Final answer:
In 'Behold the Dreamers,' conflicts include the socioeconomic challenges of immigration, moral dilemmas in the face of the financial crisis, and personal struggles within the Jonga family.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue, there are several conflicts that shape the purpose and theme of the story. First, there's the socioeconomic conflict faced by the Jonga family as they struggle to make a life in America, coming from Cameroon. They dream of achieving a better standard of living but face legal and economic barriers. The outcome of this conflict is that they must confront the harsh realities of immigrant life.
Another conflict is the moral conflict that Clark Edwards, an executive at Lehman Brothers, faces during the 2008 financial crisis. His professional decisions have personal impacts, contributing to the overall tension. The outcome here reflects the larger economic downturn and the personal toll it takes on those involved in the crisis, including job loss and a strain on relationships.
Lastly, there's a personal conflict within the Jonga family, particularly around the pressures to succeed and the question of what it means to live a successful and authentic life. The resolution of this conflict comes with the family reevaluating their dreams and the meaning of happiness, which leads to a change in their life trajectory.