The Eclipse
josie
travis
mr kim
grace
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 short story "The Eclipse," the author effectively depicts both internal and external conflicts to create a compelling narrative. These conflicts are evident through the struggles faced by the main characters – Josie, Travis, Mr. Kim, and Grace – and the external forces that contribute to their inner turmoils.
Firstly, an internal conflict is portrayed in Josie's mind. Throughout the story, Josie grapples with her feelings of guilt and regret over a past event that involved Travis. This internal struggle is apparent when she recalls, "I felt my eyes moving away, feeling ashamed about what I had said to him." Here, the author uses symbolism to represent Josie's inner turmoil and moral dilemma. She is conflicted between her desire to maintain a friendly relationship with Travis and her guilt over the incident.
Furthermore, Josie's internal conflict intensifies when confronted by external forces. The external conflict arises when Josie encounters Travis again during the solar eclipse event. Travis is angry and confrontational, provoking Josie further. This external conflict acts as a catalyst for Josie's internal conflict, exposing her unresolved emotions and forcing her to confront her guilt. The author effectively uses the external conflict to propel the narrative and deepen Josie's internal struggle.
Similarly, Mr. Kim also experiences internal conflict throughout the story. As a Korean immigrant, he faces cultural clashes and struggles with his sense of identity. The author depicts his internal conflict when Mr. Kim reflects on his past, stating, "I was lonely and needed a friend." This highlights his internal struggle to assimilate into American culture while maintaining his own identity. The conflict between Mr. Kim's desire for companionship and his fear of losing his cultural roots creates a compelling inner turmoil.
Moreover, external conflicts contribute heavily to Mr. Kim's internal struggle. He faces racial discrimination from some individuals in the community, which exacerbates his feelings of alienation and fuels his internal conflict. The author skillfully uses these external conflicts to intensify Mr. Kim's internal struggles and create a poignant portrayal of his character.
Lastly, Grace experiences both internal and external conflicts in the story. Her internal conflict revolves around her longing for her estranged father. Grace's desire for a connection with her father is evident when she mentions, "I longed to see my father’s face, his eyes inside of mine." This internal conflict adds depth to Grace's character and creates empathy in the reader.
Externally, Grace's conflict arises through her interaction with Josie. Josie's harsh words and actions towards Travis upset Grace, leading to an external conflict between the two characters. This external conflict serves as a catalyst for Grace's internal struggle and highlights her desire for familial connection and stability.
In conclusion, "The Eclipse" effectively portrays both internal and external conflicts through the struggles faced by Josie, Travis, Mr. Kim, and Grace. The author skillfully juxtaposes these conflicts to create a compelling narrative. By employing specific evidence from the story, such as the characters' thoughts and interactions, the author effectively showcases the complexity of human emotions and the impact of external forces on internal conflicts.