The main conflict in The Wednesday Wars revolves around the struggles of a seventh-grade boy named Holling Hoodhood as he navigates his life during the tumultuous years of the Vietnam War and the societal changes of the 1960s. On one level, the conflict is personal — Holling grapples with the challenges of adolescence, including relationships with friends, family expectations, and his own identity. He feels caught between the pressure to conform to his peers and the desire to pursue his own passions.
At a broader level, there’s also the external conflict related to the political and social upheaval of the time. The backdrop of the Vietnam War influences the characters’ lives, reflecting their fears and anxieties. This duality in conflict highlights how individual struggles are often intertwined with larger societal issues. Throughout the story, Holling strives to find his place in a world filled with uncertainty, illustrating a poignant journey of growth and self-discovery.