Introduction
Character-versus-character conflict typically involves a confrontation between two individuals’ differing needs, motivations, or perspectives. It creates conditions or situations that test one’s beliefs and values (MasterClass, 2021). Lyons (2004) uses this literary device in his The Birthday Cake. In this story, the character vs. character conflict is presented through the disagreements between Lucia and Lorenzo and between Lucia and Maria.
The Birthday Cake portrays an episode from the life of Lucia, an old lady. She has a weekly routine, as she visits Lorenzo’s shop and buys a cake, always reserved for her in advance. However, a conflict arises when another customer, Maria, wants to buy the last cake available on that day for her daughter’s birthday. She raises her child by herself and works hard to support their living. Lorenzo asks Lucia to let Maria have the cake, but the old lady is outraged.
Conflict in the Story
The conflict between Lucia and Lorenzo arises from their differing values and beliefs. Lucia is traditional in her views, disrespectful of Puerto Ricans, and loyal to the shop and her habits. She confronts Lorenzo, who has learned Spanish, and demands that he speak Italian to her. She does not give up the cake for principle. In turn, Lorenzo is younger and more compassionate, appealing to the older woman’s empathy and kindness.
The conflict between Lucia and Maria is another essential element of the story. It is presented through a confrontation between two personalities. Maria struggles to keep her daughter happy and works hard to provide for her family. In turn, Luca has a tragic background story, and she lives alone as her husband is deceased and her children have abandoned her. She is bitter and selfish, not out of spite for the world; in fact, she is deeply hurt and lonely.
Conclusion
To conclude, the character vs. character conflict in The Birthday Cake is presented through the characters’ dialogues and actions. There is a confrontation between Lucia’s traditions and principles and those of Maria and Lorenzo. Eventually, the story reveals that the older woman’s selfish action is rooted in her grief and pain.
References
Lyons, D. (2004). The birthday cake. The Harvill Press.
MasterClass. (2021). What is character vs. character conflict?