The Complexity Of The Main Character’s Conflicts In The Novel Carry Me Down

Abstract

Conflicts are an inevitable aspect of human life, often emerging when individuals are unable to make choices that bring satisfactory outcomes. This reality is also reflected in literature, as literary works cannot be separated from the dynamics of society. Conflict becomes an essential element that not only drives the plot forward but also reveals the complexity of human emotions, relationships, and moral struggles. This study examines the internal and external conflicts experienced by the main character in Maria Joan Hyland’s novel Carry Me Down. Internal conflict is understood as the psychological and emotional tension within the protagonist, while external conflict refers to challenges that arise from interactions with family, society, and circumstances beyond personal control. The analysis highlights how these conflicts shape the character’s growth and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the novel.The research applies a descriptive qualitative approach, focusing on textual interpretation to identify the forms, causes, and resolutions of conflict in the narrative. The scope of the discussion is limited to conflicts that directly involve the main character in order to provide a more in-depth exploration. Ultimately, the study aims to show how Hyland uses conflict as a powerful device to depict the complexity of human experience.