About This Worksheet
Carried Conflicts is a grade 12 thematic and character conflict worksheet centered on The Things They Carried. It examines how fear, duty, shame, and moral uncertainty intersect to create both internal and external conflict among soldiers.
Rather than focusing on combat scenes alone, this worksheet emphasizes psychological burden. Students must analyze subtle pressures-loyalty, pride, expectation-that influence decisions. The goal is to explore ambiguity rather than simple heroism.
Curriculum and Grade Alignment
Designed for Grade 12, this worksheet emphasizes moral complexity and thematic interpretation. The primary learning goal is to analyze how internal conflict shapes character identity.
Aligned to CCSS RL.11-12.2 and RL.11-12.3.
Student Tasks
Students identify a fear-driven character and analyze how that fear shapes decisions. They evaluate moments of implied fear and its behavioral influence.
In the second section, students examine conflict between duty and desire.
Finally, students analyze morally ambiguous situations and reflect on how repeated conflict shapes identity.
Common Challenges
Students may oversimplify moral dilemmas. Teachers can model analysis of Lieutenant Cross or Tim O’Brien’s draft decision.
Implementation Guidance
Effective for discussions on moral ambiguity and war literature.
Details and Features
Organized into thematic conflict sections. Requires textual evidence and interpretive nuance.