Internal Conflict:
* Identity Crisis: The protagonist, Elma, is wrestling with her identity. She is caught between her upbringing in the small, conservative town of East, and her desire for a life of freedom and adventure. This internal struggle is evident in her yearning for the unknown and her resistance to societal expectations.
* Internalized Gender Roles: Elma grapples with the expectations placed upon women in her time. She yearns for a life beyond domesticity and wants to be independent, but she is also aware of the social limitations imposed upon her.
* Emotional Conflict: Elma experiences a range of emotions, including longing, frustration, and fear. She is torn between her love for her family and her desire for personal fulfillment.
External Conflict:
* Social Expectations: Elma faces resistance from her community and family, who pressure her to conform to traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Her rebellious nature and her desire to break free create conflict with those around her.
* Financial Constraints: Elma's financial limitations contribute to her struggles. Her limited resources restrict her opportunities and choices, leading to frustration and a sense of being trapped.
* Romance: Elma's romantic relationship with Ethan, a man from a different social class, adds complexity to the conflict. Their love faces obstacles due to societal prejudices and their differing backgrounds.
Overall:
The conflict in "East" stems from Elma's struggle to reconcile her desire for self-discovery and freedom with the constraints of her environment and the expectations placed upon her as a woman in her time. She navigates this internal and external conflict, ultimately finding her own path to fulfillment.