The internal conflict in ‘The Cold Equations’ revolves around the moral dilemma faced by the protagonist, Barton. He is a pilot tasked with delivering essential supplies to a distant colony. The story takes a dramatic turn when he discovers a stowaway, Marilyn, on his ship. According to the strict laws of space travel, stowaways must be jettisoned to ensure the survival of the mission and the colony.
Barton’s internal conflict arises from the clash between his human emotions and the cold, unyielding logic of the situation. On one hand, he feels compassion and empathy for Marilyn, a young girl who simply wanted to see her brother. On the other hand, he understands the harsh reality that her presence jeopardizes the mission and the lives of many others. This conflict is further intensified by the realization that there is no alternative solution; the laws of physics and the limited resources of the ship leave no room for compromise.
The story poignantly illustrates the tension between human emotions and the impersonal, often cruel, demands of necessity. Barton’s struggle to reconcile these opposing forces forms the core of the internal conflict, making ‘The Cold Equations’ a powerful exploration of moral and ethical dilemmas in extreme circumstances.