Internal conflict

Definition

Internal conflict refers to a psychological struggle within a character, often arising from conflicting desires, beliefs, or values. It plays a crucial role in shaping character development and thematic elements in literature, particularly in works like Le Morte d'Arthur, where knights grapple with moral dilemmas and personal loyalties amidst the backdrop of chivalric ideals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Le Morte d'Arthur, characters like Sir Lancelot experience internal conflict when their personal desires clash with their obligations to King Arthur and the Round Table.
2. The theme of loyalty versus love is a prevalent internal conflict, especially illustrated in the relationships among Lancelot, Guinevere, and Arthur.
3. Internal conflicts contribute to the tragic elements of the narrative, as unresolved struggles often lead to dire consequences for characters.
4. Malory uses internal conflict to highlight the tension between chivalric ideals and human emotions, emphasizing the complexity of knightly honor.
5. Many pivotal moments in the story arise from characters’ internal struggles, revealing their vulnerabilities and driving the plot forward.

Review Questions

• How does internal conflict shape the character development of Lancelot throughout Le Morte d'Arthur?
  • Lancelot's internal conflict is a significant aspect of his character development. His love for Guinevere conflicts with his loyalty to King Arthur, leading him to make choices that ultimately affect his honor and standing among the knights. This struggle highlights his humanity, revealing vulnerabilities that make him relatable and complex. As he grapples with these conflicting emotions, readers see how his decisions lead to personal and relational turmoil, ultimately shaping his fate.
• Discuss how Malory uses internal conflict to enhance the theme of loyalty in Le Morte d'Arthur.
  • Malory effectively employs internal conflict to deepen the theme of loyalty within the narrative. Characters are often torn between their duties to one another and their personal desires, exemplified by Lancelot's relationship with Guinevere. This tension not only illustrates the complexity of loyalty but also showcases its consequences when characters fail to reconcile their internal struggles. By depicting these conflicts, Malory emphasizes the idea that loyalty is not simply about external obligations but also about aligning one's inner values with actions.
• Evaluate the role of internal conflict in driving the tragic outcomes for characters in Le Morte d'Arthur.
  • Internal conflict plays a pivotal role in driving tragic outcomes for several characters in Le Morte d'Arthur. For instance, Lancelot's unresolved struggles between love and loyalty ultimately lead to the downfall of Camelot and personal tragedies for himself and others. This interplay of conflicting emotions underscores how internal battles can have far-reaching consequences beyond the individual. The portrayal of these conflicts serves as a commentary on human nature, suggesting that our inner turmoil can shape destinies and influence broader narratives within society.

Related terms

characterization:

The process by which an author reveals a character's personality, motivations, and complexities, often through internal conflict.

moral dilemma: A situation in which a character faces a difficult choice between two or more conflicting moral principles.

theme: The underlying message or central idea of a literary work, often explored through characters' internal conflicts.