Internal Conflicts:
* Emily's struggle with change and modernity: Emily clings desperately to the past, refusing to acknowledge the changing world around her. This internal struggle manifests in her resistance to paying taxes, her insistence on maintaining her family's crumbling mansion, and her refusal to accept the death of Homer Barron.
* Emily's desire for love and control: Emily's desire for love and control over her own life is thwarted by her societal expectations and the limitations placed on women in the early 20th century. This leads to her isolating and ultimately destructive actions.
* Emily's mental state: The story leaves the reader to question Emily's mental health, raising questions about her sanity and the nature of her actions.
External Conflicts:
* Emily vs. Society: Emily clashes with the expectations and norms of the Southern society she inhabits. Her defiance of societal expectations, particularly regarding her relationships with men, makes her an outsider and subject to gossip and judgment.
* Emily vs. Time: Emily's desperate attempt to hold onto the past leads to a constant conflict with the relentless passage of time. She tries to preserve a bygone era in her life, but ultimately time prevails.
* Emily vs. Homer Barron: Although not explicitly stated, there is a clear conflict between Emily and Homer. He represents a potential for change and a new life that Emily is ultimately unwilling to accept.
The Central Conflict:
The central conflict in the story is the struggle between Emily's desire for love and control and the reality of her limitations in a patriarchal society. Her internal conflicts ultimately lead to her destructive actions and the tragic outcome of the story.
The conflict in "A Rose for Emily" is presented in a subtle and ambiguous way, leaving much room for interpretation. This ambiguity is what makes the story so compelling and enduring.