Here's a breakdown of Songsam's internal conflicts:
* Guilt and Responsibility: Songsam feels deeply responsible for the death of his friend, Tokchae, during the war. This guilt manifests in his constant nightmares and the way he sees Tokchae's ghost. He grapples with the question of whether he could have done more to save Tokchae, and whether he deserves to be happy without his friend.
* Memory and the Past: Songsam struggles to reconcile the happy memories of his past with the harsh reality of the war and its aftermath. The joy he feels with his wife and the beauty of the cranes clash with the painful memories of Tokchae's death and the brutality he witnessed. He is unable to fully escape the past and its hold on him.
* Love and Duty: Songsam is torn between his love for his wife and his sense of duty to Tokchae. His wife represents a new life and happiness, but he feels an obligation to honor his friend's memory. He struggles to find a balance between these conflicting desires.
* Individual vs. Collective: Songsam, like many Koreans during the war, is caught between the personal desire for peace and the collective struggle for national identity. The story explores the conflicting pressures of individual happiness and national loyalty.
The internal conflict drives the narrative forward as Songsam grapples with these issues. He seeks solace in nature, in the beauty of the cranes, but ultimately, he is unable to find lasting peace. The internal conflict remains unresolved, highlighting the lasting impact of war and the complex nature of guilt and memory.