Everyone faces internal conflict. Whether guilt plagues or evil lurks, people fight hidden demons constantly. Growing as a person requires someone to choose which side of the battle will win - and that is entirely up to them. In her short story, “Choices”, Susan Kerslake illustrates Peggy’s internal battle with a simple choice. Peggy, questioning, contemplates whether or not to go with her boyfriend on a road trip. Peggy and Ken aren’t serious in their relationship, mainly seeing each other as a pastime. They are both surprised that it lasts still. Peggy decides to go, which turns her life completely upside down. A car crash. Peggy and Ken are both faced with a choice, an inner battle - is Ken obligated to remain with Peggy? Their relationship …show more content…
If he leaves, Ken can carry on with his life, probably finding love and a family of his own. Both of these characters face an inner conflict that will change their lives forever. Another example of characters who struggle with internal battles can be found in “North End Faust”, a short story by Ed Kleiman. Alexander Markiewicz, a genius, struggles with separation. His works in the field of isolation are worshipped throughout the scientific community. Ever since he was a child, isolation has been his friend. Yet, as he ages, he begins to fear being shut out from the world. Markiewicz’ position in his workplace and his family give him a feeling of being in an isolation chamber. Markiewicz battles with telling people of his newfound fear - would they understand that he, the great scientist who has pushed the scientific world of isolation forward in leaps and bounds, is now afraid of what was once his friend? Markiewicz suddenly panics when he finds himself feeling isolated in the real world. Struggling to find an escape, he runs off to a bridge and jumps off with the delusion of becoming a child again - joining his friends in building a paradise on an island. Markiewicz internally struggles with confessing his fears,