External Conflicts
* Maria's poverty. Maria is a poor woman who struggles to make ends meet. She lives in a small, rundown house with her two young children and her elderly mother. She works hard to provide for her family, but she often goes without food herself.
* Her husband's death. Maria's husband died when she was young, leaving her to raise her children on her own. This loss has had a profound impact on Maria's life. She is still grieving the loss of her husband, and she struggles to find the strength to move on.
* The expectations of society. Maria is a woman in a male-dominated society. She is expected to be submissive and obedient to men. However, Maria is a strong and independent woman who refuses to conform to these expectations. She is often at odds with the men in her life, who try to control her and tell her what to do.
Internal Conflicts
* Maria's grief. Maria is still grieving the loss of her husband. She struggles to come to terms with his death, and she often feels lost and alone.
* Her feelings of guilt. Maria feels guilty about her husband's death. She blames herself for not being able to save him, and she believes that she is not worthy of happiness.
* Her desire for independence. Maria wants to be independent and self-sufficient. However, she is also afraid of being alone. She struggles with the desire to be free and the need for security.
The external and internal conflicts in "Clay" combine to create a complex and moving story about a woman's struggle to find her place in the world. Maria is a strong and resilient woman who faces many challenges, but she never gives up. She is an inspiring figure who shows us that it is possible to overcome adversity and find happiness.