1. Internal Conflict:
* Paul's Struggle with Identity and Self-Acceptance: Paul faces an internal conflict stemming from his dyslexia and his difficulty fitting in. He feels inadequate compared to his athletic brother, Erik, and struggles to find his place in the world.
* Erik's Struggle with Guilt and Responsibility: Erik grapples with the guilt of causing his brother's blindness and the subsequent responsibility he feels for Paul. He attempts to compensate by excelling in sports, but this often creates friction between him and Paul.
* The Struggle with Acceptance: Both Paul and Erik struggle to accept their circumstances and the consequences of the accident. They grapple with feelings of anger, resentment, and fear.
2. External Conflict:
* The Conflict with the School System: Paul faces a conflict with the school system, which is largely unprepared to deal with his learning disability. He encounters a teacher who lacks understanding and reinforces his sense of inadequacy.
* The Conflict with the Football Coach: Paul experiences conflict with the football coach, who values athleticism and discipline above all else. The coach fails to see Paul's potential and instead focuses on his limitations.
* The Conflict with Erik: Paul and Erik's relationship is fraught with tension. Erik's guilt and desire to make up for the accident often lead to clashes and misunderstandings.
3. The Conflict with the Environment:
* The Conflict with the Tangerine Trees: The tangerine trees symbolize the beauty and resilience of nature, which is contrasted with the harshness and indifference of the human world. The trees are a source of solace for Paul and represent the power of nature to heal.
* The Conflict with the Environment: The story takes place in a rapidly developing Florida, where the natural environment is under threat from human progress. This theme is reflected in the destruction of the tangerine groves and the subsequent pollution of the air and water.
Overall, the conflict in "Tangerine" is a complex interplay of internal and external forces. The story explores the challenges of growing up, the complexities of family relationships, and the importance of accepting oneself and others.