What Is The Main Conflict In 'How Does It Feel'?

The main conflict in 'How Does It Feel' revolves around the protagonist's struggle to reconcile their artistic passion with societal expectations. As a musician, they crave creative freedom, but their family pressures them to pursue a stable career. This tension escalates when they land a lucrative corporate job offer—their dream band simultaneously gets a breakthrough tour opportunity. The clash isn’t just external; internally, they battle self-doubt, fearing failure in both worlds. Their romantic partner adds another layer, advocating for the artistic path but struggling with the instability it brings. The novel brilliantly captures the agony of choosing between security and self-expression, making every decision feel like a fracture in their identity.

The secondary conflict simmers in the protagonist’s relationship with their bandmates, whose trust erodes as deadlines loom and commitments waver. Late-night arguments about ‘selling out’ versus ‘starving for art’ highlight how ambition strains friendships. Meanwhile, flashbacks reveal a parent’s abandoned artistic dreams, haunting the protagonist like a ghost. The story’s raw emotional core lies in these dual battles—external expectations versus internal desires, and the cost of chasing a feeling that might not last.

The core conflict in 'How Does It Feel' is generational. The protagonist’s immigrant parents sacrificed everything for stability, but their definition of success clashes with the protagonist’s indie music dreams. Arguments about ‘wasted opportunities’ escalate when the dad secretly attends a gig—and hates it. The mom’s silent disapproval cuts deeper than shouts. The novel’s tension springs from these cultural divides, asking if honoring one’s roots means abandoning one’s heart.

At its heart, 'How Does It Feel' pits authenticity against compromise. The protagonist, a songwriter, grapples with a music industry that demands commercial hits while their soul screams for raw, unfiltered lyrics. Their manager pushes for trendy collaborations; their fans beg for the old style. This creative dissonance mirrors their personal life—they’re drawn to a free-spirited lover but feel safer with someone predictable. The conflict isn’t just about music; it’s about whether to dilute one’s essence to fit in. A pivotal moment comes when they ghostwrite a pop star’s album, hiding their involvement. The shame of anonymity wars with the thrill of success, leaving them questioning every choice. The novel’s genius lies in showing how the protagonist’s art suffers when they silence their voice, turning the conflict into a visceral, relatable crisis.

'How Does It Feel' explores the collision of mental health and ambition. The protagonist’s anxiety disorder makes the chaos of touring unbearable, yet quitting feels like betrayal. Their band depends on them; their therapist urges rest. The conflict peaks when they collapse mid-concert, symbolizing the unsustainable grind of creative careers. Family adds pressure—a sibling dismisses their ‘first world problems,’ while a friend’s overdose forces a reckoning. The story questions whether passion is worth self-destruction, balancing gritty backstage scenes with tender moments of vulnerability.