English grade 11
An internal conflict is the struggle that takes place in a character’s mind while an external conflict is
a struggle between a character and some outside force. 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 Eclipse," Charles Hoy Fort explores the complexities of both internal and external conflicts through his portrayal of the character's mental struggles and his interactions with the outside world. The story effectively depicts these conflicts by focusing on the protagonist's thoughts and feelings, as well as the challenges he faces from external sources.
Firstly, the story vividly portrays the internal conflict within the protagonist's mind. We are offered a glimpse into his thoughts and emotions, which reveal a constant battle between his desires and his rationality. For instance, when the protagonist encounters the eclipse, he is initially overcome with a sense of wonder and awe. However, he soon realizes the potential dangers associated with staring at the eclipse, causing him to wrestle with his desire to witness the event and the fear of damaging his eyesight. This internal conflict is evident in the lines, "I hated myself for surrendering to such weakness" and "It was the last measure of reason left that finally made me draw my eyes away." These conflicting emotions display the protagonist's internal struggle and effectively highlight the depth of his turmoil.
Furthermore, the story also portrays external conflicts by highlighting the protagonist's interactions with external forces. The presence of other people in the narrative adds to the external conflict, as the protagonist's experiences and conflicts are not solely limited to his internal struggles. When the protagonist invites others to witness the eclipse, he faces external challenges in the form of their doubts and skepticism. This external conflict is seen in the lines, "I was met with silence or blank indifference on the part of everyone," and "They acted as if I were asking them to believe in miracles." The protagonist's attempts to share his awe and excitement are met with resistance, creating an external conflict that further adds to the complexity of the story.
Moreover, the author's use of descriptive language effectively contributes to the depiction of both internal and external conflicts. The vivid descriptions of the eclipse itself, as well as the protagonist's internal battle, enhance the reader's understanding of the conflicts at hand. For example, Fort's detailed description of the eclipse heightens the intensity of the external conflict, as the reader can envision the alluring beauty of the event. Additionally, the author's use of powerful imagery when describing the protagonist's internal struggle, such as "A little voice within me called me coward," enhances our perception of the internal conflict.
In conclusion, "The Eclipse" effectively depicts both internal and external conflicts through its exploration of the character's mental struggles and his interactions with the external world. Through the portrayal of the protagonist's internal battle and the challenges he faces from external sources, the author successfully highlights the complexity of the conflicts at hand. This is achieved through the protagonist's internal conflicts, his interactions with others, and the author's use of descriptive language. Fort's examination of both internal and external conflicts adds depth and richness to the story, making it a compelling exploration of human struggle.