Final answer:
The main conflict involves characters facing challenges due to natural forces, often represented by A.a storm, which serves to both drive the narrative and deepen the thematic content.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main conflict in the story is not explicitly provided in the excerpts, but based on the information given and the role of conflict in narrative structure, it's safe to assume that the conflict relates to a combination of character and natural forces. In the provided texts, characters often face challenges due to the forces of nature, for instance, the storm and the resulting struggles. Whether it's Jane Withersteen's emotional turmoil in the face of her friends' departure amidst the storm, the child lost in the forest, or the force of the storm that threatens characters in different stories, the central theme revolves around individuals confronted with the overwhelming power of nature.
These scenarios underscore the literary device where the storm not only represents physical challenges but also mirrors the inner conflicts and emotional battles the characters undergo. Furthermore, the illustrative detail of characters like Ichabod trying to cross a bridge during a storm and others facing their fears of the natural world highlight how conflict can drive the narrative forward and develop themes.