There are two types of conflict in the short story: internal and external. The first problem arises in the difference between a vacation and an escaped criminal. The second disagreement happens when the grandmother is talking to The Misfit.
Detailed answer:
The short story A Good Man is Hard to Find is a magnificent example of American literature. In this work, the writer depicts two types of conflict that appear between the characters.
- First type: external conflict; the family’s vacation and The Misfit.
- Second type: internal conflict; the grandmother is battling her understanding of herself.
The story starts from the grandmother’s explanation that an escaped criminal is in Georgia. By the way, her family has decided to go on a vacation to the same place. Until they meet The Misfit, there is an apparent conflict between the environment and the family’s actions. Why are they going on a journey to such a dangerous place? Well, the characters believe that the situation is not to be regarded. There is very little chance that they can encounter the criminal.
The second conflict comes to light as the grandmother sees her family getting killed by The Misfit and his gang. Instead of being scared for herself and her relatives, the woman tries to persuade the criminal that he is good. The antagonist talks about God and virtues while her family members are dragged away to the forest and shot. The “lady” in the grandmother pushes her to see the good in people. Meanwhile, it contradicts the situation she has been forced into.
