Question

identifying the source of conflict

when i stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, i had only two things on my mind: paul newman and a ride home. i was wishing i looked like paul newman - he looks tough and i dont - but i guess my own looks arent so bad. i have light brown, almost-red hair and greenish-gray eyes. i wish they were more gray, because i hate most guys that have green eyes, but i have to be content with what i have. my hair is longer than a lot of boys wear theirs, squared off in back and long at the front and sides, but i am a greaser and most of my neighborhood rarely bothers to get a haircut. besides, i look better with long hair.
-the outsiders, s.e. hinton

describe the conflict in the passage by completing the sentence.
ponyboy is experiencing an dropdown conflict between dropdown.

Explanation:

Analyze the character's thoughts and feelings

The narrator, Ponyboy, is reflecting on his own physical appearance compared to the actor Paul Newman. He expresses a desire to look tough like Paul Newman, but then tries to reassure himself that his own looks "aren't so bad." He wishes his eyes were more gray because he hates most guys with green eyes, but concludes that he has to "be content with what I have." This internal debate about self-image and self-acceptance represents a struggle within his own mind.

Identify the type of conflict

Because the struggle takes place entirely within Ponyboy's own mind regarding his self-image, desires, and self-acceptance, it is classified as an internal conflict.

Determine the opposing forces

The conflict is between what Ponyboy wishes he looked like (his desire to look tough like Paul Newman and have different colored eyes) and his actual appearance (his need to accept himself and be content with his own features).

Answer:

Describe the conflict in the passage by completing the sentence.

Ponyboy is experiencing an <blank>internal</blank> conflict between <blank>his desire to look like Paul Newman and his need to accept his own appearance</blank>.