Final answer:
Conflict in literature is the driving force of the story's plot and character development, manifesting in internal or external struggles that help shape the theme. Authors like Mark Twain and Charlotte Perkins Gilman use conflicts to express themes about self-reliance, repression, and faith. The theme, usually an abstract message, is inferred by readers through details in the text.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conflict and Theme in Literature
The conflict in a literary work is central to the development of the story's theme. It serves as the main problem or struggle within the narrative, driving the plot and influencing the character's development. Various forms of conflict exist, including internal conflict within a character, and external conflict with other characters, society, nature, or greater powers.
In the context of Mark Twain's writing, the conflict described is an instance of internal struggle where the character, influenced by the doubts cast by others, begins to second-guess their own abilities. This tension not only engages the reader but also aids Twain in conveying his theme that one must trust their own knowledge and training.
Themes are abstract concepts or messages that a narrative aims to deliver. They are reflections on the human condition, society, or life and often require the reader to infer deeper meanings from the text. In stories like 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and 'A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the authors explore themes of repression and faith through the conflicts their characters endure.