Analyze how “The Eclipse” effectively depicts both internal and external conflicts. Write a well-organized response using specific evidence from the story to support your answer
In the short story "The Eclipse" by Augusto Monterroso, the author skillfully depicts both internal and external conflicts through vivid events and descriptions. Through the use of concise language and powerful imagery, Monterroso effectively conveys the protagonist's internal struggle while also illustrating the external conflict faced by the characters.
One of the primary internal conflicts depicted in the story revolves around the protagonist's fear and anticipation of the impending solar eclipse. The narrator's anxiety is evident through his vivid description of the eclipse's arrival: "The shadow of the Earth began to eat the light of the sun." This internal conflict is further heightened as the protagonist grapples with his own mortality, reflected in his questioning of whether he would still exist after the total eclipse: "Would I be dead? Would everything disappear?" These internal conflicts demonstrate the protagonist's fear of the unknown and his struggle to come to terms with the possible consequences of the eclipse.
Moreover, the story effectively portrays external conflicts through the interactions between the characters. When the characters gather to observe the eclipse, conflicts arise due to their diverse personalities and ways of viewing the world. For instance, an external conflict between the protagonist and Don Julian arises when the latter interrupts the former's introspection with intrusive questions. The protagonist's internal conflict is made manifest as an external conflict between the two characters. Additionally, the conflict between the scientific and religious interpretations of the eclipse is highlighted through the dialogue between the characters. This external conflict between different belief systems creates tension and further adds depth to the story.
Monterroso's use of specific evidence and imagery throughout the story bolsters the depiction of both internal and external conflicts. The protagonist's internal conflict is evident in his troubled thoughts and vivid descriptions of his fear. For example, the narrator describes his breathlessness as "my breathing hurt," emphasizing the intensity of his internal struggle. Meanwhile, the external conflicts are depicted through glimpses into the characters' interactions, as they carry on discussions filled with tension and contrasting opinions. The author's use of dialogue allows these conflicts to come to life on the page.
In conclusion, "The Eclipse" effectively portrays both internal and external conflicts through powerful descriptions and interactions between the characters. Monterroso's skillful use of language and imagery allows readers to intimately experience the protagonist's internal struggles and witness the external conflicts arising from differing viewpoints. By providing specific evidence from the story, it is clear that Monterroso expertly incorporates these conflicts to create a rich and engaging narrative.