In literature, it's usually defined as a struggle the protagonist of any given work has to face. It can be a conflict with another character or a situation. Generally, it's something that the protagonist seeks to resolve within the plot of the work.
Answer:
He thinks that his taxes pay for the prisons and workhouses, so he thinks that he doesn't need to donate anything to charity. And he suggests that if they would rather die, "they had better do it".
Lacking flavor.lacking vigor or interest.
