Response:
This excerpt illustrates the narrator's external struggle since
D. It suggests that the other kids respond unfavorably to his unusual
meal.
Clarification:
The passage encompasses both internal and external conflicts. The internal one occurs within the character emotionally, while the external happens between the character and others, such as a group of peers. In this case, the external conflict sparks the internal conflict.
The narrator comes from a culture distinct from his surroundings. His novel lunch box features characters that are from that culture, yet he lacks understanding of their meanings. As he frets about potential questions regarding the characters, he realizes that the other children aren't concerned about them. Instead, they react to the aroma of his meal, which is clearly something they are not familiar with. This reaction introduces an external conflict as the character perceives himself as an outsider. He feels unequal to them.
Now, because they seem to disapprove of the smell, he no longer values his lunch as he once did - as his favorite dish. Their reactions create inner turmoil. He desires to belong, but that doesn’t equate to abandoning his cultural roots. Would he cease enjoying a meal he loves to gain acceptance in school? Even more profoundly, would he forsake his family's culture to fit in? This internal struggle is instigated by the external conflict.
