Final answer:
An internal conflict in Mark Twain's 'The Invalid's Story' arises as Twain, initially confident, begins to second-guess his abilities under others' scrutiny, which reflects his experience as a riverboat pilot trainee.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Mark Twain's The Invalid's Story, an example of internal conflict can be identified. Twain feels initially confident about running a crossing, but as Mr. Bixby introduces more people who question him, he starts to second-guess himself. This growing doubt represents the internal conflict, progressing from self-assurance to self-doubt under pressure. The conflict builds tension through dialogue that shifts the narrator's mindset, as noted when the captain's questioning 'did the business' for him. The story's resolution is implied through the narrative - it is not just a memoir but also a message that stresses the importance of relying on one's knowledge and training rather than succumbing to self-doubt. This tension and uncertainty build through dialogue and culminate in the theme of trusting one's knowledge over fear.
Moreover, this internal struggle elucidates Twain's experience learning to be a riverboat pilot and the general conflict of needing to trust in one's abilities versus the fear of failure. By employing dialogue, Twain allows readers to witness his transition from confidence to anxiety, thereby showcasing his skill in utilizing literary elements to enhance the story's realism and convey its purpose and theme.