‘My application’s not bought,’ I am telling them, calling into the darkness of the red cave that opens out before closed eyes. ‘
I am not just a boy who plays tennis. I have an intricate history. Experiences and feelings. I’m complex. ‘I read,’ I say. ‘I study and read. I bet I’ve read everything you’ve read. Don’t think I haven’t. I consume libraries. I wear out spines and ROM-drives. I do things like get in a taxi and say, “The library, and step on it.” My instincts concerning syntax and mechanics are better than your own, I can tell, with due respect. What conclusion can readers draw about this character vs. society conflict?
It seems like the character wishes to be appreciated and understood by society. He thinks he has a lot to offer, and that he is not like any other typical kid. He feels he knows more, reads more and has better instincts than most people. However, he does not understand how his application is not accepted.
The conflict is that society does not value him as much as he thinks he deserves to be valued. This is a common conflict as people often feel themselves to be particularly special in ways that society cannot fully appreciate.
