Internal Conflict:
1. Identity and Self-Worth: Slam struggles with finding his identity and self-worth. Due to his traumatic past and the absence of a stable family, he lacks confidence and feels a sense of worthlessness. Throughout the story, Slam's journey involves coming to terms with his past and building a positive self-image.
2. Anger and Violence: Slam struggles to control his anger and violent impulses. He often feels overwhelmed by emotions, leading to impulsive and violent reactions. As he reflects on his past and explores alternative ways to express himself, he grapples with the internal battle to overcome his violent tendencies.
External Conflict:
1. Injustice System: Slam's story highlights the injustices within the juvenile justice system. He becomes caught up in a cycle of incarceration, where he encounters harsh treatment, lack of opportunities for rehabilitation, and racial discrimination. Slam's experiences bring attention to the flawed system that many young people face.
2. Family and Community: Slam's relationships with his family and community are strained due to his troubled past and frequent run-ins with the law. His father's abandonment, his mother's struggles with addiction, and his disconnectedness from his neighborhood create barriers in his path to redemption.
3. Survival vs. Education: Slam also grapples with the external conflict between survival and education. He faces pressure to earn money and support his family, which can pull him away from educational opportunities. This conflict highlights the challenges many underprivileged youth face in pursuing a better future.
Despite these internal and external challenges, Slam's story follows his efforts to overcome adversity, find his voice, and build a meaningful life for himself. Throughout the novel, he demonstrates his strength, resilience, and determination to create positive change in his life and community.