Conflict Creates Suspense: Interpersonal, External, and Internal Conflicts

Excerpts from the Paper

Conflict Creates Suspense: Interpersonal, External, and Internal Conflicts
This paper looks at how conflict creates suspense in S.E. Hinton’s memorable 1967 text, The Outsiders. The paper looks at three different types of conflict: interpersonal conflict; internal conflict; and external conflict. In the case of the first type of suspense, we wonder if the conflict between Darryl and
Ponyboy
will be resolved in a manner that will allow the two brothers to peacefully co-exist – and for
Ponyboy
to understand that his big brother only wants the best for him. In the case of the second type of conflict, the suspense emerges from the question of whether or not
Ponyboy
will relent and become a true hoodlum and gang kid – or remain productive and...

.....is wondering if the tensions between the two sides – like the tensions between the social classes – can ever be put aside for the best interests of all concerned.
In the end, conflict creates suspense because there are two duelling opposites – and one side is usually emblematic of good whilst the other side is emblematic of bad. In Hinton’s novel, things are somewhat more complicated, but the tensions that exist because of simmering conflicts does force us to ask whether or not clashing people, clashing gangs, and clashing cultures will ever find the bridge that might unify them – and leaves the outcome of the narrative in sufficient doubt that we read through to the end.
Works Cited
Hinton, S.E. The Outsiders. New York: Viking Press, 1967.