The central "problem" in Walter Dean Myers's short story, "The Treasure of Lemon Brown," is multifaceted, revolving primarily around the internal and external conflicts faced by the protagonist, Greg Ridley. These challenges drive Greg's actions and ultimately lead him to a profound understanding of life's true treasures.
Initially, Greg's main problem is his academic struggle in math, which jeopardizes his passion for playing basketball. This creates significant tension with his father, leading Greg to seek refuge from a lecture, a decision that sets the entire narrative in motion.
Core Conflicts Faced by Greg
Greg experiences a range of conflicts that collectively form the narrative's central problem. These can be categorized as follows:
Internal Conflicts
Greg's most significant struggles occur within himself and his family dynamics:
- Conflict with his Father: Greg is failing math, and his father insists he prioritize academics over basketball. This creates a deep rift, as Greg feels misunderstood and believes his father doesn't appreciate his athletic aspirations. He feels pressured and constrained by his father's expectations.
- Conflict with Himself: Greg is grappling with his identity and future. He struggles with his academic performance and the perceived limitations placed upon him. He's also trying to avoid responsibility and confront his problems head-on, leading to his escape from home. This internal turmoil makes him restless and uncertain about his path.
External Conflicts
While internal struggles are paramount, external pressures and encounters also contribute to Greg's problems and his subsequent growth:
- Conflict with his Environment/Circumstances: Greg initially seeks to escape the immediate problem of a lecture from his father about his poor grades. This leads him to an abandoned tenement, a place that initially seems desolate and unwelcoming.
- Initial Encounter with Lemon Brown: Upon entering the tenement, Greg is startled by and initially fearful of Lemon Brown, a seemingly homeless man. This initial apprehension creates a tense external conflict as Greg confronts an unknown and potentially dangerous individual.
- Conflict with the Thugs/Intruders: The most overt external problem arises when a group of hoodlums attempts to steal Lemon Brown's "treasure." This forces Greg and Lemon Brown to work together, momentarily uniting them against a common threat. This shared experience deepens Greg's understanding and trust in Lemon Brown.
- Minor Conflict with Ricky (Bully): Though not a central plot driver, the story also hints at external pressures from peers, such as a bully named Ricky, which adds another layer to Greg's challenging external world.
Thematic Resolution and Understanding
The various problems Greg faces culminate in his encounter with Lemon Brown, which ultimately provides a unique form of resolution. Through their interaction and shared defense against the intruders, Greg learns valuable lessons about:
- Value and Treasure: He discovers that "treasure" isn't always monetary but can be something intangible and deeply personal, passed down through generations, like Lemon Brown's harmonica and newspaper clippings—symbols of his past and legacy.
- Respect and Empathy: Greg's initial judgment of Lemon Brown dissolves as he learns about the older man's life and the significance of his "treasure." He develops empathy and respect for someone vastly different from himself.
- Father-Son Relationships: By witnessing the depth of Lemon Brown's connection to his own son through his treasure, Greg gains a new perspective on his relationship with his father. He begins to understand that his father's actions, though sometimes frustrating, come from a place of love and concern.
Essentially, the "problem" is Greg's state of being lost, both literally and figuratively, due to his conflicts. His journey with Lemon Brown provides the insights needed to navigate these problems and appreciate the real treasures in his own life, particularly his family.
Summary of Conflicts
| Conflict Type | Description | Impact on Greg |
|---|---|---|
| Internal (Father) | Greg's father prioritizing academics over basketball; perceived lack of understanding. | Leads to rebellion, escape from home, initial resentment. |
| Internal (Self) | Struggles with identity, academic failure, avoiding responsibility. | Creates anxiety, restlessness, and a search for an escape. |
| External (Lemon Brown) | Initial fear and apprehension towards the homeless man. | Evolves into respect and a learning experience. |
| External (Thugs) | Confrontation with intruders attempting to steal Lemon Brown's treasure. | Forces cooperation, builds camaraderie, provides a moment of shared purpose. |
| External (Ricky) | General peer pressure or bullying experiences. | Contributes to the overall feeling of external pressures Greg faces. |
To learn more about the story's themes and conflicts, you can explore detailed analyses here.
