Question

(01.02 mc)
in the following excerpt from \the terrible old man\ by h. p. lovecraft, which type of conflict is most evident?

waiting seemed very long to mr. czajek as he fidgeted restlessly in the covered motor - car by the terrible old man’s back gate in ship street. he was more than ordinarily tender - hearted, and he did not like the hideous screams he had heard in the ancient house just after the hour appointed for the deed. had he not told his colleagues to be as gentle as possible with the pathetic old sea - captain? very nervously he watched that narrow oaken gate in the high and ivy - clad stone wall. frequently he consulted his watch, and wondered at the delay.

• character vs. self
• character vs. society
• character vs. supernatural
• character vs. technology

Explanation:

To determine the conflict type, analyze Mr. Czamek's internal struggle: he is tender - hearted and feels uneasy about the screams from the house, while he is involved in a deed (likely harming the old man) with his colleagues. This shows a conflict within himself (his compassionate nature vs. his participation in the deed). "Character vs. society" would involve conflict with societal norms, "character vs. supernatural" with supernatural elements, and "character vs. technology" with technology—none of these fit. Only "Character vs. self" matches his internal turmoil.

Answer:

A. Character vs. self