Question

Sam realized early on that he wasn't cut out to play the piano. His true passion in life was for computer programming. However, his parents and his piano teacher showed so much support and enthusiasm that he couldn't bring himself to quit, even after he turned 18 and started to pay for the lessons himself. Which statement best describes how the conflict helps make the story engaging?

a) Eventually, Sam and his parents will fight, which ramps up the feeling of suspense.
b) The reader wishes to see Sam overcome his self-esteem issues and succeed at music.
c) The tug-of-war between Sam's true calling and his desire to please creates tension.
d) Sam's move toward paying for his lessons shows that he has become independent.

Answer 1

The best description of how conflict creates engagement in the story is 'c) The tug-of-war between Sam's true calling and his desire to please creates tension.' This internal struggle deepens the narrative and resonates with readers, as it portrays a universal theme of balancing personal passions against others' expectations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that best describes how the conflict helps make the story engaging is: '(c) The tug-of-war between Sam's true calling and his desire to please creates tension.' This type of internal struggle adds depth to the narrative as it pairs the character's personal desires with the expectations of others, which is a universal theme. The conflict captivates the reader because it presents a relatable dilemma: pursuing one's passion versus fulfilling familial or societal expectations. Such conflicts are often at the heart of a story, driving each scene and leading to a resolution that offers insights into the theme. In Sam's case, his personal narrative revolves around the central conflict of aligning his true passion for computer programming with the expectations and desires of his parents and piano teacher.

In literature, the conflict can manifest in various forms including character conflicts, personal dilemmas, and moral choices, among others. Sam's situation reflects an internal conflict, which is where the character wrestles with emotional issues or moral decisions. Typically, this personal narrative will reach a climax where the conflict is most intense, and then move towards a resolution, showcasing the theme or lesson gleaned from the experience. As such, understanding the different aspects of conflict in storytelling can enrich a reader's engagement with the narrative.