Internal Conflict:
* Billy's struggle with loneliness and disillusionment: He's a young, Black man navigating a world filled with prejudice and limited opportunities. He feels disillusioned with his job and his life in general, longing for something more. This is evident in his reflections on his life, like "He had never been in love, never had a home, and never would, he knew."
* Billy's internal conflict over accepting societal expectations: He is confronted with his mother's expectations and traditional values, which represent a societal pressure to conform. He struggles to reconcile his own desire for freedom and self-expression with his duty to his family and societal norms.
External Conflict:
* Billy's conflict with societal norms and prejudice: The story is set in a time of racial segregation and discrimination. Billy faces the limitations imposed on him by his race, making it difficult to pursue his dreams. This is evident in his dissatisfaction with his job and his lack of opportunities.
* Billy's conflict with his mother: His mother represents traditional values and societal expectations. While she genuinely wants the best for her son, her actions and expectations contribute to Billy's internal struggles. The story explores the clash between their differing perspectives and goals.
* Billy's conflict with his own sense of purpose: He grapples with the meaninglessness of his life and the lack of fulfillment he feels. This internal conflict fuels his desire to escape the confines of his reality and seek a different path.
The overall conflict of the story lies in Billy's struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that seems to offer him little hope. He navigates societal constraints, his own internal struggles, and the expectations of those around him, ultimately searching for a path that aligns with his own aspirations.
The story leaves the reader with a sense of melancholy and uncertainty, highlighting the difficulties faced by young Black men in a society that often limits their potential.