Read the excerpt from “In the Victory Garden.”

OLIVE: You just sit down, Henry, and make yourself comfortable. I believe you’ve met my sister, Pearl Wills.
HENRY: We have at church met. Good afternoon, Miss Wills.
PEARL: Hmmph.
OLIVE: I believe my sister is having a little trouble with her throat this morning, Henry. She certainly doesn’t mean to be rude. Do you, Pearl? You know why I asked you to visit us, Henry.

What type of conflict does this excerpt show?

character versus self
character versus society
character versus character
character versus nature

1 answer

The excerpt primarily shows character versus character conflict. There is a clear tension between Olive and Pearl, as Pearl's rude behavior towards Henry suggests an underlying conflict between the two sisters. Olive is trying to smooth things over and explain Pearl's demeanor, which indicates a struggle in their relationship and how they interact with each other in the presence of Henry.