Final answer:
Conflicts in stories are key to understanding plot and character development and involve researching contextual information such as history or culture. Multiple perspectives and reliable sources should be sought out to develop a nuanced view and distinguish between fact and interpretation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the concept of conflict is fundamental when analyzing stories and texts. In the literary context, conflict refers to the struggle between two opposing forces, which can be either internal, occurring within a character, or external, between characters or groups. It is this conflict that often drives the story's plot and helps to develop characters through their responses to challenges.
When engaging with a text, especially concerning conflict, students should research to better comprehend the context of the conflict within the story. This may involve looking into historical, cultural, or societal issues that mirror or inform the conflict in the narrative. For example, understanding the Emancipation Proclamation would require knowledge of the American Civil War and the institution of slavery.
Students are encouraged to seek multiple perspectives and sources when researching conflicts, whether historical or fictional. This practice helps in building a more nuanced understanding of the issues involved and may aid in distinguishing between fact, interpretation, and opinion. As part of applying this knowledge, students might investigate current conflicts in areas such as Rwanda and the Congo, thereby connecting literary studies with real-world events and practices in critical thinking.