External conflict

Definition

External conflict refers to a struggle between a character and an outside force, which can be another character, society, or nature. This type of conflict is essential in storytelling as it drives the plot and influences character development, revealing their motivations and growth. In the context of Le Morte d'Arthur, external conflicts often reflect the broader themes of chivalry, honor, and the tension between individual desires and societal expectations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Le Morte d'Arthur features multiple external conflicts, including battles between knights, confrontations with adversaries, and struggles against societal expectations.
2. The conflicts often arise from the chivalric code that knights must uphold, leading to situations where personal loyalty is tested against public duty.
3. Key figures like Arthur and Lancelot face external conflicts that challenge their roles as leaders and warriors, ultimately influencing their fates.
4. External conflicts in the narrative frequently symbolize the struggle between good and evil, as characters must navigate their loyalties and moral choices.
5. These conflicts serve to advance the story's themes of honor, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships within a feudal society.

Review Questions

• How do external conflicts in Le Morte d'Arthur drive character development and plot progression?
  • External conflicts are crucial in Le Morte d'Arthur as they create challenges that force characters to confront their values and make significant choices. For instance, Arthur's battles with other kings not only advance the plot but also test his leadership qualities and commitment to chivalry. This struggle highlights how external pressures shape characters' decisions and ultimately define their arcs throughout the narrative.
• In what ways do external conflicts reflect the themes of chivalry and honor in Le Morte d'Arthur?
  • External conflicts in Le Morte d'Arthur often manifest through knights defending their honor or engaging in battles to uphold the chivalric code. These struggles reveal how society's expectations impact individual actions, as characters are compelled to choose between personal desires and their obligations to others. The interplay between personal loyalty and societal duty reinforces the theme that true honor comes from facing external challenges with integrity.
• Evaluate the significance of external conflict in shaping the narrative structure of Le Morte d'Arthur and its commentary on human relationships.
  • External conflict significantly shapes the narrative structure of Le Morte d'Arthur by providing a framework for exploring complex human relationships within a feudal context. As characters engage in battles against each other or confront societal pressures, these conflicts expose deeper themes of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice. The resolution or escalation of these external conflicts not only drives the plot but also serves as a commentary on the intricacies of human emotions and relationships, illustrating how external forces can complicate personal bonds and moral decisions.

Related terms

internal conflict:

A psychological struggle within a character, often involving competing desires or beliefs that challenge their decisions and actions.

characterization:

The process by which an author reveals the personality and traits of a character through their actions, thoughts, dialogue, and interactions with others.

theme: The central idea or message that a literary work conveys, often reflected through the characters' conflicts and experiences.