Internal Conflicts

Definition

Internal conflicts refer to psychological struggles that occur within a character's mind, often involving competing desires, beliefs, or emotions. These conflicts are crucial for character development and can drive the narrative forward, revealing deeper themes and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal conflicts in Charles Brockden Brown's works often revolve around the struggle between rational thought and emotional impulses, reflecting the tension of the Enlightenment era.
2. Brown's characters frequently face moral dilemmas that lead to profound internal strife, highlighting the complexities of human nature and societal expectations.
3. The representation of internal conflicts in Brown's novels contributes to a Gothic atmosphere, emphasizing themes of isolation and psychological terror.
4. In many of Brown's major works, the internal struggles of characters serve as a critique of contemporary society, exploring issues such as identity and social norms.
5. Brown's use of internal conflict not only enhances character depth but also engages readers by prompting them to reflect on their own values and beliefs.

Review Questions

• How do internal conflicts enhance character development in Charles Brockden Brown's major works?
  • Internal conflicts are key to character development in Brown's novels because they reveal the characters' inner struggles and motivations. As characters wrestle with competing desires or moral dilemmas, readers gain insight into their complexities. This psychological depth makes the characters more relatable and adds layers to the narrative, inviting readers to empathize with their challenges.
• In what ways do the internal conflicts portrayed in Brown's works reflect the societal issues of his time?
  • The internal conflicts depicted in Brown's works often mirror the societal issues of the late 18th century, such as individualism versus societal expectations. Characters grapple with their identities amidst shifting cultural landscapes, embodying the tension between Enlightenment ideals and emerging Romantic sensibilities. By exploring these conflicts, Brown critiques contemporary society while engaging readers in a discussion about morality and personal freedom.
• Evaluate the role of internal conflicts in shaping the thematic elements of fear and isolation in Charles Brockden Brown's novels.
  • Internal conflicts significantly shape themes of fear and isolation in Brown's novels by illustrating how psychological struggles can lead to alienation from oneself and others. As characters confront their fears and grapple with their emotions, they often find themselves isolated from society or unable to connect with those around them. This portrayal not only amplifies the Gothic elements present in his work but also prompts readers to consider how unresolved inner turmoil can affect relationships and perceptions of reality.

Related terms

Characterization:

The process by which authors develop and present characters in a story, including their traits, motivations, and conflicts.

Motivation: The reasons or driving forces behind a character's actions and decisions, often influenced by internal and external conflicts.

Theme: The central idea or underlying message in a literary work, which is often illuminated through characters' internal conflicts and resolutions.