Allie's Inner Conflict

The Notebook

Allie's struggle between her love for Noah and her commitment to Lon.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
Guilt About LonGuilt About Lon
The Weight of Deception The Lie Allie had lied to Lon about her reason for coming to New Bern. She felt guilty, but she also knew that she had to see Noah. The guilt gnawed at her. The Confession When she finally told Noah about her engagement, she felt a sense of relief. But the guilt did not disappear. She was torn between two men. The Doubt She wondered if she was being unfair to Lon. She loved him, but not the way she loved Noah. She questioned whether she could go through with the wedding.
Fear of Hurting NoahFear of Hurting Noah
The Pain of the Truth The Revelation Allie was afraid to tell Noah about her engagement. She knew it would hurt him, and she did not want to cause him pain. But she also knew that she could not hide the truth. The Reaction Noah was hurt, but he did not lash out. He asked her if she loved Lon, and she said yes. But she wondered if she was being honest with herself. The Compassion Noah's reaction was gentle. He said that if she was happy, he would not stand in her way. But his eyes betrayed his pain, and Allie felt even worse.
Decision to StayDecision to Stay
The Final Choice The Confrontation When Lon arrived, Allie knew she had to make a decision. She met him and told him the truth. She said that she loved Noah and could not marry him. The Relief After the decision, Allie felt a sense of peace. She had finally chosen the path that her heart had always wanted. The guilt was replaced by certainty. The New Beginning She returned to Noah, and they began their life together. The inner conflict was resolved, and she never looked back.
During her visit to Noah, especially after the first night
When she tells him about her engagement
The day she meets Lon