Question

it was the bottom of the eighth inning. the pitcher was extremely tired from throwing the entire game, and his arm had turned to jelly. the batter had two strikes against him already. the pitcher knew that if he could load his arm with power just one more time, he could strike the batter out.

what internal conflict is happening in this passage?

• the pitcher is battling his weakened arm.
• the pitcher is battling the visiting team.
• the pitcher is battling the batter at the plate.

Explanation:

Define internal conflict

Internal conflict is a psychological struggle that takes place within a character's mind (character vs. self), whereas external conflict involves a struggle against outside forces (character vs. character or character vs. nature).

Analyze the passage details

The passage describes a pitcher whose "arm had turned to jelly" and who is trying to "load his arm with power just one more time" to strike out the batter. This highlights a personal, physical, and mental struggle within himself to overcome his own bodily exhaustion.

Evaluate the options

• "The pitcher is battling his weakened arm" represents an internal struggle against his own physical limitations.
• "The pitcher is battling the visiting team" and "The pitcher is battling the batter at the plate" represent external conflicts (character vs. character).

Answer:

• The pitcher is battling his weakened arm. (Correct answer)
• The pitcher is battling the visiting team.
• The pitcher is battling the batter at the plate.