Contrasts and Conflict

Contrasts and Conflict

The Function of Contrasts

Multiple Select

When talking about "The Function" of something, you're also talking about:

• The plot

• The purpose

• The role

• The reason for use

When you write about the function of something, you explain why you think the author decided to use it.

When you write about the function of contrasts, you explain why the author used contrasts.

You could say: "The author used the contrast to..."

• Create Balance

• Clarify Ideas

• Move the Plot Forward

• Help emphasize idea

• Show the difference between...

But you can't stop there.

You have to be specific.

You have to stop and identify specific ideas and evidence from the text.

Types of Contrasts

• Between Characters

• Between Settings

• Between Events

Multiple Choice

We uncover those contrasts by paying attention to the details within a text. Which word(s) in the passage give us a clue that there's a contrast (difference)"

"Mrs. De Ropp was Conradin's cousin and guardian, and in his eyes she represented those three-fifths of the world that are necessary and disagreeable and real..."

• cousin

• disagreeable

• real

• necessary

Multiple Choice

Do you think Mrs. De Ropp and Conradin value (like) the same things?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Select

Through contrasts we also learn about the characters. What is revealed about Mrs. De Ropp here:

"Mrs. De Ropp was Conradin's cousin and guardian, and in his eyes she represented those three-fifths of the world that are necessary and disagreeable and real..."

• Mrs. De Ropp spent three-fifths of her money on Conradin

• Mrs. De Ropp has to take care of him

• Mrs. De Ropp supplied what was necessary (supplied his needs)

• Mrs. De Ropp is mean and hard to get along with

Multiple Select

What do we learn about Mrs. De Ropp from this passage?

"Mrs. De Ropp would never, in her honestest moments, have confessed to herself that she disliked Conradin, though she might have been dimly aware that thwarting him "for his good" was a duty which she did not find particularly irksome.

• She was an honest person

• She never publicly admitted to disliking Conradin

• She kind of enjoyed punishing (thwarting) him.

• She spent lots of time with him

Multiple Choice

What do we learn about Conradin from this passage?

"Conradin hated her with a desperate sincerity which he was perfectly able to mask. Such few pleasures as he could contrive for himself gained an added relish from the likelihood that they would be displeasing to his guardian, and from the realm of his imagination she was locked out--an unclean thing, which should find no entrance."

• He secretly hated her (able to mask)

• He secretly disobeyed (displeasing to his guardian)

• He has a vivid imagination that helps him cope

• He never let her in

• All of the above

Multiple Choice

What type of contrast have we examined in the excerpts we read?

• Contrast between setting

• Contrast between characters

• Contrast between situations

• Contrast between events

Open Ended

With these contrasts (difference in likes/dislikes), share some examples of the tensions you could infer exists between them.

What are some examples of conflict between them that isn't mentioned in the text, but may have occurred and led to Conradin's unusual prayer?