Alcoholism: Internal Or External Literary Conflict?

Alcoholism is a theme that can be used in literature to create conflict, which is a crucial element of storytelling. Conflict is what stands in the way of a character's goals, creating tension and driving the narrative forward. It can be categorised as either internal or external. When a character faces an external conflict, they are battling an outside force, such as another character, nature, or society. On the other hand, internal conflict occurs when a character struggles with their own opposing desires, thoughts, and beliefs. This happens within the character and adds depth and complexity to their personality. In the case of alcoholism, it can be seen as an internal conflict, as the character grapples with their desire to drink and their knowledge that they need to stop. This internal struggle can create an engaging narrative as the character's growth and change unfold through their battle with alcoholism.

Alcoholism as an internal conflict: character vs. self

Internal conflict in literature occurs when a character struggles with their inner thoughts, emotions, and feelings. This type of conflict is often referred to as "man vs. self" or "character vs. self" and involves a psychological struggle within the character. It adds depth and complexity to the characters and helps drive their development and growth throughout the story.

When exploring alcoholism as an internal conflict, the character's struggle is primarily between their desire to drink and their knowledge that they need to stop. This creates an intense internal battle, as depicted in the novel "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins, where the protagonist, Rachel, grapples with alcoholism alongside her obsession with a missing woman.

Alcoholism as an internal conflict can be further explored through the lens of moral dilemmas, emotional turmoil, and personal challenges. For example, a character may know that their drinking is harmful to themselves or others, but they struggle to stop due to the strong hold that alcohol has on them. This conflict may lead to guilt, shame, and a sense of powerlessness, creating a complex web of internal struggles that the character must navigate.

In some cases, the internal conflict of alcoholism may be intertwined with external conflicts in the story. For instance, a character's drinking problem may affect their relationships, career, or ability to function in their daily life, creating additional external obstacles that further complicate their internal struggle with alcoholism.

The portrayal of alcoholism as an internal conflict can evoke empathy in readers or audience members who have experienced similar struggles or witnessed the struggles of loved ones. It can also serve as a powerful tool for exploring themes of addiction, personal demons, and the journey towards recovery or self-improvement.

Alcoholism as an external conflict: character vs. character

Alcoholism can be depicted as an external conflict in literature, manifesting as a character versus character conflict. In such cases, the alcoholic character's addiction directly opposes another character or characters, creating tension and driving the narrative forward. Here are some ways in which alcoholism can be portrayed as an external conflict:

• Conflict with a loved one: The addiction may strain the alcoholic character's relationships with loved ones, such as their spouse, family members, or friends. This could lead to arguments, disagreements over treatment options, or even enable detrimental behaviours. The conflict arises from the loved one's desire to help and support the alcoholic, which contrasts with the alcoholic character's struggle to acknowledge their problem or accept assistance.
• Conflict with an authority figure: An alcoholic character may come into conflict with authority figures, such as a boss, teacher, or law enforcement officer. For example, the character's drinking could lead to issues at work, causing them to lose their job or face legal consequences. This type of conflict could explore themes of responsibility, accountability, and the power dynamics between individuals.
• Conflict with a rival or antagonist: Alcoholism can be portrayed as a hindrance or weakness that the protagonist must overcome to defeat their rival or antagonist. In this case, the conflict arises because the alcoholism makes the protagonist less capable of overcoming the opposing force. Alternatively, the antagonist could be the enabler or cause of the protagonist's alcoholism, creating a more nuanced character versus character conflict.
• Conflict within a group: In a group dynamic, such as a friend group or sports team, an alcoholic character's behaviour could create external conflict with the other group members. This could be due to the impact of their drinking on the group's goals or the emotional toll it takes on the other characters. The conflict arises from the group's desire for harmony and success, which is disrupted by the alcoholic character's behaviour.

By portraying alcoholism as an external conflict between characters, writers can explore complex themes, such as the impact of addiction on relationships, the challenges of intervention, and the societal consequences of alcoholism. This type of conflict adds tension and depth to the story, allowing readers to witness how the characters navigate the challenges posed by alcoholism and how it shapes their interactions and decisions.

Alcoholism as an internal conflict: moral dilemmas

Alcoholism can be a powerful theme in literature, often serving as a source of internal conflict for characters. This internal conflict arises from a character's psychological struggle with their thoughts, emotions, and moral dilemmas. It adds depth and complexity to the narrative and helps readers empathize with the protagonist's internal turmoil.

In the context of alcoholism, internal conflict can manifest in various ways. For example, a character may struggle with the moral dilemma of choosing between their desire to overcome addiction and the immediate gratification that alcohol provides. They may question whether it is worth fighting their addiction, weighing the potential benefits of sobriety against the challenges of maintaining abstinence. This internal debate reflects a common moral dilemma faced by individuals battling alcoholism, as they strive to reconcile their long-term goals with their immediate impulses.

Additionally, a character struggling with alcoholism may face internal conflict in the form of guilt and self-recrimination. They might grapple with feelings of shame and remorse for their past actions while under the influence. This internal conflict can create a moral dilemma, as the character must decide whether to forgive themselves, make amends, or continue down a path of self-destruction. The character's internal struggle may also extend to their relationships, as they question the impact of their alcoholism on loved ones and wrestle with the moral dilemma of prioritizing their desires over the well-being of those around them.

Furthermore, the internal conflict of a character battling alcoholism can involve a struggle for self-identity and purpose. Alcoholism may have become intertwined with their sense of self, and the prospect of sobriety forces them to confront who they are without alcohol. This internal conflict can lead to a moral dilemma, as the character must decide whether to embrace a new identity or cling to the familiar, even if it is detrimental.

Authors often use internal conflict to explore complex ethical and moral issues, shedding light on the intricacies of human decision-making. By presenting characters with moral dilemmas, authors invite readers to contemplate the choices that characters face, fostering introspection and critical thinking. Through the exploration of internal conflict in the context of alcoholism, literature can provide valuable insights into the human condition, challenging societal prejudices and sparking meaningful discussions about addiction and its impact.

Alcoholism as an external conflict: character vs. society

Alcoholism can be depicted as an external conflict in literature, where the protagonist's struggle with alcohol addiction pits them against societal expectations, norms, and consequences. This type of conflict, characterised as "character vs. society," presents a compelling narrative where the character's drinking habit is at odds with the societal forces surrounding them.

In literature, the "character vs. society" conflict often involves the protagonist challenging societal norms, cultural traditions, or governmental structures. This conflict creates tension and adds depth to the character's journey, as they navigate their personal struggles within the confines of societal expectations. The conflict may arise from the character's need to survive, their moral compass, or their pursuit of happiness, freedom, justice, or love.

In the context of alcoholism, the external conflict may manifest in various ways. For example, the protagonist may face societal stigma and discrimination due to their drinking habits, leading to challenges in their professional or personal lives. The society they inhabit may have strict norms and expectations that conflict with their addiction, creating internal turmoil and difficult decisions. The character may also encounter legal consequences due to their alcoholism, such as arrests or court-ordered rehabilitation, further complicating their struggle.

Additionally, the societal impact of the character's alcoholism can extend beyond their personal challenges. Alcoholism can affect the character's relationships, career, and overall functioning in society. This may include strained familial ties, loss of employment, or difficulties in maintaining a stable lifestyle. The external conflict of alcoholism can highlight the impact of societal forces on an individual's life, showcasing the challenges of seeking help, accessing treatment, or overcoming the societal barriers to recovery.

By portraying alcoholism as an external conflict between the character and society, authors can explore themes of societal expectations, the impact of addiction, and the complexities of personal struggles within a societal context. This type of conflict adds depth to the character's journey, reflects on societal issues, and engages readers through the exploration of relatable themes and the tension between individual struggles and societal norms.

Alcoholism as an internal conflict: emotional turmoil

Internal conflict in literature refers to a character's psychological struggle with their own thoughts, emotions, desires, beliefs, and fears. It occurs when a character grapples with opposing ideas or desires within themselves, and it is this inner turmoil that they must confront and overcome to achieve their goals. This type of conflict adds depth and complexity to the characters, making them more relatable and well-rounded.

Alcoholism is a form of internal conflict that can be a powerful theme in literature. It can be portrayed as a character's internal struggle, where they know they need to stop drinking, but the desire to drink is very strong, leading to an intense internal battle. This conflict can create emotional turmoil for the character, impacting their relationships, career, and overall well-being. The character may experience guilt, shame, and self-loathing due to their inability to control their drinking, which can further fuel their internal conflict.

In literature, alcoholism can serve as a device to explore the character's emotional journey and personal challenges. The internal conflict of alcoholism can be a source of moral dilemma, where the character struggles with their sense of right and wrong, knowing that their drinking is harmful but unable to stop. This conflict can also lead to a struggle for self-improvement, as the character may recognize the negative consequences of their drinking and strive to make better choices.

The emotional turmoil of alcoholism can be a powerful tool for character development. Through the internal conflict of alcoholism, authors can explore the character's motivations, fears, and personal challenges. It can also serve as a catalyst for growth, as the character may eventually seek help, make positive changes, or find the strength to overcome their addiction.

Alcoholism as an internal conflict can create a compelling narrative arc, where the character's emotional turmoil drives the plot forward. The reader or audience can witness the character's internal struggle and relate to their human flaws and vulnerabilities. This type of conflict adds depth and complexity to the story, making it more engaging and emotionally resonant.

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