External Conflicts:
1. Racial Discrimination: Walter lives in a racially segregated society where African Americans face systemic discrimination. He encounters racism in his workplace, in his neighborhood, and in his interactions with the broader society. This discrimination limits his opportunities and fuels his frustrations and anger.
2. Financial Struggles: Walter and his family live in poverty, and he feels burdened by the responsibility of providing for them. He dreams of financial success and social mobility but lacks the means to achieve them. This financial struggle creates tension within the family and exacerbates Walter's insecurities.
3. Pressure to Conform: Walter feels pressured to conform to societal expectations and norms, particularly regarding masculinity and success. He is constantly compared to his father's legacy and struggles to find his own identity and purpose. This pressure leads him to make impulsive and reckless decisions, further complicating his external conflicts.
Internal Conflicts:
1. Self-Doubt and Insecurity: Walter has a deep sense of self-doubt and insecurity about his abilities and capabilities. He lacks confidence in his own decisions and often seeks validation from others. This insecurity fuels his desire for financial success and recognition but also hinders him from taking risks and realizing his full potential.
2. Clash of Dreams: Walter's dream of financial success and social mobility conflicts with his family's values and priorities. His desire for a new home and a better life for his family clashes with their attachment to the current home and their desire for stability. This internal struggle creates tension and conflict within the family unit.
3. Idealism vs. Pragmatism: Walter's idealistic dreams clash with the pragmatic realities of his situation. He envisions a better future but lacks the practical skills and knowledge to achieve it. This internal conflict leads to frustration, disappointment, and a sense of disillusionment with reality.
4. Anger and Resentment: Walter harbors anger and resentment towards society, his circumstances, and even his family members. He feels that he has been dealt a bad hand in life and that the world is unfair to him. This anger and resentment fuel his impulsive behavior and decision-making, leading him to make mistakes that further complicate his external conflicts.
Walter Lee's external and internal conflicts are deeply intertwined and shape his character throughout the play. His struggles are reflective of the challenges faced by African Americans in the mid-20th century and beyond, and they explore themes of identity, social justice, and the pursuit of the American Dream.