Ashes for the Wind Conflict

In the short story Ashes for the Wind, the protagonist Juan martinez is faced with conflict both external and internal. The story takes place in a village in Colombia that is going through political injustice and change. Juan and his family are told that they are being evicted from their house, and need to leave immediately. The first conflict was presented when Simon Arevalo's son explained to Juan that he needs to clear out of his house. Although Arevalo and his parents had been friends with Juan and his family, he had to deliver the news because he was an informer for the authorities. Juan and his wife discussed their problem and said "They'll have to kill us.'' This introduces Juan's internal conflict. Juan is now faced with the decision of leaving and being homeless with a wife and child and letting the authorities win, or staying and putting him and his families life in danger. Juan states that the government should have no concern with his neighbourhood since its in a poor area. Juan comes to the conclusion that his choice in the election might have to do with his current situation. He laughs at the words of Arevalo and says, ''He was trying to scare me.'' Juan remembers all his encounters in town where he was mistreated, first at Don Romulo Linares' store where he was told they are out of oil, then at a local drug store run by a man named Benavides. At Benavides' shop, Arevalo and an officer come in and stir up trouble with Juan. The officer asks whats going on and doesn't let Benavides answer before turning to Juan, the officer says "So you, too, are one of those who are resisting?'' Arevalo answers for Juan, he speaks up and says, '' Yes, he's one of the Reds; he lives near Tres Espigas way.'' Juan is speechless, he now realizes that an old friend of his family is now an enemy. Juan is puzzled by Arevalo, he's not in uniform and he had grown up in the village just as Juan did. It made sense why he would be helping the authorities, since he has the