Here are the key conflicts in "The Scarlet Ibis":
1. Internal Conflict within the Narrator (Doodle):
* Desire vs. Reality: Doodle desperately wants to be "normal" like his brother, but he is physically disabled. This creates a constant struggle within him.
* Fear vs. Courage: Doodle fears his limitations, but he also desires to overcome them, pushing himself beyond his capabilities.
2. External Conflict between the Narrator and Doodle:
* Brotherly Love vs. Pride: The narrator loves Doodle, but his pride in his own strength and abilities leads him to push Doodle too hard, ultimately contributing to his demise.
* Overprotection vs. Independence: The narrator feels responsible for Doodle, but he also wants him to be independent. This tension results in conflicting actions.
3. External Conflict between the Characters and the Setting:
* Nature's Beauty vs. Cruelty: The natural world is both beautiful and unforgiving. The storm that kills Doodle symbolizes the harshness of nature and its potential for cruelty.
* The South's Legacy vs. Individual Freedom: The story is set in the American South, where traditional values and expectations often clash with personal desires for self-expression.
4. Thematic Conflict:
* Acceptance vs. Denial: The story explores the conflict between accepting reality and attempting to deny it. The narrator initially denies Doodle's limitations but ultimately has to confront the truth.
These conflicts are interwoven, creating a complex and emotionally resonant story about love, loss, and the burden of human responsibility.