“The Book of Sand” by Jorge Luis Borges.

Question

Provide an example of external conflict

Person vs _____

Identify the specific forces of the conflict.

Briefly summarize the conflict in the story.

Answer 1

Person vs Fate

The specific forces of the conflict are the protagonist and his encounter with the mysterious and infinite book called "The Book of Sand."

In "The Book of Sand," the protagonist comes across a stranger who presents him with a book that has infinite pages, where no page is the same, and it is impossible to find the first or last page. The protagonist becomes obsessed with the book and its endlessness, but this obsession leads to conflict. He becomes trapped in an external conflict with the book, as he tries desperately to understand and control it. The conflict arises from the protagonist's inability to comprehend the book's infinite nature and his fear of being consumed by it. He becomes consumed with the idea of finding the first or last page, and his obsession begins to take a toll on his mental well-being. This external conflict between the protagonist and the mysterious Book of Sand represents his struggle against destiny and the overwhelming power of the unknown.