What Are The Emotional Conflicts Faced By Alice In 'Through The Looking-Glass'?

Lucifer's conflict in 'The Sandman' is cosmic-level ennui. They’ve ruled Hell for eons, but it’s all hollow theater. The real pain? Admitting they crave freedom yet fear irrelevance. When they abandon Hell, it’s not rebellion—it’s resignation. Their pride clashes with a secret longing to create, not just punish. The key scene? Handing Morpheus the keys to Hell—a mix of defiance and defeat. Lucifer’s arc mirrors anyone trapped in a self-made identity cage, screaming to escape but terrified of becoming ordinary. For deeper dives into divine disillusionment, check out 'Good Omens'—Crowley’s smirk has similar roots.

In 'The Virgin’s Lover', Elizabeth’s emotional conflicts are deeply tied to her struggle between duty and desire. As queen, she’s expected to prioritize her kingdom over personal happiness, but her feelings for Robert Dudley complicate everything. She’s torn between her love for him and the political ramifications of their relationship. The constant pressure to marry for alliances rather than love weighs heavily on her. Her fear of losing control over her throne and her subjects’ loyalty adds another layer of tension. Elizabeth’s internal battle is a poignant exploration of the sacrifices required by leadership. For those intrigued by historical dramas, 'The Crown' offers a modern take on similar themes of power and personal sacrifice. Elizabeth’s relationship with Dudley also forces her to confront her insecurities. She’s aware of his ambition and the rumors surrounding his wife’s death, which fuels her mistrust. Yet, she can’t entirely let go of him, creating a cycle of longing and doubt. Her emotional turmoil is further heightened by the expectations of her court and the public. The novel paints a vivid picture of a woman caught between her heart and her crown, making her one of the most compelling characters in historical fiction.

Dimmesdale’s emotional conflicts are a rollercoaster of guilt, fear, and self-loathing. He’s torn between his love for Hester and his fear of societal judgment. His public image as a revered minister clashes with his private torment, making him a walking contradiction. The guilt eats him alive, and Chillingworth’s presence only deepens his paranoia. His final confession feels like a desperate cry for freedom, but it’s too late. Hawthorne really nails the tragedy of a man destroyed by his own silence.

Lady Jessica’s emotional conflicts in 'Dune' are deeply rooted in her dual roles as a Bene Gesserit and a mother. Her loyalty to the Bene Gesserit sisterhood is constantly at odds with her love for her son, Paul. The sisterhood has trained her to be a master manipulator, to see the bigger picture of their breeding program, and to prioritize their goals above all else. Yet, when it comes to Paul, she can’t help but act out of maternal instinct. This tension is palpable throughout the novel, especially when she defies the sisterhood’s orders by giving birth to a son instead of a daughter. That decision alone sets off a chain of events that reshapes the universe, but it also isolates her from the very organization that shaped her identity. Her internal struggle is further complicated by her relationship with Duke Leto Atreides. She loves him deeply, but she’s also aware that their union is part of the Bene Gesserit’s grand design. This knowledge creates a layer of guilt and doubt in her interactions with him. She’s torn between her genuine affection for Leto and the awareness that their relationship serves a larger, more calculated purpose. When the Harkonnens betray the Atreides, and Leto is killed, her grief is compounded by the realization that she failed to protect him, despite her training and foresight. Another layer of conflict comes from her role as Paul’s mentor. She’s tasked with preparing him for the immense responsibility he’s destined to carry, but she’s also terrified of what that destiny might cost him. She sees the weight of the future pressing down on him, and it’s a constant source of anguish for her. She wants to shield him from the pain and danger, but she knows she can’t. Her training tells her to push him forward, to prepare him for the inevitable, but her heart wants to keep him safe. This duality is especially evident in the scenes where she teaches him the ways of the Bene Gesserit, like the Voice and the Litany Against Fear. She’s proud of his progress, but she’s also deeply afraid of what it means for him. Her emotional conflicts are a testament to the complexity of her character. She’s not just a pawn in the Bene Gesserit’s game or a mother figure; she’s a woman caught between duty and love, between the future and the present. Her struggles make her one of the most compelling characters in 'Dune', and they add a layer of emotional depth to the story. If you’re interested in exploring more characters with similar internal conflicts, I’d recommend reading 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin. It delves into themes of loyalty, identity, and the tension between personal desires and societal expectations.

Lady Jessica’s emotional conflicts in 'Dune' are deeply rooted in her dual roles as a Bene Gesserit and a mother. Her loyalty to the Bene Gesserit sisterhood is constantly at odds with her love for her son, Paul. The sisterhood has trained her to be a master manipulator, to see people as pawns in a grander scheme, but her maternal instincts push her to protect Paul at all costs. This tension is palpable throughout the novel, especially when she realizes that Paul might be the Kwisatz Haderach, the prophesied superbeing the Bene Gesserit have been cultivating for generations. She’s torn between her duty to the sisterhood and her fear for Paul’s safety, knowing that his destiny could lead to unimaginable danger. Another layer of her conflict comes from her relationship with Duke Leto Atreides. She loves him deeply, but their relationship is complicated by her role as a concubine rather than a wife. She’s bound by the political and social structures of their world, which deny her the full recognition of her position. This unspoken tension adds to her emotional burden, as she must navigate her feelings for Leto while maintaining the stoic facade expected of a Bene Gesserit. Her internal struggle is further amplified when Leto is betrayed and killed, leaving her to shoulder the responsibility of protecting Paul alone. Jessica’s emotional conflicts also stem from her own identity. As a Bene Gesserit, she’s trained to suppress her emotions, to act with cold calculation. But her love for Paul and Leto forces her to confront her humanity, to acknowledge that she’s more than just a tool of the sisterhood. This internal battle is evident in her moments of vulnerability, such as when she uses the Bene Gesserit’s “Voice” to command others, yet feels the weight of her actions. Her journey is one of reconciling her training with her heart, of finding a balance between duty and love. If you’re drawn to complex characters like Jessica, I’d recommend reading 'The Handmaid’s Tale' by Margaret Atwood. It explores similar themes of identity, duty, and rebellion against oppressive systems. For a more fantastical take on maternal struggles, 'The Fifth Season' by N.K. Jemisin is a gripping read. Both novels delve into the emotional conflicts of women navigating impossible choices, much like Jessica in 'Dune'.

Roland's emotional conflicts in 'The Dark Tower: Wizard and Glass' are deeply rooted in his past, particularly his first love, Susan Delgado. The story is a flashback to his youth, where he falls for Susan, but their relationship is doomed from the start. Roland’s duty as a gunslinger clashes with his love for her, creating a painful tension. He’s torn between his commitment to his quest for the Dark Tower and his desire to stay with Susan. This internal struggle is amplified by the external forces working against them, like the manipulative witch Rhea and the corrupt town of Mejis. Roland’s guilt over Susan’s tragic fate haunts him throughout the series, shaping his character and his relentless pursuit of the Tower. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the sacrifices made in the name of destiny, making it one of the most emotionally charged entries in the series.

In 'Iron Lake', the conflicts hit hard and fast, blending personal demons with external threats. Cork O'Connor, our protagonist, faces a brutal mix of a failing marriage and a community turning against him after losing his sheriff's badge. The harsh winter wilderness isn't just a backdrop—it's an active antagonist, with blizzards and freezing temps that amplify every danger. The core mystery involves a missing politician and a murdered judge, pulling Cork into a web of corruption that ties back to local Ojibwe tensions. What makes it gripping is how Cork's half-Anishinaabe heritage puts him at odds with both white and Native factions, making trust a rare commodity. The novel nails that feeling of isolation, where every alliance feels fragile and the landscape itself seems to conspire against you.

In 'East', the characters grapple with both physical and emotional conflicts that drive the narrative. The protagonist faces the brutal challenges of survival in a harsh, unforgiving environment, where every decision could mean life or death. Extreme weather, scarce resources, and dangerous wildlife test their limits daily. On a deeper level, there's an internal struggle with identity and belonging. The protagonist is torn between their roots and the new world they are forced to adapt to. Cultural clashes arise when traditional values collide with the realities of their journey. Relationships are strained under pressure, leading to betrayals and difficult choices. The constant tension between hope and despair shapes their growth, making every small victory feel monumental.