Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, and John Knowles’ A Separate Peace share the idea of inner conflict and develop it within the main characters. Inner conflict is presented to the main characters in different forms; these forms pertain to the theme of their respective novels. The effect of the conflict on the characters escalates as the novels progress; the effect is also shown in the characters actions. Although inner conflict differs among each character, the cause of the conflict remains the same: the environment in which the characters reside. Inner conflict also causes the characters behavior and thought process to change at some point throughout the three novels. This leads the characters to their condition that is described at the end or the beginning of the novels plots.
Toni Morrison shows Pecola’s inner conflict
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The event that contributes most to Gene’s change is causing Phineas’ fall from the tree, which cripples Phineas and puts him completely out of sports. This “accident” constantly reappears during the remainder of Gene’s time at Devon, and it is even referred to as a casualty. Shortly after the incident occurs, Gene recalls Phineas’ astonishing physical condition before he falls from the tree, and, on several occasions, acknowledges the cast and crutches Phineas uses.
After Phineas dies, Gene maintains his connection to Phineas, saying “… he was present in every moment of everyday” (Knowles 202). The decision Gene has made earlier in the novel, to become part of Phineas and take his place in sports, lasts after Phineas’ death and Gene’s graduation from Devon. After fifteen years, Gene returns to Devon to see the tree from which Phineas fell and notices that the tree looks smaller, weathered-down, and aged; the severity of Phineas’ incident changed with the