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External Conflict in Literature: Exploring the Power of Struggle

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External conflict is a literary device that is used to create tension and drive the plot of a story. It is a type of conflict that takes place between a character and an outside force, such as another character, society, or nature. This type of conflict is an important element of storytelling, as it helps to create a sense of urgency and suspense that keeps readers engaged.

External Conflict in Literature: Exploring the Power of Struggle 1

Definition of External Conflict

External conflict is a literary device that refers to the struggle between a character and an outside force. This force can take many forms, such as another character, society, nature, or the supernatural. The conflict is external because it is outside the character’s mind and body, and it is usually visible to the reader.

External conflict is a crucial element in storytelling because it drives the plot forward and creates tension and drama. It can be used to reveal the character’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as their motivations and desires. Additionally, it can help to create a sense of realism and authenticity in the story, as the character’s struggles are often reflective of real-world problems and challenges.

One of the most common forms of external conflict is the struggle between the protagonist and the antagonist. The antagonist is typically a character who opposes the protagonist and creates obstacles for them to overcome. This conflict can take many forms, such as a physical fight, a battle of wits, or a clash of ideologies.

Another form of external conflict is the struggle between the character and society. This can include conflicts with the law, social norms, or cultural traditions. For example, a character might face discrimination or persecution because of their race, gender, or sexual orientation.

External conflict can also take the form of a struggle with nature. This can include natural disasters, harsh weather conditions, or dangerous animals. In these situations, the character must use their skills and resources to survive and overcome the obstacles in their path.

In conclusion, external conflict is a powerful literary device that can add depth, tension, and drama to a story. By creating obstacles for the character to overcome, it can reveal their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their motivations and desires. Whether it takes the form of a struggle with an antagonist, society, or nature, external conflict is an essential element of storytelling that can engage and captivate readers.

Types of External Conflict

External conflicts are problems that arise outside of a character’s internal struggles. In literature, there are three main types of external conflict that writers use to create tension and keep readers engaged. These conflict types are character vs. character, character vs. society, and character vs. nature.

Character vs. Character

This type of external conflict is the most common in literature. It involves a protagonist who faces off with an antagonist who must be defeated. In this conflict, the protagonist’s goal is in direct opposition to the antagonist’s goal. This conflict can be physical, emotional, or mental.

For example, in William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” the main character Hamlet faces off against his uncle, who has murdered Hamlet’s father and taken the throne. The conflict between Hamlet and his uncle is a classic example of character vs. character conflict.

Character vs. Society

In this type of external conflict, the protagonist struggles against the norms and values of society. The conflict can be caused by laws, traditions, or social norms that the protagonist disagrees with or is unable to conform to. This type of conflict is often used to explore themes such as injustice, oppression, and rebellion.

For instance, in George Orwell’s novel “1984,” the protagonist Winston Smith struggles against the oppressive government of Oceania. The conflict between Winston and the government is a classic example of character vs. society conflict.

Character vs. Nature

In this type of external conflict, the protagonist struggles against the forces of nature or an external environment. The conflict can be caused by a natural disaster, survival in a harsh environment, or a struggle against an animal.

For example, in Jack London’s short story “To Build a Fire,” the protagonist struggles to survive in the harsh wilderness of the Yukon Trail. The conflict between the protagonist and the environment is a classic example of character vs. nature conflict.

In conclusion, understanding the different types of external conflict is essential for writers to create engaging and compelling works of literature. By using these conflict types, writers can create tension, explore themes, and keep their readers engaged throughout their work.

Role of External Conflict in Literature

External conflict is a literary device that plays a significant role in literature. It is a struggle that takes place between the protagonist and an outside force, which could be another character, society, nature, technology, or the supernatural. External conflict is essential in literature because it provides tension and drives the narrative forward. In this section, we will explore the role of external conflict in literature and its impact on the story.

One of the primary roles of external conflict in literature is to create tension and suspense. It is through external conflict that the protagonist faces challenges and obstacles that they must overcome to achieve their goals. This struggle between the protagonist and the outside force creates tension and suspense, keeping the reader engaged and interested in the story.

External conflict also helps to reveal the protagonist’s character and motivations. As the protagonist faces challenges and obstacles, their character is tested, and their motivations are revealed. For example, if the protagonist is faced with a difficult decision, their choice will reveal their values and beliefs, providing insight into their character.

Moreover, external conflict is used to reveal a deeper meaning in a narrative while highlighting characters’ motivations, values, and weaknesses. It is through external conflict that the reader can understand the protagonist’s journey and the moral of the story. For example, in William Golding’s novel “Lord of the Flies,” the external conflict between the boys and the island’s savage nature highlights the theme of the inherent evil in human nature.

In conclusion, external conflict is a crucial literary device that plays a significant role in literature. It creates tension and suspense, reveals the protagonist’s character and motivations, and highlights the story’s deeper meaning. Without external conflict, the story would lack depth and interest, making it less engaging for the reader.

Examples of External Conflict in Literature

External conflict is a literary device that occurs when a character struggles against an outside force, such as nature, society, or another character. In literature, external conflict is often used to create tension and drive the plot forward. Here are some examples of external conflict in literature.

In Novels

Novels often use external conflict to create tension and drive the plot forward. One classic example is “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. In this novel, the protagonist, Scout, is forced to confront the racism and prejudice of her community as her father defends a black man accused of rape. This conflict between Scout and her community creates tension and drives the plot forward, ultimately leading to a dramatic conclusion.

Another example of external conflict in novels is “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins. In this novel, the protagonist, Katniss, is forced to compete in a deadly game against other teenagers from her district. This conflict between Katniss and the Capitol creates tension and drives the plot forward, ultimately leading to a rebellion against the oppressive government.

In Plays

Plays also often use external conflict to create tension and drive the plot forward. One classic example is “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare. In this play, the protagonist, Hamlet, is forced to confront his uncle, who has murdered Hamlet’s father and taken the throne. This conflict between Hamlet and his uncle creates tension and drives the plot forward, ultimately leading to a tragic conclusion.

Another example of external conflict in plays is “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams. In this play, the protagonist, Blanche, is forced to confront her sister’s husband, who she believes is abusive and controlling. This conflict between Blanche and her brother-in-law creates tension and drives the plot forward, ultimately leading to a dramatic conclusion.

In Films

Films also often use external conflict to create tension and drive the plot forward. One classic example is “Star Wars: A New Hope” by George Lucas. In this film, the protagonist, Luke Skywalker, is forced to confront the evil Empire and its leader, Darth Vader. This conflict between Luke and the Empire creates tension and drives the plot forward, ultimately leading to a climactic battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire.

Another example of external conflict in films is “The Godfather” by Francis Ford Coppola. In this film, the protagonist, Michael Corleone, is forced to confront rival gangsters and the corrupt police and politicians who are trying to bring down his family’s criminal empire. This conflict between Michael and his enemies creates tension and drives the plot forward, ultimately leading to a tragic conclusion.

In conclusion, external conflict is a powerful literary device that can create tension and drive the plot forward in novels, plays, and films. By pitting characters against outside forces, authors and filmmakers can create compelling stories that resonate with audiences.

Analysis of External Conflict

External conflict is a literary device that creates tension and drives the plot forward. It is a problem or struggle that occurs between a character and an outside force. In this section, you will learn how to analyze external conflict in a literary work.

To analyze external conflict, you need to identify the type of external force that the character is struggling against. This could be another character, society, nature, or technology. Once you have identified the external force, you need to analyze how the character responds to it. Does the character try to overcome the external force, or do they succumb to it?

One way to analyze external conflict is to look at the effect it has on the character. Does the conflict make the character stronger, or does it weaken them? For example, in the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the external conflict between Atticus Finch and the racist society he lives in makes him a stronger and more principled person.

Another way to analyze external conflict is to look at how it affects the plot. Does the conflict move the plot forward, or does it stall it? For example, in the play “Romeo and Juliet,” the external conflict between the Montagues and the Capulets drives the plot forward and leads to the tragic ending.

Table 1: Examples of External Conflict in Literature

Literary Work External Conflict Effect on Character Effect on Plot
To Kill a Mockingbird Atticus Finch vs. Racist Society Makes him stronger and more principled Drives the plot forward
Romeo and Juliet Montagues vs. Capulets Leads to tragic ending Drives the plot forward

External conflict is an essential element of literature that creates tension and drives the plot forward. By analyzing external conflict, you can gain a deeper understanding of the characters and the plot.

External Conflict vs. Internal Conflict

External conflict is a literary device that involves a struggle between a character and an outside force, such as another character, society, or nature. On the other hand, internal conflict is a struggle that takes place within a character’s mind, emotions, or values. Both external and internal conflicts are essential elements of a story, and they often work together to create tension and drive the narrative forward.

One key difference between external and internal conflict is their source. External conflict arises from an outside force that opposes the protagonist, while internal conflict comes from within the protagonist. For example, in William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” the external conflict is between Hamlet and his uncle, who has killed Hamlet’s father and married his mother. The internal conflict, on the other hand, is within Hamlet himself, as he struggles with his own doubts, fears, and desires.

Another difference between external and internal conflict is their effect on the character. External conflict often forces the character to take action and make choices, as they try to overcome the obstacle in front of them. Internal conflict, on the other hand, can be more subtle and psychological, as the character wrestles with conflicting emotions or beliefs. In both cases, however, conflict can reveal the character’s strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.

External and internal conflicts can also interact with each other in complex ways. For example, a character might face an external obstacle that triggers an internal conflict, or they might struggle with an internal conflict that affects their ability to deal with an external threat. In some cases, external and internal conflicts can even merge together, as a character’s inner turmoil becomes manifest in their external actions.

In summary, external conflict and internal conflict are two important literary devices that can add depth and complexity to a story. While external conflict involves a struggle between a character and an outside force, internal conflict arises from within the character themselves. By using both types of conflict, writers can create compelling characters and engaging narratives that keep readers hooked from beginning to end.

Impact of External Conflict on Character Development

External conflict is a crucial literary device that can have a significant impact on character development. When a character is pitted against an outside force, such as another character, society, or nature, it can create tension and drive the plot forward. The way a character responds to external conflict can reveal their personality, values, and motivations, making them more complex and realistic.

One way that external conflict can impact character development is by forcing a character to confront their weaknesses. When a character is faced with a challenge that they are not equipped to handle, they may struggle and make mistakes. This can lead to character growth as they learn from their failures and develop new skills and strategies.

External conflict can also reveal a character’s strengths and resilience. When a character is faced with a difficult situation, they may rise to the occasion and demonstrate courage, determination, and resourcefulness. This can make the character more admirable and inspiring to readers.

Another way that external conflict can impact character development is by affecting their relationships with other characters. When a character is in conflict with another character, it can create tension and drama that can reveal the dynamics of their relationship. This can lead to character growth as the character learns to navigate complex social situations and develop empathy and understanding for others.

In conclusion, external conflict is a powerful literary device that can have a significant impact on character development. By forcing characters to confront challenges and revealing their strengths and weaknesses, external conflict can make characters more complex, realistic, and relatable. As a writer, it is important to use external conflict effectively to create compelling characters and engaging narratives.

External Conflict Resolution

Resolving external conflicts is an essential part of any story, as it provides closure to the plot and character arcs. External conflict resolution occurs when the protagonist overcomes the external force that has been opposing them throughout the story. The resolution of external conflict can take many forms, including:

  • Physical confrontation: In some stories, external conflict resolution involves physical confrontation between the protagonist and the antagonist. This type of resolution is common in action-oriented stories, where the protagonist must defeat the antagonist to achieve their goal.
  • Negotiation: In other stories, external conflict resolution involves negotiation between the protagonist and the antagonist. This type of resolution is common in stories where the protagonist and antagonist have conflicting goals but can find a way to compromise.
  • Surrender: In some stories, external conflict resolution involves the protagonist surrendering to the external force. This type of resolution is common in stories where the protagonist realizes that they cannot overcome the external force and must find a way to live with the consequences.

Regardless of the form it takes, external conflict resolution should provide a satisfying conclusion to the story. The resolution should be consistent with the character arcs and themes established throughout the story and should not feel forced or contrived.

Here are some examples of external conflict resolution in literature:

  • In J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” Harry must confront and defeat Voldemort, the story’s antagonist, to save the wizarding world.
  • In Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Atticus Finch negotiates with the townspeople to prevent a lynch mob from harming Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of rape.
  • In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” Gatsby surrenders to the external force of the past, realizing that he cannot recreate his past relationship with Daisy and must accept the consequences of his actions.

Overall, external conflict resolution is an essential element of storytelling that provides closure to the plot and character arcs. By understanding the different forms that external conflict resolution can take, writers can create satisfying and impactful conclusions to their stories.

There are four main types of conflict in literature: character vs. character, character vs. self, character vs. nature, and character vs. society. External conflict is defined as a struggle between a character and an outside force, which can include any of these four types of conflict.

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External conflict is a literary device that refers to the struggle between a protagonist and an outside force. This outside force can take many forms, such as an antagonist, society, nature, technology, or the supernatural. External conflict is defined in opposition to internal conflict, which is a struggle that exists inside the character's head.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How can external conflict be used effectively in literature?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

External conflict can be used effectively in literature to create tension and drive the plot forward. By pitting the protagonist against an outside force, the writer can create a sense of urgency and make the reader invested in the outcome of the conflict. External conflict can also be used to reveal character traits and motivations, as the way a character responds to the conflict can provide insight into their personality and values.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some examples of external conflict in movies?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

There are many examples of external conflict in movies, such as the struggle between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise, or the battle between the Avengers and Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In both cases, the conflict is external, as the characters are fighting against an outside force.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the four main types of conflict in literature?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

The four main types of conflict in literature are character vs. character, character vs. self, character vs. nature, and character vs. society. External conflict can incorporate any of these types of conflict, as it refers to the struggle between the protagonist and an outside force.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is an example of external conflict in a play?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

One example of external conflict in a play is the struggle between Romeo and Juliet's families in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The feud between the two families creates an external conflict that drives the plot forward and ultimately leads to the tragic ending of the play.

"}}]}

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