Which Sentence Most Clearly Shows External Conflict

Which Sentence Most Clearly Shows External Conflict? Understanding Conflict in Literature

Conflict is the engine of storytelling. Without it, narratives sputter and stall. Understanding the different types of conflict – internal and external – is crucial for both writing compelling stories and analyzing existing ones. This article delves deep into the nature of external conflict, providing examples and exploring how to identify it within sentences and larger passages. We'll clarify the difference between external conflict and internal conflict and provide a definitive guide for recognizing the clearest indicators of external conflict in literature.

Internal vs. External Conflict: A Crucial Distinction

Before diving into specific sentences, it's vital to understand the core difference between internal and external conflict.

• Internal conflict: This type of conflict arises from a struggle within a character. It's a battle of wills, desires, or beliefs that takes place within the character's mind. Examples include a character grappling with guilt, making a difficult moral decision, or overcoming self-doubt.

• External conflict: This conflict pits a character against an outside force. This force could be another character, nature, society, technology, or even fate. The struggle is visible and often involves actions and reactions between the character and the external force.

Identifying External Conflict in Sentences: Key Indicators

Identifying external conflict in a sentence hinges on recognizing the presence of an opposing force acting upon the protagonist. Here are some key indicators:

1. Direct Confrontation: Character vs. Character

The most obvious form of external conflict involves a direct confrontation between two or more characters. Sentences highlighting this often include verbs of action, opposition, and struggle.

Example: "John lunged at Mark, his fist connecting with Mark's jaw." This sentence clearly depicts a physical altercation – a classic example of character vs. character conflict.

Other examples:

• "She argued fiercely with her boss about the unfair promotion."
• "The two warriors clashed swords in a desperate duel."
• "He threatened to sue the company for breach of contract."

2. Character vs. Nature: Confronting the Elements

External conflict can also involve the struggle against the forces of nature. Sentences indicating this conflict often describe natural events or phenomena that threaten or challenge the character.

Example: "The raging storm battered the small fishing boat, threatening to capsize it." This vividly portrays the struggle against nature's destructive power.

Other examples:

• "He fought against the blizzard, determined to reach his family’s cabin."
• "The earthquake destroyed her home, leaving her with nothing."
• "The intense heat parched the land, leaving the crops to wither."

3. Character vs. Society: Social Norms and Expectations

External conflict can stem from a character's struggle against societal norms, expectations, or laws. Such sentences often highlight the character's defiance of the established order or their struggle against prejudice.

Example: "She refused to conform to the restrictive gender roles expected of her in the 1950s." This sentence portrays a conflict between the individual and the societal norms of her time.

Other examples:

• "He was imprisoned for speaking out against the government."
• "She faced discrimination because of her ethnicity."
• "He fought against the unfair laws that disadvantaged the poor."

4. Character vs. Technology: Machines and Systems

In modern narratives, conflict can arise from the interaction between a character and advanced technology or complex systems. Sentences highlighting this often involve malfunctions, failures, or the character's inability to control technological forces.

Example: "The self-driving car malfunctioned, careening dangerously out of control." This showcases a struggle against a technological force.

Other examples:

• "He struggled to understand the complex computer system that controlled the factory."
• "The robot malfunctioned, endangering the lives of the workers."
• "She fought the oppressive surveillance of the government's monitoring system."

5. Character vs. Fate or Supernatural Forces: The Inevitable and the Unknown

External conflict can also take a more mystical or allegorical form, pitting the character against fate, destiny, or supernatural forces. Sentences highlighting this often involve a sense of the inevitable or a confrontation with forces beyond the character's control.

Example: "Despite his best efforts, he couldn't escape the prophecy foretold by the ancient oracle." This showcases a battle against a pre-ordained destiny.

Other examples:

• "She faced the wrath of the ancient gods for her transgression."
• "He was pursued relentlessly by a malevolent spirit."
• "The curse of the family finally caught up to him."

Analyzing Sentences for Clear Indicators of External Conflict

Let's analyze some sentences and determine which most clearly demonstrates external conflict:

A. "He felt a deep sense of guilt about his past actions." This is internal conflict – a struggle within the character's own mind.

B. "The mountain loomed before him, a daunting obstacle to overcome." While the mountain is an external element, this sentence primarily focuses on the character's internal response (daunted). It doesn't show a direct conflict or action.

C. "A fierce wind whipped at her face, threatening to tear her from the cliff's edge." This sentence clearly demonstrates external conflict. The wind (force of nature) is actively threatening the character, showcasing a character vs. nature conflict.

D. "She wrestled with her conscience, unsure of the right course of action." This is internal conflict, focusing on a moral dilemma.

E. "The angry mob surged forward, intent on violence." This sentence powerfully depicts external conflict. The mob (society) is a hostile force directly confronting the implied character.

Therefore, sentences C and E most clearly show external conflict. They depict direct action and an active oppositional force against the character.

Crafting Sentences that Showcase External Conflict: A Writer's Guide

When crafting your own narratives, consider these tips to effectively portray external conflict:

• Use active verbs: Employ strong action verbs that highlight the confrontation between the character and the external force.

• Show, don't tell: Instead of stating that a character faces conflict, describe the conflict through vivid sensory details and actions.

• Establish stakes: What is at risk for the character? High stakes increase the tension and impact of the external conflict.

• Create believable antagonists: Whether it's another character, nature, or a societal force, ensure the antagonist is realistic and presents a credible challenge.

• Vary the types of conflict: A well-rounded story will incorporate multiple types of external conflict to keep the narrative engaging and dynamic.

Conclusion: Recognizing and Utilizing External Conflict

Understanding external conflict is essential for both analyzing and creating compelling narratives. By recognizing the key indicators discussed – direct confrontation, struggles against nature, society, technology, or fate – you can identify and effectively portray external conflict in your own writing and gain a deeper appreciation of its role in literature. Remember that a strong external conflict often elevates a story from a simple narrative to a captivating and unforgettable experience for the reader. Mastering the art of depicting external conflict will undeniably enhance your storytelling abilities and help you craft truly compelling and memorable characters and narratives.