Man vs. Self (Internal Conflict) - 2.1.2 | Module 5: Drama: Performance and Human Conflict | IB grade 9 English
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2.1.2 - Man vs. Self (Internal Conflict)

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Interactive Audio Lesson

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Definition and Importance of Internal Conflict

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we’re focusing on internal conflict, often referred to as Man vs. Self. This represents the struggles a character faces within their own mind. Why do you think this type of conflict is so significant in stories?

Student 1
Student 1

It shows how deep characters can be. Instead of just fighting other people, they fight themselves.

Student 2
Student 2

And it makes the story more relatable since we all have our own internal struggles!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Internal conflict reveals deeper aspects of human nature. It allows us to explore what drives a character, often leading to powerful moments in the narrative.

Examples of Internal Conflict

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Teacher

Let’s consider some examples. Can anyone think of a character from a play or a book who experiences a strong internal conflict?

Student 3
Student 3

What about Hamlet? He struggles a lot with his decisions about revenge!

Student 4
Student 4

I think Lady Macbeth also faces internal conflict over her ambition versus her guilt.

Teacher
Teacher

Great examples! Both Hamlet and Lady Macbeth showcase how internal conflicts can drive the plot and reveal their complex personalities.

The Role of Dialogue in Internal Conflict

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Teacher
Teacher

Dialogue plays a crucial role in expressing internal conflict. When characters voice their thoughts, what do you think it reveals about them?

Student 1
Student 1

It shows their fears and desires! Like, when they hesitate or use certain words.

Student 2
Student 2

And it can make us feel tension as we hear them struggle with their choices.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The way playwrights craft dialogue helps convey not just what characters say, but what they truly feel inside.

Internal Conflict's Impact on Narrative

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Teacher

Now let's analyze how internal conflict can impact the entire narrative. Why do you think it's vital for the plot?

Student 3
Student 3

I think it raises the stakes! If a character is unsure of their choices, it keeps us on the edge of our seats.

Student 4
Student 4

Yes, and their resolution can change everything in the end!

Teacher
Teacher

Precisely! Internal conflict adds depth to the characters' journeys and engages the audience in the emotional stakes of the story.

Identifying Internal Conflict in Plays

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s practice identifying internal conflict. I will read a short excerpt from a play. As I do, note any signs of internal conflict in the character’s words or actions.

Student 2
Student 2

Okay, I’ll be listening for hesitation or any expressions of doubt!

Student 1
Student 1

Me too! It’s interesting to see how it’s portrayed.

Teacher
Teacher

Excellent observation! Identifying these moments helps us understand the character's psyche and enriches our reading of the play.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

The section explores the concept of internal conflict, focusing on the struggle within a character's mind and the broader implications of such challenges within dramatic literature.

Standard

This section delves into Man vs. Self conflicts in drama, highlighting how characters grapple with their internal dilemmas, personal fears, and moral choices, enriching the narrative and providing profound insights into human nature.

Detailed

Man vs. Self (Internal Conflict) in Drama

Internal conflict, or Man vs. Self, is a crucial element of drama that reveals the deep psychological struggles of characters. This type of conflict is characterized by a character's internal dilemmas, conflicting desires, and moral quandaries. It offers a profound look into the complexities of human emotions and motivations, making character development more relatable and compelling for the audience.

In dramatic literature, internal conflict manifests through various psychological struggles, such as battling fears, doubts, guilt, or difficult moral decisions. For instance, a character might face the turmoil of whether to act against their principles, revealing layers of complexity in their personality.

Internal conflict impacts the overall narrative by creating tension and suspense, compelling the audience to engage with the character’s journey more intimately. Through the strategic use of dialogue, stage directions, and character actions, playwrights can effectively convey the essence of these internal struggles, highlighting their significance in revealing universal truths about the human condition.

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Definition of Man vs. Self

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This is a profound struggle within a character's own mind, often involving difficult moral dilemmas, conflicting desires, psychological turmoil, or battling personal fears, doubts, or desires. It represents a character's internal turmoil.

Detailed Explanation

In literature, 'Man vs. Self' refers to moments of inner conflict where a character grapples with their own thoughts, emotions, or beliefs. Unlike external conflicts where a character battles other characters or forces, internal conflict is deeply personal and psychological. This can manifest in various ways, such as moral dilemmas where the character must choose between right and wrong, desires that conflict with responsibilities, or fears that paralyze them from taking action. For example, a character might struggle with the decision to tell the truth about a painful situation, weighing the consequences of honesty against the desire to protect someone’s feelings.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a time when you had to make a difficult choice, like deciding whether to study for an important test or to go out with friends. The excitement of going out is appealing, but you know studying is crucial for your future. This situation mirrors internal conflict, where you weigh your desires against your responsibilities and values.

Examples of Internal Conflict

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Example: A character wrestling with their conscience over whether to reveal a painful truth.

Detailed Explanation

This example illustrates the essence of internal conflict. The character is faced with a choice: to reveal a harmful truth or keep it hidden. This situation creates a moral dilemma. On one hand, revealing the truth can provide clarity and prevent further deception. On the other, it carries the risk of hurting someone or altering relationships permanently. The character's struggle to reconcile these opposing desires illustrates how internal conflict can drive character development and plot progression.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine being in a situation where you know a friend's secret that could hurt them if exposed. You might feel guilty about keeping the secret, wanting to be honest, but also fear the potential fallout. This mirrors the character's conflict, showcasing how internal struggles shape our decisions in life.

The Importance of Internal Conflict

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It represents a character's internal turmoil.

Detailed Explanation

Internal conflict is vital in storytelling because it adds depth to characters and enriches the narrative. When readers see a character wrestling with their inner struggles, they can relate to them on a human level. This connection makes the characters feel more realistic and multidimensional. Additionally, internal conflict often serves as a catalyst for character growth. Characters must confront their fears, desires, and moral dilemmas, leading them to make significant decisions that influence the course of the story.

Examples & Analogies

Think about the story of a person facing a major life decision, like changing careers. They might love their current job but feel unfulfilled and dream of pursuing a passion. The emotional struggle between security and following one's heart is a relatable internal conflict, illustrating how such dilemmas can inspire profound personal growth and changing paths in life.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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Key Concepts

  • Internal Conflict: A struggle within a character's mind often involving moral dilemmas.

  • Character Development: The evolution of a character's motivations and traits through conflict.

  • Dialogue: A tool used to express internal thoughts and reveal character relationships.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • Example 1: Hamlet wrestles with his duty to avenge his father's death while grappling with existential questions about life and death.

  • Example 2: Lady Macbeth's guilt after committing murder leads her to madness, showcasing her internal conflict between ambition and moral consequence.

Memory Aids

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🎡 Rhymes Time

  • When a character's mind is a mess, / It shows their struggle, no less. / Internal conflict, a crucial part, / Reveals their fears right from the heart.

πŸ“– Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a knight at a crossroad, facing his own fears. He must choose between duty and his desire for freedom. As he debates within himself, his journey of internal conflict not only shapes his fate but defines who he truly is.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • I.C.E. means Internal Conflict Exists - where I represents 'Inner thoughts', C stands for 'Conflicting emotions', and E for 'Emotional struggles'.

🎯 Super Acronyms

To remember elements of internal conflict, think of 'DREAM'

  • D: for Decisions
  • R: for Ramifications
  • E: for Emotions
  • A: for Actions
  • and M for Moments of reflection.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

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  • Term: Internal Conflict

    Definition:

    A psychological struggle within a character's mind, often involving difficult moral dilemmas or conflicting desires.

  • Term: Character Development

    Definition:

    The process through which a character undergoes significant internal change or growth in response to conflict.

  • Term: Dialogue

    Definition:

    The spoken exchange of words between characters that reveals their thoughts, motivations, and relationships.

  • Term: Subtext

    Definition:

    The underlying meaning or intentions behind a character's words or actions that provide insight into their internal conflicts.

  • Term: Dramatic Tension

    Definition:

    The sense of urgency or suspense created by the internal struggles within a character or between characters.