Module 2: The Novel - The Chrysalids

Lesson 2.2B: When is the Struggle Over?

In this lesson we will be focusing on the climax of the novel. The climax is the turning point in the main conflict of the story. Following the climax, the main character then either achieves his goal or is defeated by an obstacle that he cannot overcome. The outcome of the novel usually directs us to the main theme. Once you have finished the reading, we will look at the theme of the novel.

Climax and Resolution
Often we define the climax of a story as "the point of highest emotion." Using this definition, it's fairly easy to identify the climax in a short story where only one conflict happens. But in a novel where conflicts and crises happen throughout the story, it can be hard to identify the point of highest emotion, because there are lots of them! There are other ways to define conflict. Read them over and see if there is a definition that makes sense to you.

Conflict can be defined as:

• the point where the main conflict begins to be resolved
• a point where the story takes a direction that will prevent the protagonist from achieving his or her goal
• the turning point in which the rising action reverses to the falling action
• the point at which there is a reversal in the main character's situation

When the protagonist succeeds, is beaten, or gives up on his goal entirely, the story has reached the climax. The rest of the story, after the climax, is called the resolution. In the resolution we find out what is going to happen in the main character's life now that she has reached her goal or failed to reach it.

Typically in a modern short story or a novel, the climax occurs near the end of the story. That's usually when the main character encounters his biggest struggle and either wins or loses. But the climax does not always happen near the end. Shakespeare's dramas, for example, placed the climax in the middle, and showed as much as the characters' lives after the climax as before it. The plot graphs below show the possible positions of the climax in a story:

It is time to read the rest of your novel, and try to identify the climax when you reach it, looking for the point where the main conflict is resolved. Does the main character succeed, or fail to reach his goal? Is the ending as you predicted?

Guided Practice Activity 2.2B1

Journal Entry 2.2C: The Conclusion Respond to the following questions in your Journal: Part A: Did you like the end of the novel? Did it surprise you? Fill in the chart provided to capture your impressions of the end of the novel Part B: What main conflict was resolved at the climax? What weaknesses did the main character have that caused him to struggle? What strengths did he have that helped him to reach his goal?

Guided Practice Activity 2.2B2

Summary
Completing this lesson has helped you to:

• identify the climax of a story.
• form a personal response to the novel.
• evaluate the heroic qualities of the protagonist