Question

read the excerpt from the land.

\cassie, you know bout mitchell?\ i asked her.

\course i know about mitchell,\ she answered. \whyre you letting him beat up on you?\

\im not letting him!\ i exclaimed in outrage. \you thinking im liking him beating up on me?\

\well, if youre not, youd better make him stop.\

\well, im trying.\

\well, youd better try harder.\

\ive tried fighting back, but hes too strong. thing is, i dont know how to stop him.\

this excerpt demonstrates a character vs. self conflict because paul describes

his personal struggle with how to handle mitchell.
his struggle to get cassie to help him with mitchell.
his conversation with cassie about handling mitchell.
his interactions with both cassie and mitchell.

Explanation:

Analyze the conflict type

Using the Types of Conflict knowledge point, we must identify the internal struggle. A character vs. self conflict is an internal struggle that takes place within a character's own mind, involving their feelings, doubts, or difficult decisions.

Examine the dialogue

Using the Dialogue Analysis knowledge point, we look at Paul's words. Paul says, "I've tried fighting back, but he's too strong. Thing is, I don't know how to stop him." This reveals his internal feelings of helplessness and confusion.

Evaluate characterization

Using the Characterization knowledge point, we analyze Paul's internal state. His admission that he does not know how to handle the situation shows his personal, internal struggle with how to deal with Mitchell's bullying.

Compare the options

We evaluate the choices to see which one best explains the internal nature of character vs. self conflict:

• Option 1: Focuses on his internal, personal struggle with how to handle Mitchell. This fits character vs. self.
• Option 2: Focuses on getting Cassie to help, which is an external interaction.
• Option 3: Focuses on the conversation itself, which is character vs. character interaction.
• Option 4: Focuses on external interactions with others.

Answer:

• (A) his personal struggle with how to handle Mitchell. (Correct answer)
• (B) his struggle to get Cassie to help him with Mitchell.
• (C) his conversation with Cassie about handling Mitchell.
• (D) his interactions with both Cassie and Mitchell.