Final answer:
In the short story Dead End, Maria faces an internal conflict between pursuing her dreams and fulfilling her family duty, as well as an external conflict with her parents' disapproval of her artistic pursuits.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the short story Dead End, Maria faces an internal conflict of feeling torn between her desire to pursue her dreams and her sense of duty towards her family. This can be seen on the first page when Maria reflects on her passion for art and her hope of attending an art school, but also acknowledges the financial burden it may place on her family. This conflict is internal because it occurs within Maria's mind and involves her own conflicting desires and responsibilities.
An example of an external conflict that Maria faces is the disapproval and pressure she receives from her parents regarding her artistic pursuits. On the first page, Maria's parents criticize and belittle her passion for art, suggesting that it is unimportant and a waste of time. This external conflict is caused by the clash between Maria's own interests and goals and her parents' traditional and practical expectations.