Water For Elephants Internal Conflict

Discuss how does the author make effective use of conflict in the novel?

In the novel Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, there are many riveting conflicts. However, there is not only external conflicts, but many internal conflicts as well. Through these many conflict, both the plot and characters are developed in an excellent manner.

Much of the story is centered around Jacob’s internal conflicts. From the beginning of the story, his parents’ death forces him into a great dilemma. He is forced to choose between finishing school or leaving and finding a job. As Jacob continues onto the show, he continues to suffer from more internal dilemmas. He is confronted with a situation where he needs to choose between putting down an animal or risking his job. Furthermore into the story, he is also conflicted on his feelings with Marlena. Deep down, Jacob wants to be with her, but she is already married to August, and he should not ruin their marriage. …show more content…
Initially, August sets up tension between Jacob and Walter, as Walter is forced to give up his living room to accomodate for Jacob. But over time, the tension is slowly dissolved. However, Walter and Jacob are still conflicted with many topics such as Camel and Marlena. These conflicts between them develop both characters and also allows the reader to consider different views to a situation.

Although August is initially nice to Jacob, the two of them have many conflicts. August almost causes Jacob to lose an arm when feeding the lions. They also have opposite views on treating animals. August beats Rosie with the bull hook harshly, much to Jacob’s dismay. However, as Jacob fails to suppress his feeling for Marlena, it leads to the climax of their conflict. In a frenzy, Jacob and August end up in a fist fight, which then leads to increased tension between the two. However, Marlena also ends up getting hurt, causing her to distance herself from