Internal Conflicts:
* Lauren Olamina's struggle with her faith and purpose: Lauren is a young woman who is deeply religious and committed to her Earthseed faith. She grapples with the meaning of her faith in a rapidly changing world and the responsibility she feels to lead others to safety and a new future. She questions whether her faith can truly provide answers and guidance in the face of societal collapse and environmental devastation.
* Lauren's struggle with her own survival instincts: Lauren is a survivor who is forced to make difficult choices in a world riddled with danger and hardship. She must navigate the complexities of human nature and constantly balance her desire for compassion with the need for self-preservation.
* Lauren's struggle with her mental health: Lauren suffers from epileptic seizures and a tendency towards paranoia. She must learn to manage her condition and find a way to function effectively in a chaotic and unpredictable world.
External Conflicts:
* The breakdown of society and the rise of violence: The story is set in a near-future America plagued by climate change, economic collapse, and widespread social unrest. Lauren and her community face constant threats from gangs, raiders, and a growing sense of lawlessness.
* The conflict between Earthseed and existing power structures: Lauren's Earthseed faith challenges the traditional power structures and religious doctrines of the time. This causes conflict with those who cling to the old ways and those who are resistant to change.
* The conflict between Lauren's vision for the future and the reality of the present: Lauren's goal is to establish Earthseed colonies on other planets. This ambition clashes with the immediate challenges of survival and the constant threats to her community's existence.
Overall, the conflict in "Parable of the Sower" is a complex and multi-layered one that explores the human condition in the face of societal collapse, environmental crisis, and the search for meaning and purpose. It forces Lauren and her community to grapple with difficult questions about faith, survival, and the nature of humanity.