External Conflict:
* Survival in the Wilderness: The story revolves around Paulsen's journey of learning to survive in the Alaskan wilderness, facing harsh conditions, wild animals, and the challenges of hunting and gathering food.
* The Challenge of the Wild: The wilderness itself is a constant adversary, testing Paulsen's physical and mental endurance, pushing him to his limits.
* The Struggle for Self-Reliance: Paulsen must learn to rely on himself and his skills to survive, constantly battling against the temptation to give up or rely on others.
Internal Conflict:
* The Conflict of the Human-Animal Bond: Paulsen grapples with his relationship with the animals he hunts, struggling to find a balance between his need for food and his respect for the creatures he kills.
* The Conflict of Self-Discovery: Through his experiences in the wilderness, Paulsen confronts his own limitations and fears, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of himself.
* The Conflict of Belonging: Paulsen struggles to find a sense of belonging, both in the human world and in the wilderness, constantly navigating the tension between two vastly different ways of life.
Ultimately, the central conflict in "Woodsong" is about the struggle for survival and self-discovery. Paulsen learns that true survival comes from within, from the ability to overcome adversity and connect with the natural world on a deeply personal level. The conflict is not simply about physical survival, but also about finding meaning and purpose in the face of hardship.