Question
Answer and Explanation
The central conflict in "Love Letters to the Dead" revolves around Laurel's internal struggles with grief, guilt, and self-discovery following the tragic death of her sister, May. This internal conflict is compounded by several external factors that further complicate her emotional journey.
Internal Conflict: Laurel grapples with immense grief and a sense of loss that manifests as isolation and emotional turmoil. She feels responsible for May's death and struggles with survivor's guilt. This leads to difficulty forming new connections and confronting her emotions directly. Writing letters to dead celebrities becomes her coping mechanism, a way to process her feelings indirectly. She also battles with her identity, figuring out who she is without May and navigating the complexities of adolescence.
External Conflicts: Laurel faces challenges in her relationships with her family and friends. Her mother is emotionally distant, adding to Laurel's feelings of isolation. She struggles to connect with her old friends and finds herself drawn to new acquaintances who offer a different perspective. Additionally, she encounters obstacles in her romantic relationships, as she tries to navigate love and intimacy while still burdened by grief. The pressures of high school and the expectations placed upon her also contribute to the external conflicts.
The novel explores how these internal and external conflicts intertwine to shape Laurel’s growth. Her journey involves confronting her past, accepting her emotions, and ultimately finding a way to move forward and discover her own voice and identity.