The main conflict in the play “Arsenic and Old Lace” is primarily between Mortimer Brewster, the protagonist, and his long-lost brother, Jonathan Brewster. While the premise of the play revolves around the aunts' mercy killings, it is Jonathan's arrival as the primary antagonist that creates the central conflict and poses significant obstacles for Mortimer.
From the beginning, Mortimer's goal is to protect his aunts, Abby and Martha, and prevent them from carrying out any more murders. He is horrified to discover their secret and is determined to stop them, as he believes their actions are morally wrong. Mortimer's conflict is internal at first, as he grapples with the ethical dilemma of whether or not to turn his own family members into the police.
However, the conflict intensifies when Jonathan, a notorious criminal, arrives at the Brewster home. Jonathan's sinister presence immediately poses a threat to Mortimer's plans and safety. Not only does Jonathan become a physical obstacle, but he also brings with him his accomplice, Dr. Einstein, further complicating matters.
Jonathan's arrival not only endangers Mortimer but also puts his aunts at risk. Mortimer realizes that if Jonathan discovers their secret, he may use it to his advantage or even harm them. This adds an additional layer of urgency to Mortimer's conflict, as he now has to find a way to protect his aunts from both the law and his dangerous brother.
Throughout the play, Mortimer finds himself constantly trying to outsmart Jonathan, while also keeping the truth hidden from his fiancée, Elaine, and dealing with the comedic chaos caused by Teddy, his delusional brother who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt. These various conflicts intertwine and create a complex web of challenges for Mortimer to navigate.
The conflict between Mortimer and Jonathan is not just physical, but also psychological and emotional. Mortimer is torn between his loyalty to his family and his desire to do what is right. He struggles with the idea of betraying his own brother, even though Jonathan's actions are clearly criminal and dangerous.
Furthermore, the conflict is not just limited to Mortimer's personal life but also extends to his professional aspirations as a theater critic. His involvement in this family drama threatens to jeopardize his career and reputation if the truth were to come out.
In my personal experience, I have encountered conflicts similar to Mortimer's struggle between loyalty and doing what is morally right. It can be incredibly challenging to navigate such situations, especially when family dynamics are involved. The internal turmoil and external obstacles Mortimer faces in “Arsenic and Old Lace” resonate with the complexities of real-life conflicts.
While the aunts' mercy killings provide the initial premise of the play, the central conflict in “Arsenic and Old Lace” arises with the arrival of Mortimer's brother, Jonathan. Without Jonathan's presence as the primary antagonist, there would be few to no real obstacles between Mortimer and his goal of protecting his aunts and committing Teddy. The conflict encompasses moral dilemmas, physical threats, and emotional turmoil, creating a multi-layered and engaging narrative.