Conflict in Stories

A detailed Summary of Conflict in Stories

Complications usually arise after a writer introduces the main point in a story. These complications are usually the result of conflicts. There are three kinds of conflict within a story (Trimmer and Jennings 4). The first kind of conflict is conflict among the characters. The second kind of conflict is conflict between a character and his or her environment. The third kind of conflict is conflict among the thoughts, needs, or emotions of a single character. After conflict arises, this is a moment of crisis or perhaps better known as the climax of the story. This usually marks the end of development to any other major action in the story (Trimmer and Jennings 5). The focus at this point is on the conflict in hopes of untangling or resolving it.

The first kind of conflict is conflict among characters. This kind of conflict is present in John Updike's "A&P" and Willa Cather?s "Paul?s Case." Sammy, the main character in "A&P," wants to impress some town girls12a and Lengel, the store manager, wants to humiliate them. Because of this conflict, Sammy makes a decision to quit his job in an effort to become a hero to the girls. Lengel realizes this is a hasty decision and tells Sammy, "you?ll9e feel this for the

All three kinds of conflict are present in "Paul's Case" and "A&P." Both Sammy and Paul have conflict with other characters, conflict with their environment, and inner conflict of their thoughts and emotions. The different kinds of conflicts once presented in these stories definitely add richness to the stories and make them more interesting. In addition, conflict in a story helps the reader untangle the web that a writer weaves.

The third kind of conflict is conflict among the thoughts, needs, and emotions of a single character. Again, this conflict is evident in the two stories previously mentioned. Sammy in "A&P" tolls20a with the idea of whether to take up for the girls or respect the rules of his environment. He wants to be a hero in the eyes of the girls12a but feels he must finish what he starts. However, he makes a rash decision from reacting to the situation instead of thinking things through. After he hastily quits his job and exits the grocery store, the girls he tries to impress is6a gone. Sammy wonders in his mind if he is a fool or a hero. According to Updike, "my[Sammy] stomach kind of fell"(1141). Perhaps he is a fool. Paul in "Paul?s Case" is in constant conflict with his thoughts, needs,

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Approximate Word count = 818
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels

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Conflict in Stories

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