Final answer:
a) Man vs. Nature. The most difficult external conflict to support is Man vs. Nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
In my opinion, the most difficult external conflict to support would be Man vs. Nature. This type of conflict involves a character or characters struggling against the forces of nature, such as storms, natural disasters, or the harsh wilderness. It can be challenging to support this conflict because nature is often portrayed as a powerful and unpredictable force that is beyond human control.
For example, in the novel The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, the protagonist Santiago faces a relentless battle with nature as he tries to catch a giant marlin. His struggle against the sea and the elements represents the overwhelming power of nature.
Furthermore, nature can also be seen as a symbol of the cycle of life and death, which adds another layer of complexity to this conflict. Overall, the difficulties and uncertainties presented by nature make it the most challenging external conflict to support.