Conflict occurs when there is a struggle of some kind. There are many causes of conflict. Sometimes, people disagree with each other. At times, people experience confusion or uncertainty, which can be defined as internal conflict. In studied texts, like novels, plays and films, conflict refers to an obstacle preventing the protagonist from achieving success. Conflict may not always refer to an argument, but to a problem that should be resolved in some way. War is when conflict occurs between nations or groups and escalates into violence. Many of the texts that you will encounter throughout this unit depict life during war.
Why study confl ict?
Sadly, conflict is part of the human experience. We will all experience conflict in some form during our lives. It is important to be able to resolve conflict effectively and to examine our attitudes towards war and violence. Some of the best-known poems in the English language were borne out of war and the struggles that people were forced to endure as a result. A lot can be gained from studying literature that deals with this theme.
Learning intentions
Learn about different types of conflict. Assess the impact of war on people’s lives.
Writing With Purpose Read an interview and a review.
Poetry and Song Study a selection of poems that deal with the theme of conflict.
Fiction Read about different experiences of conflict.
Stage and Screen Explore scenes from a modern play, a Shakespearean play and a film.
Media and Advertising Learn about war propaganda. Discover how to read visual texts.
Language Skills Revise the past and present tenses. Learn how to avoid common spelling mistakes.
