Final answer:
Conflict in literature, whether internal or external, acts as a crucial component for character development and plot advancement, reflecting real societal challenges that can lead to growth and change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question posed asks for an essay to be written on the role of conflict in the advancement or hindrance of societal growth, as depicted in literature. Conflict is a central and indispensable element in literature and can be categorized as either internal, involving a struggle within a character's own thoughts and emotions, or external, between separate characters or entities. This literary device is a reflection of the various types of challenges and oppositions that individuals and societies face, which are pivotal in defining characters and moving the plot forward.
In literature, characters often grapple with internal conflict when they are aloof or torn between choices involving their personal values or responsibilities—think of Hamlet's indecision or a protagonist who must choose between their own happiness and that of others. Meanwhile, external conflict is readily visible in stories where characters are in opposition because of different beliefs or competing goals, such as the strife between the Montagues and Capulets in Romeo and Juliet. It is this type of interaction that can propel societal growth, as it often requires characters to confront beliefs or systems that may be flawed or unjust.
Ultimately, conflict within literature acts as a mirror to the human experience, challenging readers to consider their own responses to similar situations. Through encountering and resolving conflicts, both literary characters and real societies alike can experience growth, change, and evolution, thus highlighting the role of conflict as a both a litmus test and a catalyst for societal progress.