The main conflict in the book is multifaceted:
* External Conflict:
* War itself: The brothers face the brutality and horrors of war, battling against the German forces in Europe. This is the most obvious and pervasive conflict.
* Survival: They struggle to survive the constant threat of death, injury, and the harsh conditions of warfare.
* Enemy: The conflict with the enemy is a clear external force driving the narrative, bringing danger and challenging the brothers' beliefs and humanity.
* Internal Conflict:
* Loyalty and duty: Tom and Sean grapple with the moral and ethical dilemmas of war, questioning their loyalty to their country and their commitment to fighting.
* Brotherly bond: Despite being brothers, they have different personalities and approaches to the war. This creates tension and internal conflict as they navigate their shared experience.
* Trauma and psychological stress: The war takes a toll on their mental and emotional well-being, leading to internal struggles with fear, guilt, and PTSD.
* Personal Beliefs: Both brothers have different beliefs about war and its impact, which leads to internal conflicts about their choices and actions.
The novel explores these conflicts through the lens of the brothers' personal journeys, highlighting the individual impact of war on those who fight and the struggles of brotherhood amidst the chaos.