Conflict

Definition

Conflict refers to a serious disagreement or clash between ideas, principles, or people, often resulting in tension or opposition. In literature, conflict can take many forms, including internal struggles within a character and external battles between characters or forces. It serves as a crucial driving force in storytelling, revealing characters' motivations and shaping their development, particularly when exploring themes of spirituality and secularism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conflict in literature often mirrors real-life struggles between spirituality and secularism, where characters may grapple with faith and doubt.
2. Internal conflict can drive a character’s development, illustrating the complexities of their beliefs and moral dilemmas.
3. External conflicts often arise in narratives that juxtapose secular ideologies against spiritual ones, creating a dynamic interplay that enriches the story.
4. The resolution of conflict typically leads to insights about the nature of belief and the human condition, showcasing how characters navigate their spiritual journeys.
5. Contemporary literature often reflects societal conflicts surrounding religious beliefs and secular values, highlighting ongoing tensions in modern life.

Review Questions

• How does conflict enhance character development in contemporary literature that explores themes of spirituality?
  • Conflict enhances character development by forcing characters to confront their beliefs and values. In stories dealing with spirituality, characters may experience internal conflicts as they wrestle with faith versus doubt. This struggle not only deepens their personal journeys but also allows readers to engage with complex themes about belief systems and the human experience.
• Analyze how external conflicts in literature represent the broader societal tensions between secularism and spirituality.
  • External conflicts often serve as metaphors for societal tensions between secularism and spirituality. For instance, when characters from different belief systems clash, it reflects real-world debates about religion's place in society. Such conflicts can lead to heightened drama and allow authors to critique societal norms while exploring the consequences of these tensions on individuals and communities.
• Evaluate the role of conflict in shaping narrative resolutions related to spirituality and secularism in modern literature.
  • Conflict plays a vital role in shaping narrative resolutions by providing a framework for characters to navigate their spiritual dilemmas. As conflicts arise from opposing beliefs or values, they force characters to make critical choices that lead to growth or transformation. Ultimately, these resolutions often reveal deeper insights into the coexistence of spirituality and secularism, encouraging readers to reflect on their own beliefs and understanding of these concepts.

Related terms

dichotomy: A division or contrast between two things that are represented as being opposed or entirely different.

tension: The mental or emotional strain that arises from conflicting ideas or forces within a narrative, creating suspense and engagement.

resolution: The process of resolving a conflict in literature, which may lead to character growth, change in beliefs, or restoration of harmony.