones, Victor’s guilt and regret consume him. His internal turmoil grows as he realizes the extent of his responsibility for the Creature’s suffering and actions. This internal conflict not only drives the narrative but also underscores the theme of moral accountability in scientific endeavors.

External Conflict: Facing the Consequences

Victor’s external conflict is embodied in his relationship with the Creature, who seeks vengeance for the neglect and rejection he has endured. The Creature, initially innocent and yearning for companionship, becomes embittered by Victor’s abandonment and society’s hostility. This conflict between creator and creation reflects the broader theme of responsibility, as Victor’s failure to guide or care for the Creature leads to catastrophic results.

The external struggle between Victor and the Creature escalates as the Creature demands that Victor create a companion for him. Victor’s refusal, driven by fear of unleashing further harm, leads to the Creature’s vow of vengeance. The resulting cycle of violence, culminating in the deaths of Victor’s family and friends, illustrates the devastating consequences of Victor’s earlier disregard for responsibility.

Victor’s death, occurring in the icy wilderness as he pursues the Creature, mirrors Okonkwo’s demise in its thematic resonance. Both characters are ultimately destroyed by their inability to reconcile their internal conflicts with the external challenges they face. In Victor’s case, Shelley’s critique of unchecked ambition and the ethical obligations of creators remains a powerful commentary on the responsibilities of science and technology in society.

Thematic Depth Through Conflict

In both Things Fall Apart and Frankenstein, the conflicts experienced by the protagonists serve as windows into the central themes of the works. Okonkwo’s fear of weakness and his resistance to colonialism illuminate themes of tradition versus change and the consequences of toxic masculinity. Victor’s obsession with creation and his failure to manage the repercussions of his work reveal themes of ambition, responsibility, and the ethical limits of scientific progress.

By intertwining internal and external conflicts with overarching themes, Achebe and Shelley create narratives that resonate deeply with readers. These stories remind us that conflict is not merely a plot device but a tool for exploring profound ideas about human nature, society, and morality.

Understanding Literary Terms

To fully appreciate the relationship between conflict and theme, readers should consider the following literary terms: Internal Conflict: A struggle within a character’s mind, such as Okonkwo’s fear of weakness or Victor’s obsession with creation. External Conflict: A challenge faced by a character from outside forces, like Okonkwo’s resistance to colonialism or Victor’s battle with the Creature. Theme: The central idea or message of a work, such as tradition versus change or the dangers of unchecked ambition. Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas, like the missionary church in Things Fall Apart or the Creature in Frankenstein as a symbol of neglected responsibility. Character Arc: The transformation of a character over the course of a narrative, as seen in Okonkwo’s downfall or Victor’s journey from ambition to guilt.

Conclusion

The symbiosis of conflict and theme in literature is essential for creating meaningful narratives. In Things Fall Apart, Okonkwo’s internal fears and external clashes with colonial forces offer a poignant exploration of tradition and change. In Frankenstein, Victor’s internal obsession and external consequences critique the ethics of ambition and scientific discovery. Together, these works demonstrate how character conflicts illuminate universal themes, inviting readers to reflect on the challenges and responsibilities inherent in the human experience. By examining how conflict shapes and reveals theme, we gain deeper insight into the transformative power of literature.

Objective:

Students will explore and analyze how a character's internal and external conflicts evolve throughout a story, connecting these conflicts to character development and central themes. By creating a detailed 'conflict map,' they will visually represent the relationships between key events, character decisions, and thematic outcomes.

Duration:

1-2 weeks

Materials Needed:

• For physical maps: Poster board or large paper, markers, colored pencils, sticky notes, and craft supplies, index cards for descriptions or annotations.
• For digital maps: Graphic design tools such as Canva, Lucidchart, PowerPoint, or Google Slides, access to images and design assets (online or offline).
• For research and analysis: Copies of the chosen literary work (e.g., 'Hamlet,' 'Pride and Prejudice,' or 'To Kill a Mockingbird'), access to literary analysis resources for theme exploration.

Instructions:

1. Select a Character and Text:

   Students choose a character from an approved literary work. Examples include Hamlet from 'Hamlet,' Elizabeth Bennet from 'Pride and Prejudice,' or Atticus Finch from 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'

2. Identify Key Conflicts:

   Students analyze the text to identify the character’s internal and external conflicts. Internal conflicts involve personal dilemmas, moral struggles, fears, or emotional challenges. External conflicts involve struggles with other characters, societal pressures, or external events.

3. Trace the Conflict’s Progression:

   Using the text, students identify and document major events or turning points that escalate or resolve conflicts, how the conflicts influence the character’s development, and connections between conflicts and the story’s central themes.

4. Design the Conflict Map:

   Students create a visual representation of their findings, including:

   • Central Node (Character): The chosen character at the center of the map.
   • Branches (Conflicts): Separate branches for internal and external conflicts.
   • Key Events: Labels, descriptions, or symbols for pivotal moments.
   • Connections: Arrows or lines showing how conflicts overlap or influence each other.
   • Themes: Highlight the central themes related to the conflicts.
5. Add Interactive Elements (Optional):

   For physical maps: Use sticky notes or flip cards to reveal deeper explanations for events. For digital maps: Embed links, audio recordings, or animations explaining key points.

6. Present and Reflect:

   Present the conflict map to the class, explaining how the conflicts shape the character and tie into the story's themes, and reflect on how understanding conflicts deepened their appreciation of the text.

Objective:

Students will design a fictional social media feed for a chosen literary character, reflecting their internal and external conflicts, relationships, and connections to the story's central themes. Posts, comments, and hashtags will capture the character's voice, key moments, and interactions with other characters.

Duration:

1-2 weeks

Materials Needed:

• For physical designs: Poster board or paper for creating mock feeds, markers, colored pencils, printed images, and templates for layout design.
• For digital designs: Design tools like Canva, Google Slides, or Photoshop with social media templates, access to text, quotes, and online resources for visuals.
• Research tools: Copies of the chosen literary work for textual analysis.

Instructions:

1. Choose a Character and Social Media Platform:

   Students select a character from an approved literary text (e.g., Hamlet from 'Hamlet,' Elizabeth Bennet from 'Pride and Prejudice,' or Scout Finch from 'To Kill a Mockingbird') and decide on a fictional platform that fits the character’s personality and story context (e.g., Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok).

2. Analyze the Character:

   Research and identify key moments in the character’s story where internal or external conflicts are prominent. Consider the character’s voice, personality, and relationships with other characters. Brainstorm how the character would express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through social media.

3. Design the Feed:

   Students create a feed with at least 8-10 posts, reflecting significant moments and themes from the text. Each post should include:

   • Image or Video Representation: A visual element (drawing, symbol, meme, or photograph) that captures the moment or conflict.
   • Captions and Hashtags: A creative caption written in the character’s voice, with relevant hashtags (e.g., #RevengePlanning, #PrideAndPrejudice).
   • Character Interactions: Comments or responses from other characters (e.g., Ophelia commenting on Hamlet’s post with 'Are you okay?').
4. Annotate the Feed:

   Provide annotations explaining the significance of each post, how it reflects the character’s conflicts, and connections to the story’s themes.

5. Present in Small Groups:

   Students share their feeds in small groups, explaining how the posts represent the character’s journey, conflicts, and themes. Group members can discuss and provide feedback on each other’s work.