Question

answer these questions on a tenth grade level and don’t make them too long and do it on the book the awful rowing toward god by anne sexton
Author's create conflict by giving the protagonist Lig problems to solve. Various types of conflict include: Protagonist (hero) vs. antagonist (adversary)

Protagonist vs. other characters

Protagonist vs, nature

Protagonist vs. herself/himself (iniemal conflict)

Identify some of the major conflicts the protagonist has had and identify ine resolution for each conflict. If a conflict has not yet been resolved, predict how it might be resolved.

Problem:

Resolution:

Problem:

Resolution:

VS.

VS.

VS.

Problem:

Resolution:

Answer 1

Quick note: I’ll treat “Lig” as the book’s speaking protagonist (the poetic “I”)—the person who struggles through Sexton’s poems.

1) VS. herself (internal conflict)
Problem: Lig struggles with depression, self-hatred, and suicidal thoughts.
Resolution: She uses poetry and therapy to speak honestly about her pain, which gives her temporary relief and understanding. (Not fully solved—she keeps fighting these feelings; a likely way forward is continued therapy and creative expression.)

2) VS. God / faith
Problem: Lig feels angry, abandoned, and confused about God — she wants God but also blames or doubts God.
Resolution: Through prayer-like poems and ritual language she tries to wrestle with and redefine faith, finding small moments of connection even while doubt remains. (Prediction: she may reach uneasy acceptance — living with questions while keeping a spiritual search.)

3) VS. other people (husband, family, society)
Problem: Lig feels misunderstood, trapped by domestic roles, and judged by others for her emotions and actions.
Resolution: She asserts herself by exposing the truth in her poems and confronting expectations; this brings some independence and self-knowledge. (Prediction: relationships may improve if others listen, but full acceptance depends on continued honesty and boundaries.)

4) VS. death / mortality (nature)
Problem: Lig fears death and is obsessed with mortality and the meaning of life.
Resolution: She writes directly about death, trying to make sense of it and find meaning; this helps her face the fear more clearly. (Prediction: the struggle could end either in acceptance or in a tragic outcome unless she finds stronger support and hope.)

These answers are short because Sexton’s poems often leave conflicts partly unresolved — the point is the ongoing struggle and the searching voice of the speaker.