In “The Censors” by Luisa Valenzuela, one of the central conflicts is the internal struggle of the protagonist, Juan, as he grapples with his moral convictions versus his sense of duty. Initially, Juan is a passionate young man who believes in the power of free expression and the importance of writing. However, after he becomes consumed by his fear of censorship in a repressive political climate, he seeks a job as a censor to protect his own letters and ensure his safety.
The conflict intensifies as Juan gradually becomes desensitized to the very values he once held dear. His role requires him to censor the writings of others, ultimately leading to a transformation where he becomes the very thing he initially opposed. This conflict between his identity as a free thinker and his actions as a censor explores themes of morality, autonomy, and the corrupting influence of authoritarianism. As the story unfolds, Juan’s internal turmoil reflects the broader societal issues related to censorship and the loss of individual freedom.